"How are your findings? Do the citizens of the Drum Kingdom intend to honor the agreement? Is anyone opposed?"
Xia Qiu looked curiously at Heckle, who had just returned. Heckle had been sent to the Drum Kingdom by Xia Qiu after Pola defeated Dalton, and he had just returned now.
"They accepted it more easily than you, President, had imagined," Heckle said, shaking his head with a smile. "I investigated. Dalton lost all four matches, and it was by an overwhelming margin, making the people afraid to resist. Secondly, Dalton wasn't seriously injured in any of the four fights. Especially in the last one, with Dalton's persistence, Pola didn't go all out and only knocked him unconscious in the end. This made the people see Pola as a merciful queen."
"Furthermore, with her medical knowledge, her governing philosophy, and Dalton's support, they felt that having Pola rule wouldn't be difficult. Some even looked forward to changes in the country," Heckle said slowly.
Xia Qiu smiled and said, "Show overwhelming strength, let them know resistance is futile, and then give them hope. Everyone will follow the direction of that hope."
A voice from the side chimed in, "As for whether the path of hope leads to a fork in the road or a cliff, no one knows."
Xia Qiu looked at Lucci in the distance and said, "Do you wish for us to rule tyrannically? And then use that outcome to prove you were right?"
"I simply don't trust you," Lucci said coldly.
"Don't worry, I'll have Pola manage this country well."
Xia Qiu said indifferently, "I understand better than you how important a country's healthy development is."
Lucci didn't speak further, and Xia Qiu turned to Heckle and asked, "When will she officially become queen?"
"July 1st," Heckle replied honestly.
"In a month?" Xia Qiu asked, confused. "Why so long?"
Heckle said, "Pola said that because Dalton was seriously injured, she plans to wait until he recovers before holding the coronation ceremony."
"Let her do as she pleases."
Xia Qiu was somewhat surprised by her decision, but he felt it was fine. Becoming queen wasn't an immediate necessity.
Heckle then said, "Pola asked me to ask the President if he wanted to attend."
"How could I possibly go?"
Xia Qiu scoffed. "If I show up, the Marines will arrive at the Drum Kingdom in a few days."
"I'll tell her," Heckle said immediately.
Xia Qiu narrowed his eyes. "However, have her invite Vivi. I'll have Vivi go then."
Vivi would attend as the princess of a neighboring country, which would elevate the ceremony's prestige, resolve conflicts between the two nations, and showcase Pola's capabilities.
If any problems arose, Vivi could also help and keep Pola in check.
...
Time flew by, and it was suddenly mid-June.
Silvan Island, at the port.
Marcel stood with Nojiko and their family, looking at the three figures before them. He smiled and said, "I've also found my family. It's time for us to part ways."
"But if you leave, we won't have a navigator anymore," Luffy said with a dejected expression.
"Yeah, without you, we can't go to the Grand Line," Usopp added. "A skilled navigator is essential."
Zoro said coldly, "You brat, are you planning to run away?"
Sanji excitedly circled Nojiko, only to be kicked to the ground by Marcel, who cursed, "Don't flirt with my wife."
Marcel sighed, his expression tinged with sadness. "I've been happy with you all. But I'm sorry, I can't go to the Grand Line with you. I have a wife, family, and children. I have to go back."
After being injured, Marcel was taken away by Zoro and Luffy. They first went to West Luo Village, northeast of the town, fought and defeated the Black Cat Pirates, acquired a ship, and gained a new comrade.
Afterward, Marcel contacted the Shining Gold Merchant Association via Den Den Mushi, informed them of his safety, and then left by ship.
On the way, he learned that Luffy was looking for a cook, so he found the Sea Restaurant, invited Sanji, and defeated Krieg.
Then they arrived at Silvan Island to treat Zoro's injuries. After that, they set off again, and Marcel decided to part ways with them.
"It's a shame."
Zoro looked at Marcel. "Then I guess I won't be able to spar with you anymore."
"I'm no match for you."
Marcel said with a wry smile. Zoro's swordsmanship was far superior to his. He could barely contend with Zoro's one-sword style, but with three swords, he would surely lose.
Zoro's strength was even greater than Hachi's when they first met. As for Hachi, who left with Nami later and whose strength increased significantly, it was unknown who was stronger between them.
"Since you've made up your mind, we won't stop you."
Sanji smiled. "Family is equally important."
"Yeah."
Marcel gritted his teeth. "Goodbye, everyone."
"Goodbye."
The four boarded the pirate ship and began to set sail, but they were a bit flustered.
Seeing this, Marcel chuckled but didn't go to help, because they had to learn these things if they were to leave.
And without a navigator, could they reach the Grand Line?
Marcel was very worried. Beside him, Nojiko suddenly said, "Go."
"Hmm?"
Marcel blinked slightly, looking at Nojiko. "What did you say?"
"I said you should go on an adventure with them," Nojiko said seriously to Marcel.
Marcel shook his head, taking Nojiko's hand. "What are you talking about? I'm not leaving you."
"I'm not joking."
Nojiko continued, "You love adventure, don't you? You love fighting, don't you? You love the sea, don't you? Then go with them."
Marcel obviously wanted to go, but it wasn't a simple matter. He said with a wry smile, "You, the child, and my mother, younger siblings are all here. How could I possibly leave you?"
"We can take care of ourselves."
Nojiko said, "Your younger siblings are already grown, we have savings at home, and with the orange orchard, our income is enough."
"But..."
Marcel started to say something, but Nojiko interrupted, "More importantly, they saved your life and helped you get revenge. They're going to a very dangerous place next, and without a navigator, they might not be able to reach it. Shouldn't you repay them?"
"I..."
Marcel looked hesitant. Without a navigator, they couldn't possibly sail the Grand Line; they would face immense danger.
They were his benefactors. Facing his benefactors, Marcel couldn't just stand by while they were in danger.
"Go, Marcel,"
Nojiko said. "I'll be waiting for you here. You're not going to not come back, are you?"
"I'll come back."
Marcel blurted it out, only realizing what he'd said afterward.
"Marcel,"
Nojiko said earnestly, "They need you, and you need them. So go on an adventure."
Hearing this, Marcel was moved. He turned his head and saw everyone on the ship looking at him with expectant expressions.
"Nojiko, thank you,"
Marcel said softly. "Wait for me. After I help Luffy find the One Piece, I'll come back."
"Okay."
Nojiko nodded gently. "When you find Nami, say hello for me."
"I will."
Marcel nodded, looked at the pirate ship, and asked loudly, "Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, can you let me be a crewmate?"
"Weren't we already crewmates?" Sanji said, smoking.
Zoro snorted. "Hurry up and get on the ship."
"Once Marcel is on board, we can head for the Grand Line!" Usopp said happily.
"Of course."
Luffy nodded heavily.
And so, the Straw Hat Pirates stayed on the small island for another day before leaving the island the next morning.
Marcel's family stood by the sea, watching the sea ship grow smaller in the distance. Marcel's mother couldn't help but say, "Why did you want him to leave? His companions are important, but so are you."
Nojiko smiled. "The day before yesterday, he told me he wasn't going to sail anymore because the people who died were constantly on his mind, and he was afraid of the same thing happening. So he didn't plan to do these things anymore. But he loves the sea, he loves adventure, and these people can alleviate his pain and bring him warmth. I love the optimistic and hardworking Marcel, not someone who locks himself away and only grieves in secret."
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Translation by: randomtranslator.com
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