The last demon in the One Piece world

Chapter 3: A Red-Haired Pirate?

A few months had slipped by since Garp had brought Yushiro to Foosha Village, and in that time, much had changed. Yushiro, once a mysterious outsider, had become an integral part of the community. The villagers now recognized him as their protector and trusted advisor. His presence was a stabilizing force—they often saw him lending a hand around the village, helping with chores, fixing broken fences, or simply offering a listening ear to those in need.

Most notably, Yushiro had taken on a prominent role at *Party's Bar*. Whether it was cleaning, serving, or just sharing stories with the patrons, he was always present. His calm demeanor and quiet strength reassured the villagers, and they appreciated his dedication. Over time, his reputation grew; bandits and troublemakers, once a real threat to the peaceful life of Foosha Village, now kept their distance. Any such troublemakers who dared to threaten the peace found themselves met with Yushiro's unwavering vigilance—he had no qualms about scaring off or confronting those with bad intentions. Only newcomers to the area, unaware of his reputation, occasionally tested the limits, but the villagers knew better than to worry. No bandit dared to threaten their safety anymore.

And yet, amidst this quiet order, the bond between Yushiro and Luffy had grown remarkably strong. The young boy was inseparable from him—always tagging along, eager to learn, explore, or simply be near. It was rare to see one without the other. Whether they were wandering through the village, playing near the docks, or sitting under the shade of a tree, their camaraderie was undeniable. The villagers often remarked how well they complemented each other—Yushiro's calm, protective nature balanced perfectly with Luffy's lively, carefree spirit.

Today, however, there was a noticeable change in the usual rhythm of the village. Luffy had gone out early that morning, heading toward the port with the usual enthusiasm, as he often did to check if anyone new was arriving. But now, hours had passed, and there was still no sign of him returning. The village felt a bit more tense, a slight undercurrent of concern rippling through the quiet.

Yushiro, who was in the midst of doing the dishes at the bar, paused and looked toward Makino, who was carefully drying a row of mugs nearby. His voice was calm, but there was a hint of worry behind it.

Yushiro: "Makino-san, has Luffy still not returned yet?"

Makino, who was wiping a glass with gentle, practiced motions, glanced toward the door and shook her head slowly. Her brow furrowed slightly as she replied,

Makino: "No... I wonder if somebody actually came... or if something's happened."

Yushiro's expression hardened with concern. He quickly dried his hands on a cloth and looked toward the door, already contemplating his next move.

Yushiro: "I'll go check the port. Maybe he's just taking his time, but... better to be sure."

Makino nodded, her face still tinged with worry but understanding.

Makino: "That's a good idea. Be careful, okay?"

Yushiro straightened and gave a slight nod, his tone decisive.

Yushiro: "Sure... I'll be back soon."

He pushes open the door and steps outside, the fresh air greeting him as he heads toward the docks. Just as he's about to leave, Makino calls out softly, a hint of concern in her voice.

Makino: "Oh! Right! Yushiro-kun, could you please stop by the market on your way back? We're running low on fish."

Yushiro glances back briefly, a small, reassuring smile forming.

Yushiro: "Sure, I will pick up some fish. I'll be back soon."

"Arigato na!" Makino responds warmly, her smile returning as she continues drying the dishes.