Chapter 26: Shopping Trip

The sun shone brightly as Yamato, Nami, Nojiko, and Zoe strolled through the bustling streets of Lougetown. The air was filled with the chatter of merchants and the aroma of various foods being cooked.

Yamato glanced at her friends, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, have any of you thought about what you're going to wear when we meet up with Ryo later?"

Nami raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, I've got something in mind," she said, eyeing a display of elegant dresses in a nearby shop window.

Nojiko nodded in agreement. "Me too. I want to have some really cute outfit," she said, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Zoe, ever the flirt, grinned and winked. "I'm sure whatever you two choose will catch his eye," she teased, earning a playful swat from Nami.

As they continued their shopping, Yamato couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. She knew her feelings for Ryo were undeniable, but she also wanted her friends to experience the same happiness she felt when she was with him.

"So, Yamato, what about you?" Zoe asked, breaking the silence. "Any special outfit in mind?"

Yamato forced a smile, trying to hide her true intentions. "Oh, I haven't decided yet," she replied casually. "Just something nice that gets me out of the robes I had since Wano."

As they browsed through racks of clothing, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. They laughed and joked, enjoying each other's company as they searched for the perfect attire.

After a few hours of shopping, they decided to take a break at a nearby cafe. As they sipped on refreshing drinks, Yamato couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she needed to say something.

"So, what do you all think of Ryo?" Yamato asked, trying to sound casual.

Nami and Nojiko exchanged a knowing glance before Nami spoke up. "He's impressive, to say the least," she said, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Nojiko nodded fervently. "Yeah, he's really something. I've never met anyone quite like him," she added, a hint of awe in her voice.

Zoe leaned back in her chair, a playful smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, he definitely is handsome," she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Yamato smiled, relieved that her friends shared her high opinion of Ryo. But she knew there was still work to be done.

As they finished their drinks and prepared to head back to their lodgings, Yamato made a silent vow to herself. She would do whatever it took to ensure that her friends found the same happiness she had found with Ryo.

As the girls came out of the cozy cafe, a striking woman with black hair caught their attention as she approached. Yamato was clearly confused as the woman greeted her warmly, expressing her gratitude. She clearly knew Yamato. The others watched with curiosity as the woman began to talk.

"Thank you, Yamato, for changing my life," the woman said, her voice tinged with sincerity. "I owe you everything."

Intrigued, Nami, Nojiko, and Zoe leaned in, eager to hear the story behind this unexpected reunion. The woman explained that she and Yamato had crossed paths a few weeks ago, and Yamato's formidable strength had sent her flying with a single strike of her kanabo. However, instead of harboring resentment, she expressed gratitude for the life-changing experience.

"After I woke up in the forest, I found a strange fruit," she continued, gesturing to herself. "And after I ate it, well, you can see the results."

"I remebered your words you know?", she said. "A woman as ugly as you don't deserve a man like him." Yamato's face shifted in a sorry look. "But I only after this transformation I knew that I wasn't just ugly at the outside but inside as well."

After the woman was finished, Yamato finally realized. This woman was Alvida. But now she was like a complete different person.

"I'm glad to see you've found your true self," Yamato said, her voice laced with sincerity. "You deserve happiness just like anyone else." Alvida smiled gratefully, a newfound confidence radiating from her.

As the group meandered through the lively streets of Lougetown, the conversation between Yamato and Alvida resonated with Zoe, Nami, and Nojiko. They listened intently as Alvida expressed her gratitude and admiration for Yamato, her desire to join their crew and her respect for Ryo as a captain.

Zoe's eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of welcoming a new member into their ranks. "Having you on our crew would be a fantastic addition," she chimed in, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

Nami and Nojiko exchanged glances, silently weighing their thoughts on the matter. The transformation Alvida had undergone, both physically and emotionally, spoke volumes about her character and resilience. And if Yamato, their trusted vice-captain, deemed her worthy, then perhaps she deserved a chance to prove herself.

Yamato, contemplating Alvida's words, felt a sense of pride in the woman before her. She believed in Alvida's sincerity and commitment to their cause, and she would indeed be a fine addition to their crew.

With a nod of approval, Yamato addressed Alvida. "If you are truly willing to join us and uphold our ideals as a member of the Vibro Pirates, then I welcome you with open arms," she declared, her voice firm and resolute.

Alvida's eyes lit up with gratitude and determination as she accepted Yamato's offer. "Thank you, Yamato. I promise to do my best and prove myself worthy of your trust," she vowed, her resolve unwavering.

And with that, the group continued their journey through Lougetown, their way leading them to a marketplace. Their attention was drawn to a raised platform in the distance. On it stood their belived captain, Ryo, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around him. As he saw them he started to smile widely.

His next move left them stunned. On a public place, the place where the legendary pirate king was executed, Ryo called out as loudly as he could that he would be the king of the world. And to demonstrate his statement he emitted an aura like only he could. The sky darkened, lightning was coming out of the emerging clouds and his body and the ground began to shake.

Yamato, Alvida, Zoe, and Nami exchanged proud smiles as they watched Ryo boldly declare his ambition to become the King of the World. It was a declaration they had heard many times before, but each time it filled them with a sense of excitement and determination.

But in that moment, that wasn't just Ryo who stood tall and resolute on this platform. This was their captain. The person they followed. The one that leaded them and the one who would do everything for them. And as they watched him, they knew that no matter what obstacles they encountered, they would face them together as a crew, united in their pursuit of adventure and freedom.