In the East Blue, in the majestic ocean, the Going Merry sailed through the waves, heading toward Reverse Mountain.
Ron's destination was the Grand Line.
On the deck, Ron lay on a recliner, reading the newspaper. Next to him, Kaya focused on a medical book, her white-pink face displaying earnest concentration.
Despite Ron appearing to read the newspaper, his mind wasn't really in it.
"We're heading for the Reverse Mountain, but...," Ron suddenly glanced at Nami who was observing the sea and checking the weather not far away. "First, I should help Nami resolve her family's matter; otherwise, she won't truly be at ease."
"And... Nami's sister, Nojiko, is also a good girl. Maybe we can take her with us!" Ron stroked his chin in thought. "Nojiko is a cute girl, while Nami is just different. It's something to consider!"
"I need to think about it... Are there any more adorable girls in the East Blue waiting for me to save?" Ron pondered, his face expressing determination. "Ah, for the sake of saving the girls, I've truly sacrificed a lot!"
"Oh, and Makino... The last time I went to the Windmill Village, I only thought about learning skills. I didn't even think about saving that gentle and beautiful girl; I was truly foolish!" A smile formed on Ron's lips as he resolved that Makino would also join the Sword and Rose Pirates.
But how to convince Makino to join?
Should he still resort to directly kidnapping people?
Windmill Village was different from other places; red-haired Shanks and Makino knew each other, and Luffy lived there. If he forcibly took Makino, would it cause dissatisfaction among the Red-Haired Pirates?
Nevertheless, with his current strength, Ron wasn't afraid of going against the Red-Haired Pirates.
Get Makino first!
Ron made up his mind, feeling no different from a bandit now.
"And Alvida... Oh, but Alvida hasn't eaten the Slip-Slip Fruit yet, that appearance... Forget it for now; we'll discuss it later!" Ron thought for a moment, then made a decision. He looked up at Tashigi and Nami and shouted, "Let's not go to Reverse Mountain yet. We'll stop by Windmill Village first!"
"Windmill Village?" Tashigi looked at Ron with doubt. "Why take a detour to Windmill Village? Our supplies are enough to go straight to the Reverse Mountain!"
"I'm the captain, I'll decide where to go!" Ron asserted. "There's a reason we are going to Windmill Village. There's someone waiting for me there, and I need to rescue her!"
"Save people?"
Tashigi and Nami were stunned, but seeing Ron's serious expression, they refrained from further questions.
"Brother Ron is a divine doctor!" Kaya chimed in. "Since Brother Ron is planning to go to the Windmill Village, there must be someone sick there, right?"
"Hmmm!" Ron raised an eyebrow and replied, "Yes, so I'm going to save people! Even if it means taking a detour, saving lives is worth it."
"Brother Ron is so kind!" Kaya gazed at Ron with starry eyes, expressing admiration.
Ron smiled and acknowledged Kaya's admiration. He patted Kaya's head and said, "With your recent progress, it won't be long before you can heal the sick on your own!"
"Really?" Kaya exclaimed in surprise. "Can I really heal patients soon?"
"Of course. Don't forget who your teacher is. Under my careful guidance and teachings, it's natural for you to make such great progress!" Ron confidently stated, unaware of the skeptical gazes from Tashigi and Nami nearby. While they knew Kaya worked hard, they couldn't help but feel that Ron's self-praise was a bit exaggerated, given his penchant for lounging around reading newspapers and snacking.
The Going Merry turned its bow towards Windmill Village, following Ron's order. After Windmill Village, they would head to Cocoyasi Village, Nami's hometown, to deal with Arlong and his crew. Ron intended to surprise Nami with this news, hoping to move her to tears and, perhaps...
However, Nami suddenly exclaimed, "Not good!"
"What's wrong?" Ron, Tashigi, and Kaya all looked up.
Nami pointed to the sea up ahead. "There's a navy warship!"
"Oh?" Ron stood up and observed the approaching navy warship with a flying seagull flag.
"There seems to be salvation!"
"Tashigi!" Ron noticed Tashigi's changing expression. "Don't tell me you think this warship is coming to rescue you?"
"Oh... No, of course not!" Tashigi waved her hand awkwardly.
Bang, bang, bang...
The warship ahead, upon spotting the Going Merry and the pirate flag, immediately fired at them without hesitation.
"It started so quickly!" Ron raised an eyebrow, somewhat annoyed. "Disturbing my peace, and obstructing my view!"
Swish!
A blade of light flashed as Ron swung his sword, slicing through the air. The naval warship was instantly cut in half and sank into the sea. Fortunately, it was a wooden warship, and some of the wreckage floated on the water. The navy soldiers who fell into the sea clung to the remains of the ship, watching the Going Merry sail away.
On the Going Merry's deck, Tashigi, Nami, and Kaya stared at Ron in shock and horror as he calmly sheathed his sword. They were left speechless by the unexpected display of power.