"Thank you... Thank you, everyone…"
Nami, who had been holding back her tears the entire time, finally covered her mouth and silently began to cry.
Her crystal-clear teardrops dropped straight into the hearts of the Straw Hat crew and ignited a raging fire of fury. They wished they could instantly teleport to Cocoyasi Village and burn the Arlong Pirates to ashes!
"Red, let's head to Cocoyasi Village immediately!" Luffy said as he clenched his fists.
"No problem!" Red smiled and nodded, hinting,"After all, our initial planned course was toward Cocoyasi Village anyway~"
"But before that, we need to pick up two more crewmates."
"Crewmates!?"
Luffy paused. The mere mention of that special word eased some of the anger in his heart.
But realizing that the mood wasn't right to discuss new members, even someone as carefree as Luffy didn't push the matter. Instead, he turned to Nami with concern.
"Don't worry, Nami!"
"I'll definitely beat up the Arlong Pirates to a pulp for you!!!"
Luffy pounded his chest as he made this vow.
Zoro didn't speak, but the unwavering determination in his eyes said everything — he was more than ready for a fight.
But then, Red interjected again:
"Beating them up isn't enough, Luffy."
"Evil must be met with evil. A blood debt must be repaid in blood!"
"If we don't wipe out those fishmen, the souls of those who suffered under the Arlong Pirates will never rest!"
"Besides… how dare they hurt our adorable navigator!"
"Their sins can't even be atoned for with their lives!"
Red helped the crying Nami up, gently patting her shoulder as he said, "Leave everything to us."
"Mhm!" Nami nodded forcefully.
It was the first time since the death of her adoptive mother, Bell-mère, that she felt she had someone to rely on again.
Leaning on Red's shoulder, Nami hid her tear-streaked face and silently murmured in her heart:
"Thank you, Red."
..........
The sea breeze blew, and the scorching sun hung high in the sky.
Nami's confession did not slow the sailing pace.
Even with two tons of gym equipment onboard, the small sailboat still sliced a straight white line across the sea, heading toward their next island.
Finally, just before dinner, they arrived at the port of their next destination.
"Wahoo~ Finally, I can have a proper feast again!" As soon as the ship docked, Luffy leaped off the bow and shouted excitedly.
But just then, a gloomy, resentful voice came from behind him:
"Sorry, I couldn't prepare better food for you all…"
Luffy broke out in a cold sweat and turned around with an awkward laugh:"Ahahaha, no no no!"
"Lunch…was..uh actually pretty good!"
He did his usual lying gesture, pursing his lips while scratching his head.
Even though Nami had been crying that morning, she was still the only one onboard who could manage food preparation. Naturally, the responsibility for lunch fell to her.
But her cooking skills were limited, and the conditions were even worse…
Their lunch couldn't even be described as average, it was downright flavorless.
Even someone like Luffy, who eats Devil Fruit without blinking, could barely finish the meal…
That alone proved just how terrifying the meal had been.
So, once he knew they were nearing another island, Luffy had been dreaming of finding a proper restaurant.
Unfortunately…
That wish was about to be crushed.
Because the island they had arrived at had only one town…
And it was completely under the control of the Buggy Pirates — Orange Town!!!
"It's so weird! Why is there no one here!?"
As they walked through the desolate and silent streets of Orange Town, Luffy clutched his growling stomach and muttered in frustration.
All around them, the shops looked run-down, clearly abandoned for a long time.
Zoro frowned as he looked around: "Something's not right."
"I've heard of Orange Town. It shouldn't be this rundown."
Orange Town was famous for its oranges.
In this ocean-dominated world, oranges are essential for preventing scurvy and supplying vitamins.
Thanks to the high quality of its oranges, many merchant ships frequently visited, and the townspeople lived prosperous lives.
But now, the silence of Orange Town was a far cry from the stories Zoro had heard.
Nami, watching Luffy and Zoro in confusion, sighed and shook her head:
"Sigh…"
"You two really don't know how to gather information."
"Didn't you hear when we were eating in Shells Town…"
"This town has already been taken over by pirates!"
Red added at the perfect moment: "Luffy, looks like your dream feast isn't happening."
"Whaaat!?" Luffy cried out in disappointment, the light instantly vanishing from his eyes.
But Red's next words quickly brought that light back.
"Don't be so down, Luffy. Think bigger~"
Red chuckled and patted him on the shoulder.
"Think about it — sure, the restaurants are closed because pirates took over the town."
"But if that pirate crew has such power, their numbers must be large."
"And a big pirate crew? That means lots of chefs."
"As fellow pirates, we can totally force them to cook for us!"
"And the best part? It's free!!!"
"Free food tastes better!"
"Red, I'm seeing you in a whole new light!" Nami praised him, amazed by the idea of free food.
Luffy instantly perked up: "Yeah! Red, you're a genius!"
He raised his arm high and shouted with a laugh: "Alright! Our next goal is to find this pirate crew and make them cook for us!!"
"Oh, right, Red, do you know where they are?"
Now seeing Red as a walking encyclopedia, Luffy asked eagerly.
But then…
*BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!*
A thunderous explosion erupted from the other side of Orange Town, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
"Something's happening!?"Zoro quickly drew his swords, ready for battle.
Red, on the other hand, grinned as he watched the fading smoke in the distance and answered Luffy's question:
"I didn't know where they were…"
"But now I do!"
Meanwhile…
Atop a tall building in Orange Town, a group of pirates dressed like circus performers were cheering wildly:
"Buggy Balls! … Buggy Balls!…"
No need to guess — It was obvious they were celebrating the successful test-firing of their terrifyingly powerful cannonball.
In the center stood a man with a bright red nose and an orange captain's hat, laughing maniacally.
"Gyahahaha…"
"I've finally perfected the Buggy Ball!!!"
"Now with my Devil Fruit powers and the Buggy Balls, I have the strength to conquer the Grand Line!"
"Gyahahaha…"
Buggy the Clown laughed arrogantly and raised his arm:
"Boys! To celebrate my greatness…"
"We… are having a party~!!!"
"Yeahhh~!!!" the pirates shouted in unison.
As a former member of the Roger Pirates, Buggy inherited one of their finest traditions: No matter what happens, it's always a good time for a party!
It was this cheerful vibe that made the Buggy Pirates more and more like a traveling circus, perfectly fitting for their clown captain.
However…
Just as the crew continued celebrating and preparing the banquet, a strange voice echoed from the sky, as if someone were drooling:
"Party!? I heard someone say a party!!!"