Kuma's Whereabouts

On the seventh day after Ginny arrived on the island, her intelligence network finally began to take shape.

Her informants in the South Blue kept an eye on the World Government's movements, while those on the Grand Line watched for naval deployments. As for informants in the New World... she didn't have any yet. The New World was too chaotic, and no one was willing to take the risk.

"Take your time," Lin Yuan said. "There's no rush."

"I know." Ginny bit the end of her pen. "But I want to find Kuma as soon as I can."

"Any news?"

"Yes. But it's not certain." Ginny pulled a slip of paper from a pile. "Someone saw him on an island in the South Blue. But he wasn't captured. He went there himself."

"What did he go there for?"

"I don't know. The informant didn't say."

Lin Yuan was silent for a while.

"Keep watching. Let me know if you hear anything."

Ginny nodded.

Two

A few days later, Morgans called.

"Lin Yuan, I have some news that might interest you."

"Go on."

"Bartholomew Kuma is on the World Government's wanted list. The charge is 'aiding the rebels.' His bounty is 290 million."

Lin Yuan narrowed his eyes.

"Has he been caught?"

"Not yet. But he will be soon. The World Government has already sent people after him."

"When?"

"In three days. The location is the Sorbet Kingdom in the South Blue."

Lin Yuan put down the Den Den Mushi and stood up.

Ginny was sorting through the account books. She looked up at him.

"Is there news about Kuma?"

"Yes. I'm going to save him."

"Take me with you."

"No."

"Why not?"

"It's dangerous there. If you come, I'll have to split my attention to protect you."

Ginny bit her lip and said nothing.

Three

Lin Yuan set out with Kaido and Bullet.

Moria wanted to come too, but Lin Yuan refused.

"You stay here. Keep an eye on things."

"Wororororo..." Kaido laughed. "Kid, once you've trained enough, we'll take you out with us."

Moria's expression soured, but he didn't argue.

Lin Yuan raised his hand and opened a door.

"Let's go."

Four

The Sorbet Kingdom, South Blue.

Kuma stood at the entrance to a church, gazing out at the distant sea.

He wore a black coat and held a book in his hand. His expression was calm, but there was a barely perceptible trace of weariness in his eyes.

He knew the World Government was after him. He knew someone was watching him. He didn't care.

"Kuma." A voice came from behind him.

Kuma turned and saw a door open out of thin air. A young man stepped through it.

"Who are you?"

"Lin Yuan. I'm here to save you."

Kuma stared at him for a few seconds.

"I don't need saving."

"You will soon."

Lin Yuan raised his hand and opened a door in front of him. Beyond it lay the beach on Hachinosu.

"The World Government's people will arrive in three days. If you don't leave now, you won't be able to leave when they get here."

Kuma was silent for a while.

"Where's Ginny?"

"She's waiting for you on the island."

Kuma's expression changed.

"Is she safe?"

"She's safe. Safer than she would be here."

Kuma lowered his head and remained silent for a long time.

Then he raised his head and looked at Lin Yuan.

"I'll go with you."

Five

Hachinosu.

Ginny was sorting through the account books in the hall when she suddenly saw a door open and Kuma step out.

"Kuma!" Ginny threw down her pen and rushed at him.

Kuma caught her and gently patted her back.

"I'm all right."

"I thought you'd been caught! I thought I'd never see you again!"

"That won't happen. I promised you I wouldn't die."

Ginny's eyes reddened, but she didn't cry.

She turned to Lin Yuan.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it," Lin Yuan said. "From now on, he's one of us."

Ginny nodded vigorously.

"Yeah! Kuma, you can stay here from now on, and we'll work together!"

Kuma looked at Ginny's happy face, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

"All right."

Six

In the castle hall, Lin Yuan had someone prepare a room for Kuma.

Kaido leaned against the wall, looking him up and down.

"So you're the Paw-Paw Fruit user?"

"Yes."

"I hear you can send people flying thousands of miles with a slap?"

"I can."

"Wororororo... Interesting. Let's try it sometime."

Kuma glanced at him but said nothing.

Ginny stood beside Kuma, holding his sleeve.

"Kuma, don't mind him. He's just a brute."

"Who are you calling a brute?" Kaido glared.

"You."

"Why, you—!"

"That's enough." Lin Yuan raised a hand to stop them. "Kuma, get some rest. Training starts tomorrow."

"Training for what?"

"Your fruit powers. The Paw-Paw Fruit isn't just for slapping people away. It can repel anything, including pain, fatigue, and even damage."

Kuma was taken aback.

"How do you know that?"

"I just do."

Lin Yuan turned and walked away.

Ginny tugged on Kuma's sleeve and whispered, "That's just how he is, always so mysterious. But you'll get used to it."

Kuma nodded.

Seven

That night, Lin Yuan sat in the training ground, gazing at the stars.

Ginny came over and sat down beside him.

"What are you thinking about?"

"What comes next."

"What's next?"

"Wait."

"What are we waiting for?"

"An opportunity. One that will let us truly stand on our own."

Ginny was silent for a while.

"Are you talking about Rocks?"

"Not Rocks." Lin Yuan shook his head. "Something bigger than Rocks."

Ginny didn't press him.

She stood up and brushed the dust from her skirt.

"I'm going to bed. You should get some sleep too."

"Yeah."

Ginny left.

Lin Yuan continued gazing at the stars.

The waves struck the rocks, again and again.

(End of Chapter 23)