Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
After what felt like an eternity, Bai Ye's eyes flickered open, brimming with thrill and a sense of accomplishment. He had managed to erase the imprint left by the original creator of this mysterious space. "Now it's time to reap the rewards," Bai Ye murmured to himself with a grin, "and perhaps it's also time to eject some unwelcome guests."
With that thought, Bai Ye took a decisive step and, in the blink of an eye, vanished from sight. Meanwhile, the Straw Hats were witnessing the gradual destruction of the Rainbow Tower. Unbeknownst to them, during Bai Ye's absence, Wetton had used Henzo's invention to penetrate the rainbow mist and established a pathway, transforming the once majestic tower into a functional bridge between Ruluka Island and the mist.
Inside the mist, Henzo had reunited with the Pumpkin Pirates, and together, they were seeking a way to escape the ensnaring mist. In the meantime, the defeated Wetton and his crew, fueled by vengeance against the Straw Hats, decided to sabotage the bridge—blowing up the Rainbow Tower, aiming to seal Luffy and the rest within the mist forever.
As the tower crumbled with a thunderous rumble, the gateway connecting the two realms teetered on the brink of closure, threatening to isolate everyone inside the rainbow mist permanently.
At this critical juncture, the urgency to escape the encroaching danger was clear. However, the Pumpkin Pirates observed, to their dismay, that the crew aboard the Golden Merry made no move to depart. Distressed, Rapanui, the leader of the Pumpkin Pirates, with his short blond hair, called out, "Hey! Why aren't you setting sail?" He continued, his voice laden with concern, "If you don't leave now, you might be trapped here forever."
Luffy, unfazed and wearing a reassuring smile, replied to the anxious Rapanui, "We're waiting for a member of our crew. He's not back yet, and we won't leave without him." Another Pumpkin Pirate, a girl with short purple hair, chimed in with disbelief, "Are you really going to risk everyone for just one person?" Before she could press further, she realized that every member of the Straw Hats seemed resolute in their decision to wait.
Even Rapanui, who greatly admired loyalty, was momentarily taken aback by their unwavering commitment. He murmured, puzzled and impressed, "Who is this deputy captain you all wait for so loyally?"
As if on cue, a voice interrupted from behind, "Although it might be sudden for introductions..." Bai Ye appeared as if out of nowhere, calmly stating, "My name is Bai Ye, the vice-captain you're asking about." As Rapanui and the others turned to see the source of the voice, they were met with Bai Ye's serene smile.
Luffy greeted his return with open arms, "You're finally back, Bai Ye." Nami, too, expressed relief and readiness to get moving, instructing, "Zoro, lower the sails; Usopp, take the helm...".
Before Nami could finish her directives, Bai Ye interjected with a serene yet confident demeanor, "Don't bother, Nami." Internally, he was plotting a bit of a show, thinking to himself about impressing everyone with a dramatic reveal. He confidently assured the crew, "I've devised numerous methods for us to exit the rainbow mist. We can leave whenever we choose."
Nami calmly plucked a few oranges with her weather stick and tossed them towards Bai Ye, accepting his claim, "If that's the case, then we're all set." The rest of the Straw Hats, much like Nami, displayed complete faith in Bai Ye's assertion, not doubting him for a second. This was remarkable, given that the rainbow mist was notorious as a graveyard for pirates, from which no one had previously returned.
Observing the crew's unwavering trust, Luffy couldn't help but laugh with pride, "Bai Ye is incredible, hehe." Bai Ye, after enjoying an orange, reassured everyone once again, "Don't worry, I indeed have the means to lead us all out."
He then turned his attention to the Pumpkin Pirates, squatting down to their level and speaking gently, "Now, I want to know what you prefer. Would you like to leave with us, or would you choose to return to fifty years ago?"
The proposal stunned not only Rapanui and his crew but also Henzo, who was visibly shocked. "You can send them back fifty years?" he asked incredulously. Bai Ye simply nodded, indicating his newfound control over the small world allowed him such capabilities. However, upon trying, he realized he couldn't send Henzo back, leading him to suspect a potential time paradox.
Being a Daoist priest, Bai Ye was somewhat familiar with the complex Dao of time. He understood the risks of a time paradox, where altering events could unravel the existing timeline. He posited that sending the Pumpkin Pirates forward might erase their existence as navy members and significantly alter the Straw Hats' past and future. Hence, he was careful to avoid such a paradox, considering all implications before any action.
As Bai Ye pondered about it, Rapanui's voice broke through the contemplation, resolute and clear, "We want to go back to fifty years ago." His eyes firmly set on Bai Ye, he continued, "It's our destiny to return. We need to save Ruluka Island ourselves." His words were echoed in the determined gazes of the other Pumpkin Pirates.
Bai Ye, understanding their resolve, stood and with a simple gesture of his right hand, prepared to fulfill their wish. "I'll see you later, everyone," he said, a hint of promise in his voice. Henzo, looking bewildered and concerned, attempted to intervene, "Rapanui..." But Usopp, reassuringly, placed a hand on his shoulder, "Didn't Bai Ye say you'll see them soon? No need to worry."
Bai Ye offered a comforting smile, "Yes, you'll see them soon." With a snap of his fingers, everyone was instantly transported back to the port of Ruluka Island. As they reoriented themselves, they noticed four warships docked in the harbor. Leading them were the familiar figures of the blond old man and the purple-haired old woman who had previously pursued the Straw Hats.
Luffy, always quick to react, exclaimed in shock, "What! Navy!" and immediately rallied the crew, "Guys, let's run." The rest of the crew exchanged knowing glances, their expressions a mix of amusement and exasperation, as if to say, "You really don't understand, do you?"
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At the port, the scene was busy with activity as soldiers took the Wetton family into custody, leading them onto a navy ship. Meanwhile, the Pumpkin Pirates, now aged and venerable, finally stood face to face with Henzo after fifty long years. Henzo, overwhelmed by the moment, couldn't hold back his tears and addressed them warmly, "Rapanui, and everyone."
Rapanui responded with a heavy heart, "I'm so sorry, Henzo. In our long journey to save this island, we had to rise within the ranks of the navy. It's been a long and hard path, and I know it's been unfair to you." He reassured Henzo with a solemn promise, "Though we wear the navy's colors, in our hearts, we are still the Pumpkin Pirates, forever your friends."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, its afterglow seemed to solemnize the deep, enduring bond shared by the group, a friendship that had lasted over five decades. Suddenly, Rapanui turned his attention to Luffy and the others, his voice taking on a more official tone, "Straw Hat Boys, I want to arrest you!!" The trio of idiots, who had been leisurely enjoying their snacks, reacted with startled exclamations, "What?!"
Rapanui continued calmly, upholding his duty, "As officers of naval justice, we can't simply overlook pirates with bounties on their heads." But then, his demeanor shifted to one of exaggerated inconvenience as he clutched his head, "Oh, what a predicament! I have to transport Wetton and his crew to headquarters now. This means the Straw Hat Pirates might just slip away."
He elaborated on the lack of resources, "We really can't spare any manpower, and even if we call for backup, it'll take days for reinforcements to arrive. If you decide to escape, there's nothing we can do to stop you!" His hints were not subtle, giving the Straw Hats a clear chance to leave.
Relieved by Rapanui's veiled invitation to escape, the trio let out sighs of relief. Luffy thanked him, "You are really a good person." Usopp rebuked jokingly, "Bastard, don't scare us like that!!" And Chopper chimed in with relief, "That's fine!!"
Amidst a blend of laughter and banter, the Straw Hat Pirates left Ruluka Island, sailing away from the navy's grasp and onward to their next target.