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The sun sets in the west, marking dusk.
Soft orange light bathes the Windmill Village, adding a touch of haze to the houses and streets.
A refreshing sea breeze from the ocean gently turns the village's giant windmill.
Free from the sporadic invasions of the Higuma pirates, even the air in Windmill Village feels milder, carrying a tranquil and comforting aroma.
Inside Zyhark's restaurant.
"Zyhark-sama, do we know how much bounty we've secured this time after subduing the Higuma pirates?"
Aqua, with her plump face, bounces to Zyhark's side, her voice softer and more melodic than usual. She had been busy eating when Zyhark was negotiating the bounty with the sea merchants and was unaware of the exact amount.
However, the scene of Zyhark stuffing bags with belly after belly had not escaped her notice.
"After deducting various expenses, we're left with about seven million belly."
Zyhark secures the counted bounty, comfortably sitting in his usual spot at the restaurant's counter.
Hearing this, Aqua's clear yet foolish eyes instantly brighten.
Living in Windmill Village, she has come to understand the value of money in the pirate world, realizing just how much liquor this bounty could buy.
Based on the pricing at the wishing well, seven million belly could buy her twice over with some to spare!
"That's great! I heard Makino's tavern has several new delicious wines. Let's buy them all later!"
When it comes to wine, Aqua, a seasoned drinker, has no resistance.
This also explains her sudden, um, flattering attitude toward Zyhark.
"No, we'll soon set sail, and we need to save this money for recruiting new crew members."
Zyhark refuses without hesitation.
Upon hearing this, Aqua changes her expression, hands on her hips, assertively saying, "That's not fair! I put in a lot of effort against Higuma. I deserve at least half the bounty!"
"Thank you for your effort, which prevented me from defeating Higuma in the cleanest way possible."
"Thank you for your effort, which ruined my new flintlock."
"Thank you for your effort, now I have to compensate for the reconstruction of the village's docking platform."
Listening to Zyhark's soulful triple thanks, Aqua's defiance gradually fades, her eyes dodging guiltily.
"Still, I played a role!"
Aqua tries to argue further but, seeing Zyhark's unmoved expression and thinking of Makino's delicious wines, she throws her goddess dignity aside without hesitation.
She pounces over, hugging Zyhark's legs, pleading with a teary voice:
"Zyhark-sama, please share some bounty with me. If we're late, all the good wine will be gone! I promise, I'll work harder at cleaning the toilets to repay your kindness!"
Anticipating such shameless behavior from the goddess, Zyhark leisurely sips his tea, stretching lazily.
"Strange, maybe it's an aftermath of fighting Higuma, but my shoulders feel a bit sore."
This character takes pride too easily and cannot be compromised with lightly.
"At your service!"
Aqua's eyes flicker, quickly standing up to massage Zyhark's shoulders.
"It's so hot, even though the sun is almost down."
"Please command Aqua!"
Aqua pulls out two folding fans like magic, alternating between fanning and massaging with great effort.
Enjoying his tea, the soft touches on his shoulders, and the cool breeze on his face, Zyhark feels extremely comfortable.
Minutes later, seeing it's about time, he turns to a smiling Aqua, giving her a nod of approval.
"Pick whatever you want from Makino's tavern, just tell Makino I'll pay for it."
"Understood! Zyhark-sama!"
Overjoyed, Aqua retreats to the spacious area of the restaurant's hall, volunteering a special performance of fan-spraying water as a thank you to the generous Zyhark-sama.
After her performance, she dashes out of the restaurant, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
Zyhark watches, speechless, as his tables, chairs, and restaurant floor get soaked, imagining a thousand Squirtles stampeding through his mind.
This foolish goddess...
Soon, the sound of clinking wine bottles comes from outside.
Zyhark, still enjoying his tea, looks up to see two large boxes with fair legs walking in.
"Zyhark, I've talked to Makino, she agreed to cover everything at a 20% discount!"
Aqua, with her long blue hair flowing naturally, peeks out from behind a box, her face beaming with joy.
"Let's store them in the warehouse behind the restaurant for now. I'll go and settle the bill with Makino."
Unexpectedly, Zyhark doesn't seem too distressed about the financial loss, standing up to pass Aqua, heading out.
His calm demeanor surprises even Aqua, holding the boxes, causing her to glance back twice.
With plans for the wine already in mind, Zyhark crosses the street, exchanging casual greetings with passing villagers, until he reaches Makino's tavern.
Pushing open the wooden door, he's greeted by a fresh, clean aroma - a stark contrast to the filthy inns filled with foul smells.
"Makino, Aqua just took two boxes of drinks from here, right?"
Familiar with the place, Zyhark casually finds a spot near the counter to sit.
"Yes, she said she wanted to buy all the drinks."
Makino, slightly concerned, recalls Aqua's manic laughter and says worriedly, "She seemed in a weird state, so I didn't refuse her request and agreed to a 20% discount for taking all the drinks."
As Makino serves a juice, Zyhark realizes Aqua's discount was her own idea.
"Seems like that fool decided on the discount herself..."
Zyhark's lips twitch, sipping his juice, "That's just her impulsive nature. Sorry for the trouble."
"It's fine, the tavern's business has been good thanks to you."
Makino maintains her composed, gentle tone, "Since it was going to be stored at your place anyway, we can settle the money after it sells."
"You might not know, but that drunkard plans to keep all the wine for herself, with no intention to sell..."
Zyhark silently complains, then presents the prepared belly.
"Truthfully, we don't plan to sell those wines in the shop, so I'll just buy them at full price."
Noticing Makino's concern, he adds, "Don't worry about the money. I earned a decent bounty from defeating Higuma."
Zyhark's heroics against Higuma have made him a village legend.
Makino relaxes, no longer worried about Zyhark's financial situation.
"Then, thanks for your patronage, Zyhark-san. As for the price, let's stick to what Aqua said and do a 20% discount."
A significant purchase like this usually gets a discount, and their good relationship justifies this deal.
"No need, how much is the original price?"
Zyhark insists.
"If you're going to be like that, then I might not sell at all."
Makino gestures a refusal with crossed fingers.
"Then, as you wish."
Zyhark nods, extending his hand for a handshake, "Pleasure doing business."
"Pleasure doing business..."
Makino, still pondering the discount, finds herself slightly confused by Zyhark's quick agreement.
The wine, discounted by Aqua, ends up costing 800,000 belly, nearly half a year's revenue for the restaurant.
Zyhark can't help but think how spending money is much easier than earning it.
:I heard from the carpenters that Aqua and you will be leaving the village to set sail soon?"
After settling the bill, a curious Makino finally asks.
"Yes, if all goes as planned, we'll be departing in a few days," Zyhark confirms.
Following his suggestions, the carpenters and shipbuilders have nearly finished the spacious sailboat, needing only a few more additions before it's seaworthy.
Then, Zyhark's journey to the vast and turbulent world will begin!
"The sea, truly a place full of endless allure."
Makino murmurs softly, her gaze lowering, seeming a bit melancholic, "Shanks and his crew will also set sail soon, heading for that legendary New World."
Speaking of Shanks, Zyhark suddenly remembers Luffy.
"By the way, why haven't I seen that brat Luffy around these days?"
Luffy used to frequent the restaurant daily, freeloading, and his visits became even more frequent after Aqua's arrival.
However, since the incident where Shanks lost his arm on the beach, Luffy has been hard to find.
"Luffy?"
Makino looks surprised, gesturing towards a secluded corner of the tavern.
Zyhark looks and realizes Luffy has been lying there like a wilted cabbage all this time!
"It seems the incident with Shanks has left a deep impact on him. He's been listless lately."
Makino sighs softly, looking at Luffy, "He won't listen to anything Shanks or I say. It might take some time for him to recover."
"Is that so?"
Zyhark contemplates, finishing his juice, "He just lacks the courage to move forward. Let me try."
With that, he stands and walks towards Luffy.
Ten minutes later.
"I'm starving! Zyhark, I want ten bowls of egg fried rice!!"
Luffy's familiar loud voice returns, full of energy as he jumps down and dashes out of the tavern towards the restaurant opposite.
"If you have the money, you can eat as much as you want," Zyhark shouts after the retreating figure.
But Luffy disappears in a flash.
"When I become the Pirate King, I'll surely settle the bill!"
His youthful voice fades with the swinging wooden door.
"What did you talk to him about?" Makino stands there, incredulous.
Out of respect, she hadn't eavesdropped on Zyhark and Luffy's conversation.
"Nothing much, just a tale of a young man gathering friends to chase his dreams."
Zyhark smiles, waving off Makino's puzzled look.
"As you can see, I have a customer. I'll be taking my leave now."
…
In the days leading up to the sailboat's completion, Zyhark prepares for the journey, including gathering sea charts, a compass, medical supplies, and daily necessities.
He also seeks advice from the Red Hair Pirates' officers on Haki, engaging in several sparring sessions to solidify his understanding of Observation and Armament Haki.
These sessions help Zyhark progress rapidly, mastering the basics of Haki, all for the price of a few free meals - a negligible cost.
Aqua, too, keeps busy, promoting her religion among the village's kind-hearted residents. With Zyhark's good reputation in the village, the villagers willingly play along, becoming followers of the Water Goddess.
Despite the chaos and trouble Aqua and Luffy often bring to the restaurant, they invariably end up humbly apologizing under Zyhark's loving discipline.
Time flies amidst these lively days.
Finally, on a sunny afternoon, the carpenters bring good news: Zyhark and Aqua's adventure-ready sailboat is complete!
Everything is set for departure.
The night before leaving, Zyhark decides to throw a lively farewell party, thanking the villagers for their kindness, the Red Hair Pirates for their Haki guidance, and bidding farewell to a year of challenging life.
The news of Restaurant Owner Zyhark's imminent departure spreads throughout Windmill Village.
Luffy, Makino, the village chief, the carpenters, sea merchants, and everyone close to Zyhark attend, bringing gifts of vegetables and meat from their farms (Luffy brings just his appetite).
The Red Hair Pirates, including Shanks, also join, eager not to miss a fun pirate party.
As night falls and the bonfire lights up, the pirates sing Binks' Sake, and the beachside party begins!
Meanwhile, Zyhark finds solitude away from the bonfire, staring into the dark sea with a serious gaze.
Shanks, more laid-back, sits cross-legged nearby, beer in hand.
"How about it, Zyhark? My offer isn't too bad, right?"
Shanks leans in, his gaze filled with excitement and anticipation, "Join my crew, and let's turn the world upside down together!"
Impressed by Zyhark's strategy against Higuma and his willingness to protect his crew, Shanks hopes to recruit him before he sets sail.
Now a renowned crew in the New World, the Red Hair Pirates see great potential in Zyhark.
"Sorry, Shanks. I don't plan on becoming a pirate right now."
Zyhark naturally refuses.
He may be a novice in strength but harbors grand ambitions to conquer the pinnacle of this era of might.
"That's a pity."
Shanks sighs, visibly disappointed, but respects Zyhark's resolve, raising his cup instead.
"If you're not aiming to be a pirate or join the navy, what identity will you assume at sea? An adventurer or a traveler?"
Zyhark clinks his cup with Shanks', taking a long sip before replying, "Shanks, have you forgotten what I do?"
Shanks wipes his mouth, guessing, "Want to run a floating restaurant?"
"Close enough. Without supplies at sea, food and drinks can fetch a pretty price."
Indeed, Zyhark's decision to open a floating restaurant is a well-considered plan:
He has experience running a restaurant, allowing him to earn while exploring, maximizing profits without the hassle of being targeted by the navy or pirate hunters.
Most importantly, he's aware of the high number of pirates at sea.
"Doing business with pirates, notorious for dining and dashing, could be risky. You might end up losing more than you gain!"
Shanks expresses concern, but Zyhark's smile only widens, revealing his true intention.
"To be honest, my decision to start a floating restaurant is precisely because I want to do business with those who plan to dine and dash!"
(End of Chapter)