After clearing out the corrupt Marines, Senga returned to Cocoyasi Village to say goodbye. He had come rather suddenly this time, and it even counted as abandoning his post without permission, so he could not stay in the East Blue for long.
When it was time to part, Nami cried until her eyes were red, while Nojiko lowered her head and sobbed softly as well.
Helpless, Senga promised Nami that he would let her join the Marines once she turned eighteen. Only then did Nami feel a little better.
As for Nojiko, this little girl who had always been so quiet gave Senga even more of a headache. Nojiko was far more mature than Nami, and the more mature she was, the harder she was to comfort.
With a sigh, Senga walked over to Nojiko and picked her up just as he had when they last parted, making Nami pout again.
It had to be said that people in the Pirate World grew rather quickly. In just a year, Nojiko had already reached a height of 1.6 meters. Of course, she was still not very tall in front of Senga, who stood over two meters tall.
Nojiko cried in Senga's arms for a while. It was not until her tears had soaked his collar that she belatedly raised her head and gave him a shy, embarrassed smile.
Senga reached out and lightly tapped Nojiko's nose, saying gently,
"All right, stop crying. If you want to join the Marines too, you can enlist after you turn eighteen."
Nojiko pointed at herself in surprise, hesitating as she spoke.
"Huh? M-Me too? But I'm so weak..."
Senga waved a hand, cutting Nojiko off.
"You're not weak. Weren't you quite brave when you faced Arlong? Besides, don't worry. You have me."
"Mm!"
Nojiko answered