Chapter 64 - Promise

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After arriving at the house and they sat down, Lepus started a conversation with Nojiko.

"I came back here to keep my promise before."

"Promise?"

"Yes. Do you remember the necklace I gave you back then?"

"Um. I always wear it."

Nojiko then showed him the platinum necklace she wore around her neck.

Lepus smiled seeing this.

"I'm glad you always wear it and take good care of it. .... And as I said before I leave, I promised to give you something better the next time we meet. And now I'll keep it."

Lepus then took out something from his bag.

That something is a fruit. But the fruit is quite strange because it is round like a melon but orange in color with swirls pattern around it. That's right! Devil fruit! That fruit is the Paku Paku no Mi fruit that Lepus previously kept.

"This is a devil fruit. You've probably heard of it."

"Yes, a little."

"This fruit is for you."

"What? For me?"

Nojiko was quite surprised that Lepus would give this devil fruit to her.

Lepus then firmly spoke.

"Nojiko, I want you to come with me."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"You already lost Bellmere-san long ago. And not too long ago, I know Nami has also gone to pursue her dream. I don't want to leave you alone here."

"That's...."

"You don't have to worry. I'll take care of you. I will also consider you as my own family."

Nojiko was silent for a moment.

Then she spoke.

"But.... If I go, who will look after Bellmere-san's orange grove?"

Lepus wasn't surprised Nojiko asked this. And Lepus already has a plan and a solution for that.

"That doesn't matter. We'll ask Genzou-san and the other residents to help look after and take care of it. After all, the orange grove is a precious memento from Bellmere-san. They'll definitely want to help take care of it. And they could consider it as a village asset. They will take care of the orange grove and the gain from the fruits sale will become the village cash. The village cash can be used for the development and prosperity of the village as well as the management of the orange orchard itself. It can even be developed into a Orange Orchard Tourism Village. I'm sure that they will not reluctant to help."

"That's...."

"If that's still not enough, we can come back here once in a while if you want. I have the ability for that. Trust me."

Nojiko then fell silent in thought.

And after much deliberation, Nojiko had made up her mind and answered Lepus.

".... Alright."

"Hn. Good.... You can relax. I'll definitely take good care of you."

Lepus said while holding Nojiko's hand.

"Um."

Nojiko nodded.

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After a while, Lepus stood up and said to Nojiko.

"Nojiko, let's go to Bellmere-san's grave."

"Okay."

After that, Lepus and Nojiko went to Bellmere's grave.

Arriving at Bellmere's grave, Lepus crouched down and placed a bouquet of flowers on her grave. Then Lepus spoke.

"Bellmere-san, long time no see.... And sorry. Sorry I wasn't there when you guys were having trouble. Sorry I wasn't there when Nojiko and Nami were suffering after you left...."

Then Lepus grabbed Nojiko's hand and continued talking.

"I know that maybe sorry won't be enough to make up for it.... So, I'll subtitute you to take care of your daughter, Nojiko. Nami has already gone after her dream with her friends. That's why I'm back here now to pick up Nojiko and take care of her so she doesn't get lonely. I hope you will allow."

Some time later, Lepus stood up. Then he said firmly.

"Bellmere-san, I will take good care of Nojiko. I promise."

Not long after, Lepus and Nojiko left Bellmere's grave.

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After leaving Bellmere's grave, Lepus and Nojiko returned to the center of the village.

They then informed that Nojiko would come with Lepus. Genzou and the rest of the residents were quite surprised by this. But they can accept.

Then they discussed about managing the Bellmere orange grove. Genzou and the other residents didn't mind helping to look after and take care of it.

Then Lepus provided some financial assistance for the manage of the Bellmere orange grove also the reconstruction and improvement of the village. The residents gladly accepted that.

And three days later, Nojiko went to Bellmere's grave to say goodbye. Nojiko also said goodbye to Genzou and the other Cocoyasi Village residents. After that, Nojiko boarded The Jormungandr and departed with the Ouroboros Pirates.

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#11th Member

Name: Nojiko

Arcana: [The Star]

Epithet: -

Bounty: -

Position: Transporter, Messenger.

Hometown: East Blue - Conomi Island

Age: 20

DF: Paku Paku no Mi/Familiars Pact (Paramecia)

Haki: -

Skills & Specialities: Gardening. Not a fighter. Could contracted 10 creatures (except humanoid beings) with her DF ability.

Information: Adopted older sister of Nami. Using familiars as transportation, delivery of messages/goods, or to trash mobs in battle.

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