By now, Riberra Sami and his crew had already set sail again from Jaya Island.
This time, Riberra Sami decided to cross the first half of the Grand Line at maximum speed and head straight for Sabaody Archipelago. They had already completed more than half the journey.
But today—
the massive Flame Fang was not cutting through the waves.
Instead, it floated quietly on the sea, gently rocking with the soft swells.
Because today…
was the greatest holiday in this world—
the New Year.
"New Year's here~ New Year's here~ farewell to the old, welcome the new~ New Year's here~…"
Riberra Sami hummed a cheerful, slightly unfamiliar tune as he strolled through the lively corners of the ship.
He patted one crew member on the shoulder, ruffled another's hair, and casually grabbed a sizzling piece of freshly grilled meat from a passing table—blowing on it while biting into it.
"Brio! Your cooking just keeps getting better!"
"As long as the captain likes it!" the plump head chef wiped his sweat behind the grill, grinning from ear to ear.
"Aldo, big brother,"
a crew member leaned over to Aldo, who was drinking straight from a barrel, and pointed at Riberra Sami curiously.
"What's with the captain? Why does he always hum that tune every New Year? I've never heard that song anywhere else."
Aldo swallowed his drink, wiped his mouth, and glanced at Riberra Sami's cheerful figure.
"Well…"
He scratched the back of his head and gave his usual answer.
"Probably… uh… some kind of folk song from his… ocean species? Anyway, as long as the captain's happy, that's what matters!"
As one of Riberra Sami's oldest companions, Aldo had long since gotten used to his captain's occasional strange words and melodies.
He never bothered trying to understand them.
Everything incomprehensible—
he simply attributed to "species differences."
Riberra Sami walked to the center of the main deck, where long tables had been set up, piled high with food.
"Brothers!"
He jumped onto a wooden crate and clapped his hands.
"Today's New Year! Out with the old, in with the new! Same rules as always—eat well, drink well, have fun! All work is suspended! Today—just enjoy yourselves!"
"OOOOHHHH——!!!"
A thunderous cheer erupted, nearly lifting the deck itself.
After a year of constant danger at sea—
this was the one day Riberra Sami had declared as an absolute holiday.
Every year around this time—
his homesickness was at its strongest.
Red lanterns.
Firecrackers.
Family reunion dinners.
Memories rippled through his heart.
But—
he wasn't alone.
Surrounded by companions he could trust with his life—
that was enough to chase away any shadow.
So today—
he allowed himself, and everyone else—
to relax completely.
To laugh freely.
Chef Brio and his team became the busiest—and most popular—people on board.
Several makeshift grills burned brightly.
Sizzling meat, fresh fish, and sea beast cuts released mouthwatering aromas.
The tables were filled with supplies gathered from various islands, along with Brio's signature dishes.
Barrels of alcohol were opened one after another—
ale, rum, and wine mingling with the scent of food in the air.
Riberra Sami became the center of attention.
Surrounded layer after layer by crew members—
everyone wanted a chance to clink glasses with him.
Even the usually silent Alberto squeezed forward, gesturing rapidly with an elaborate set of hand signs.
"Hahaha! I have no idea what you're saying!"
Riberra Sami laughed, pulling him into a rough hug and ruffling his hair.
"I'll just assume you're praising my good looks! Thanks, brother! Drink up today!"
"Let's get wild!"
The atmosphere grew more and more lively.
Someone started beating a rhythmic drum.
Aldo ripped open his shirt and began dancing first—
soon, more people joined in.
The deck turned into a joyous dance floor.
Even Hans, who was usually serious, got dragged into the crowd.
And yet—
amid all the noise—
the lookout post remained manned.
Even on a full day of rest—
that position could never be left empty.
The lookout, influenced by the festive mood below, grinned as he gulped down a mouthful of ale.
The spicy burn made him grimace.
After a satisfied sigh, he raised his telescope out of habit and scanned the calm horizon.
Then—
his gaze froze.
He adjusted the focus.
In the lens—
sails appeared.
A pirate ship was fleeing desperately.
Behind it—
a Marine warship gave chase.
Explosions of white water erupted around the pirate ship as cannon fire rained down.
A fierce pursuit was underway.
The lookout lowered the telescope and shouted toward the deck below:
"Captain! Flame Fang, four o'clock direction! Marine warship chasing a pirate ship!"
But—
the laughter, music, shouting, and clinking of cups below—
were too loud.
He shouted three times.
No response.
With a helpless shake of his head, he slid down the mast, pushed through the dancing crowd, and squeezed next to Riberra Sami.
Leaning close, he repeated:
"Captain! Four o'clock! Marine warship pursuing a pirate ship!"
Riberra Sami, who was being forced to drink by several officers, turned his head.
"Oh? What direction are they heading? Coming toward us?"
The lookout thought back and shook his head firmly.
"No, Captain. They're heading northeast—not toward us. Just a normal pursuit."
"Good!"
Riberra Sami nodded, his smile widening.
He patted the lookout's shoulder and shoved his own drink into his hand.
"You've worked hard! Still on duty today—here, this one's yours!"
Then he raised his voice for everyone to hear:
"Since they're not coming for us—ignore them! The world's big, but today, New Year comes first! Music back on! Keep dancing! Let them chase each other all they want! Brothers—drink till you drop!"
"DRINK TILL WE DROP——!!!"
An even louder cheer erupted.
The lookout grinned, taking the cup.
Caught up in the captain's boldness and the festive spirit—
he tossed aside the insignificant interruption and downed the drink in one gulp.
"That's right, Captain! New Year comes first!"
The waves of celebration surged on aboard the Flame Fang—
completely drowning out the distant, unnoticed chase at sea.
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