Chapter 65: Drum Island: A Promise Before Departure

Takumi wasn't expecting the Drum Island sign-in task to be completed so quickly. It was a bit surprising, especially since all he did was help Law out a little just to get him off his back. But in the end, it worked out, and Takumi couldn't complain about that.

He pulled up his personal stats:

[Name: Takumi

Age: 10

Next Sign-In Location: Alabasta (0%)

Constitution: All Attribute Chakra

Haki: Armament Haki Lv6, Conqueror's Haki Lv4, Observation Haki Lv4

Skills: Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique (Mastery), Swordsmanship Lv6, Shunpo Lv3, Night Guy Lv2, Divine Departure (Mastery), Fairy Sphere Lv2, Healing Palm (Mastery), Yin Healing Wound Destruction (Mastery)

Six Powers: Finger Pistol Lv1, Iron Body Lv3, Shave Lv1, Moonwalk Lv1, Tempest Kick Lv1, Paper Art Lv1

Weapon: Cursed Sword Star Fragment (Lake Toya)

System Space: 100x100x100 cubic meters]

"So, the next stop is Alabasta, huh?" Takumi mused, closing the status screen.

The first names that came to mind were Princess Vivi and Crocodile from Baroque Works. Given the current timeline, Crocodile probably hadn't made his move on Alabasta yet. So, who he might run into there was anyone's guess. Either way, he'd figure it out when he got there—everything else would just be left to chance.

With that thought, Takumi picked up the two jugs of liquor that the innkeeper, Bock, had given him and started walking toward the port.

Seeing him head in that direction, Law quickly caught up. "Takumi, are you heading to one of the bars near the port to drink?"

"I'm leaving," Takumi replied flatly.

"What?" Law stopped in his tracks, staring at Takumi in disbelief. "You're leaving Drum Island? Why so suddenly?"

"I'm a traveler," Takumi said, glancing back at him. "I don't stay in one place for long."

"But…" Law hesitated, then pressed on. "I really like you, man. Are you sure you won't join my pirate crew?"

"No."

With that, Takumi continued toward the port.

Law stood there, watching Takumi's figure grow smaller in the distance. After a long pause, he called out, "Takumi! Are we... I mean, can I call you a friend?"

Takumi slowed down a bit but didn't turn around. "Yeah," he said quietly, then kept walking.

A smile spread across Law's face as he waved after Takumi. "We'll definitely meet again! And when we do, I'll be stronger—strong enough to be worthy of being your friend!"

Kureha appeared beside Law, sipping her drink. "Heh heh heh, looks like you've made up your mind."

"Of course!" Law clenched his fist confidently. "When I set my mind to something, there's nothing I can't do!"

Meanwhile, in the pine forest outside Cocoa Weed Town, Chopper was hiding behind a tree, watching Takumi.

He'd overheard the entire conversation between Takumi and Law, and it hit him hard.

On the one hand, he was thrilled to finally know Takumi's name. But on the other hand, Takumi was leaving! Chopper didn't want him to go, but he also knew there was no real reason for Takumi to stay just because of him.

As Takumi walked further away, Chopper couldn't hold back anymore. He transformed back into his reindeer form and followed Takumi all the way to the port.

When he saw Takumi board a small boat and start untying the rope from the dock, Chopper rushed over, tears streaming down his face. "Takumi! Can't you stay just a little longer?"

Takumi looked at Chopper and said calmly, "You were outside the town earlier, weren't you?"

Chopper nodded, looking down, his heart heavy with sadness.

Takumi reached out and gently patted Chopper's furry head. "If you were there, then you heard what I told Law. I'm a traveler, Chopper. I can't stay here forever."

"But…" Chopper said, his voice quivering with emotion. "Can't you stay just a little longer? I've only just found someone who doesn't look down on me. I don't want to lose you so soon."

"Chopper, when men part ways, they shouldn't be so hesitant," Takumi continued untying the rope. "You'll meet more people who will be kind to you in the future."

"But right now, I only have you and Doctor Hiriluk. I don't want to think about the future—I want you here now," Chopper said, tears welling up again. "I know I'm still weak, but I'll work hard—I'll do everything I can to earn your respect. I want to be your friend, just like that other guy. I really don't want you to leave."

Seeing Chopper so distraught, Takumi paused. He had intended to be firm, but seeing Chopper like this, he softened a little. "Chopper, are you really troubled by the fact that I'm leaving?"

Chopper didn't understand why Takumi was asking this but nodded, still confused.

Takumi smiled faintly. "The world is vast, far bigger than you can imagine. When you're older, go out to sea. You'll see how small your current worries really are. Drum Island is just a tiny speck compared to the whole world. This isn't goodbye forever. One day, we'll meet again."

Chopper sniffled, looking at Takumi.

By this time, Takumi had finished untying the rope. The small boat began to drift away from the dock, carried by the current.

Chopper wanted to stop him, but he knew there was nothing he could do now. He opened his mouth to say something but couldn't find the words.

"Chopper," Takumi called out from the boat as it floated further away. He smiled warmly. "We're already friends."

"Really? Are we really friends?" Chopper asked, his eyes wide with hope.

Takumi waved, smiling. "Really."

A broad smile spread across Chopper's face as he wiped away his tears. "I'll go out to sea one day! When I do, I'll show you how much stronger I've become!"

"Good," Takumi replied, nodding.

The small boat carried Takumi away from Drum Island. As soon as he left the snowy area and the temperature warmed up, he began to shed the heavy winter coat he was wearing.

Just then, he noticed a strange vessel approaching in the distance. Half boat, half submarine, with a sun-like symbol and a simple smiley face painted on the hull. It was none other than Law's pirate ship.

As Takumi's boat passed by the Heart Pirates' vessel, he overheard a white bear in an orange jumpsuit on the deck, complaining loudly, "Ahhh, the captain's being so unreasonable! He said we'd only stay on Drum Island for two months, and now he's calling to say we're staying for another two months! Just because he's the captain doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants!"

"Ha ha ha! What can we do? He's the boss. By the way, Beppo, the Den Den Mushi is still on. The captain heard everything you just said," someone else laughed.

"Ah!" The bear, Beppo, jumped in surprise. Seeing that the Den Den Mushi was indeed still connected, he immediately started bowing and apologizing. "Sorry, sorry! I didn't mean it! Captain, just pretend you didn't hear any of that…"

"Ha ha ha! Too late! You're in big trouble now, Beppo. The captain's going to be mad for sure!" the other person teased.

"Damn it, Penguin! Grrr! Let's settle this!" Beppo growled, striking a kung-fu pose.

The guy named Penguin burst into laughter.

Takumi couldn't help but smile a little. Law's Heart Pirates seemed to have a good atmosphere on board.

Without saying a word, Takumi's small boat quietly sailed past the Heart Pirates' ship, heading toward his next sign-in destination: Alabasta...

******

Support me on Ko-fi at ko-fi.com/gered to read up to chapter 115!