After Arlong's gang invaded, the villagers of Cocoyasi Village finally realized that even in the seemingly peaceful East Blue, they couldn't avoid pirate attacks.
So, taking this opportunity, Ryuen decisively suggested Bellemere to arm the young people in the village and train them together.
Now, with enough Berries to support them, these young people only needed to spend half a day each day in training.
This way, if pirates invaded again, the villagers would have some ability to fight back.
Ryuen's suggestion was immediately accepted by all the villagers of Cocoyasi Village.
So, on the third day after the incident, the Cocoyasi Village Guard was officially established under Bellemere's leadership and with the active cooperation of the village chief!
This new guard carried the hopes of the entire village, tasked with protecting their home and loved ones.
In the following days, the guards would undergo strict and systematic training to continuously improve their strength and combat skills, ensuring the peace and safety of Cocoyasi Village.
Time passed day by day, and in the blink of an eye, six months had gone by.
During these six months, Ryuen had been training his body and practicing Haki, and he had successfully learned Observation Haki.
This made Ryuen very happy, as he was only eleven years old!
But it was thanks to Captain Hobart's training notes that Ryuen learned Observation Haki so quickly. Ryuen was very grateful to Captain Hobart; he was truly a good person!
However, he still had no clue about Armament Haki, as it required a certain level of physical strength to awaken. This was why Ryuen focused on training his body, as Armament Haki was the most direct way to deal with Devil Fruit users!
In the training room, Nojiko was practicing sword swings with Ryuen's Sandai Kitetsu.
This happened almost two months ago. According to legend, the Sandai Kitetsu is a cursed sword that Nojiko shouldn't be able to tame. But now, the fact is right in front of us—Nojiko can easily use the Sandai Kitetsu. This is unbelievable, Ryuen thought.
Hearing a noise outside the training room, Ryuen put down his weights, which hit the ground with a loud bang. Nojiko also stopped swinging her sword and looked at Ryuen.
"Ryuen, Nojiko, Captain Gulachi is about to set sail. He's transporting some important goods this time and hopes we can go along to protect him. What do you think?" Nami burst into the training room and said urgently.
Ryuen frowned slightly after hearing this. "He needs us to protect him? Where is Captain Gulachi going? Did he tell you?"
"Yes, Captain Gulachi told me. He's going to the waters near Clover Island!
The newspaper said there's a fierce pirate crew there that attacks passing merchant ships. Captain Gulachi is worried about this, so he asked us to go with him." Little Nami's eyes sparkled with anticipation, hoping Ryuen would agree.
Seeing this, Ryuen and Nojiko exchanged helpless glances. They understood that Nami must have received some benefits from Captain Gulachi again!
"Alright, we'll go. By the way, when are Captain Gulachi and his crew setting off?" Ryuen asked, a bit annoyed.
If it's near Clover Island, that's close to Foosha Village. I wonder if Captain Gulachi will pass by there. It's also near Shimotsuki Village. Maybe we'll have a chance to see the legendary figure hiding in East Blue, Ryuen thought.
"Hehe, tomorrow, early in the morning. Ryuen, Nojiko, don't forget!" Little Nami giggled and left the training room.
In the past six months, Nami had done this more than once. Each time, she would first collect payment from Captain Gulachi and then drag Ryuen and Nojiko along as labor, while she earned the Berries with peace of mind.
Nami is really something~
Ryuen and Nojiko could only go along with Nami, as she was their little sister.
Besides, going out to sea with the merchant ship wasn't without its benefits. They gained a lot of experience in fighting enemies. The next morning, the three kids said goodbye to Bellemere and hurried to the port to set sail with Captain Gulachi again.
"Hehe... Ryuen, we'll need your help again this time!" Captain Gulachi looked at Ryuen with a big smile, his flattering expression making it seem like Ryuen was the leader of the three kids.
But in fact, that was true.
After Arlong's gang invaded six months ago, Captain Gulachi had fainted. But when he woke up and heard the villagers' stories, he firmly believed that it was Ryuen who saved them from the pirates!
However, he didn't say this out loud and strictly ordered his crew not to mention it. So, until now, not many people knew that Ryuen's Devil Fruit ability was a fiery phoenix!
Ryuen waved his hand casually and said, "Don't worry, Captain Gulachi. We'll take care of the safety of this voyage!"
"That's right! Leave it to us!" Nami proudly patted her not-so-full chest. Nojiko was quiet, just looking at Ryuen and Nami with gentle eyes.
"Hahaha!"
"You're so reliable, truly the Three Musketeers of Cocoyasi Village!"
"Yes, yes, really reliable..."
On the small merchant ship, the sailors praised the three kids. They were now completely convinced by Ryuen, Nami, and Nojiko.
Two Devil Fruit users and one who, despite not having Devil Fruit abilities, could take on four or five adults. They had to be impressed!
Nami gradually lost herself in the constant praise. Nojiko, as usual, went to the cabin to rest, while Ryuen jumped to the lookout on the mast to continue training his Observation Haki.
Captain Gulachi, seeing that everyone was ready, immediately ordered the ship to set sail for the Clover Island area.
Bellemere watched the merchant ship depart. Over the past six months, her worries had gradually lessened, as every time they went to sea, they had 'adults' with them, which eased her concerns.
"What are you all doing? Keep training!" Bellemere shouted when she saw the guard team stopping along with her.
"Yes, Captain!"
The guards immediately responded enthusiastically and resumed their weighted running.
Bellemere was very satisfied with these young guards, feeling like she was back in her days in the Marines.
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