26 Chapter 26

The Going Merry, a ship that was going to belong to the Straw Hat Pirates, was now Ron's vessel. It was docked at a humble port by the sea, and Ron walked towards it with the two girls.

"Mom, Dad, you can go back now" Kaya stood at the bow of the ship and shouted, "I'll take care of myself!"

Ron stood by silently, his expression stoic.

Tashigi held her sword in her hand and glanced at Ron with curiosity. Was this guy really that ruthless?

"Take good care of yourself, Kaya!" Kaya's parents shouted from the shore, their bodies no longer weakened by illness, as they had been completely cured. They no longer had to worry about their health, and they watched as their daughter left with tears of reluctance.

"I will!" Kaya shouted back, raising her arm to wipe away a tear at the corner of her eye.

The Going Merry slowly sailed away from the island's coastline, and Kaya's eyes were filled with longing as she gazed back at the shrinking island.

"Alright!" Ron said coldly, "Your homework for today isn't finished yet, so hurry up and read a book for me!"

"Okay!" Kaya mumbled in response, glancing at Ron. She thought to herself that Brother Ron was rather unfeeling. Once she learned some medical skills, she would definitely return to visit her parents!

As Kaya entered the cabin, Ron sighed and said no more.

"You..." Tashigi, who had come closer, looked at Ron, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "What's going on with you?"

"What's wrong? Have you learned sword drawing?" Ron asked, giving her a sidelong glance.

"Not yet..." Tashigi replied, her mouth twitching slightly as she muttered.

"Then why aren't you continuing your training?" Ron scolded her.

"You..." Tashigi turned to face him, unafraid, and stared at him. She then grinned and said, "You're not that annoying!"

"Hah..." Ron rolled his eyes and said in exasperation, "Aren't you a student? Can't you show a little respect?"

"Okay, Teacher Ron!" Tashigi replied, her expression serious, but as she walked away, it was clear from her shrugged shoulders that she was smiling.

"Is she trying to test my patience?" Ron touched his chin and watched Tashigi's retreating figure. He wondered if he had been too lenient with her. If he wanted to train her into a formidable swordsman, he would need to be more strict!

On the Going Merry, the destination was none other than the Grand Line! Ron now stood at the bow of the ship, gazing at the vast ocean before him. His thoughts however were on the beautiful girl who was a part of the Grand Line's adventures.

"Hmm... Heading to the Grand Line, following the plot, the first encounter should be with the gentle and delicate Princess Vivi. I can't wait to meet her. After that, it should be Robin. But according to the timeline, Robin should appear about a year from now... Well, it's too early to think about that. Before then, let's aim for the lovely and charming Nami. Nami, here I come!"

The Going Merry sailed through the waves and ventured further into the sea. After more than ten days, the crew found themselves approaching an island.

"Ron, we're running low on supplies aboard the ship and need to resupply" Tashigi approached Ron, her voice tinged with irritation. As a navy lieutenant, she had a basic understanding of sea navigation and knew that the ship's provisions were running low. She felt the need to remind the seemingly clueless captain.

"Do you think you need to tell me that?" Ron retorted, rolling his eyes. "I already planned to disembark and restock our supplies. You'll be responsible for replenishing our food and water. Is that clear?"

"Understood" Tashigi replied with a begrudging glare at Ron. She couldn't help but think that he was truly clueless about seafaring, and she silently wished for the Navy to save her from this situation.

The ship docked at the island's port, and Ron disembarked with the two girls. The island had a peaceful and calm atmosphere, and the islanders didn't appear too alarmed upon seeing the trio. This was partly due to the fact that there were only three young people on the ship. If a large group of pirates had disembarked, the situation would have been different. Ron's ship didn't display a pirate flag, so the islanders were more at ease.

"Tashigi, don't even think about running away. Your job is to replenish the food and water supplies, and the money is in your hands" Ron warned her, giving her a stern look. Then he turned his attention to the street, gesturing for Kaya to join him.

"Sister Tashigi, we need your help" Kaya whispered to her with a mischievous grin, making a face, and then she followed Ron down the street, her face filled with curiosity as she looked at the various shops.

Tashigi watched Ron and Kaya walk away, gritting her teeth in frustration. "Isn't he worried about me running away from the ship?"

After contemplating for a moment, Tashigi reluctantly resigned herself to the task. She was alone and had no experience operating the ship. Although she could potentially escape from Ron, surviving alone on the vast sea was a different challenge. She gazed at the money Ron had given her for the provisions and found herself slightly taken aback. Was this guy truly the pirate who had kidnapped her, or was he just playing games with her?

"No, he must be testing me, just like he did on the merchant ship. If I attempt to escape, he'll catch me and give me a spanking..." Tashigi's face turned red as she couldn't continue that train of thought. "I'm certain he won't fool me again! There's no way he'll take advantage of me." She clenched her fists in determination.