An interesting proposal

A week after the last pirate attack, Ethel and Saga were already aboard their ship, leaving behind the island of Asuka. The sea breeze blew gently, filling the sails as the ship glided over calm waters.

—With this wind at our backs, it won't take long to reach the next island, boss —Saga remarked, taking the helm and adjusting the ship's course slightly.

Ethel, with a map spread out on the barrel that served as an improvised table, nodded. He had acquired the map from a local before their departure. —If everything goes as planned, we should arrive in three days. We'll be returning to the Gecko Islands —he said, tracing their route with his finger.

—Returning? —Saga asked, a bit surprised—. Are you from there?

—No —Ethel replied with a slight smile—. I left those islands before coming to Asuka. But I suppose fate is leading us back there. Perhaps our paths were always meant to cross again.

Saga nodded, gazing thoughtfully toward the horizon, where the sky and sea seemed to meet in an endless line. —Maybe so... —he murmured reflectively.

The days aboard the ship passed quickly with the favorable wind, and soon they sighted land. The port that greeted them belonged to Syrup Village, a peaceful place now bearing the recent scars of battle. After docking, Ethel decided to leave the ship in the hands of the harbor's carpenters for inspection and repairs if needed.

Alongside Saga, he walked along the cobbled path that led to the heart of the village. As they moved forward, Ethel couldn't help but overhear the villagers' whispers about what had happened: the attack of the notorious Kuro's crew and how a group of young people had managed to foil their sinister plans.

—Looks like they had a fierce fight —Saga noted as they ascended the hill that led to Kaya's mansion—. The signs of battle are everywhere on the island.

Ethel and Saga strolled through the quiet port of Syrup Village, observing the aftermath of the recent battle. Although the townspeople had started to rebuild and move on with their lives, the traces of the conflict were clear. Broken windows, fallen trees, and several areas of scorched or damaged ground marked the battleground. Ethel frowned, intrigued by what had taken place.

—It seems like it was an intense struggle —Ethel commented, noticing the remnants of the fight as they climbed the hill.

—Yes, definitely not something minor. And the fact that a group of young people managed to stop a pirate like Kuro... that says a lot. —Saga said, analyzing the evidence of the combat.

—I've heard of Kuro before. His reputation wasn't exactly good. Always meticulous, cold, calculating... if the youth of this village managed to defeat him, they must be exceptional —Ethel responded, continuing to scrutinize every detail around them.

At the top of the hill, Kaya's mansion stood before them, large but damaged from the recent battle. Ethel noticed that parts of the roof were being repaired, and several villagers were helping with the restoration. A delicate-looking young woman with blonde hair and kind eyes watched from the porch, overseeing the repairs. Though her appearance was frail, her presence exuded a quiet strength.

As Ethel and Saga approached, the young woman turned toward them with a warm smile.

—Ethel? You've returned! Did you encounter any trouble on your journey? —Kaya asked, her voice full of relief.

Ethel observed her for a moment, noting how much she had changed in such a short time. She seemed more mature, though her essence remained the same. —Just a little detour due to a storm, but thanks to that, I had the good fortune of meeting Saga —he said, gesturing toward his companion to introduce him.

—A pleasure to meet you. My name's Saga —the swordsman greeted politely, bowing his head slightly.

Kaya nodded with a kind smile, introducing herself in return. —The pleasure is mine. Welcome, both of you.

Ethel, always direct, got straight to the point. —Kaya, I heard you had a... bit of a pirate problem.

Kaya's face clouded briefly before she answered, as if recalling something still weighing on her heart. —Yes... quite a serious problem, actually.

—But everything turned out fine in the end. You're safe, the village is too, and the pirates are gone —Ethel said, trying to lighten the mood. Then, with a smile, he added—. I also heard that Usopp finally decided to set sail.

Kaya sighed, her eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and pride. —You found out so quickly? —she asked with a melancholy smile—. Yes, Usopp left two days ago with his new friends. —Her voice cracked slightly at the end—. I'll miss his stories... —she admitted, lowering her gaze for a moment before smiling again, this time with nostalgia.

—He'll be fine —Ethel assured her firmly—. Usopp is stronger than he realizes, and now he has a crew to back him up.

Kaya nodded, though the sadness in her expression didn't entirely fade. —I know, but that doesn't stop me from missing him.

—And what about you? What will you do from now on? —Ethel asked, curious about the young woman's future.

Kaya's face lit up with excitement as she thought about her plans. —For now, I'll keep studying to become a great doctor. I want to learn everything I can, help others with my knowledge, and make myself useful —she responded enthusiastically.

Ethel, unable to resist teasing her, flashed a mischievous smile. —Ah, I see... You want to be well-prepared to treat the wounds of your brave sea warrior, huh? —he said with a wink, referencing Usopp.

At those words, Kaya blushed immediately, her cheeks turning bright red as she lowered her gaze, unable to hide the shyness those words provoked.

But before she could respond, Ethel continued, as if a new idea had just come to him. —Now that I think about it, maybe it's no coincidence we've come back to this island —he said thoughtfully, then looked directly into her eyes with a sincere smile—. How about you come with us? There's no better learning than being in the middle of the action. Besides, we'll be a merchant ship for the time being, but that would give you a chance to meet Usopp sooner or later. What do you say? —Ethel asked, clearly excited about the idea.

Saga, who had been lost in his thoughts until that moment, looked up, intrigued by Ethel's proposal, and watched Kaya closely, waiting for her response.

The young woman remained silent, surprised by the offer. Her hands trembled slightly, and her mind was filled with conflicting thoughts.