Chapter 24: Sunset in the Orange Grove – Bell-mère's Farewell and Nezumi's Rage
At dusk, with the sun setting over the orange grove on Cocoyasi Village's coast, Nami sat cross-legged in front of Bell-mère's grave.
"Bell-mère… eight whole years…" Nami whispered softly, fingertips gently tracing the familiar name on the tombstone. "It's all over. We're finally free."
After a moment of silence, she tilted her head and gave a playful smile. "If you were still alive… would you try to stop me from becoming a pirate?" Her tone was teasing, but her eyes were deadly serious.
"Do you even need to ask?" Nojiko stood behind her sister. "Bell-mère would've done everything she could to stop you."
Genzo looked at Nami. "But if she really tried… would you listen?"
"Hehe~" Nami stuck out her tongue playfully, eyes sparkling with determination. "Of course not!"
Sol walked over. "Sorry to interrupt the family reunion, but why not ask the person herself?"
"Sol… what do you mean?" Nami asked.
"I mean…" He tilted his head slightly, tone light but carrying a hint of mystery. "Instead of guessing what Bell-mère would think… why not ask her directly?"
Nami's pupils contracted sharply. Her heart raced. She unconsciously stepped forward, voice trembling. "Sol… are you serious? You can really let us see Bell-mère again?"
Nojiko stood too, fingers tightening on her clothes, staring intently at Sol. "Mr. Sol… can you really do that?"
"Wandering soul, hear my voice and answer my call! Dragon Slayer Secret Technique: Galaxy!"
Sol chanted the incantation. A massive magic circle appeared beneath his feet. A glowing green pillar of light shot through the clouds, swirling into a brilliant galaxy in the sky.
At the center where stardust gathered, a familiar figure gradually took shape—Bell-mère's spirit floated in the light column, cigarette in her mouth. She wore her signature green checkered shirt, indigo pants, and brown sandals, as if she had never left.
Bell-mère's smile was as bright and bold as ever. Her gentle spiritual glow enveloped her two daughters.
Her translucent hand softly brushed Nami's hair, then ruffled Nojiko's head. Though she couldn't truly touch them, the warmth felt real.
"Geez… both my silly girls have grown up so much." Her gaze swept over the Arlong tattoo on Nami's arm and Nojiko's rough fingertips, voice filled with both heartache and pride. "It must've been… really hard, huh?"
Nami bit her lip hard, but tears still rolled down. "Bell-mère… I did it… I freed Cocoyasi Village…" Her fists clenched white. "In my own way!"
Nojiko suddenly lunged forward, though she could only embrace the illusory light. "We've always… always missed you so much…"
Genzo turned away, wiping his nose hard. "Damn it… sand in my eyes…"
Bell-mère gazed tenderly at Nami, lips curving into that familiar smile. "It's okay. This time Mom won't stop you. Go chase your dream—whether it's pirate or Marine, you'll always be my proudest daughter."
"Bell-mère…" Nami's voice choked, crystal tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Don't cry, little Nami." Bell-mère gently wiped her daughter's tears. "Take care of yourself." She suddenly leaned close to Nami's ear, whispering mischievously, "Mom really likes that young man… and…" She winked slyly. "You like him too, don't you? Better grab the chance~"
"Bell-mère! What are you saying! He's just a crewmate!" Nami's face flushed crimson, steam practically rising from her head.
Under everyone's tearful gaze, Bell-mère said her goodbyes one by one. "Nojiko—live happily, okay? Genzo…" Her gaze softened. "It's time to let go of the past and find new happiness."
The last ray of evening light pierced her figure. Bell-mère dissolved into sparkling motes, gently fading on the breeze.
"Got it, Bell-mère," Nojiko waved goodbye, tears in her eyes.
Genzo stayed silent, simply watching her fade with gentle eyes.
"Nami—what did Bell-mère say to you last? Why's your face so red?" Nojiko noticed her sister's reaction and leaned in curiously.
"N-Nothing!" Nami waved frantically, eyes darting. "Ah! Look—the sky's getting dark! We need to hurry back for the party!" She forced a dry laugh, grabbed Nojiko's wrist, and dragged her downhill.
Genzo looked up at the sky—the sun hadn't fully set yet—and scratched his head in confusion. "But it's still early…"
Sol recalled Bell-mère's whispered words and couldn't help a low chuckle. He patted Genzo's shoulder. "Let's go, old man."
"I'm still young—don't call me old man!" Genzo grumbled, chasing after them.
In the medical ward of the 16th Marine Branch, Captain Nezumi lay wrapped head-to-toe in blood-soaked bandages, half his face covered in gauze. His one remaining eye burned with venom. His trembling fingers clutched the Den Den Mushi tightly, voice hoarse as he reported to Headquarters:
"Listen carefully… the straw-hat kid and a cherry-haired man—they didn't just destroy the Arlong Pirates…" He coughed violently, fresh blood seeping through the bandages. "…they openly attacked a Marine captain! I demand bounties on their heads for these dangerous criminals!"
After Nezumi transmitted the photos, he ripped the bandages from his mouth in fury. "Damn it! Why couldn't you make this one look as menacing as the other?!"
The trembling cameraman shrank back. "B-But sir… these were the only two shots we got…"
One showed Luffy raising his hand with a bright, carefree smile. The other captured Sol, arm wreathed in flames, the leaping fire illuminating his sharp, cold profile.
In the intelligence room at Marine Headquarters, an officer finished recording and replied, "We'll verify the facts as soon as possible and report to superiors…"
"Listen—this pair are the most vicious pirates! They must not be allowed to roam free!" Nezumi shouted, only for his wound to split open again, blood pouring. "Doctor! Doctor—save me!"
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