The last demon in the One Piece world

Chapter 148: Return To Sabaody

Sabaody Archipelago

As Yushiro strolled through the groves of the Sabaody Archipelago, the familiar paths stretched out before him, carrying the same infectious atmosphere that had drawn him in two years prior. The air buzzed with anticipation, and the trees seemed to hum with the promise of adventure, their leaves rustling softly in the gentle breeze. The scent of exotic flowers and fresh fruit wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of distant chatter and the occasional burst of laughter.

Yushiro's footsteps were calm and unhurried, his expression a mask of serenity. His appearance, however, had undergone a subtle transformation. His hair, once flat and neat, now sprang forth in fluffy curls that framed his face, adding a touch of whimsy to his features. His irises, once a deep, pale violet, had deepened to a rich, permanent cyan, a striking shade that seemed almost otherworldly. He wore a long-sleeved black undershirt, paired with an unusually styled uniform that seemed to reflect his eclectic personality. Grey shorts and a brown belt cinched at his waist, while white socks and a pair of brown dress shoes completed his outfit. A beret, slouching rakishly over one eye, added a dash of sophistication to his overall look.

A shoulder bag, slung over his shoulder, bulged with books from the library. And then, of course, there was Bella-chan, his feline companion, who had claimed his hat as her own personal bed. She lay sprawled across the hat, her deep dark blue scarf a perfect match for Yushiro's own attire. The scarf brought out the vibrant red of her eyes, which shone like two rubies in the sunlight.

As Yushiro walked, he drew more than a few admiring glances from passersby. A young woman, pushing a cart filled with fresh fruit, couldn't help but giggle as she caught sight of Yushiro and Bella-chan. "Oh my, look at that adorable pair!" she cooed, her eyes shining with delight. "He's so cute, and that cat of his is just precious!"

The older woman next to her nodded her heart and smiled. "You're right, Aika-chan.", she said, her voice gentle.

As they continued to chat, Yushiro and Bellaremained blissfully unaware of the attention they were receiving. Yushiro walked on, his eyes fixed on some point ahead, his expression serene. Bella-chan, still sleeping, seemed completely at ease, her tiny chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.

Sabaody Archipelago
Shakky's rip-off bar, Grove 13

As Yushiro exhaled, he walked up the stairs leading to his destination, Shakky's rip-off bar. The sign above the door creaked gently in the breeze. Pushing open the door, he was met with the familiar scent of cigarettes and liquor. The atmosphere inside was calm and nostalgic.

Shakky, leaning against the counter with a cigarette in hand, smiled at the sight of Yushiro. Her eyes sparkled with warmth, and her voice was low and soothing as she greeted him. "Ara? Yushiro-chan, you made it safely. Come in, come in."

Yushiro responded with a gentle smile, his expression serene. "Good to see you, Shakky-san." He stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room as he made his way to the counter.

His gaze drifted toward Duval, who was wrapped in bandages like a mummy. Despite his injuries, Duval's ridiculous pompadour remained intact, standing tall as ever. Duval beamed with pride, puffing out his chest. "I'm glad you asked! I protected your ship for a whole year! But, I have no regrets even with these injuries!"

Yushiro's expression didn't change much, only a subtle raise of his eyebrow. "Huh... Your loyalty runs deeper than I thought." Duval's eyes sparkled, and he looked like he was about to preen.

"Hm? Did you just call me handsome?" he asked, his voice hopeful.

Yushiro's response was blunt, but it only seemed to fuel Duval's enthusiasm. "You're as ridiculous as ever," he noted.