Chereads / One Piece: Bai Ye Deputy Captain of the Straw Hats / Chapter 165 - Chapter 165 Victory Feast

Chapter 165 - Chapter 165 Victory Feast

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

Atop Jaya Island, excitement was in the air. The monkey brothers raced toward the house, shouting joyously, "Brother!!" Before they could even reach the door, it swung open. Mont Blanc Cricket stood there, halting their excited cries with a wave of his hand, signaling for silence. He closed his eyes, immersing himself in the distant, melodious chime echoing from the sky—the beautiful ring of the golden bell.

After a lengthy, reverent pause, Cricket opened his eyes, his face breaking into a wide grin. "It really is a beautiful sound, hahahaha!!" He couldn't contain his laughter, overwhelmed with joy. "Mont Blanc Noland! You were not lying, hahahaha!!" His laughter marked the end of a 400-year-old family burden, the tale of a legend proven true at last.

The orangutans joined in the excitement, their voices loud and cheerful. "Brother!!" Their enthusiasm was palpable—they had grown up cherishing Noland's stories, and hearing the golden bell themselves was a dream come true.

Acknowledging their excitement, Cricket nodded firmly. "The preparations are nearly complete, let's set off as well." He looked up towards the sky, his voice bold and determined. "To Sky Island!!"

The monkeys responded in unison, their agreement echoing around them: "Yes! Yes!"

-----

In the bustling town square of Angel Island, the community gathered in anticipation. Gan Fall stood before them, his voice carrying across the eager crowd.

"A long time ago, when Upper Yard ascended to the skies—" he began, his words painting the history vividly, "a beautiful bell tolled across the land, marking the beginning of a long conflict between the Shandians and the Sky Islanders."

The townspeople, still reverberating from the recent peal of the golden bell, listened intently. Gan Fall's narrative connected the past to their present, sparking a light of realization in their eyes.

"That bell," Gan Fall continued, his voice steady and clear, "once signaled the start of war. Today, its sound marks the end of strife and the beginning of peace."

His words hung in the air, stirring a wave of excitement through the crowd. Gan Fall spread his arms wide, embracing the moment.

"The false god has fallen. Freedom has returned to us all!" he declared, his voice resonant. "Upper Yard is no longer a land apart but a shared home for both Sky Islanders and the Shandia—a place where together we will thrive."

He paused, looking over the faces of his people and the restrained White Berets, who were also touched by the promise of a new beginning.

"And under a new flag," Gan Fall proclaimed, his eyes alight with a visionary's fire, "the flag of our patrons—the Straw Hat Pirates!"

The square erupted in cheers, united by Gan Fall's words and the promise of a new era ushered in by the sound of the golden bell.

-----

At Conis's home on Angel Island, the atmosphere was light and cheerful. Robin, seated on the balcony with a cup of tea, noted calmly, "It seems Luffy and the others have succeeded."

Nearby, Usopp, who had been discussing the intricacies of dial technology with Pagaya, couldn't help but boast a little after hearing Robin's remark. "Took them long enough, huh? I handled those White Beret troops all by myself!" he exclaimed with a laugh, puffing up with pride.

Chopper's eyes lit up with admiration. "Wow, Usopp, that's amazing!" he cheered, clearly impressed.

Merry, also caught up in the excitement, chimed in, "That's amazing, Usopp!" This adulation only inflated Usopp's ego further.

However, Nami quickly brought him back down to earth with her usual no-nonsense attitude, landing a punch on his arm. "Alright, let's get moving then!" she declared, barely containing her excitement. "Let's head to the Golden City to... um, explore it thoroughly!"

Usopp, nursing his bruised nose, couldn't help but tease, "Nearly slipped the truth there, Nami."

Robin, overhearing the conversation, felt a spark of anticipation. The prospect of uncovering hidden history within the Golden City intrigued her, especially after Bai Ye's hints about the secrets it might hold.

Standing up to join the group, Conis offered warmly, "Let my father and I prepare some lunch for you all before you head out."

Nami, grateful and enthusiastic, responded, "Oh, thank you so much, Conis!"

Conis waved off the thanks with a gracious smile. "Please, there's no need for that. After all you've done to defeat Enel and save our island, it's we who owe you our gratitude."

Pagaya nodded in agreement, adding, "Exactly, let's at least show our thanks with a proper meal."

-----

After ringing the golden bell himself, Luffy was bursting with excitement. "Wow! It really makes a great sound!!" he exclaimed, not just thrilled by the sound of the bell, but also by the fulfillment of a promise made 400 years ago between Mont Blanc Noland and the great warrior Calgara.

Wyper, standing beside the golden bell, murmured to himself, a mix of emotions visible on his face. "Noland..." he sighed. For years, his life had revolved around the Upper Yard and this bell, and now that his lifelong quest was complete, he felt a sudden emptiness.

In that moment of reflection, a reassuring hand landed on his shoulder. It was Raki, the female warrior and his closest ally. Understanding his turmoil, she offered a mix of comfort and encouragement. "Don't lose heart, Wyper," she said with a stern yet caring tone. "Our people's new era is just beginning. There's much more to do."

Her words seemed to rekindle the fire in Wyper's eyes. With a grateful nod, he replied softly, "Thank you, Raki." He felt renewed, his resolve strengthened, no longer overwhelmed by the suddenness of his achievement.

Wyper then looked over at the bell again, where Luffy was trying to take a bite out of it, only to be restrained by Bai Ye and the others. Observing this motley crew who had helped the Shandians reclaim their homeland, Wyper's feelings were complex, yet gratitude prevailed. "Thank you, Straw Hats," he said quietly, his voice filled with sincere appreciation.

-----

After his failed attempt to savor the golden bell, Luffy turned to Sanji with a typical request, "Sanji, I'm hungry!"

Sanji responded with a pained expression, "Ha? You just devoured that entire big bird! There's nothing left."

Luffy, unbothered by Sanji's dismay and rubbing his stomach, cheerfully retorted, "Hahaha! But I'm still hungry!"

Bai Ye, witnessing the exchange with a smile, suggested, "Then let's have a picnic. Everyone's been through a lot with the battle, and they deserve a good meal. Besides, Nami and the others will be joining us soon."

Given the demands of Luffy's gear second and third, which, although quick to activate, are taxing on his energy, a mere bird was hardly enough to satisfy his hunger. With no pressing matters at hand, a picnic seemed the perfect activity.

Both the captain and his right-hand man were in agreement, so Sanji, despite his initial reluctance, prepared for a feast. Soon, Zoro and Sanji inexplicably kicked off another hunting contest reminiscent of their adventures in Little Garden, with Luffy darting into the forest in search of more food.

Bai Ye invited Wyper and his companions to join the feast, but they politely declined. With their own people waiting, they chose to return and share the news of their liberation, opting out of the picnic.

Before long, a grand bonfire was roaring atop the shrine's ruins, signaling the start of the feast. Just then, the voices of Nami and the rest of the crew could be heard approaching. The Straw Hats were reunited once more, ready to celebrate together.