clatter...
Just as the group reached the door and was about to open it, a footstep sounded outside, immediately preparing them for battle. They then slowly reached for the doorknob.
Click...
But the people outside were faster than them, pushing open the door and stepping inside.
"Um!!"
Swoosh...
The three stood solemnly awaiting the attack, while the one in the middle, Monbuma, raised his staff and swept it down from above his head.
Thump...
"Hey, hey, hey, is this the first big gift I get when I get back?"
As the stick fell, the man outside felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, paused for a moment, then reacted and raised his hand to grab it.
When the door opened, Luo Chen couldn't help but tease his companions, whom he hadn't seen for several days, for being so "enthusiastic" and giving him such a big gift.
"Ah~ it's you, Captain! Hehehe, I'm so sorry!!"
Upon hearing that familiar voice, the three realized that the intruder they had just thought was their captain was actually their captain. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, they put away their weapons and returned to their original positions.
"Captain, we were planning to come find you after dinner, we really didn't expect this..."
"You didn't expect me to come here on my own, did you? I'm really touched that you found this place so quickly, but this..."
Luo Chen pointed to the stick in Monbuma's hand to indicate.
"Uh... it's all a misunderstanding. We thought it was an intruder, we never expected it to be you, Captain..."
Upon hearing this, the group felt even more embarrassed, with Monbuma scratching his head and giving a simple, honest smile.
"Well, never mind, it's not a big deal. We've been traveling for a while, and we're hungry. Monbuma, please prepare some food for us too!"
Luo Chen then waved to them, no longer dwelling on the matter, and, rubbing his rumbling stomach, spoke to Monbuma.
"Alright, Captain, leave it to me. But aren't you going to introduce this pretty young lady behind you to us first? I noticed her just now; she's your newly recruited companion, isn't she?"
Monbuma responded, then turned his gaze to Nayako was standing behind him, looking somewhat shy and awkward, and asked.
"Hearing what Monbuma said, I just realized, who's that little girl behind you, Captain? Is she another member of our pirate crew?"
Hearing Monbuma's reminder, Lulith and Violet finally realized what was happening and looked curiously at Nayako behind Luo Chen, waiting for his answer.
"..."
Seeing the three of them turn their gazes toward her, Nayako suddenly tensed up, tugging at Luo Chen's clothes and hiding behind him. She peeked out with her cute little head, glanced at them cautiously, and then pulled it back inside.
Seeing the three of them looking at him curiously, Luo Chen scratched his head and introduced them with a smile.
"Oh, this one? She's Nayako, my savior. When I was thrown into the sea by Big Mom and drifted here, I owe her a lot of help, otherwise I might not be where I am today..."
After saying that, Luo Chen reached out and pulled Nayako up from behind, bringing her in front of him and introducing her to the three of them, including Monbuma. After that, he patted her head to ease her nervousness and shyness.
" Nayako, let me introduce you. These are my crew members: Monbuma, Lulith, and Violet. Remember when I told you I was a pirate? They're my crew. Get to know each other, don't be so formal!"
"Oh, it's Nayako! Hello, I'm Lulith, Captain Luo Chen's companion. I'm a singer and musician. Nice to meet you..."
"I'm Violet, nice to meet you!!"
"My turn! I'm Monbuma, a chef. My cooking is delicious! If you come to our ship, I'll cook for you every day!!"
After hearing Luo Chen's introduction, the three of them also liked the somewhat shy and cute girl in front of them, and instructed each of them to extend their palms to introduce themselves to her.
"Hello... I'm Nayako, and I'd like to join you. Nice to meet you all!!"
"Alright, let's eat and chat. My stomach's Monbuma..."
After everyone had gotten to know each other, Luo Chen chimed in, rubbing his stomach and groaning.
"Yes, Captain, I'll prepare it for you right away..."
Monbuma understood and quickly went back to prepare some food for the two of them.
The four of them then sat down at the table and began asking him what had happened while he was away.
" Lulith, where are Phil and the others? If it were Catherine, I'd know something about them, but where are Phil and the other two? Could it be...?"
The more Luo Chen thought about it, the more terrified he became. He wondered what had happened to them because of people sent by the Celestial Dragons, and his expression suddenly changed.
"Uh... no, it's not what you think, Captain, Phil and the others..."
Seeing that Luo Chen seemed too sad, Lulith quickly explained to him.
"And what is that? Is it because of Catherine?"
Seeing that Lulith immediately explained to him, as if she didn't want him to misunderstand, Luo Chen breathed a sigh of relief and asked again.
"Let me explain. Captain Luo Chen, what you just said, that it's because of Miss Catherine, does have some connection."
As Monbuma spoke, Lulith and Violet lowered their heads in shame, recalling their previous experiences.
Monbuma, oblivious to their situation, continued talking.
"Shortly after you went missing, the Celestial Dragons came knocking. One man alone defeated us all and took Miss Catherine away without a fight."
That's why Phil and the others decided to separate from us there, splitting into two groups. One group consisted of the three of them going out together to find a way to become stronger, while the other group consisted of us, who were responsible for finding you, Captain, and informing you of their decision.
"Is that so? Is that why they didn't come? They didn't want to rely on others and live off my name, but instead wanted to find their own opportunity to become stronger? That's quite like their style. By the way, did they say when they would be back?"
After listening, Luo Chen nodded, expressing his understanding of their decision, and then asked when they would meet.
"Well, Phil and the others did say that, although there's no exact date, it would be anywhere from a few months to over a year. Regardless of whether they've made a breakthrough or not, they will definitely return to the ship. That's what they said!"
Monbuma nodded and continued.
"I see, more than a year? That's about the same amount of time since the main storyline began!!"
After listening, Luo Chen pondered for a moment and said in a low voice.
"Yes, Captain..."
The three of Monbuma stared intently at Luo Chen, trying to see what he was thinking.
"Okay, it's decided..."
Suddenly, Luo Chen Palm Strike and spoke loudly.
"What? What decision have you made?!"
The three of them didn't quite understand what he meant.
Meanwhile, Nayako calmly ate the noodles that Monbuma had brought her, glancing at him cautiously before continuing to eat without interrupting.
"Well, what I mean is, I've decided that from now until Phil and the others return, our pirate crew will temporarily live under assumed names and sail the seas. What do you guys think?"
Luo Chen repeated his explanation, then looked at the three of them with eager anticipation, hoping to get their affirmative answer.
"Uh... since you've already made your decision, Captain, I won't object to your suggestion. After all, we're still too weak. Not only can we not defeat the Four Emperors, but we can't even handle a mere Celestial Dragons's subordinate. If we don't become stronger, then setting sail again will only be a repeat of our past failures..."
Monbuma wholeheartedly agreed with Luo Chen's suggestion. Even he, who didn't particularly crave becoming stronger, felt the crisis facing them and became even more eager to become stronger.