Chapter Seventy-Four: Never Abandon, Never Forsake!

Time seemed to pass swiftly. A year had already gone by since Luffy and his crew set sail. Now, in the New World, the reputation of the Straw Hat Pirates was resounding far and wide. It was said that Jolia, who had famously withdrawn from the ranks of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, had, before the Straw Hats even entered the New World, joined them at the Sabaody Archipelago.

At present, the Straw Hat Pirates could be hailed as the most formidable small crew in the New World. Though their numbers were few, each member was exceptionally powerful. Particularly noteworthy was their navigator, formerly known as the Cat Burglar Nami just a year prior. Astonishingly, she now wielded the powers of the Glint-Glint Fruit, once belonging to the late Admiral Kizaru, granting her the ability to manipulate light itself. Despite her youth, she managed numerous affairs aboard the Straw Hat ship—serving as navigator in peace, and as a main combatant in battle. She had truly become a heroine among women, not in the least inferior to any man.

Even more shocking to the pirates of the New World was the Straw Hats’ cannoneer. The shells he fired were composed of solidified magma. Rumor had it that those who witnessed his attacks confirmed he wielded the power of the Magma-Magma Fruit. The fact that a single ship boasted two top-tier Devil Fruit users, alongside other crew members of considerable strength, made the vessel a veritable taboo on the seas. Whenever other pirate crews caught sight of the yellow straw hat flag flying from their mainmast, those who could escape did so at once; those who couldn’t could only brace themselves for battle. Yet, to cross swords with the Straw Hats was considered an honor, even in defeat.

Of course, the Marines could hardly ignore the Straw Hat Pirates. When the crew appeared at Sabaody Archipelago, the stationed Marines immediately reported to headquarters. Upon learning that Jolia had joined the Straw Hats, Admiral Aokiji could only gaze bitterly at the sea. The Navy had all but lost the ability to suppress piracy. Over the past year, the number of civilians turning pirate had soared to unprecedented heights.

To make matters worse for Aokiji, the Navy had suffered betrayals from within; several officers at the rank of commander defected, leading their subordinates into the New World in search of treasure. This was a tremendous blow to Aokiji’s pride, and he personally pursued and executed the traitors. When questioned why they had abandoned the Navy, the officers replied that they admired Kamio, a powerful pirate, and that with the Navy’s declining influence, even pirates dared to attack naval bases. What meaning was left in being a Marine? Wasn’t piracy a freer path?

Aokiji was left helpless, and could only decree that any further traitors would face his wrath.

A new set of three Admirals had been appointed, with two additional seats created, making five in total. Two were promoted from vice admiral, while the other three were said to be disciples of the Five Elders. They were no less skilled than Kizaru had been, yet much younger—none of them even thirty—which somewhat bolstered the confidence of the naval officers.

With the Navy’s top combat power increased, several campaigns against pirates restored order to the first half of the Grand Line. The Seven Warlords of the Sea were also reconstituted, with new members recruited from the ranks of powerful rookies. Since Jolia’s departure, two more members had left—the famed Hawkeye among them, who sailed his ghost ship into the New World in search of worthy opponents. The other was Doflamingo, who, recognizing that the Navy could no longer fulfill his ambitions, set out for the New World with his followers. His strength was undeniable, and he quickly carved out his own territory. When he eventually clashed with the Straw Hats, it was Doflamingo’s fleet of seven or eight ships against the Straw Hats’ lone vessel. Each of his captains was no weakling—this was the New World, after all, where only the strong could command a crew.

Kamio watched the battle from thousands of meters above, suspended in the air. The Straw Hats’ single ship fought the fleet to a standstill. Had Kamio not intervened and forcibly separated them, both sides would surely have been left in ruins. This alone was proof of the Straw Hats’ formidable power: ten against hundreds, including Doflamingo—a former upper-tier Warlord—and still not falling behind.

After the battle, the crew all thanked Kamio. Nami, who had reached admiral-level strength, became the glorious sacrificial lamb. After spending a few days with Kamio, he departed—the Straw Hats still had dreams of their own to fulfill. Kamio could help, but Luffy refused his offer. Luffy was by no means weak; he could defeat a top-class admiral in single combat, and wielded his Conqueror’s Haki with masterful ease. This alone destined him for greatness.

Kamio only smiled in satisfaction, and after exchanging a passionate kiss with Nami amid the envious gazes of the crew, he left.

......

Time continued its relentless march. Two and a half years had passed since the Straw Hats left Amazon Lily and set out on their journey of dreams. The New World now held the location of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger’s treasure—One Piece. Yet, Kamio did not secretly claim it for himself; instead, he quietly leaked hints about its whereabouts, mixing truth with falsehood among the myriad rumors. For those lucky enough to follow a genuine lead, it would not be the realization of a dream, but the arrival of calamity. Even if the location of One Piece was revealed, obtaining it would be nearly impossible—approaching it was a path to certain death.

Gazing at the calm sea before him, Kamio turned to the three women behind him.

His expression was solemn. "One Piece will soon reappear in the world. When that happens, countless will die. I must reach its location before they do, and this time, I shall not return. Have you all made your decision?"

Kamio’s eyes were serene, as still as a placid lake, betraying nothing of his true feelings.

"Brother Kamio, I will follow you for the rest of my life," said Robin.

"Brother Kamio, I will follow you for the rest of my life," said Ice Phoenix.

"Brother Kamio, I will follow you for the rest of my life," said Hancock.

The three women spoke in unison, voicing their hearts without a trace of hesitation.

Kamio’s eyes grew misty. He stepped forward and embraced them tightly.

"I, Kamio, will remain by your side forever, never to leave or abandon you."

......End of Chapter Two......

The story is nearing its conclusion, as you may have noticed. I intend to depict a scene of One Piece’s location, one unlike any other. Please look forward to it.

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