After they got outside, Kai gently set Zoro down on the ground.
He carefully adjusted the bandages around his wounds before applying the healing patch.
“There.
Now all you need to do is rest.”
“But try not to get it wet.”
Nami stared at the horrifying scars covering Zoro’s body, her face turning pale.
“How did you survive injuries like these…?”
“He fought Hawk Eyes,” Johnny said as he wiped away tears.
“Big Bro was almost killed.”
“Hawk Eyes, huh…” Kai looked at Zoro and smiled faintly.
“Then you really do have the potential to become the world’s greatest swordsman.”
“Otherwise, that slash wouldn’t have just injured you.
You would’ve been cut in half.”
Mihawk was never merciful toward those who challenged him.
But for talented rookies with true potential, he did not mind sparing them once.
Zoro stayed silent, recalling Mihawk’s overwhelming presence.
One day, he would return that strike.
“Johnny, right?”
“Yes!” Johnny jumped upright instantly.
“What do you need, Boss?!”
He had seen everything earlier.
This guy was terrifying.
More importantly, he smiled while blowing people into pieces.
That was way scarier than normal monsters.
“Relax, I’m not going to eat you,” Kai said with a laugh.
“Take care of Zoro and move farther away from here.”
“Got it!”
Johnny immediately grabbed Zoro together with Yosaku and practically dragged him away at full speed, afraid Kai might suddenly blow them up too.
They could not help it.
That smile was genuinely frightening.
Nami looked at Kai curiously.
“What are you planning to do?
Why are you making everyone move away?”
“I’m going to blow this place up,” Kai replied while glancing toward Arlong Park.
“All the bad memories tied to this place should disappear with it.”
Besides, the fight between Luffy and Arlong was probably almost over anyway.
Right then, a figure suddenly flew through the air from the distance and crashed heavily beside Kuroobi.
Everyone looked closely.
It was Arlong.
His eyes had rolled back completely.
He was clearly unconscious.
“So the Arlong Pirates are finally defeated…” Nami whispered.
Looking at the fallen Arlong, she felt the final chains around her heart finally shatter.
From this moment onward, Cocoyasi Village was truly free.
“Yeah!”
“We did it!”
“We’re finally free!”
Eight years.
A whole eight years.
At long last, they were free.
Nami turned toward Genzo.
“Let’s listen to Kai and move farther away.”
“Right!” Genzo nodded, unable to hide the joy on his face.
They were finally free.
After everyone had evacuated, Kai walked back into the ruins and tossed his strongest remote-controlled bomb deep into the wreckage.
Then he turned and walked away without looking back.
Once he reached a safe distance, he snapped his fingers.
“Boom.”
BOOM!
Real men never looked back at explosions.
The Arlong Pirates were completely destroyed.
“Nami!” Luffy shouted from the hill in the distance.
“You’re my crewmate!”
“Yeah.” Leaning against Kai’s shoulder, Nami nodded softly.
She wanted to return to that ship too.
And now…
There was one more person beside her.
Thinking about that, Nami looked up at Kai.
“Will you come out to sea with me?”
“Of course.” Kai smiled warmly.
“You can think of me as the prince heaven rewarded you with.”
“How could a prince ever leave his princess behind?”
Out of the corner of his eye, Kai noticed Usopp running back from the distance.
Looks like he won his fight too.
…
After victory came celebration.
Once Cocoyasi Village was finally free, everyone completely let loose.
The entire village celebrated together for three straight days.
“Hahahaha!
I get it now, you’re Nami’s guy!” Luffy laughed while slapping his knee.
“Then come with us!
Be my crewmate too!”
Kai rubbed his nose awkwardly and glanced toward Nami, who was chatting with Nojiko nearby.
Hopefully she had not heard that.
“Ahem…
I guess that’s close enough,” Kai replied lightly.
“Since you invited me so sincerely, I’ll join your crew.”
“Whaaat?!
Nami already has a boyfriend?!” Sanji collapsed dramatically to his knees in despair.
Usopp rolled his eyes.
“Oh, come on already.”
Then he suddenly looked at Zoro in shock.
“Wait, Zoro!
You’re seriously fine already?!”
“Yeah.” Zoro patted his chest.
“It’s because of Kai’s medicine patch.
I didn’t expect it to work this well.”
It had only been half a day.
Yet his wounds were already mostly healed.
At this point, eating meat and drinking alcohol felt completely fine.
“Ooooh!”
“Kai’s amazing?!” Luffy stared at him excitedly, stars practically shining in his eyes.
“So you’re a doctor?”
“I’m not a doctor.” Kai waved his hand.
“I’m a scientist.
That healing patch was just something I invented by accident.”
“It only works on external injuries.
Internal injuries and illnesses are outside my expertise.”
“So we still need to find a real ship doctor.”
“There’s a country on the Grand Line with excellent doctors.
We can check it out when we get there.”
He definitely was not leaving Chopper behind.
“A scientist?!” Luffy looked even more amazed now.
Usopp was equally stunned.
Scientists were not ordinary people.
“Relax, relax.” Kai waved casually, pretending to stay humble.
“I’m really not as incredible as you think.”
Though the grin tugging at the corner of his mouth completely gave him away.
Nearby, Nami listened to their laughter and smiled softly.
For the first time in a very long while, she felt truly safe.
“You only met that guy recently, didn’t you?” Nojiko asked while glancing at her.
“That doesn’t really matter anymore, does it?” Nami smiled.
“Or are you saying you don’t approve of him?”
“Of course not.” Nojiko rolled her eyes.
“I’m very satisfied with this future brother-in-law.”
A scientist was not something just anyone could become.
Nami laughed quietly and looked toward Kai again, only to see Genzo suddenly drag him away somewhere.
“Huh?
What’s Genzo doing?” Nami frowned and stood up immediately.
“What if he bullies Kai?”
“Sit down and stay here.” Nojiko pressed her back into her seat.
“Genzo has his own thoughts.
Let him handle it.”
After all…
He was basically their father too.
Meanwhile, Genzo dragged Kai to a grave.
The two sat quietly before Genzo slowly began talking about Nami, Nojiko, and everything they had gone through over the years.
When he spoke about Bell-mère, his eyes even turned red with tears.
“Kid,” Genzo said seriously, “I want your promise.”
“No matter what happens, never let Nami cry again.
Understand?”
“Otherwise, no matter where you run, I’ll hunt you down and beat you to death.”
“Alright.” Kai nodded firmly and raised his cup.
“A promise between men.”