In Cococcia Village, many villagers were watching the submarine that had appeared at the harbor in the middle of the night.
No one knew how the ship had arrived at this hour, but now everyone knew it was the ship belonging to Ryuen and the other six kids.
And everyone also knew that these seven kids were about to set sail!
Currently, Bellemere was leading the guard team to keep an eye on the ship. It looked like a smaller military ship, but it was much more comfortable and good-looking than a regular warship.
"Bellemere, why are Ryuen and the others taking a ship this time? Didn't they always travel by the big black eagle before?" a villager asked, puzzled.
For the past six years, it wasn't a secret that Ryuen and the others often sailed on the big black eagle.
But now, suddenly, a ship had appeared, which seemed a little odd. The black eagle was so fast and majestic, why change to a ship?
"This time, they're really going to sea~~~" Bellemere said with reluctance.
"Bellemere, they've gone to sea before, so don't worry~~~"
"That's right, Bellemere. It's not their first time at sea. With their strength, they can handle any challenge!"
"Exactly, the seven of them are really strong~~~"
Seeing Bellemere's mood shift, the villagers hurried to comfort her.
"No, this time, they're really going to sea, heading for the Grand Line!" Bellemere said seriously.
"What?"
"Heading to the Grand Line?"
"Oh no! The Grand Line is so dangerous! Why would they want to go there?"
The villagers were puzzled. Ever since the Great Pirate Era began, tales of the Grand Line's dangers had become common knowledge.
Although the villagers of Cocoyashi Village knew Ryuen and his six companions were strong, they still weren't confident about their chances of surviving the Grand Line.
Bellemere didn't respond them
From what she understood, with Ryuen, Nami, and the others' abilities, going to the Grand Line shouldn't pose much of a risk.
But that wasn't what worried her. Their journey out to sea meant they would have to make a decision about Vice Admiral Garp's invitation from years ago.
That was the real reason Bellemere was concerned.
As the villagers debated at the harbor, a massive black eagle slowly descended from the sky.
"Look! Ryuen and the others are back!" a sharp-eyed villager suddenly pointed to the distant sky and shouted.
Hearing this, the other villagers looked up eagerly, their faces lighting up with joy.
"Wow! They managed to tame such a huge bird!"
"I've always known Ryuen and the others were special. Looks like I was right!"
"What?"
"Are you saying Ryuen and the others aren't human?"
"Idiot! I didn't mean it like that!" The villager quickly retorted, "I'm just saying they're amazing."
"Hahaha!"
The crowd at the harbor burst into laughter, the atmosphere lively and warm.
"Everyone! Bellemere! We're back!"
Before the giant black eagle even landed, a few women were already eagerly shouting down to the villagers below.
The villagers waved back enthusiastically, welcoming them home.
The black eagle touched down, and after exchanging a few words with Bellemere, the seven of them boarded the ship docked at the harbor.
"Whoa!"
"This ship is incredible! It seems that guy didn't let us down!" Kuina exclaimed excitedly as she looked at the ship.
"It's really impressive. A medium-to-large three-masted sailing ship with the propulsion of a Marine warship. Even I couldn't build something like this right now," Hog remarked seriously after inspecting the ship.
"This lawn looks great too. Oh, Ryuen, I want to transplant some orange trees onto the ship!" Nami remembered something..
"Sure, sure, do whatever you like. After all, this ship belongs to all of us now."
After exploring their new ship, the seven of them returned to the shore.
"Ryuen, Bellemere said you're planning to sail to the Grand Line. Is that true?"
"Yeah, Ryuen, is it true?"
"I'm telling you, it's really dangerous there! Why are you going?"
The villagers suddenly brought up the question. Seeing the worry on their faces, Ryuen felt deeply moved.
"Everyone!" Ryuen stood on a high spot, calling out loudly to the villagers below.
"We have to go to the Grand Line! It's our dream!"
"Don't worry, though. Don't you all know how strong the seven of us are?" he said confidently, his eyes shining brightly. He believed they were more than capable of facing any challenge.
"Just stay here in Cocoyashi Village and wait to see our names in the headlines!" he continued, his voice full of determination.
"That's right! Just wait and see!"
"Before long, our reputation will echo across the seas!" Kuina added, her clear and powerful voice filled with excitement for the future.
The other five wore resolute expressions as well.
The seven of them were thrilled. After all these years, they were finally adults, ready to take on the Grand Line!
"Then, let's start a celebration! A big celebration, one that everyone in Cocoyasi Village can join!" Ryuen announced, hoping for a joyous event to mark their upcoming journey.
"Yeah!! Party, party!!"
"Everyone, let's get moving!"
The villagers cheered excitedly, their voices filling the entire village. They quickly started preparing for the big celebration.
Nami pulled out heaps of food from another dimension—fruit, bread, cheese, and more. She also brought out fine wine and even some sea king meat that no one had tasted before.
Just looking at the food made everyone's mouths water.
The whole village of Cocoyasi was soon buzzing with laughter and joy. Faces glowed with happiness and anticipation, as if all worries and tiredness had been forgotten.
The small village was about to throw a grand farewell for the seven brave souls setting off for the Grand Line.
"Everyone!" Ryuen raised his glass and shouted, "Cheers!"
"Cheers!" Everyone responded, clinking glasses with a clear ring.
"Cheers!!!" Countless glasses clashed, creating a thunderous sound.
The villagers drank heartily, soaking in this rare moment of pure happiness.
With their most heartfelt blessings, they wished Ryuen and the others a successful journey on the Grand Line and the fulfillment of their dreams.
In this night filled with warmth and joy, Cocoyasi Village would forever remember this moment.
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