Chapter 350: Leaving the Town: Farewells and New Resolve

“Of course.”

Koby lowered his head, thinking for a moment before starting to explain. “You all probably know there are two great oceans in this world, right? The massive continent that splits these two seas is the Red Line.”

“It’s said that at the dead center of the Red Line, there’s a town. If you pass through that town and take the sea route at a right angle to the Red Line, you reach the Grand Line.”

“Legend has it that the Pirate King, Roger, once obtained everything in this world.”

“In his final words, he announced he’d left the one and only great treasure, the One Piece, somewhere on the Grand Line.”

“That’s why pirates have been pouring into the Grand Line in droves. Now it’s become a terrifying battlefield, known as a pirate graveyard.”

After Koby finished, the lady behind the bar frowned slightly, lost in thought for a moment before speaking. “I’ve heard travelers mention it too.”

“They say that once you enter the Grand Line, no one ever comes back alive.”

“It’s supposed to be an incredibly dangerous place.”

The moment they started talking about the Grand Line, Luffy perked up. This was exactly the story he’d been waiting for.

He quickly turned around, propping his arm on the bench as he grinned. “But the One Piece is somewhere along that route, so I have to go, no matter what.”

Zoro leaned back in his chair, threw up his hands and said with a shrug, “Well, there’s just no helping it.”

“Since it’s the captain’s decision, I’ve got no reason to say no.”

On the Straw Hat pirate ship, only Zoro would always look out for Luffy’s dignity. If not for him back in Water 7, who knows what would have happened to Luffy…

Ye Fan said, “That’s right. If you want to be the Pirate King, the Grand Line is a must.”

“Once you’ve chosen to be a pirate, you need to aim for something truly great.”

Nami said, “Can I not go?”

But under Ye Fan’s gaze, Nami’s voice gradually faded away.

She’d been planning to sneak away, but the moment she tried to slip out, the oppressive aura Ye Fan gave off stopped her cold.

That presence was far more intimidating than Arlong’s had ever been.

She still didn’t understand why Ye Fan hid his true strength to join the crew, but she was certain he was the one person you never wanted to cross on the Straw Hat Pirates.

Step, step, step…

A series of orderly footsteps echoed from outside the door.

The door opened and several Navy soldiers walked in. “Sorry to intrude.”

“We heard you’re pirates. Is that true?”

The speaker was the Navy soldier who had earlier given the order to tie Monka up.

They’d waited several extra hours before coming, wanting to thank Zoro and Luffy first.

That gave Luffy, Ye Fan, and the others a chance to enjoy a peaceful meal.

Luffy beamed at the Marines by the door. “That’s right, and we’ve even found a new crewmate.”

Right now, Luffy had no idea what the Navy wanted from them.

One of the Marines bowed his head slightly and said, “We’re all deeply grateful to you for saving our base and this town from the tyrant.”

He sounded almost embarrassed. After all, these pirates were their saviors. He quickly straightened his hat. “But since we know you’re pirates, for the honor of the Navy, we can’t just stand by and do nothing.”

“So I must ask you to leave town immediately. At least for the sake of justice, we won’t report you to headquarters.”

As soon as he finished, a voice protested from the townsfolk behind him. “Navy, what are you saying?”

“Weren’t you all terrified of Monka too?”

“These people saved our lives!”

“Yeah, that’s right!”

The air suddenly grew awkward.

Luffy, face unreadable, suddenly broke into a grin and said, “Then let’s go.”

He stood up and turned back to the bar lady, saying, “Thanks for the meal.”

“Big brother, are you leaving already?”

Luffy glanced at the little girl, gave her a nod, and then picked up his bundle and headed for the door.

Zoro stood, tilting his head back and holding the handle of his sword as he followed behind Luffy at an easy pace.

Under Ye Fan’s steady gaze, Nami also got up. The four of them walked toward the exit together.

“Wait! Isn’t he your crewmate?”

The Marine noticed Koby hadn’t moved, and immediately pointed him out.

Nervously, Koby clenched his teeth and said, “I—I am!”

Luffy paused for just a moment before walking on without a backward glance.

The soldier frowned at Luffy. “Stop—what’s going on with you all?”

Luffy turned with a smile. “I know everything this guy’s been up to!”

Koby’s heart skipped a beat. He shot Luffy a panicked look. Luffy, sir, don’t tell them—

Luffy tossed his bundle to Ye Fan, then bent his knees and gestured with both hands. “There’s this huge, fat lady pirate—her name was Alvida, right?”

Koby was now absolutely terrified. If they found out he’d served aboard a pirate ship, he’d never be allowed to join the Navy!

But Luffy just marched on, oblivious to Koby’s panic, and kept on: “She always swung around an iron club and was a really ugly fatty to boot.”

“This guy worked for that lady pirate for two whole years…”

Please, don’t! Stop talking, Luffy!

Luffy stopped in front of Koby and jabbed a finger at his face.

But suddenly, Koby felt a surge of courage. He swung his fist and punched Luffy in the face, knocking him down.

Everyone around—bar lady, little girl, onlookers, and the Navy—were utterly stunned.

Only Ye Fan and Zoro raised their brows and flashed knowing smiles.

“You actually punched me, you jerk!”

Luffy jumped up right away, throwing punch after punch at Koby, quickly beating his face into a swollen mess.

“You jerk, jerk, jerk!”

The Marines finally seemed to catch on and rushed forward. “That’s enough! No more fighting in this town!”

“Let it go, Luffy.”

Ye Fan stepped forward and clapped Luffy on the shoulder.

With that, Luffy finally stopped swinging.

Koby collapsed onto the floor behind him. One of the Navy officers stepped forward, pointing at Luffy. “I see now you’re not with him. You all need to leave this town immediately.”

Hearing this, Luffy just grinned, pulled on his hat, and led the way out the door.

Zoro, Ye Fan, and Nami fell in close behind him.

Koby looked up at Luffy, suddenly realizing—he’d done it all on purpose!

He’d deliberately picked a fight with me, just so I’d hit him.

Even at the very end, I still couldn’t stand on my own. I haven’t changed at all!

Am I really that much of a fool?

All at once, Koby sprang up as if electrified, and faced the Navy lieutenant. “Let me join the Navy! I’ll do any menial job, I don’t care! As long as I can become a Marine!”

A soldier next to the lieutenant whispered, “Sir, I’m against it. I still don’t fully trust this kid. There have been pirates who joined the Navy as spies before. We have to investigate his background first.”

Koby had sharp ears. He heard every last word and immediately declared, “I’m going to be an admiral one day!”

The leading Navy lieutenant strolled past Koby with his hands behind his back, glanced at Koby’s determined face, and said, “Countless of our comrades have died at the hands of pirates. Don’t underestimate the Navy. But fine, I’ll approve your enlistment.”

“Yes, sir!”

For Koby, this moment was nothing short of a new beginning.

…