Chương 40: Page 40

Noki raised an eyebrow. Since Vivi had brought it up, she decided to press for an answer:

"As a reward for being the winner, how about you tell me about the Grand Line?"

"Phew~ Okay, what do you want to know?"

"Of course, the clearer the better. It would be best if you told me everything you know."

"I see. Then let's start with the most basic thing, which is also the biggest difference between the Grand Line and the Four Seas: its unpredictable weather."

After starting the topic, Weiwei began to talk at length.

From the unpredictable weather along the Grand Line to the various islands with distinct seasons.

Then, starting with the chaos caused by Pirate King Roger, the story moves on to the mutual checks and balances among the three major powers in the world today.

Vivi got more and more engrossed in her talk, and Nuo--*/mark*/ Qi Gao listened with extra attention.

Even Nami, who had been brought along, unconsciously joined in listening to the story.

Three days later, the Saiya arrived safely at the island where Xiluobu Village is located.

First to jump off the ship, Bitts surveyed the rocky cliffs and forests surrounding the island, then instructed the women who followed:

"Leave the search to me and Nami. You two can wander around the village and see if there's anything you need to buy."

We'll meet here again tonight.

The women responded in unison and then spontaneously formed small groups, discussing what they would buy later.

Meanwhile, Bitz called out to Nami, who led the way to the village of Shiro 18.

Walking side by side on the road, looking at the familiar surroundings, Nami couldn't help but recall the scene when she and Luffy and the others stopped the Black Cat Pirates.

"I wonder how Luffy and the others are doing. Without me as their navigator, do those guys not even know how to tell directions?"

Bitz glanced sideways at Nami, whose expression seemed to hold a hint of nostalgia, and spoke in a cryptic tone.

"Missing your crew? Let me make this clear: once you're on my ship, there's no getting out."

"Hehe, not at all~ I was just expressing my feelings."

Nami chuckled, then playfully hugged Bits' arm, puffing out her chest and offering a glimpse of her beauty.

"You stingy person, can't you even say it?"

Don't forget I've already declared my ownership; even if you try to drive me away, I won't leave.

Upon hearing this, Bitz rubbed her orange-yellow hair with satisfaction.

"I love to hear that. Once we get back to the Grand Line, buy whatever you want, and I'll pay for it."

"Really?!" Nami's eyes lit up instantly.

Before Bitts could answer, she started counting on her fingers what she should buy.

Bits didn't seem to care about her greedy appearance, or rather, he didn't think Nami would really spend money so extravagantly.

Over the years, the girl has become accustomed to being frugal. If you really give her money, besides buying a couple of more expensive clothes, she will most likely just hide the money and become a proper little hamster.

They walked and chatted for a while longer, until finally the outline of the village came into view.

As the two approached, a scene of peaceful and prosperous life unfolded before their eyes, showing adults working diligently and children playing and laughing.

"Huh, what a harmonious village. In this day and age, it's rare to find a village like this that isn't bothered by pirates and can still feed itself."

Nami beside him nodded slightly in agreement.

Don't think that being able to satisfy your basic needs is a simple matter. In today's world, most people are still struggling to make ends meet.

Part of this is thanks to the Heavenly Gold, and the other part is due to the rampant piracy during the Great Pirate Era.

Villages like Xiluobu, which are not governed by any governmental member state, do not need to pay the Heavenly Gold.

Because of its remote location, few pirates come to visit, and the villages where people live relatively well are among the few on the high seas.

"Speaking of which, who are you looking for? Do you have any acquaintances in Donghai?"

"I wouldn't say it's an acquaintance, but my ship is short of a doctor, and preferably a beautiful one, so I came here."

"A beautiful doctor? I didn't know there was such a person here."

It's not surprising that Nami doesn't know. Kaya only decided to become a doctor after the Straw Hat crew left, and she's still studying hard.

"But speaking of beautiful women, I do know one."

Nami pondered for a moment, then turned her head to the right of the two of them. On the hill in that direction, there was a villa that looked very luxurious.

Bitz followed her gaze in that direction and quickly nodded.

"That's right, the person I'm looking for is Kaya, the owner of that villa."

It seems you know her too.

Nami didn't tell Beetz in much detail about her adventures during her time with the Straw Hat Pirates.

So here, Bitz simply pretends to be clueless, feigning ignorance of her relationship with Kaya.

"Hey, it really is her." Nami's gaze changed instantly when she realized that Bitz's target was indeed Kaya, the only rich girl in the village.

"We know each other, but Luffy and his crew's ship was actually a gift from Kaya."

But I've never heard of Kaya being a doctor, and her relationship with Usopp is rather complicated.

"Complex? How complex? Are they a couple?"

"No, it was just over a year ago when Kaya was sick that Usopp often came to chat with her."

At most, they might have mutual attraction?

"That's fine then. Childhood sweethearts can't compete with someone who suddenly appears out of nowhere, let alone someone you've only known for a little over a year."

Bitts didn't care whether they had any feelings for each other or not; he only believed that feelings could develop over time, and that time was the best medicine for maintaining a relationship.

Of course, he didn't go into detail about which time this refers to.

"Come on, let's go meet this young lady. Since you know each other, I'll have to ask you to use your connections so I can meet Miss Kaya later."

After saying that, Bitz took the lead and walked towards the villa.

Nami, who was left behind, pouted in dissatisfaction upon hearing this.

"What? Who lets their woman help seduce other women?"

I really regret ever falling for you.

After a brief complaint, Nami thought he would offer her some comfort.

But when Nami looked up and saw Beetz walking away without turning back, she angrily stomped her foot, but still gave in and chased after him.

"Okay, I got it, wait for me!"

After some playful bickering and squabbles, and a bit of jealousy and coquetry, the two finally arrived at the villa's entrance.

As expected, the two were stopped here. In front of them were two men dressed in black suits, who at first glance looked like the villa guards of the CP members.

"You two, stop here. This is Miss Koya's private villa."

Please state the purpose of your visit. If you are not here to visit, please leave immediately.

"Nami," Bits turned his head, pointed to his face, and asked the girl.

"Is my face really that unrecognizable in the East China Sea?"

"Ha, ha, even a naval admiral isn't someone everyone knows."

Nami gave a dry laugh, fearing that Beetz might blow up the entire villa in a fit of anger, and quickly stood in front of him, saying to the guard:

"Uncle, it's me, Usopp's companion. Don't you remember me?"

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged guard stared at Nami intently for a long time before suddenly realizing what was happening.

"Oh, it's you, young lady. I remember you. You are Miss Kaya's benefactors. Please come in and have a cup of tea. I'll go find Mr. Merry now."

She turned back triumphantly and gave Bitz a peace sign, then followed him into the villa with her head held high.

Bitz moved his lips and muttered something to himself before following along.

The guards first led the two to the living room, where the villa's servants served them tea, before quickly proceeding to the second floor of the villa, to Kaya's study.

Inside the study, a young girl with short, straight, light blonde hair was sitting quietly at her desk, intently studying medical texts.

Meanwhile, Merry, who had taken over as butler after Clod's death, was watching this scene with a smile, quietly standing by and waiting to be at his beck and call.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

dong dong dong~

"Miss Koya, may I come in?"

The girl looked away from the medical information and called out to the door, "Yes, please come in."

After he finished speaking, the guard quietly pushed open the door and entered the study.

"Miss Kaya, butler Merry."

The guard first greeted the two men politely before explaining his purpose.

"I'm sorry to bother you at this time. It's just that Mr. Usopp's companion has arrived.

I've arranged for them to stay in the living room. Would you like to meet them, Miss?

"Usopp's companions? Shouldn't they be adventuring elsewhere? Why are they back?"

Kaya was somewhat puzzled, and the guards only mentioned Usopp's companions, but not Usopp himself.

What could be the reason for this? Could it be that Usopp encountered danger or had some accident outside?

Kaya couldn't help but let her mind wander, but no matter what happened, she decided to meet the other person first.

"Take me with you, Merry, you come too."

"Okay, Miss."

The guard and Merry both responded respectfully, and the guard stepped forward to lead the way for Kaya.

In the living room, Bitts sipped Donghai green tea, savoring the refreshing taste, and couldn't help but smack his lips.

"Yeah, it tastes good."

Nami put down her teacup, her tone quite surprised.

"I didn't know you could appreciate tea."

Bitts shook his head, speaking with an air of "you don't understand," and said matter-of-factly:

"No, but isn't that what they usually say?"

Nami couldn't help but roll her eyes dramatically.

"Please, if you don't know, don't pretend you know. I really don't know where you, 990, learned this trick from."

"Tch, so unromantic."

As the two were bickering, a clear and melodious female voice, like the sound of silver bells, came from outside the living room.

"Hehe, you guys are still as interesting as ever. It's nice to meet you again, Miss Nami."

Nami looked towards the doorway at the sound and saw Kaya walking gracefully toward them with a smile on her face.

Immediately, Nami also stood up and greeted her with a smile:

"Long time no see, Miss Kaya. How have you been lately?"

"Yes, thank you for your concern. I'm much better now, and I can even go out for exercise occasionally."

While Nami and Kaya exchanged pleasantries, Bitz continued to sip his tea while secretly observing them.

Her light blonde, medium-length straight hair, clearly well-maintained, cascaded smoothly over her shoulders.

Her large, watery brown eyes sparkled with joy at the arrival of her friend.

Because she was at home, the girl was only wearing a silk short dress with black lace trim and a pair of dark purple fluffy cotton slippers.

Appropriate yet retaining a youthful purity and beauty.

Although the girl's condition has improved significantly, Kaya, who has not left the house for more than a year, still has rather pale skin.

Furthermore, due to her parents' upbringing, she exudes the elegance and poise of a noblewoman in every gesture and movement.

The combination of the two gives one a sense of fragility and delicateness, as if it could break at the slightest touch.