The fall of King Wapol was like toppling the first Domino, quickly triggering a chain reaction. Long-suppressed citizens spontaneously organized, dismantling the surveillance cameras and propaganda loudspeakers that dotted the city. Vibrant emotions returned to the once mechanical and numb faces. The factory smoke didn't completely stop, but workers began discussing reducing pollution and improving working conditions, rather than solely pursuing cold, impersonal "efficiency."
Old Hunter's ramen stall has become a new landmark, with long lines of citizens every day, not just for a bowl of hot ramen, but also to feel the long-lost warmth and communication between people. He has even started taking on apprentices to pass on this craft that carries "resistance" and "human touch".
The Straw Hat Pirates took a short break in this newly revitalized land. Nami replenished her supply of fresh water and some local specialties (though nothing particularly valuable), while Sanji finally found several suppliers willing to provide fresh, natural ingredients and excitedly made a purchase. Usopp and Chopper salvaged some interesting parts and gadgets from the wreckage of abandoned robots. Franky delved into Wapol's basic energy network architecture, feeling it lacked "soul," but certain mechanical transmission structures still gave him some inspiration. Robin collected some information about the kingdom's history and the hidden truths. Brook improvised a few tunes for the cheering crowd, winning enthusiastic applause. Jinbe helped coordinate the initial restoration of order at the port. Ace and Luffy simply enjoyed the unrestrained freedom, wandering around the city eating and drinking.
Allen declined the offer from the hastily formed city council to serve as an advisor or symbolic leader. His journey did not lie there. He simply quietly sensed the island's gradually recovering, slightly chaotic yet vibrant "life force," a stark contrast to its previous rigid uniformity, more like the state a healthy living organism should be in.
The Log Pose was already full and was pointing to the next destination.
On the day of departure, countless people gathered at the dock to see them off. They didn't hold flowers, but instead held various tools, spare parts, and even bowls of steaming ramen, expressing their gratitude in the simplest way.
Thank you!
Goodbye, my benefactors!
"You must come back! Wapol will definitely be better then!"
Old Hunter, along with his apprentices, arrived at the dock carrying a large vat of carefully simmered bone broth and plenty of dough. "Take this, eat it on the road! Let you taste the true flavor of Wapol... no, the real 'New Wapol '!"
Luffy was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes. With a flick of his rubber arm, he rolled up the entire bucket of soup and dough onto the ship. "Thank you, sir! I'll definitely enjoy it!"
Sanji solemnly accepted the ramen recipe handwritten by Old Hunter: "Thank you so much! I will continue to pass this sentiment along the seas!"
Looking at the enthusiastic crowd, Nami felt a sense of accomplishment, even though she hadn't made a lot of money.
Usopp puffed out his chest, enjoying the treatment of a hero.
Chopper shyly hid, but his eyes were full of joy.
"Goodbye, everyone!" Luffy waved his Straw Hat vigorously.
"Beautiful ladies~, brave gentlemen~, may freedom and laughter always be with you!" Sanji spun away in farewell.
"Take care." Robin smiled and waved.
Zoro checked the course; this time, surprisingly, he hadn't gone astray.
"Let's go, this ending isn't bad," Ace said to Allen with a smile.
Standing at the stern, Allen took one last look at the city struggling to break free of its steel shackles and rediscover the warmth of humanity, and nodded slightly. Breaking the corrupt order and sowing the seeds of new hope—this too was part of the adventure.
Powered by Franky's super-powered engine, the Thousand Sunny slowly sailed away from the port, leaving behind the once cold, now vibrant steel nation.
Nami looked at the Log Pose on her wrist pointing in a new direction, a look of anticipation on her face. "Based on the pointer's direction and the sea chart, the next stop seems to be a fun-filled island that hosts all sorts of festivals and competitions all year round!"
"A celebration?!" Luffy, Usopp, Chopper's eyes lit up instantly.
"Are there many ladies?" Sanji immediately perked up.
Zoro raised an eyebrow. "A match? Hopefully, it'll be interesting."
Franky and Brook also started discussing it excitedly.
Robin, however, became interested in the culture behind the fun.
Jinbe his beard and smiled.
Ace stretched. "Sounds lively."
Allen felt the sea breeze and gazed into the distance. The Island of Joy? After experiencing fog, ruins, ecological crisis, and the shackles of order, a pure celebration seemed like a good choice.