Garp's concern resonated through the room as he questioned Makino about the events that transpired. "Can you tell me, Makino, how could this happen? Doesn't Dadan stick with that brat, or is she slacking on her duty?"
Makino's voice carried a note of uncertainty as she explained, "It's not like that, Garp-san. We were taking care of the baby when someone claiming to be his uncle showed up. He said he was a former crewmate of the baby's father. He introduced himself as Buggy, your smiling clown."
Garp's brow furrowed in thought as he mulled over the situation. "Hmm... it's getting complicated now. I'm afraid it's an order from Rayleigh or Gabban."
Just as Makino was about to speak further, Garp interrupted with a firm instruction. "Excuse me, Garp-san," Makino interjected.
Garp glanced at Makino, prompting her to continue.
"Nothing, Makino. Tell Dadan that if she doesn't find him and the baby, she's dismissed from duty. I will confirm with my old friends about the name," Garp instructed with resolve.
"Okay, Garp-san," Makino replied before the den den mushi clicked off.
---
As dawn cast its light over Dadan's hut, tension lingered in the air as Dadan and her bandits discussed their unsuccessful search.
"How is it, Dadan-chan? Did you find them?" asked one of the bandits, concern etched into his features.
Dadan's frustration was evident as she grudgingly replied, "Hmmm... they're gone, just like ghosts."
But Makino's reassurance offered a glimmer of hope. "Don't worry, Dadan-chan. I've already contacted Garp-san, and he will confirm with his old friend. It seems like he really is acquainted with the kid."
Dadan's relief was palpable as she responded, "Really? I hope he is."
With uncertainty still weighing on their minds, they prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
---
Meanwhile, Buggy found himself pondering his next move after successfully completing his first mission. With Ace in his care and the need for someone to nurse him, Buggy's mind raced with possibilities.
"Okay, first mission completed. The problem is, who will nurse him? Since I'm broke, I couldn't afford to have a maid... Wait, a maid, that's it! I think I need one. Hehehe, it's time for another hunting," Buggy declared to himself, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Addressing Ace with affection, Buggy chuckled, "Now, little fella, you'll have to bear with my care for a little while longer before I find a big sister to take care of you."
As Buggy ventured into the town in search of a suitable maid, his eyes scanned the bustling streets for potential candidates. He moved with purpose, his mind already devising plans to recruit the perfect person for the job.
Amidst the throngs of people, Buggy's gaze fell upon a young woman tending to a small flower shop. Her gentle demeanor and caring nature caught his attention, sparking an idea in his mind.
Approaching the flower shop with a confident stride, Buggy greeted the woman with a charming smile. "Excuse me, miss. Might I have a moment of your time?"
The woman looked up from her work, her curiosity piqued by Buggy's approach. "Yes, how can I help you?"
Buggy wasted no time in launching into his well-crafted pitch, weaving tales of adventure and excitement that captivated the woman's imagination. He painted a vivid picture of a life filled with opportunity and riches, one that beckoned to her from beyond the confines of her flower shop.
Intrigued by Buggy's words, the woman—whose name was Lily—listened intently, her eyes shining with newfound excitement. As Buggy outlined his proposal, Lily felt a surge of anticipation coursing through her veins.
"And so, I find myself in need of someone with your talents to join me on this grand adventure," Buggy concluded, his eyes alight with enthusiasm.
Lily hesitated for a moment, torn between the safety of her familiar life and the allure of Buggy's promises. But in the end, the call of adventure proved too strong to resist.
"I'll do it," she declared, determination flashing in her eyes. "I'll join you on your journey."
With Lily by his side, Buggy felt a renewed sense of purpose. Together, they would embark on a new chapter of their lives, filled with excitement, danger, and the promise of untold treasures.
Returning to Dadan's hut with Lily, Buggy introduced her as Ace's new caretaker. Despite Dadan's initial skepticism, she begrudgingly accepted Lily into their midst, recognizing the necessity of having someone to care for the infant.
Relieved to have found a solution to his predicament, Buggy entrusted Ace into Lily's capable hands, confident that she would provide the care and attention the child needed.
With Ace's well-being secured, Buggy set his sights on his next adventure, eager to continue his journey through the tumultuous seas of piracy.
As he bid farewell to Dadan and her bandits, Buggy couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the role he had played in ensuring Ace's safety. With Lily at his side and a crew of misfits waiting to be assembled, he knew that the real adventure was only just beginning.
With a final wave to Dadan and her bandits, Buggy turned his back on Dadan's hut and set off into the horizon, his laughter echoing through the forest as he embarked on the next chapter of his pirate journey.