Chapter 9: Belle-mère
Dawn. The coast of Oykot Kingdom.
The first glimmer of sunlight touched the sea, and a light mist hung in the air.
Roy's figure flickered in and out of the fog, each warp landing him precisely at the hideout of pirates trying to escape.
FWOOSH!
A ship loaded with stolen goods was quietly raising its anchor.
"Faster! We have to get out of here before sunrise—"
"BOOM!"
Roy's fist smashed down like an iron hammer, completely obliterating the ship's deck. Wood and seawater exploded into the air as the pirates screamed, falling into the ocean.
On the shattered deck, the black-haired boy's silhouette was unyielding.
He let out a slow breath. "That's the last of them."
His Observation Haki spread out, covering a five-kilometer radius. After confirming there were no more pirates, Roy finally relaxed, his gaze turning to the rising sun.
"Time to head back."
FWOOSH!
His figure flashed and disappeared into the morning mist.
Inside the temporary medical tent.
Belle-mère was propped up against the headboard. Her face was still pale, but she looked much better than the day before.
Nojiko and Nami were nestled beside her, their breathing steady, finally able to sleep peacefully.
The tent flap was gently pulled aside, and Roy walked in.
When Belle-mère saw him, she immediately tried to sit up, her eyes full of gratitude. "Mr. Roy... I... thank you so much..."
Roy quickly walked to her bedside and pressed her shoulder. "Don't move. You'll tear your stitches."
Belle-mère let out a weak laugh. "Sorry, I'm just... emotional."
Roy shook his head and sat in the chair beside her. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better." Belle-mère looked down at the two girls, her eyes softening. "Thanks to you, they're alive."
Roy smiled. "I just did what any Marine would do."
Belle-mère looked up, confused. "Mr. Roy, which branch are you from? When I'm healed, I have to write a letter of commendation to your superior!"
Roy paused for a second, then smiled. "I'm... not from a branch."
"Huh?"
"I'm a cadet from the Marineford boot camp, under Instructor Zephyr."
Belle-mère froze, her eyes going wide. "A student of Head Instructor Zephyr?! No wonder you're so strong!"
Then, as if she realized something, her pupils shrank. "Wait... boot camp?! Then how old are you...?"
Roy shrugged. "Twelve."
Belle-mère looked as if she had just been told the sky was green. Her jaw went slack. "T... Twelve?!"
The monster who had wiped out hundreds of pirates, covered himself in Haki, and stood over 6'6" tall... was a 12-year-old kid?!
Roy saw her expression and let out a low laugh. "What's with that look?"
Belle-mère covered her face. "I... I just feel like I've wasted my entire career as a Marine..."
Roy shook his head, his gaze serious. "No, Belle-mère. You protected them. That's what matters."
Belle-mère stared at him, then looked down at Nami and Nojiko, her expression softening. "You're right... This battle made me realize a lot of things."
She took a deep breath, as if making a final decision. "...I want to adopt them."
Roy nodded, his expression calm. "I figured."
Belle-mère bit her lip, her voice quiet. "But I'm worried... a Marine's life is too chaotic. I'm afraid I can't take good care of them."
Roy smiled, his tone gentle but firm. "Adopting them and being a Marine aren't mutually exclusive."
Belle-mère looked up, her eyes conflicted. "But..."
Roy looked at her. "Those two girls need someone to protect them. And you need to become stronger. If another pirate crew attacks, what will you do then?"
Belle-mère's resolve wavered, that maternal instinct taking over.
Roy smiled. "Besides, you're not alone."
"What do you mean?"
"Old Man Garp already put in the paperwork for you to get housing in the Marine family district. You'll be able to live there safely."
Belle-mère was floored. "Vice Admiral Garp?! The 'Hero of the Marines' Garp?!"
Roy nodded. "The one and only."
Belle-mère's mouth was hanging open, her brain short-circuiting. "Wait... what is your relationship with Vice Admiral Garp?!"
Roy raised an eyebrow. "Let's just say... I'm the unlucky bastard he kidnapped for 'special training.'"
Belle-mère: "..."
"What is this kid's background?! Is he... is he humblebragging right now?"
Just then, a booming laugh came from outside the tent.
"Bwahahaha! Roy! Where'd you run off to, brat! I've been looking all over!"
The tent flap was ripped open, and Garp strode in, holding a giant bag of rice crackers.
Belle-mère froze. "V-V-Vice Admiral Garp?!"
Garp glanced at her and grinned. "Oh! You're the soldier who almost died protecting those kids, right? Not bad! You've got guts!"
Belle-mère's voice trembled. "Y-Yes, sir!"
Garp laughed and slapped her on the shoulder (nearly knocking her back onto the bed). "Heal up! Stick with me, and you'll have a better future than rotting in this East Blue branch!"
Belle-mère: "...Huh?"
Roy put his head in his hand. "Sir, you can't just poach recruits..."
Garp laughed. "What's the big deal! Sengoku is always complaining he's short-staffed anyway!"
He turned his attention to the sleeping Nojiko and Nami and leaned in close, pinching Nami's cheek. "This one's pretty cute!"
Nami groggily opened her eyes, saw a giant, stubbly face inches from hers, and immediately burst into tears. "UWAAAAAAH—!!"
Nojiko woke up with a start, grabbing her little sister.
The tent was awkwardly silent for a moment.
Garp scratched his head, then grinned like a chipmunk, pulling two candies from his pocket. "Here, want a snack?"
The two girls, tears in their eyes, just stared at him. Finally, Nojiko timidly reached out her little hand.
"Bwahahaha! That's more like it!"
Roy sighed. "Old Man Garp, you're scaring them."
Garp waved him off. "They're kids! You just gotta scare 'em 'til they get used to it!"
Belle-mère's eye twitched. "This 'Hero of the Marines'... doesn't seem very reliable..."
Several days later, the Oykot Kingdom was in full reconstruction.
The paperwork for the Marine housing was approved, and Belle-mère officially adopted Nojiko and Nami.
At the port, Roy and Garp were preparing to return to Marineford.
Belle-mère, holding Nami and holding Nojiko's hand, gave Roy a deep bow. "Mr. Roy... thank you. For everything."
Roy smiled. "It was nothing. Just live a good life."
Nojiko suddenly ran forward and tugged on Roy's coat, her eyes shining. "Big brother, will you come back and visit us?"
Roy smiled and knelt, ruffling her blue hair. "I will."
Nojiko whispered, "Can... can we come find you at Marineford one day?"
Roy's smile was warm. "Of course. When you're older, maybe you'll even be my recruits."
Nojiko's eyes lit up. "I'm gonna be a Marine! And I'll be even stronger than you!"
Garp laughed, patting her on the head. "That's the spirit! I've got high hopes for you!"
Belle-mère watched them, her expression full of hope.
Roy stood up and looked at Belle-mère. "Take care."
She nodded, her gaze firm. "You too."
Garp waved. "Let's go, Roy!"
Roy took one last look at the small family, then turned to follow Garp.
FWOOSH!
Their figures vanished from the port, leaving only a gentle breeze.
Nojiko's eyes were wide. "Wow! So cool!"
Belle-mère hugged her. "Yeah... he really is."