"Don't worry, Anna. We'll make sure you get the best training," Shanks said with his usual easygoing grin. "But before we start that devilish boot camp of yours, how about a party to celebrate it?"
Anna looked up at the sky, her expression one of utter despair. "That's probably the last kind of party I want to attend."
Marco chuckled as he closed the thick training manual in his hands. "Don't worry too much. With us teaching you, there's no way you'll do badly." He gave her a reassuring look.
Anna let out a long sigh. "Fine, fine, let's just get it over with! Shanks, let's hit the wine cellar. Even if I can't drink much tonight, I need to vent all this anger at Morgans before it erupts like a volcano!"
Her fiery eyes practically blazed as she stomped out of the tavern.
"Hahaha! That's more like it," Shanks laughed, following after her. "That's the spirit, little lady. Don't sulk—show that fire." Watching Anna's energy return, he grinned and followed her down to the wine cellar, where the bottles they'd left untouched last time were waiting.
Meanwhile, Lucky Roo had run into Sachi.
"The captain's about to throw a banquet," Lucky Roo said, scratching his head. "But we can't let Anna's parents handle cooking for this many people."
When he reached the kitchen, Sachi was already there, politely insisting that Anna's parents take a break. Clearly, they'd had the same thought.
"Anna's mom, don't worry. Marco will take good care of Anna," Sachi said kindly. "You've both worked hard enough. I'll handle dinner tonight."
"How could we possibly let you do that alone?" Anna's mother protested, clearly anxious. "It's already such a burden having everyone here. We can help—please, let us."
Anna's father chimed in nervously, "Yes, after all, this is our tavern. How can we make guests cook for us? Last night was already chaotic enough…"
He understood this whole mess had started because of them, but he also knew the truth—without the Whitebeard Pirates' protection, the island might have been in danger. The least he could do was make their guests happy.
But Sachi just waved it off with a grin. "No trouble at all! I'm the ship's cook, after all. Feeding a hundred people is nothing for me. Besides, Anna's one of us now—a member of the Whitebeard family. How could she ever be an outsider?"
Lucky Roo nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly. Don't you worry about a thing. The two of us can handle it."
Anna's father sighed in defeat. "Thank you, both of you." He gently tugged at his wife's arm, leading her away from the kitchen.
Once they were outside, Anna's mother turned to him with tears in her eyes. "How could you just leave like that?"
Anna's father lowered his head. "What choice do we have? The daughter we raised isn't an ordinary girl anymore. One day, she'll fly far from this island—and we can't hold her back. This is her chance to befriend the Four Emperors. When she finally sets sail, she'll have people she can rely on."
"But she's such a good girl," Anna's mother whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't want to lose her…"
Her husband sighed and drew her into a hug. "No one wants to, but we can't cage a bird meant to fly. Maybe it's time we let go."
His wife buried her face in his chest, sobbing softly. "Dear… wooooo…"
He held her tighter, and together they walked home beneath the fading light—hearts heavy, but proud.
Back at the tavern, the banquet had begun.
Music and laughter filled the air. Pirates sang, danced, and raised their mugs high. With Sachi and Lucky Roo running the kitchen, the food was so good that the entire island could smell the feast.
Caught up in the excitement, Anna jumped onto the small stage. "I want to sing too!" she declared.
She took a deep breath and began:
Boom, boom, boom! What's that sound?The call of the waves, echoing all around!
A mysterious voice, from the sea so deep,Whispering of treasures the ocean keeps.
Search and seek, brave ones, don't flee—The sea hides riches and endless mystery!
So we set sail, facing roaring tides,Fearless hearts on the waves we ride!
Free men of the sea—what are you waiting for?Adventure calls beyond every shore!
Even when lost, our spirits burn bright.For freedom's worth every storm and fight.
We are pirates—fearless and free!The ocean's heart belongs to you and me!
When she finished, the tavern erupted.
"Treasure! Treasure! We love treasure the most!" the pirates roared.
"Even if we miss home, a true pirate never stops exploring!" another shouted.
From the corner, Yasopp watched quietly, his mind drifting to his wife and child far away. Beckman, noticing, patted his shoulder. "Thinking of going back? You could sneak away, you know."
Yasopp shook his head, smiling sadly. "No… not seeing them is the best way to keep them safe."
Beckman nodded. "I get it." He didn't say another word.
"Wow! Little Anna, you sing amazing!" Sachi exclaimed. "I swear, you're making me want to sail again right now and chase another mystery!"
Anna hopped down from the stage, cheeks flushed with excitement. "So? How was it? I did pretty well, right?"
Shanks grinned. "That was great, kid. If you ever debut as a singer, I'll be your number one fan."
Marco smiled softly. "You really do have a gift for it, Anna. What's the song called? I'd love to use it for our next party."
Sachi nodded eagerly. "Yeah, it's catchy as hell!"
Anna's face turned red as everyone started praising her. "You guys are embarrassing me! Was it really that good?"
"Of course, our little Anna's the best," Marco said, gently ruffling her hair.
Between their laughter, music, and the glow of lantern light, Anna felt something warm bloom inside her chest—a strange mix of belonging, joy, and the bittersweet taste of the freedom that awaited her beyond the sea.