Although a small incident had occurred in Syrup Village, it didn't affect Arashi's journey in the slightest.
Two days passed quietly.
Garp didn't stay in Syrup Village the whole time. A call from Marine Headquarters forced him to leave early.
However, the old geezer clearly seemed to have "forgotten" about Arashi killing those corrupt marines.
In his mind, there was only one thing—
How to rope Arashi into the Marines!
Of course, perhaps he was deliberately avoiding the topic.
Even though he was inclined to side with Arashi, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku had expressed curiosity about this young traveler, if the matter were taken seriously, Arashi's actions had already crossed the bottom line of Marine regulations—it could even be defined as a crime.
So, after witnessing the villagers' support for Arashi and feeling a sense of guilt toward Syrup Village, Garp chose to avoid the issue altogether. It was the wisest decision.
Standing at the dock with his subordinates, Garp turned to the villagers who had come to see him off and waved his hand. "Thank you all for your warm hospitality! It's been a long time since I've relaxed like this. My thanks to everyone!"
"Safe travels, Vice Admiral Garp!"
"Come visit again!"
"Marines, keep it up!"
The villagers clearly liked this group of marines, calling out their farewells enthusiastically.
Hearing them, Garp burst into hearty laughter again. Then, scanning through the crowd, he spotted Arashi and immediately shouted excitedly, "Arashi brat! I know you won't agree to join the Marines right away, but I'll wait! And I believe one day, you'll become a righteous Marine officer!"
"Alright, alright, just go already!"
Arashi waved with a smile. "We'll meet again if fate allows, old geezer!"
"At least give me a proper answer!"
Seeing Arashi dodge the topic again, Garp grew anxious. "What's so bad about being a Marine anyway?!"
"Well…"
Arashi blinked, putting on a mysterious air. "Though there are ten thousand grand halls to dwell in, I shall not linger beneath a single eastern branch… not linger, not linger! Farewell, old geezer—I'll be off."
With that, Arashi turned around decisively, holding Kaya's hand as they walked back toward the village.
"…What does that even mean?"
Garp blinked in confusion, then grabbed Stok beside him. "Dung Beetle—explain what that brat just said!"
"Vice Admiral, I don't know either!"
Mr. Dung Beetle looked utterly miserable as he choked out, "And… could you please stop calling me 'Dung Beetle'? I'm actually very strong now!"
"Go, go—Bot, you explain!"
Garp shoved him aside impatiently. "Dung Beetle is dung beetle. No ambition!"
"Vice Admiral, I… I'll think!"
Bot stepped forward, mentally reviewing everything he had ever learned. Then, with sudden realization, he exclaimed, "I've got it, Vice Admiral! Mr. Kairo D. Arashi probably means… he doesn't want to hang himself on a single tree!"
"What?!"
Garp exploded instantly, shouting toward Arashi's retreating figure, "Brat! Just you wait!"
Arashi couldn't be bothered with the old man.
Holding Kaya's small hand, he strolled leisurely through the green fields and blooming flowers, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the village's tranquility. It was pure bliss.
"Mr. Kairo D. Arashi… why don't you want to become a Marine?"
Kaya finally couldn't hold back her curiosity. She stopped, tilted her little head up, and looked at him intently.
"Because I don't want to get involved in the struggles between factions."
Arashi stopped as well and smiled. "And more importantly, compared to being this or that, I prefer being a free-spirited traveler."
"I see…"
Kaya nodded, half understanding. "But… I also don't want Mr. Kairo D. Arashi to join the Marines."
"Oh?"
Arashi looked at her in surprise. "Why?"
"Because… I hope Mr. Kairo D. Arashi can stay in Syrup Village. Hehe~"
"Uh… well…"
Looking at Kaya's hopeful smile—bright as a blooming flower—Arashi hesitated.
Of course, he would leave. And soon.
But seeing her smile, he couldn't bring himself to say it.
So he simply stood there, quietly looking at her.
"Mr. Kairo D. Arashi?"
Seeing him fall silent, Kaya blinked and stared into his eyes.
Then suddenly, her face lit up with excitement. "Wow… I just noticed—Mr. Kairo D. Arashi, your eyes are so beautiful!"
"Really?"
Arashi was momentarily stunned. This was the first time someone had complimented his eyes. Wait… just my eyes?
"Mhm!"
Kaya nodded firmly, speaking with complete seriousness. "Mr. Kairo D. Arashi's eyes have no wind, no moon, no stars… but they have Kaya."
"Hehe~ I'm so happy!"
After saying that, Kaya burst into cheerful laughter.
"Hahaha…"
Hearing her innocent yet poetic words, Arashi couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Who would've thought—our little Kaya isn't just gentle, kind, and brave, but also quite the little poet! Keep it up~"