30: Makino's Tavern—Luffy, Ace, and Sabo

Ding!

The door of the tavern was pushed open.

The drowsy tavern attendant behind the counter instantly woke up.

"Welcome... Ah, Sister Makino!"

He saw the young woman who had entered the tavern, and with a jolt, he quickly stood up, wide awake.

Makino, with her deep green hair and a scarf wrapped around her head, looked around the tavern, her eyes twitching slightly at the sight.

She couldn't help but rub her forehead and said helplessly, "I was only gone for a day. What on earth happened here?"

The upright tavern attendant nervously swallowed.

After he recounted the events of the previous night in detail, Makino was somewhat shocked. She couldn't help but glance at the table where Ron and Kuina were sitting.

"Those two kids defeated Blade Lute and his gang?!"

"Yeah, they stunned everyone in the tavern. Especially that boy—can you believe it? With his small body, he punched Blade Lute right out the door!"

The tavern attendant exaggeratedly described the scene.

Makino, having met strong people like Shanks, calmed down quickly after the initial shock. She put her hands on her hips, looked at the unconscious Blade Lute and his gang slumped against the wall, and said, "In any case, they started it, right? Kemi, tie them up. The damage to the tavern is on them."

"Understood!" the attendant, Kemi, immediately began following her orders.

Makino then walked over to Ron and Kuina's table and placed the gold coins Kemi had collected the previous night on the table.

Ron looked up at her.

"What is this for?"

Makino smiled at him and said, "If you were just staying here for the night, you don't need to pay this much. Please take the money back. Consider the juice and food as a complimentary treat for our young visitors."

"And don't worry about the damaged furniture and walls. I'll make sure they compensate for it. It wasn't your fault, after all."

Makino gave Ron a warm smile.

"If I'm not mistaken, this must be your first time in Foosha Village, right?"

Ron nodded.

"As I thought."

Makino's eyes curved into a gentle smile, her demeanor like a kind big sister.

She really is a kind and cheerful person... Ron thought to himself.

"I'm the owner of this tavern, Makino. What's your name?" she asked.

"Ron. And she's Kuina," he replied.

"Ron, Kuina," Makino repeated, nodding and smiling. "I know three kids about your age, but they're much more mischievous than you. They run wild all day, and it's such a headache to take care of them."

Ron's heart stirred.

She must be talking about Luffy, Ace, and Sabo...

"Did you come to Foosha Village by yourselves, or with an adult? Why are you here, and do you have a place to stay?" Makino asked curiously.

After all, seeing two ten-year-olds spending the night in a tavern was enough to make her worry, even though they were strong.

"We came to this island on our own, without any particular purpose. We're just traveling, seeing the world. As for a place to stay, we haven't figured that out yet," Ron answered.

"Really? You two came to this island all by yourselves?"

Makino was genuinely shocked.

She had thought they came from another town, but it turned out they came from overseas.

Kids these days are really bold...

Across from Ron, Kuina slowly woke up. She rubbed her eyes, and when she felt the fur covering her back, she was startled.

What is this?

As she was still confused, she suddenly heard the voice of a gentle young woman.

"If you haven't found a place to stay yet, why not stay here? We have a few rooms available on the second floor of the tavern."

Kuina immediately became alert.

Before Ron could react to Makino's offer, Kuina quickly raised her head and looked at her with a hint of caution, like a little wildcat guarding its food.

"Kuina, you're awake," Ron said, turning to her. "This is the owner of the tavern, Makino. She said we could stay here. What do you think?"

Hearing his words, Kuina realized she had misunderstood and quickly looked away, her face flushed with embarrassment as she lowered her head.

"S-sure, that's fine," she mumbled.

Makino noticed Kuina's reaction and smiled knowingly at the girl who was now avoiding eye contact.

So that's what it is...

Oblivious to what had just transpired, Ron said, "Then we'll take you up on your offer."

And so, from that day on, Ron and Kuina temporarily stayed at the tavern.

...

Makino's kind and cheerful nature quickly endeared her to Kuina, and after only two days, they became close friends. Kuina affectionately called her "Sister Makino."

A few days later...

"Makino, we're here to play!"

A cheerful, childish voice rang out from the entrance.

A black-haired boy wearing a straw hat and a short-sleeved shirt stood at the tavern's door, his face and arms bandaged.

Two other small figures soon appeared behind him.

There was little Ace, with freckles on his cheeks.

And Sabo, with short blonde hair, a large top hat with goggles, and a missing tooth.

"Luffy, Ace, Sabo," Makino said in surprise when she saw them.

"Yo, Makino, long time no see," Ace greeted with a smile, raising his hand.

"H-hello," Sabo greeted politely.

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T/N:

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