In the evening, Uchiha Chiga's palace bustled with warmth and laughter, especially with the arrival of Conis and Yamato.

At first, Conis was reserved, almost timid in the new surroundings. But under Yamato's lively guidance, her shyness slowly melted away. Eventually, she even picked up her harp and performed a piece so beautiful that the entire hall fell silent in awe.

Gion's eyes widened in surprise. As Conis's instructor, she had never once heard the girl play. Elbowing Chiga lightly, she teased,

"This is thanks to you. I never imagined Conis had this talent."

Chiga smiled calmly.

"The first time I met her, she was playing this exact piece. Her gift in music is undeniable."

"Then," Gion tilted her head with a playful look, "will you still make her join training?"

"That depends on her decision," Chiga replied simply.

"Hm, if you ask me," Gion leaned closer and winked, "she's better off staying here. This palace is far too big anyway."

Before Chiga could reply, Conis finished her performance. The applause that followed was thunderous, led by Yamato, who clapped with such enthusiasm that Conis turned red with embarrassment.

Conis approached Chiga, bowed politely, and said softly,

"Chiga-san, it's getting late. I should return…"

Gion gave Chiga a playful nudge, expecting him to act differently, but he only nodded.

"Alright, then you should head back."

A faint flicker of disappointment passed through Conis's eyes, though her heart was still full. Just being here, among people like Kalifa and Yamato, was already more than she could have asked for.

As she prepared to leave, Yamato suddenly jumped up and shouted,

"Then I'll see you out! That performance was amazing, I loved it!"

But Yamato had clearly overindulged in sake. Her cheeks were flushed, her body slumped into Kalifa's arms, her arms waving without coordination.

Kalifa pinched Yamato's cheek affectionately.

"Forget it. You've had too much to drink tonight."

Then she turned to Chiga, but before she could say a word, he raised his hand.

"Don't worry, I'll take Conis back myself. I can't let her go alone at this hour."

Conis blinked in shock. She hadn't expected this. Her cheeks warmed, and for a moment she could only follow Chiga blankly, as if in a dream.

Unlike before, Chiga didn't use his abilities to teleport her. Instead, he chose to walk side by side with her at an unhurried pace until they reached the dormitory entrance.

It was bath time for the students, and when they spotted Chiga and Conis together through the windows, their toothbrushes clattered to the ground. Within seconds, a chorus of screams erupted.

Conis nearly buried her face in her chest from embarrassment, but Chiga's expression remained calm. To him, this was nothing—he had faced battles that shook entire worlds. What was a little gossip compared to that?

Smiling gently, he said,

"Alright, I'll see you off here. I'm not allowed any further inside."

But Conis, gathering her courage, whispered,

"Actually, Chiga-san, if you wanted to, no one would dare stop you."

She chuckled nervously, and he raised a brow.

"Oh? Would you not stop me either?"

Her gaze lifted, and for once she met his eyes with unshaken sincerity.

"No."

"And why not?"

"Because, Chiga-san, you are the King who saved the world. This world belongs to you by right."

Chiga sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Why does that sound uncomfortably similar to how the Celestial Dragons think?"

"No!" Conis's voice grew firm, her small fists clenched. "They are nothing like you! They're corrupt and cruel, while you're the one who gave people hope."

She leaned closer, her voice lowering as if sharing a secret.

"It's not just me. Everyone says the same. Even Kalifa often publishes words of admiration in the newspapers."

Chiga chuckled softly.

"Kalifa, huh? Just as I expected."

After walking her safely back, he returned to the palace and sought Kalifa.

She shrugged lightly when he mentioned it.

"Boss, isn't this better for stability? A unified belief among the people makes the world steadier."

"You've done well," Chiga admitted with a smile. "You've always known how to wield public opinion."

"As long as you're satisfied, Boss~" Kalifa replied with her usual teasing lilt.

…

Meanwhile, far away in the East Blue, Windmill Village stood quietly beneath the setting sun. Today was the day Luffy set out to sea.

Only Dadan and Makino came to see him off. The rest of the villagers stayed away, unable to understand why Luffy still clung to his dream of piracy when the age of pirates had long since faded.

Even Dragon, his father, had returned several times over the years. Yet despite his efforts, he had been unable to sway Luffy's resolve. In the end, he could only respect his son's decision, even if it pained him.

At the shore, Luffy smiled at Makino and Dadan as he prepared his small boat.

"Makino-san, Dadan, this is far enough."

Dadan patted his shoulder roughly. "Just… make it back alive, you brat."

Makino, however, tried one last time.

"Luffy, the seas aren't what they used to be. Wouldn't it be wiser to join the Navy instead?"

Luffy shook his head firmly, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"No. Becoming the Pirate King has always been my dream, and I won't give it up. Besides, I have to rescue Shanks!"

"But Shanks was captured by Admiral Purple Kirin. You can't possibly face him!" Makino protested.

"Don't say anymore, Makino-san. I've already decided. And I'm not as weak as before!"

A sudden shift swept over him. His hair stirred without wind, and faint bands of white smoke curled from his body. His aura sharpened, carrying the weight of his determination.

Makino's heart sank. This wasn't the carefree boy she had once known. His new aura felt different—distant, unsettling.

But it didn't last long. The smoke dissipated, and Luffy exhaled slowly, his body relaxing. Without another word, he leapt onto his boat and began to row away.

Neither Makino nor Dadan called after him. They could only watch in silence as his figure grew smaller, sailing toward a future only he could claim.

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