25. Makino's Hug!

A month later, at night, inside Makino's tavern—

Makino, Robin, and Rob had just finished their day's work and practice. The three of them, along with the children, were enjoying a meal together. Robin and Makino were chatting animatedly.

With Makino's gentle and cheerful presence, Robin felt happy every day, her mental state recovering to how it was back in Ohara.

"Nah—"

Robin looked expectantly at Makino with a gentle smile as she ate her Sea Kings meat fried rice.

"Sister Makino, would you like to get on the boat with Oni-chan and me? How about traveling around the world together? There are so many interesting islands, beautiful scenery, and fascinating people out there! You would definitely love the sailing life!"

Since leaving Ohara, Rob had taken Robin to find Olvia, then Crocus, and eventually to the peaceful East Blue. Along the way, they had seen many strange islands and interesting sights. Robin genuinely wanted Makino to join them on their adventures.

Hearing Robin's invitation, Rob chimed in:

"Makino, do you want to come? Let's explore the world together and experience the vastness of the sea! Our boat is quite spacious, and with just Robin and me, it can get a bit lonely sometimes!"

Makino, who had become good friends with both of them, was momentarily stunned by their invitation. She then pondered for a moment and said:

"Going to sea? That does sound appealing!"

After a pause, a gentle smile appeared on Makino's face:

"But I have to run the tavern left by my mother, so... I'm sorry, I can't accept your invitation. But I truly appreciate you both wanting me to join you!"

Makino's tavern was a legacy from her mother, who had passed away a year ago. She felt a strong responsibility to keep it going, which was an understandable reason for her refusal.

Everyone in this world has something they hold dear.

Makino's priority was the tavern her mother left her.

Hearing Makino's refusal, Robin was a bit disappointed but understood:

"Is that so? Then let's forget it!"

Rob, on the other hand, just smiled and said:

"That's really a pity!"

He didn't want to force Makino into anything she wasn't comfortable with. He reached out and gently rubbed Robin's head.

"Even without the boat, Makino is still our best friend, isn't she?"

Feeling Rob's gentle touch, Robin smiled and nodded, her spirits lifting.

Watching their interaction, Makino maintained her usual smile and remarked:

"What a gentle Oni-chan!"

She would have loved Rob to stay in Foosha Village for her, just as he would have liked her to join him and Robin on their journey. However, they both understood that their paths were different.

Another half month passed.

On this day, at the port of Foosha Village—

Rob, Robin, Makino, and the village chief, who had grown quite familiar with them, were busy loading many nautical supplies purchased in the village onto the small sailboat.

They waited for a month and a half, but Vice Admiral Garp never returned, and Rob, who had other plans, decided not to wait any longer.

Next—

It's time to set sail again.

"Thank you, Makino, Village Chief!" 

After loading all the supplies, Rob and Robin thanked Makino and the village chief for their help.

The village chief had a hearty smile on his face:

"Hahaha... this small thing is not a big deal! Kid Rob, if you have time, come back to Foosha Village to visit!"

Rob nodded and said:

"We will be back! Hahaha..."

After speaking, Rob looked at Makino with a reluctant smile.

Nodding and smiling, he said:

"Makino, take care of yourself. Next time we meet, I hope you'll still be as gentle and kind as you are now!"

Makino gently nodded, opened her arms, and gave Rob a hug:

"Bon voyage, Mr. Rob!"

Though surprised by Makino's hug, Rob didn't hesitate. He raised his hand to hug her back, then let her go.

After Robin also said her goodbyes to Makino, the two boarded the small sailboat, set sail, and left.

As the little sailboat departed, the village chief looked at Makino, who was standing beside him with a look of reluctance:

"Actually, you know you could leave with them. I would take care of your tavern and ensure it doesn't close down!"

Makino shook her head, restraining the reluctance on her face:

"No, it's fine. And Mr. Rob said they will come back!"

The village chief nodded and didn't say much, just walked leisurely towards the village with his hands behind his back. Regarding these children's matters, he knew it wasn't appropriate for him, as an adult, to interfere.

...

On the small sailboat, Rob was at the helm. Robin, who stood beside him, recalled the hug Makino had given her Oni-chan just before they left Foosha Village. She couldn't help but feel that the hug seemed more than just a friendly gesture!

Robin looked at her Oni-chan—

His maturing face was losing the immaturity of a little boy and becoming more handsome and attractive.

She spent so much time with him day and night, occasionally feeling fascinated by her Oni-chan's presence, let alone other people.

"What's wrong?" 

Noticing that Robin was looking at him, Rob turned to look at her.

Robin quickly looked away and said with a slight smile:

"Nothing at all!"

After a pause, Robin asked again:

"Where are we going next, Oni-chan?"

Rob looked up, thought for a while, and his eyes became determined as he said seriously:

"Shimotsuki Village!"

He was already a strong swordsman.

It was time to—

Obtain a very high-quality famous sword.

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