On the ground, Usopp fell completely silent after uttering his last roar.
The surrounding air was completely silent, save for Usopp's heavy breathing and the sound of his tears falling to the ground.
Seeing Usopp's state, the executives first sighed, then turned their attention to Gawain.
Shirahoshi wagged its tail sadly and muttered something under its breath.
"Can there really be such a father in the world? After leaving his family, he never came back to visit again?"
"Sir, this long-nosed brother is so pitiful..."
"Yeah, damn it... Uncle."
Uta pursed her lips, comforting Shirahoshi while giving Gawain a hopeful look.
Not far from Gawain, Shakky Gawain spoke softly to him after a moment of silence.
"Captain, although this boy is not good-looking, he has an excellent talent as a gunslinger."
If I were to train him, he could at least become the next me at my peak, and might even surpass his father, Yasopp!
"Yes, Captain."
Yi Xiao added softly from the side.
"Your banner should be all-encompassing; the Dark Bird is so vast, it won't be short of a bed for this child!"
After exchanging glances, the cadres quickly reached a consensus and looked at Gawain, awaiting his decision.
And Gawain...
In Gawain's ears, under his Mantra, Usopp's heart pounded more and more nervously.
Listening to Usopp's heartbeat, Gawain tapped his index finger rhythmically on his armrest.
"Uso..."
"Celestial Dragon!!!"
Just as Gawain was about to say Usopp's name, a slightly weak but emotionally charged girl's voice suddenly came from afar.
Upon hearing this sound, all the cadres, including Gawain, turned to look at the source of the sound!
Right outside the walls of this manor, a pair of bright, sparkling eyes are now looking at Gawain.
Those big eyes, brimming with tears, gradually rose, and soon a slender but elegant girl climbed over the wall.
Yes, this girl is Kaya.
After she climbed over the wall, she ran up to Gawain.
After kneeling down in front of all the cadres, Kaya nervously said to Gawain.
"My lord, please grant Usopp's request! I've known him since we were children, and this is the first time I've ever seen him so energetic!"
As for me, I'm sorry, I'm afraid I've offended you.
If there's anything that can earn your forgiveness and your acceptance of Usopp, then please don't hesitate to ask.
I will do everything I can to achieve those things!
After saying that, Kaya imitated Usopp and bowed down to Gawain.
Gawain sighed softly.
"Hello."
Gawain casually greeted him, then raised his right hand.
At that moment, not Kaya, but even Usopp stood up uncontrollably.
Just as the two young men stood up in confusion, Gawain also stood up from his seat. He walked over to Usopp and Kaya, and pressed down on their heads, one in each hand.
While stroking their hair, Gawain said with a smile.
"You guys always like to overthink things, and you're even overthinking things for me."
"Because I don't recall saying I wouldn't accept Usopp, did I?"
At this point, seeing the surprised expressions on Kaya and Usopp's faces, Gawain gently patted their heads.
"It's just boarding the ship. My Dark Bird Ship has tens of thousands of members. One or two more won't make a difference, and one or two less won't make a difference either."
So, Usopp, from today onwards, go and learn properly from Shakky.
"You'll be temporarily assigned to the Iron Eagle Group, Ace. You've got another person to take care of now."
"No problem, don't worry, sir!"
Beside him, Ace immediately gave Gawain a thumbs up, laughing heartily as he said with satisfaction.
"I knew it, Uncle, you would definitely accept him, after all, you're such a good person."
So you see, I didn't try to persuade you like Shakky did. Aren't I smart?
As they were talking, Ace got up and walked to Usopp's side, casually putting his arm around Usopp's shoulder.
"Hey kid, it's Ace, Fire Fist Ace!"
From today onwards, you're my little brother! Come on, let me find you a room!!!
"Huh, they've already... they've already come to my room?!" Usopp was extremely surprised.
Ace nodded readily.
"Of course, hurry up and arrange your room so we can have a banquet tonight."
After a month, the uncle has finally woken up from his coma. There's definitely going to be a banquet tonight!
I don't want to miss out!
As they spoke, Ace grabbed Usopp and headed towards the cabin.
Just as Usopp was taken away by Ace in a daze, Gawain removed his hand from Kaya's head.
As he walked toward his chair, Gawain pretended not to know Kaya and casually spoke to everyone and Kaya.
"That's settled Usopp. Let's hope he won't let us down in the future."
But then again, who is this little girl?
I don't recall having this person on the ship.
"Why???"
Upon hearing Gawain's words, Kaya's face immediately turned red with embarrassment. What she was doing was not in accordance with the ladylike etiquette her mother had taught her.
She rudely barged into someone's chat without even introducing herself...
So, Kaya quickly blushed and said to Gawain, feeling embarrassed.
"The holy and great Celestial Dragon, my name is Kaya, and I am just an ordinary resident of Syrup Village."
I'm sorry, I just...
"Haha, it's nothing. But so you're Kaya."
Gawain interrupted Kaya with a smile, and as he sat back down in his chair, he continued speaking to Kaya.
"When I first woke up, I learned that I had apparently stayed at Kaya's house while I was unconscious."
So, this house is your home?
"Yes... yes, but it's an honor for our family that you can live here."
You can stay as long as you like, sir, we could even give you the house!
As she spoke, Kaya glanced cautiously at Gawain. She had been too nervous to look at him closely before.
When she saw it, she froze for a moment. What... what is this?!
Pink pajamas, a beanie, pink slippers, and a cartoon Snake Princess pattern?
Is this a child?
Or is this person a pervert...?!
Even though she was so nervous, Kaya couldn't help but want to laugh, so she quickly pursed her lips tightly.
And so, Gawain vaguely saw a classic expression of Sa Beining on Kaya's face.
It's that classic expression... wanting to laugh but being unable to...
While Kaya was trying her best to restrain herself, Gion couldn't help but tap Hancock's arm with her slender fingers.
"It's all your fault! You always like to dress adults up like this!"
"Look at how this child is laughing; you should know how inappropriate this kind of outfit is for adults!"
"What does this have to do with me?!"
Hancock gave Gion a disdainful, sharp look, then took Gawain's arm and said calmly to Kaya.
"Little girl, control your expression!"
What, do you think the clothes I chose for you are inappropriate?
"Hancock...!"
Before Kaya reply, Gawain patted Hancock's hand.
"The little girl just finds it funny, don't scare her."
"But... but I'm so wronged! You and I both thought the pattern was beautiful!"
Hancock instantly gave Gawain a tearful look, a change in expression so swift that all the other female officers near Gawain slapped their foreheads in disbelief...
Especially Gion; the look in her eyes as she stared at Hancock seemed to scream "bitch!"
Even Kaya, the child, had a completely broken expression on her face, seemingly unable to understand how a woman could change so quickly...
Hancock then caused a few seconds of silence in the room.
Then, Gawain patted Hancock's hand and said softly.
"That's enough fooling around, I have a lot of important things to do."
At this point, Gawain turned to Kaya and smiled.
"As for you, Kaya, in gratitude for you and your family lending me the house, I allow you to join my fleet."
Kalifa, take some time to look after this child. In the future, your work may take a different turn, and at that time, let this child share some of the burden with you.
However, Kaya's health is not very good, so please bear with her, Sister Kureha and Grandpa Crocus.
That's all.
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain waved his hand gently, and Kalifa immediately walked towards Kaya with a smile, leading the bewildered girl, who was speechless and had a completely broken expression, towards the Dark Bird Ship.
As Kaya followed behind Kalifa, an endless roar erupted within her.
Why is this happening?!
How could this happen?!
They were indeed a bit impulsive, but how did they end up on the ship in the first place?!
They clearly have tens or even hundreds of billions of Beli to inherit!!!
Is this what the Celestial Dragon call a blessing?
This gift is so unreasonable!!!
Mother!!!
Leaving aside Kaya's inner turmoil, after she left, Gawain continued to discuss a series of issues concerning Teach and Shiki with the others.
The chat continued until around 11 p. m. before finally ending.
And it was only at this moment that Zeff and Sanji, who had reluctantly decided to board the ship before Gawain fell into a coma, finally came to pay their respects to Gawain.
Near the Syrup Village pier, Gawain changed into a smart military dress uniform and stood on the wooden pier looking out to sea.
Behind him, a nervous Zeff and an even more nervous Sanji took small steps to get behind Gawain.
As he stood still, Zeff said nervously.
"I'm sorry, sir. I thought I was just an ordinary cook and wouldn't have the chance to attend your meetings with the officials."
So, like everyone else, I didn't dare to pay my respects to you, Su Xing, right away..."
At this point, Zeff wiped the sweat from his brow with concern.
If Gawain hadn't first asked about him and Sanji, and then sent someone to the kitchen to look for them, then...
Those two ignorant fools probably won't even be able to come see Gawain now...
Watching Gawain's retreating figure, Zeff's feelings were indescribable.
On the one hand, he was excited about his position in Gawain's heart.
On the other hand, it was precisely because he didn't realize he had the standing to attend the cadre meeting that he made the mistake of not having an audience with the emperor...
As for Gawain, upon hearing Zeff's voice, he spoke softly without turning his head.
"Fine."
Gawain slowly turned around, looked at Sanji's sparkling eyes, smiled slightly, and continued speaking.
"This is not your fault. After all, no one could have predicted what would happen between me and Garp."
There are many things I haven't had a chance to tell you and Sanji.
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain smiled and looked at Zeff, the man he had reserved as the head chef.
Of course, Gawain would never forget Sanji.
This is the future right-hand man of the Pirate King!
Noticing Gawain's gaze, Zeff quickly nodded.
"I'm listening, sir!"
After he finished speaking, he adopted a humble and attentive posture, waiting for Gawain's reply.
Seeing Zeff's expression, Gawain smiled and shrugged.
"What are you listening to, old man? Judging from your expression, you've clearly forgotten what I told you back then."
I mentioned it to you before; you're the cook on the Dark Bird Ship, and like all pirate crews, as a cook, you enjoy the same treatment as an officer.
But look at our ship, which officer would look down on themselves like that?
After saying that, Gawain reached out and smacked Zeff on the back, the fine electric current instantly straightening Zeff's back.
At the same time, Gawain continued.
"From now on, you should act as usual, sir, and not live such a cautious and timid life."
This isn't Mary Geoise, and I'm just your captain, not some saint, understand, old friend?"
"Haha, I understand, I understand!!!"
At this moment, Zeff's eyes were filled with light. Gawain hadn't lied to him; everything Gawain said before he lost consciousness was true. He really did have considerable freedom!
Zeff has believed in the light again!!!
Behind him Sanji, his face filled with emotion and relief.
The old man really met a good adult.
In that case, becoming a cook for the Dark Bird Ship doesn't seem so bad.
Noticing Sanji and Zeff's expressions, Gawain knew they had resolved their differences, so Gawain continued speaking to them.
"On ordinary days, Mr. Zeff, you can personally take charge of my meals."
Things are alright for now. I'm not the first bird to fly in this vast ocean yet, so my life is still quite peaceful.
But in the future, when the seas are turbulent, I fear many will try to poison my food.
So, Zeff, and Sanji.
My food safety depends on the two of you, don't let me down.
"Certainly!!!"
In that instant, Zeff raised his fist with unwavering resolve.
"Rest assured, I will absolutely take good care of this kitchen. I will handle every dish and every seasoning with the same standards as those used in cooking poisonous food!"
Even a simple carp, I would treat as a pufferfish!
"I will never serve it to you without tasting it myself; I am unworthy of the job of a chef if I do not serve it to you personally!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Zeff gave Sanji head.
"And you, kid, you've heard Garp and Rayleigh talking about it these past few days, so you know what kind of great things the adults are going to accomplish!"
Today, the safety of adults is crucial to the balance of power in the ocean and the future of the entire world!
From this moment on, we, the young and old, will be the adults' fuel depot and last line of defense!
"I know!"
Sanji nodded resolutely, then bowed politely to Gawain.
"Don't worry, sir!"
He said seriously.
"After learning about your ambitions and dreams, my admiration for you is beyond words!"
In short, I will definitely treat you to the most perfect and safest meal!!!
After saying that, Sanji straightened up, his body as upright as a pine tree.
Looking at Sanji like this, Gawain nodded in satisfaction. At this moment, he finally had the spirit and energy that a right-hand man of the Pirate King should have!
Sanji's demeanor at that moment, in particular, made Gawain feel not only admiring but also quite gratified.
This is Sanji, who is not yet an adult and whose personality is not fully formed, especially since he hasn't been tempered by the Kamabakka Kingdom Kamabakka Kingdom.
He possesses a pure gentlemanly air, yet he has none of the unsightly lecherous behavior that he might develop in the future!
Gawain suddenly had a vague feeling that perhaps the future Sanji was the most suitable person to be his butler!
Because Sanji, who has absolutely no lecherous tendencies, is so similar to almost all the butler heroes in movies and TV shows, such as Alfred!
It's that kind of aura that makes people feel at ease just by looking at you!