The air still buzzed with excitement as the villagers and the Straw Hat crew celebrated Arlong's defeat. Laughter and cheers echoed through the streets of Cocoyashi Village, the weight of oppression finally lifted.
But the joyous atmosphere abruptly faltered when a sharp voice cut through the crowd.
Nezumi strode into the square, his cold gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd. "The riches of Arlong Park now belong to the Marines," he declared with authority, his tone leaving no room for argument.
A hush fell over the villagers. Whispers spread like wildfire — this man was no friend.
Zoro stepped forward, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword. "That's not gonna happen," he said flatly, his eyes locked onto Nezumi.
Before tension could escalate, Nami moved swiftly, standing beside Zoro with a fierce determination in her eyes.
"Leave now, Nezumi," she warned. "These people earned their freedom. The money stays here."
Nezumi's lip curled in disdain but the combined resolve of the Straw Hats and villagers pushed him back. With a final glare, Nezumi retreated, leaving the village to reclaim their hard-won peace.
The crowd erupted once more, this time in relief and renewed hope.
Yua watched quietly from the sidelines, then disappeared silently into the shadows.
News of Arlong's defeat spread across the island, and the villages erupted in celebration. As Luffy ate heartily and Zoro received proper care from Nako, Nami visited Bell-mère's grave with Nojiko and Genzo, revealing her intention to leave the village and officially join Luffy's crew.
Night fell, and the party continued. Nami consulted Nako about removing her Arlong Pirates tattoo, replacing it with a delicate mikan branch and pinwheel design. After packing her things, she quietly departed, leaving behind the fortune she had taken.
Nojiko sat alone outside the party, her thoughts a whirl of relief, sadness, and hope. After the Marines had been driven out, Yua—the mysterious stranger who had helped them—had vanished without a word. Even Luffy asked Nojiko where he had gone, hoping to find him and invite him to join their crew. Nojiko wished she could thank him properly.
Sighing softly, she muttered, "What a weird guy."
Suddenly, a voice startled her.
"Am I that weird?"
Nojiko turned to see Yua standing nearby.
"Y–you were here all along? Why didn't you say anything?"
"I was just checking on my ship. Making sure it's alright."
"Huh… you really are weird. But hey, thanks."
"No problem."
She hesitated. "Hey, can I ask… why did you come to this village? What are you?"
Yua smirked teasingly. "No… well, if you join my crew—"
"I join!" Nojiko interrupted immediately.
"I'm just jok—what!?"
"I said I join! My sister Nami said she's joining Luffy's crew, and hearing that made me happy for her. It feels like she's found a real friend… a family."
"Oh? How does that make you want to join my crew?"
Nojiko looked into Yua's eyes. "Because…"
"Because?"
"I want a family too."
Yua's mind spun. 'Wait, wait, wait…' He forced a poker face, trying to keep his kingly aura intact as his thoughts raced.
Nojiko chuckled softly. "You're really weird—quiet and noisy at the same time, Yua."
"Do you want to join?"
"Yeah… if you'll have me. Though it might be late to say this—are you a pirate?"
"Not yet."
"Am I going to be your first crew member?"
"Yeah. Welcome to my crew… and my family."
"Yay! I love you, Captain!"
"Huh? I lov—"
Before Yua could finish, Nojiko hugged him tightly and kissed him. She hadn't realized how much she longed for a family—after Bell-mère's passing, Nami's disappearance into Arlong's grip, and her return, the village was saved but the emptiness lingered.
While happy for Nami's new family, Nojiko felt a quiet sadness. Now, with Yua's offer, she had hope to build her own family too.
Yua gently cupped Nojiko's face, his eyes softening as he looked into hers. The warm glow of the setting sun filtered through the nearby trees, casting a golden light around them.
Their breaths mingled as their lips met in a slow, tender kiss — filled with unspoken emotions, trust, and the fragile hope of new beginnings. Nojiko's hands traced along Yua's chest, her fingers trembling slightly, while he held her close, careful and reverent.
The world around them seemed to quiet down, the sounds of celebration fading into the background. All that mattered was this moment — the connection between two souls searching for a family, a home, and something more.
Yua whispered softly, "You're not alone anymore. We'll build that family together."
Nojiko smiled, her eyes glistening with tears of relief and happiness. "Together."
They stayed wrapped in each other's arms, letting the warmth of the evening and their newfound bond fill the space between them.
Yua felt a soft chime resonate through the quiet evening, a clear "Ding*" sound that caught his attention even amidst their closeness.
A gentle notification floated before his eyes:
[True Love Activated] : Nojiko
For a moment, confusion flickered across Yua's face. Then, like a light turning on in his mind, he remembered his system—the strange, sometimes overwhelming presence that guided him through this world.
So her feelings are genuine, he thought, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The system confirms it—this bond isn't just in my head.
Though he had tried to maintain control, the realization softened him. There was no denying it now. Nojiko's affection was real, and the system had sealed that truth.
Yua's heart swelled with a quiet happiness. It wasn't just a game mechanic or a fleeting feeling — it was something true, something he could hold onto.
And for the first time in a long while, he felt hopeful.
Nojiko and Yua stood a little ways off, watching the bustling dock as the Straw Hat Pirates prepared to set sail once more. Nami moved swiftly, ignoring the grateful townsfolk crowding around her—though they still called out their thanks despite her quick, somewhat sneaky departure.
Yua chuckled softly. "Nojiko, I think Nami's going to be really surprised when she finds out you've become a pirate too."
Nojiko grinned mischievously, folding her arms. "Hehehe… yeah, I'm going to surprise her alright."
They shared a quiet laugh, the weight of the day's battles and farewells lingering in the salty air, but beneath it all, a new bond was beginning to form.