Chapter 17: Return to Cocoyashi

As Ryo, Yamato, and Nami stepped onto the shores of Cocoyashi Island, a sense of unease settled over them. The air was heavy with the weight of memories, both bitter and sweet, as they made their way through the village. For Nami, returning to her home after so many years was a bittersweet experience—one filled with longing for the past and trepidation for the future.

As they walked, Nami led them through the familiar streets of her childhood, pointing out landmarks and recalling fond memories of days gone by. But beneath the surface, there lingered an undercurrent of sadness, a reminder of the pain and loss that had marked her life.

"This is where I used to play with my friends," Nami said softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia as she gestured towards a nearby playground. "We would spend hours here, laughing and playing until the sun went down."

Ryo and Yamato listened intently, their hearts heavy with empathy for the young girl who had lost so much. They knew that returning to Cocoyashi Island was a deeply personal journey for Nami—one that would test her resolve and strength in ways they could only imagine.

But amidst the warmth and familiarity of her homecoming, there lingered a shadow of sorrow—a reminder of the pain and suffering that had torn her family apart. As they reached the outskirts of the village, Nami's steps grew hesitant, her heart heavy with the weight of unfinished business.

"This is where it happened," Nami whispered, her voice barely above a whisper as she gestured towards a modest house at the edge of the village. "This is where Arlong and his pirates took everything from us."

Ryo and Yamato exchanged a somber glance, their hearts aching for the pain Nami had endured. They knew that confronting the ghosts of her past would not be easy, but they were determined to stand by her side every step of the way.

Together, they approached the house, its weathered exterior a silent testament to the passage of time. With a deep breath, Nami pushed open the door, her heart pounding in her chest as she stepped inside.

The interior was dimly lit, the air heavy with grief and sorrow. Memories flooded back with painful clarity as Nami surveyed the room, her eyes lingering on the faded remnants of a life long gone.

"This is where my family lived," Nami said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "And this is where Arlong and his pirates...took everything from my sister and me. Here he shot my mother"

Ryo and Yamato stood by her side, their presence a silent anchor amidst the storm of her memories. Together, they bore witness to Nami's pain and sorrow, offering their unwavering support as she confronted the demons of her past.

As they stood in the quiet stillness of the abandoned house, a sense of determination filled the air—a resolve to seek justice for the wrongs that had been done. Ryo began to speak, his voice full of confidence. "Nami, i promise you. I am gonna kill Arlong. I wil make him pay for what he did to you." She gave him a lighthearted smile.

As a girl with Blue hair stepped into the house, her anger was palpable. She cast a disapproving glance at Nami, her words sharp. "Nami! Where have you been? You where gone so for so long. I've thought i hav lost you! Why didn't you come home sooner?" But as her eyes fell upon Ryo and Yamato, her demeanor softened, embarrassment coloring her cheeks as she realized her outburst.

"Forgive me," she said, her tone contrite as she extended an invitation for them to join them for dinner. "I didn't mean to be so rude. I am Nojiko, Nami's sister. Please, make yourselves at home. Do you want something to eat?"

Ryo and Yamato exchanged a knowing glance, recognizing the tension that lingered beneath the surface of Nojiko's words. They accepted her invitation graciously, eager to learn more about Nami's past and the challenges she had faced in their absence.

As they gathered around the table, Nojiko regaled them with tales of the things that happened in the village while Nami wasn'there, her words laced with a hint of concern for her younger sister. But amidst the tales about what all of them had experienced, there was something that wouldn't escape Yamato' watchful eyes

She noticed the hidden glances that Nojiko cast towards Ryo, her eyes betraying a depth of emotion that she could easily decipher. As Ryo looked at Yamato, e saw an expression on her face that he couldn't place.

"What's wrong?" Ryo asked, his concern evident as he reached out to touch Yamato's hand. "You seem...distant."

Yamato hesitated, her mind racing with the weight of her thoughts. She was forming a plan inside of her mind. A plan that would involve the two unsuspecting sisters. But before she could respond, a commotion erupted outside, shattering the fragile peace of the moment.

An old man entered the room, his face flushed with anger. "Thay are here! The marines. They got wind of Nami's hidden spot!"

"Genzo?" "Nami? What are you doing here? I mean it is good seeing you but we don't have much time. There the marine is stealing your money. They have found your hidden spot."

Nami had a blank expression. "No" was all she breathed. With that Ryo had heared enough. As he stood up he looked at Yamato. "You are going to take care of them. Don't let anyone harm them, understood?" He pointed at Nami and Nojiko as he went outside with a look full of anger and rage.

"Nobody is going to make them suffer and is going to get away with it!"