"I have to work harder."
After reading the introduction to the newly unlocked weapon, Bai Yu couldn't help but sigh with mixed emotions.
The system's forging function had finally activated, yet Bai Yu understood—this was only the beginning.
He still had a long road ahead.
Every day, he had to continue swinging his blade, sharpening his will and strength like tempered steel.
Knock knock knock.
At that moment, a knock came at the door.
Snapping back to reality, Bai Yu immediately dismissed the system panel and moved to open the door.
Standing outside was a familiar face—a fellow naval sergeant.
"Am I disturbing your rest, Commander?" the sergeant asked, her tone respectful and cautious.
"Not at all," Bai Yu replied, waving a hand casually. "And privately, just call me Bai Yu."
Ever since being called "Commander," Bai Yu had felt a strange disconnect. It didn't quite suit him yet.
"Understood, Bai Y—uh…"
The sergeant started but caught herself, stammering. Bai Yu shot her a look that stopped her mid-sentence.
"By the way," he added, his expression shifting slightly, "did you find anything about what I asked?"
"There is news!" she nodded quickly, her eyes lighting up. "I've confirmed the whereabouts of the 'Straw Hat Pirates' you were asking about."
"Oh?" Bai Yu's eyes narrowed with interest. "That was fast. Let's hear it."
After the civil war in Alabasta was quelled, Bai Yu had dispatched scouts to investigate the movements of the Straw Hat crew. Judging by the timeline, they should've been involved in the conflict. Strangely, they hadn't appeared—until now.
The sergeant continued, "It's confirmed that the Straw Hats rescued Princess Vivi from Crocodile's pursuit the day before the final confrontation. Later, they reportedly encountered Vice Admiral Garp's ship nearby."
She paused, then added, "The strange part is—they haven't left. They're still circling nearby waters… as if they're waiting for something."
"When we wrapped up the conflict, they vanished quickly afterward."
Bai Yu frowned slightly, the pieces starting to fall into place.
They were waiting.
Waiting for news of Vivi.
And once they realized the danger had passed, they quietly withdrew—likely to avoid being seen by Vice Admiral Garp.
After all, being spotted by the legendary "Hero of the Marines" was no trivial matter.
"Wait… hold on a second," Bai Yu suddenly asked, his brows lifting. "You said Old Garp was in Alabasta too?!"
The sergeant blinked. "Yes. Didn't he tell you?"
"Vice Admiral Garp's current assignment placed him on an island not far from Alabasta. He docked nearby during the events."
Good grief…!
Bai Yu clenched his fist, barely resisting the urge to slam the table.
That old man! Garp hadn't told him a thing—clearly wanting him to handle the situation alone, without support.
Was it a test?
A setup?
Bai Yu gritted his teeth.
"Trying to screw me over, old man? Too bad—I have the system!"
A surge of confidence flared in his chest.
"And one more thing…" the sergeant said, pulling him out of his thoughts.
She hesitated before continuing, "Princess Vivi and King Cobra have organized a banquet at the palace to thank us. Do we… do we attend?"
Her voice lowered a little. Truthfully, most of the credit went to Bai Yu. The others were simply following orders.
Now that the fighting was over, it felt awkward to be celebrated for work they hadn't really done.
"Of course we go," Bai Yu replied without hesitation.
"We're not pirates sneaking through shadows. If royalty wants to thank the navy, we have no reason to refuse."
He paused, then added thoughtfully, "Besides… it wouldn't hurt to get closer to Princess Vivi."
The navy had earned this moment of honor—and after the tense days of conflict, Bai Yu knew his men needed rest.
"I'll inform the others right away," the sergeant responded, visibly relieved.
She gave him the banquet location before hurrying off.
**
Later that evening, in the heart of Alabasta's royal palace, the grand courtyard had been transformed.
Long banquet tables lined the open space, the air filled with the aroma of grilled meats, sweet fruits, and rich Alabastian wine.
Maids moved swiftly between tables, refilling goblets and replacing platters as guests enjoyed the celebration.
Bai Yu sat at the head table, surrounded by the key figures of Alabasta—King Cobra, Princess Vivi, and the captain of the royal guard.
"This victory belongs to the navy," King Cobra declared, rising with his goblet in hand. "Especially to you, Bai Yu. My daughter has told me everything."
He raised his cup high. "Your kindness and bravery will never be forgotten. I toast to you!"
"To Bai Yu!" echoed several voices.
Bai Yu rose with a smile, returning the gesture. "Catching pirates is what we do. No need for thanks."
Then he drained the cup in one gulp.
Laughter and cheers followed.
"Haha! Brother Bai Yu, you're a man of strength and heart!"
"Come, drink more!"
The celebration roared on. But eventually, Cobra, slightly inebriated, bid his guests good night and retired.
Bai Yu took the opportunity to step away as well, finding a quiet pavilion in the corner of the courtyard.
He leaned back on the bench, watching the stars above.
**
"Tonight's sky… really is beautiful."
A soft voice came from behind.
Vivi approached, stepping quietly into the gazebo and taking a seat beside him.
"I told you earlier," Bai Yu said with a small smile, "you don't need to thank me."
"I know," Vivi said, smiling back.
They shared a glance.
A moment of silence, then both laughed softly.
Their eyes returned to the Alabasta night, a silence between them that felt peaceful rather than empty.
**
After a long pause, Vivi spoke again.
"I heard… you're leaving tomorrow."
Bai Yu nodded. "Yeah. Crocodile still has to be transported to Impel Down, and we need to report to headquarters."
Another pause settled between them.
"You…" Vivi started.
"We…" Bai Yu said at the same time.
They both stopped.
"You go first," Vivi giggled.
Bai Yu scratched his head. "What will you do now?"
"Assist my father," Vivi answered. "Alabasta has to rebuild. The people… they've suffered too much."
He nodded in understanding. It made sense—Vivi had always put her people first.
But the weight of a princess's duty was heavy. Things would never return to how they were before.
"I'm sure you'll do a great job," Bai Yu said quietly.
Vivi looked down, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, she asked, "Will we… see each other again?"
Bai Yu's eyes didn't waver.
"Yes," he said firmly. "We'll meet again."
Under the moonlit sky, surrounded by the fading sounds of celebration, a bond formed between them.
A quiet promise etched in starlight.