Dust Settles

"What are the results of your investigation? Do the citizens of the Drum Kingdom intend to abide by the agreement? Is there any opposition?"

Xia Qiu looked at Heckle, who had just returned, with some curiosity. He had been sent to the Drum Kingdom by Xia Qiu after Zala defeated Dalton, and had just returned.

"It's even easier to accept than you imagined, President." Heckle shook his head and said with a smile, "I did some research. In all four battles, Dalton lost, and all of them were overwhelmingly powerful, which made the people afraid to resist. Secondly, in all four battles, Dalton did not suffer any serious injuries, especially in the last one. Despite Dalton's relentless pursuit, Zala never used her full strength and only knocked him unconscious in the end, which made the people think that Zala was a benevolent queen."

"In addition, there are medical care, governing philosophies, and Dalton's support, all of which made them feel that it would not be difficult for Zala to rule, and some even looked forward to changes in the country," Heckle said slowly.

Xia Qiu said with a smile, "Show them overwhelming strength, let them know that resistance is futile, and then show them hope, and everyone will follow that hope."

A voice rang out from the side, "As for whether the path of hope is a wrong turn or a precipice, no one knows."

Xia Qiu looked at Lucci in the distance and said, "Do you really want us to implement tyranny? And then use this outcome to prove you're right?"

"I just don't trust you," Lucci said coldly.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure Zala runs this country well."

Xia Qiu said coldly, "I know better than you how important the healthy development of a country is."

Lucci didn't continue speaking, while Xia Qiu looked at Heckle and asked, "When did she officially become queen?"

"July 1st," Heckle answered honestly.

"A month later?" Xia Qiu asked, puzzled. "Why such a long time?"

Heckle said, "Zala said that because Dalton was seriously injured, they planned to wait until he recovered before holding the coronation ceremony."

"Let her be."

Xia Qiu was somewhat surprised that she would make this decision, but she felt that it was not a bad idea, and there was no rush to become king.

Heckle added, "Zala asked me to ask the president if we should go and take a look."

"How could I possibly go?"

Xia Qiu chuckled and said, "If I show up, the navy will arrive at the Drum Kingdom in a few days."

"I'll tell her," Heckle said immediately.

Xia Qiu squinted and said, "But let her invite Vivi. I'll have Vivi go then."

Vivi's participation as Princess from a neighboring country would elevate the ceremony's prestige, resolve tensions between the two nations, and showcase Zala's abilities.

If any problems arise, Vivi can also help and intimidate Zala.

Time flies, and it's already mid-June.

The port of Silvan Island.

Marcel stood with Nojiko and his family, looking at the three figures in front of him, and said with a smile, "I've found my family too. It's time for us to part ways."

"But if you leave, we won't have a navigator anymore," Luffy said with a sullen face.

"Yes, without you, we couldn't have made it to the Grand Line," Usopp said from the side. "A good navigator is essential."

Zoro said coldly, "You little brat, are you planning to run away?"

Sanji excitedly circled around Nojiko, only to be kicked to the ground by Marcel, who yelled, "Don't fawn over my wife!"

Marcel sighed, his face tinged with sadness, and said, "I'm very happy to be with you all. But I'm sorry, I can't go to the Grand Line with you. I have a wife, family, and children, and I have to go back."

After Marcel was injured, he was taken away by Zoro and Luffy. They first went to the West Luo Village of Law Village, northeast of the town, where they fought and defeated the Black Cat Pirates, obtained a ship, and gained a companion.

Afterwards, Marcel contacted the Shining Gold Merchant Association via Den Den Mushi to let them know he was safe, and then left by ship.

On the way, upon learning that Luffy wanted a chef, they found the floating restaurant, invited Sanji, and defeated Krieg.

They then arrived at the Silvan Island to treat Zoro's injuries, and then set off again, with Marcel deciding to part ways with them.

"It's a pity."

Zoro looked at Marcel and said, "It seems I won't be able to spar with you in the future."

"I'm no match for you."

Marcel said with a wry smile that Zoro's swordsmanship was much better than his. He could barely hold his own with his One Sword Style, but if Zoro used his Three-Sword Style together, he would definitely lose.

Zoro is stronger than Hachi, whom he just met. As for Hachi, who left with Nami later, his strength increased significantly. It's impossible to know who is stronger between the two.

"Since you've made up your mind, we won't stop you."

Sanji smiled and said, "Family is just as important."

"Um."

Marcel gritted his teeth and said, "Goodbye, everyone."

"Goodbye."

The four boarded the pirate ship and tried to start it, but they were in a bit of a daze.

Seeing this, Marcel chuckled, but didn't go to help, because they needed to know these things before they could leave.

Without a navigator, could they reach the Grand Line?

Marcel was very worried, but Nojiko suddenly said, "Go."

"Um?"

Marcel was slightly taken aback and looked at Nojiko. "What did you say?"

"I'm telling you, go on this adventure with them," Nojiko said earnestly to Marcel.

Marcel shook his head, took Nojiko's hand, and said, "What are you talking about? I won't leave you."

"I'm not joking."

Nojiko said, "You love adventure, don't you? You love fighting, don't you? You love the sea, don't you? Then go with them."

Marcel certainly wanted to go, but it wasn't an easy task. He said with a wry smile, "You, the children, my mother, my brother, and my sister are all here. How could I possibly leave you?"

"We can take care of ourselves."

Nojiko said, "Your younger siblings are all grown up, and the family has savings. In addition, the Orange Orchard provides enough income."

"But..."

Marcel wanted to say something, but Nojiko said, "More importantly, they saved your life and avenged you. They're going to a very dangerous place, and without a navigator, they might not be able to get there. Shouldn't you repay them?"

"I..."

Marcel hesitated. Without a navigator, they would be unable to navigate the Grand Line and would face immense danger.

They were his benefactors, and Marcel couldn't stand by and watch them fall into danger.

"Go, Marcel."

Nojiko said, "I'll be waiting for you here. You won't just not come back, will you?"

"I will come back."

Marcel blurted it out, only realizing what he meant as soon as it left his mouth.

"Marcel".

Nojiko said seriously, "They need you, and you need them, so go on an adventure."

Hearing this, Marcel was moved. He turned around and found that everyone on the ship was looking at him with expectant expressions.

"Nojiko, thank you."

Marcel said softly, "Wait for me. I'll come back after I help Luffy get the One Piece."

"Good."

Nojiko and said, "After you find Nami, please give her my regards."

"I will."

Marcel nodded, looked at the pirate ship, and asked loudly, "Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, can I be your crewmate?"

"Aren't we already comrades?" Sanji said, smoking a cigarette.

Zoro snorted and said, "Hurry up and get on the ship."

" With Marcel aboard, we can head to the Grand Line!" Usopp said happily.

"Certainly."

Luffy nodded emphatically.

So the Straw Hat Pirates stayed on the island for another day before leaving the island the next day.

Marcel's family stood on the beach, watching the ships sail further and further away. Marcel's mother couldn't help but say, "Why do you want him to leave? His companions are important, but you are just as important."

Nojiko laughed and said, "He told me the day before yesterday that he would never go out on a ship again because the dead people kept haunting his mind. He was afraid that the same thing would happen again, so he didn't plan to do these things anymore. But he loves the sea and adventure, and these people can ease his pain and bring him warmth. I like Marcel because I like his optimism and hard work, not because he is someone who locks himself in a cage and only knows how to grieve in secret."