133. Luffy Without Straw Hat
East Blue.
The sky is cloudless, and the sun hangs high overhead.
A warship, adorned with the emblem of Logue town, leisurely departed from the island housing Shimotsuki Village.
"Kuina is as attached as ever..."
Atlas sat cross-legged on the ship's prow, gazing in the direction of the Isshin Dojo with a smile on his lips.
His stay in Shimotsuki Village lasted only a few days. Kuina initially found him a bit unfamiliar, but after Mr. and Mrs. Koushirou briefed her, she exhibited familiarity with Atlas. After all, seven years had transpired since their last encounter. Even in a world where the average physical capabilities are outstanding, individuals typically begin to form lasting memories around the age of three or four.
As for Zoro, Atlas entrusted him to Koushirou. The moment this fellow stepped through the door, he vociferously questioned Koushirou's qualifications to teach him.
The outcome was self-evident. He was swiftly defeated by Kuina, who was one or two years older than him, and then obediently stayed at the Isshin Dojo.
However, Atlas made a promise to Kuina that he would bring her to Naval Headquarters in two years to show her the gap between her and the rest of the world. She aimed to prove it to Koushirou!
Girls can also become the world's strongest swordsman!
'What two adorable youngsters...'
Boom!
"Let's go! Onward to Foosha Village!"
Observing the coastline vanish from view, Atlas pivoted and leaped off the ship's bow, shouting loudly to everyone.
"Yes!"
...
East Blue, Foosha Village.
This small village in the Kingdom of Goa remained tranquil and serene, adorned with cheerful smiles on the faces of the people traversing its streets. Occasional exchanges about familial matters enlivened the air.
Perhaps, for the common people in this world, freedom has never been described as sailing in the sea.
To live in peace and contentment, to age and pass away naturally, and to lead a simple life is the true freedom they seek. They have no desire for wealth, fame, or status. In their eyes, a peaceful life is a luxury in the pirate world.
This is why the majority of people in the world harbor intense resentment towards the era of Great pirates initiated by Roger. Even though the root cause lies with the Celestial Dragons, many will never encounter them in their lives. However, they keenly sense the harshness of the times through the turmoil caused by pirates.
Order has always shielded the majority of people!
In the heart of Foosha Village, Partys Tavern.
Now, Makino has blossomed into a beautiful young woman. Her long, vibrant turquoise hair is tied up, and she sports a plaid patterned scarf around her head, exuding a somewhat enchanting allure.
It was morning, and the tavern wasn't bustling. Only a handful of villagers who enjoyed a drink or two would discreetly gather in the establishment. Usually, their strict wives at home wouldn't permit it, so they seized the opportunity during busy farming periods to indulge their cravings. Still, they didn't dare to drink excessively, mindful that they had fieldwork awaiting them.
At that moment, the small door of the tavern creaked open, but curiously, no one was visible.
"It's Luffy."
Makino, who was organizing things at the bar, swiftly turned his head at the sound and felt a sense of amusement when he spotted the familiar figure.
The newcomer was not tall and appeared quite young, possibly around 5 or 6 years old. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt with dark blue collar and cuffs. Short hair adorned his head, and his face was smooth, lacking any visible scars. His cuteness nearly melted Maginot's heart.
"Makino, I'm so hungry. Do you have anything to eat?"
Luffy hopped onto the tall stool in front of the bar, took a seat, and rubbed his empty belly in frustration.
"Wait a moment, I'll prepare something for you right away."
Luffy's youthful face swiftly transitioned from gloomy to bright, and he cheerfully went closer to Makino.
"Thank you, Makino! When I go to sea and become a pirate in the future, I will repay you with my treasure!"
Makino didn't respond; she simply smiled and turned around to enter the kitchen, seemingly unconcerned about Luffy's promise of treasure.
It can be said that Luffy has been raised by Garp in Foosha Village since childhood. Everyone in the village is aware that it's due to Garp that they are spared from pirate disturbances. Consequently, they often look after Luffy well, and Maginot, in particular, has a special affection for little Luffy. It's a sort of abundant maternal love, akin to the sentiment of a big sister for her younger brother.
Soon, a plate of egg fried rice and a glass of juice were placed before Luffy.
"Ah~ Then I'll dig in!"
Luffy's eyes sparkled as he eagerly pulled the egg fried rice closer and began devouring it with delight.
Makino didn't move away. Instead, she settled down right there, resting her elbows on the bar and supporting her pointed chin with the heels of her palms. She watched Luffy joyfully devour his food with a smile.
"Luffy, I heard you got into trouble again recently?"
Observing that Luffy was nearly done with his meal, Makino inquired.
"No, I just scolded that group of bandits. Who told them to always come to Makino's and cause trouble?"
Luffy pouted, adopting a nonchalant expression. For this big sister who often took care of him, Luffy wouldn't tolerate anyone bullying her.
"Alright, don't do this in the future. I'd feel bad if something happened to you because of me."
"But I heard from the village chief that he seemed to have informed Mr. Garp about it," Makino added.
"Huh?" Luffy twitched involuntarily, his eyes widening in surprise. "So my grandpa is coming back again? Didn't he leave for a long time?"
Thinking about Garp's powerful fist, Luffy couldn't help but shudder inwardly. It was like revisiting a childhood nightmare. Even the egg fried rice on the plate no longer tasted good.
"No, Mr. Garp has entrusted his colleagues to take care of you."
"Oh, that's fine then."
Luffy felt a sense of relief upon learning that Garp himself wasn't returning. He reached for the juice on the bar and drank it in large gulps.
...
Boom!
Foosha Village offshore.
A Sea Beast with red eyes, a mouth brimming with sharp teeth, and brown skin crashed heavily into the sea. It bore some resemblance to a crocodile, with a snake-like body, lacking limbs, and adorned with blue and white fins on its back. It was quite sizable, certainly larger than anything Atlas had encountered before.
"Is this the creature that cost Shanks his arm?"
Observing the lifeless form of the Sea Beast before him, Atlas sank into profound contemplation.
"Vice Admiral, would you like to salvage it and dissect it?"
"Forget it. It looks too unsightly, and the meat probably wouldn't taste good either."
Atlas shook his head. 'The eyes of this creature are so red. Who knows if it carries a disease similar to the rabies virus? Anyone who likes to eat it can go ahead.'
"Alright, you stay on the boat. I can handle this alone."
Atlas turned to the Marine on the boat and issued an order. Afterward, he patted the non-existent dust off his body, rose, and disembarked from the side of the ship.
"I haven't seen Makino for a long time..."
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