Chapter 21: Additions

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the cozy kitchen of Nojiko and Nami's home, where the four companions gathered around the table, their plates filled with a hearty breakfast, made by Nojiko. Despite the good atmosphere, an unspoken tension lingered in the air. Nami and Nojiko didn't want to look either Ryo nor Yamato in the eyes, what the latter two didn't even registered.

As they both engaged in lively conversation, their laughter ringing through the room, Nami and Nojiko found themselves unable to say a word, their thoughts consumed by the events of the previous night. Though they had witnessed the loudly activities between Ryo and Yamato, they had chosen to keep their observations to themselves, silently accepting the newfound dynamic within their group. After all they both had to deal with their own needs themselves. Luckily for them both, the other hadn't noticed it.

Finally, unable to bear the weight of the silence any longer, Nami took a deep breath and cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the others. "I just wanted to say," she began, her voice tinged with gratitude, "thank you, Ryo. You defeated Arlong and freed our village from his tyranny. I don't know how to ever repay you."

Ryo offered Nami a warm smile, his eyes reflecting genuine appreciation for her words. "You don't need to repay me, Nami," he replied, his tone gentle yet resolute. "Even if you hadn't asked me to help you, I still would have killed that bastard. I can't stand that someone opresses people that can't defend themselves." That sentence made Yamato insanely uncomfortable. It reminded her of the moment they met. She had the image in her head, as her father killed him. But she shrugged it off with ease, with memories that made her instantly feel better, such as yesterday night.

Nojiko nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring her sister's sentiments. "That's right," she chimed in, her voice soft yet determined. "We owe you a debt of gratitude, Ryo. And we want to offer our assistance in return."

Ryo raised an eyebrow inquisitively, his curiosity piqued by Nojiko's words. "What do you mean?" he asked, his gaze shifting between the two sisters.

Nami took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. "I gave you my promise, remember? I'll join your crew, Ryo," she declared, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest. "As your navigator."

Nojiko quickly added, offering her own contribution to the proposal. "And I would like to join as well," she added, her voice tinged with determination. "I know I don't habe much skills like my sister but your crew still lacks something vital, a cook."

At the mention of a cook, Yamato's eyes lit up with excitement, a wide grin spreading across her face. "That sounds fantastic!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious as she glanced at Ryo for confirmation.

Ryo's smile widened at the prospect of welcoming Nami and Nojiko into their crew, his heart swelling with gratitude for their willingness to join him on his journey. "I am honored to have both of you aboard," he replied, his voice brimming with sincerity. "Welcome to the crew, Nami and Nojiko."

With their decision made and the bonds of friendship strengthened, the four companions shared a celebratory meal, their laughter echoing through the kitchen as they toasted to new beginnings and the adventures that lay ahead.

As they finished Nami and Nojiko packed the all the things they needed and made a note for Genzo not to worry about them. He should take care of the house for them in their absence. With all things packed they made way to the port of the village.

As they approached the shore, the villagers greeted Ryo with heartfelt thanks, expressing their gratitude for his bravery in liberating them from the oppression of Arlong and the corrupt Marines. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of relief and newfound hope, the villagers eager to rebuild their lives in the wake of their newfound freedom.

As they neared the dock where their ship was anchored, Ryo was deep in a conversation with Nojiko, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone streets. He shared with her his fondness for certain dishes, reminiscing about his favorite meals from his travels. Nojiko listened intently, her laughter ringing out as she promised to prepare those dishes for him once they were aboard the ship.

However, Nami and Yamato couldn't shake off a sense of unease as they approached the dock. Their eyes widened in astonishment as they beheld the sight before them – where once stood their modest sailboat, now loomed a massive black galleon, its sleek form imposing against the backdrop of the harbor.

Before they could fully comprehend the sight, a playful and familiar voice echoed from the deck of the ship. "Yes, yes, you're not hallucinating. That is indeed your ship," the voice teased, drawing their attention upward.

Yamato's grip tightened around her kanabo as she scanned the deck, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Who are you?" she called out, her voice laced with a hint of caution.

Ryo, sensing her tension, stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Yamato. His eyes widened in recognition as he locked eyes with the woman seated on the ship's railing. There sat a stunning black haired woman, her purple eyes layed upon the newly grown crew. "Zoe?" he exclaimed, disbelief coloring his voice.

The woman grinned mischievously, her gaze flickering between Ryo and Yamato. "In the flesh," she confirmed, her tone playful yet tinged with underlying seriousness. "And it seems like you've gotten even more handsome, now that you are back in the land of the living."

As Nami, Nojioko exchanged bewildered glances, a flurry of questions raced through their minds. Who was this mysterious woman, and how was she connected to Ryo? Yamato already knew her from Ryo's tale as he was dead and how she helped him come back to life. For that she would be always grateful to her.

After his shock was over Ryo began to speak again. "How are you here? And what happened with the ship?" Eagerly they awaited Zoe's explanation, not realizing what revelations awaited them, as they began boarding their newly transformed vessel.