Everyone looked at Nami.
Nami shrank her neck timidly and muttered, "Why are you all looking at me like that? I really don't get it…"
"Idiot!"
Nojiko knocked her on the head in annoyance. "What were you even listening to? The original 'old place' obviously refers to the restaurant where their fates began!"
Is that so?
Nami looked at Old Link with a face full of question marks, half believing and half doubting.
"Indeed."
Old Link nodded with a smile, a nostalgic glint in his eyes. "When I went to Thunder God Island, I dug up a treasure map under the ruins of that old restaurant. Following the directions, I eventually found this pitcher plant—actually called the Dream Grass—under the highest peak on the island."
"Dream Grass?"
"Yes, it's the ability of someone who ate the Paramecia-type Dream Fruit," Old Link said, looking at the pitcher plant with a sigh. "It can create illusions so vivid they force one to confront the deepest fears in their heart."
"This ability can be used to scare off powerful enemies, but it can also temper one's will and Haki—especially Conqueror's Haki—and train the next generation. It's the last gift Rocks left for my family."
Shano listened carefully.
No wonder those warriors had strong Armament Haki earlier. It must be the result of long-term training under Dream Grass illusions.
Dragging people into dreams...
That sounded a bit like one of the Kirin Fruit users from the Knights of God, though he'd already forgotten the name.
He finally understood—but still had a question.
"Old man, if it's supposed to reflect the fear in one's heart, why did I see Rocks himself?"
Shano frowned. "And it was Rocks from his youth… I've never even seen him before. He died before I was born."
"That wasn't your nightmare. It was mine."
Old Link looked a bit embarrassed. "I don't know what Doflamingo's nightmare is, but it must've been something terrifying, because he backed off before even trying to snatch the Dream Grass. But someone like him, with the qualification for Conqueror's Haki, wouldn't give up so easily. He'll definitely return."
"So I tried to challenge my own nightmare, hoping to overcome it and regain my youthful edge…"
"You saw what happened. I overestimated myself. I didn't even last a second against that Conqueror's Haki. If you hadn't stepped in and shattered the illusion—well, I might've…"
You can enter someone else's dream?
Shano glanced at the pitcher plant, and his interest in it grew deeper.
"Even though the Agatha Islands are remote," Noah said, "because they're in the New World, pirates show up nearly every month to harass us. But we've managed to fight them off—until now."
"We really can't handle people like Doflamingo..." he added, clenching his fists.
"It's because I'm too old," Old Link said sadly. "If I were 20 or 30 years younger, he wouldn't have dared act so arrogantly..."
"Grandpa, don't say that!"
Noah quickly protested. "You've already done so much for us. If anyone's to blame, it's me for not being as strong as you were. I can't protect the tribe like you could."
"Silly boy..."
Old Link gave a tired smile and stroked Noah's head.
His only son had died of illness years ago, leaving Noah, the eldest grandson, to inherit the role of young chief far too early. But the boy never once complained.
From a young age, he trained tirelessly. At just twenty years old, he had become the strongest in the tribe physically, mastered both Armament and Observation Haki, and had defeated pirates with bounties in the hundreds of millions.
That was something to be proud of.
In the previous New World era, Noah's strength would have been enough to protect the Agatha Islands.
But...
Then the Great Pirate Era began, more than ten years ago.
With it, more pirates poured into the Grand Line's second half. They became stronger, more vicious.
Just a single Warlord like Doflamingo had already been enough to overwhelm Old Link. When he was gone... how would the tribe survive?
Unless…
Old Link raised his head and looked at Shano.
Hmm?
Shano raised an eyebrow slightly.
He'd sensed something was off for a while now. The old man seemed like he was about to entrust his family to someone—just like those parents who know they won't be around much longer.
Now it was clear...
He was right.
At last, Old Link made his decision. He stood solemnly and gave Shano a deep bow.
"Sir Shano," he said gravely, "I know this is tactless—especially when I haven't even repaid your kindness yet. But I have one unreasonable request…"
So it's come to this…
Shano sighed in his heart and helped him up. "Just say it."
"I'm already 104 years old," said Old Link. "At most, I've got a year or two left. Though the tribe survived this disaster with your help and Mr. Bear's, we still lack the power to protect ourselves in this ever more dangerous sea."
"So…" He looked up, his eyes steady. "I would like to ask you to take the Agatha clan under your banner—to become your vassals!"
Everyone in the room was stunned.
"Grandpa?!" Noah exclaimed, eyes wide.
"Noah, I've lived more than a hundred years. Trust my judgment." Old Link raised a hand to stop him, still staring at Shano.
Though his body was aging, his insight from decades of sailing with Rocks remained. He could still read people.
This boy—this black-haired youth—had the same spirit as young Rocks. But unlike the later Rocks, whose ambitions spiraled out of control, this boy still had a gentle heart behind that kingly aura.
Would he walk down the same path eventually?
Who knows...
But Old Link smiled. He was near death. Surely fate wouldn't be so cruel as to make him misjudge twice?
"Of course, sir, we don't expect you to protect us for free. The Agatha clan may not be large, but we have over a thousand adult warriors, all experienced hunters and proficient in Armament Haki. They can become loyal subordinates and follow your orders."
"And I will also give you the Dream Grass, the sacred treasure of our clan. It may not help someone as strong as you train, but it can hone the Haki and willpower of your subordinates."
It was a tempting offer.
Even the crew were surprised. They glanced at Old Link with newfound respect—who would've thought he'd trust their captain so much?
As for Nami…
Her eyes sparkled.
Hehehe! If the entire Agatha clan joins, then her dream from back on Fishman Island would finally come true!
They'd finally have their first territory!
Shano thought for a moment, then looked at Old Link again.
Facing the elder's sincere gaze, the black-haired boy grinned.
"If I refused now, I'd just be acting coy."
"From now on, the Agatha Islands will be the territory of the Fallen!"
He accepted the trust.
Sheltering an island's worth of villagers under his name and flag? If he couldn't even handle that much, how could he reach his ultimate dream?
And this time... there was a tangible reward.
The Dream Grass to train his crew. A thousand warriors skilled in Armament Haki. Who wouldn't be tempted?
Of course, he didn't plan to bring all of them with him right away.
The Agatha Islands were too small and primitive to serve as a base.
Once his base camp was built, he'd bring over any warriors willing to help defend it. Those who didn't want to go could remain and live as they had.
Shano's acceptance made Old Link sigh with relief. The old man's face finally softened into a peaceful smile.
"Everyone, listen up!"
He turned to face the crowd. His voice was weak, but still commanding:
"From today onward, the Agatha clan will follow Lord Shano as our sovereign! We swear to serve under his banner until death!"
Grandpa, please let this be the right decision…
Noah took a deep breath and stepped forward, kneeling on one knee and pressing a fist to his chest. "Swear loyalty to Lord Shano until death!"
Chia was already smiling. He'd been ready to swear allegiance from the beginning. Following from Thunder God Island, he trusted Shano more than his own brother.
He knelt beside Noah. The other warriors followed in unison:
"Swear loyalty to Lord Shano until death!"
…
That night.
A grand bonfire feast was held on the island's main square, personally arranged by Old Link to honor the crew of the Fallen.
Everyone was overjoyed.
The tribe's young warriors were in awe of Shano's crew and were a bit shy at first—but under the influence of alcohol and dance, they soon warmed up.
Jack competed in arm wrestling and defeated one muscular warrior after another.
Nami and Nojiko danced with the island's girls in grass skirts.
Smoker got drunk and blew smoke rings from his mouth and nose, forming different shapes and earning cheers from the young warriors.
Tailmon was seated at the children's table and immediately became the center of attention.
"Wow! You really can talk!"
"Hehe, of course. Only dumb dogs can't talk!"
"Are you a cat or a mouse? Why are your ears pointy?"
"You're blind. Obviously a cat!"
"Can you show us that trick again?!"
"Well…"
Tailmon wagged her tail and said mysteriously, "It's my secret move. I don't show it lightly, but..."
She blinked. "Since you're all so warm, I'll show you again!"
She leapt up and casually swiped her claws, slicing two huge rocks nearby into neat chunks.
The kids cheered in delight.
It was truly embarrassing to watch…
Gin, who was also seated at the kids' table, rolled his eyes in disdain.
Still, he happily licked his strawberry milk while pretending not to care.
…
Beside the campfire, Old Link and Shano sat together.
Old Link sipped his wine and said with emotion, "Ever since the Great Pirate Era began, most pirates who came to this island brought trouble. It's been ages since we've held such a joyful celebration. It's all thanks to you."
It had been a long time since he'd tasted wine with a relaxed heart.
Shano offered a few polite words in return, then told him his plans about building a base and how he would handle the Agatha warriors.
Old Link had no objections. He drank happily.
Noah, who had been about to arm wrestle Jack, paused in surprise. He turned to look at Shano with admiration.
He had worried that someone so powerful would drag their warriors off to war immediately. But now... he realized Shano was truly different from the pirates who'd invaded before.
…
The bonfire burned high, laughter echoing into the sky.
But all good things must end.
By the next morning, Old Link was asleep from the hangover. Noah and Chia, as representatives, led the tribe to send off Shano's crew at the port.
"Brother Shano!" Chia waved vigorously. "You have to come back! Next time, I'll take you hunting on the volcano!"
Noah didn't speak, but gave a solemn warrior's salute.
Shano smiled and waved. As the brothers watched, the End of the Curtain sailed from the river mouth and into the endless sea.
At that moment...
If one looked from afar, they could see:
Atop the highest mountain and near the river port, new flags had been raised overnight.
—The banner of the Fallen.
…
Onboard the ship.
Shano turned from the shrinking dot of Agatha Island and looked at the system panel in front of him.
The parchment map unfurled, and the dark fog lifted. A chain of seven islands now glowed on the display.
[Territory: Agatha Islands]
[Land Area: 350 sq. km]
[Population: 6,720]
[Regional Leader: Link]
[Happiness: Medium → High]
Zooming in, several resource points were marked—mainly fishing and hunting zones.
Even with such a primitive lifestyle, just resolving their survival crisis had boosted their happiness?
Shano was speechless.
Maybe this was what most islands in the pirate world were like.
As long as there was no Celestial Dragon oppression or pirate raiding, people could be happy with simple, self-sufficient lives.
And on his path to his dream, what he wanted...
Was to make more islands like this.
He narrowed his eyes at the distant horizon, the sea breeze stirring his black hair and rustling his suit.