Trying to recruit Makino

Solsob, Yamato, and the captured Alvida touched down in the middle of Goa's town center, near the bustling marketplace.

The city was alive with energy—merchants shouting their wares, noble ladies in elegant dresses walking with parasols, and the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meats filling the air.

But the moment the townspeople laid eyes on them, the atmosphere shifted.

Gasps. Muttering. Suspicious glances.

It wasn't Jacob nor Alvida who caused the most alarm—it was Yamato.

Her tall, imposing figure, curved horns, and samurai attire made her look utterly inhumane to the people of Goa. Some of the nobles visibly flinched, while commoners took a few hesitant steps back.

"A monster?" someone whispered.

"A demon!"

Completely unaware of their fear, Yamato was grinning from ear to ear as she took in the scenery.

"This place is amazing! The buildings are so different from Wano!" She turned to Jacob, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Do you think they have a good bar around here?"

Jacob, meanwhile, was more focused on Alvida, who was visibly unhappy and shackled with seastone cuffs.

"Oi, Fire King, are these handcuffs essential?" she huffed, tossing her sleek black hair over her shoulder. "I already said I won't try anything funny. Do you even know who I am?!"

Jacob shot her a dry look. "Yeah, you're Alvida. You were raiding a passenger ship before I kidnapped you."

She scoffed. "I was raiding a ship. But come on, this is humiliating!" She rattled the cuffs in frustration. "I'm the most beautiful woman in East Blue, you know!"

Jacob barely reacted, glancing up toward High Town, where the wealthy elite lived.

He wasn't here for sightseeing.

He was here because this was where one of his targets resides–Makino .

"Whatever," Jacob finally muttered, turning away from Alvida and ignoring the wary stares of the townspeople. "We have business here."

As they began walking deeper into the city, Yamato eagerly bounced alongside him, still enjoying herself.

Alvida, meanwhile, muttered under her breath.

"What kind of crazy bastard did I get myself involved with...?"

***

Jacob followed Yamato through the crowded streets of Goa, watching as she excitedly took in everything around her.

The towering warrior moved with childlike enthusiasm, pointing at different stalls and rushing to inspect them.

"Jacob, look! They have skewered meat here! And over there—what is that? Some round bread?" Yamato's eyes sparkled as she grabbed a meat skewer from a stand, ignoring the vendor's fearful expression.

"Hey, you gotta pay for that," Jacob muttered, tossing a few berries on the stall.

Yamato took a huge bite, her body trembling of excitement. "Mmm! This is good! Do you think Wano had food like this before it was closed off?"

Jacob sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. Yamato's energy was endless.

Meanwhile, Alvida, followed begrudgingly behind them.

"This is ridiculous," she muttered, flipping her sleek black hair over her shoulder. "You kidnapped me, and now I have to follow you around like some kind of servant?"

Jacob shot her a dry look. "You tried to raid a ship. Be glad I didn't drop you in the ocean."

Alvida huffed but didn't argue.

As they continued exploring, they drew more and more attention. Goa's citizens—especially the wealthy elite—were clearly uncomfortable with Yamato's imposing figure and inhuman features.

It wasn't long before a group of armored city guards rushed toward them, hesitant but determined.

"H-Halt! This is the Goa Royal Guards! You three are causing a disturbance!"

Jacob crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "Oh?"

One of the guards, clearly nervous, took a step forward. His hand was trembling on his sword hilt as he glanced at Yamato's massive club and Jacob's aura.

"P-Please, sirs—m-ma'am," he stammered, his gaze flicking toward Yamato. "We kindly ask that you leave the city immediately. You're frightening the people."

Yamato blinked in confusion. "Frightening?" She glanced around.

Indeed, many of the nobles and citizens had backed away, whispering nervously.

Jacob sighed, already expecting this reaction.

Meanwhile, Alvida smirked, stepping closer to Jacob. "See? Even without me doing anything, you're the troublemakers here."

Jacob ignored her, looking at Yamato. "What do you wanna do? Leave, or...?"

Yamato frowned, looking disappointed. "I wanted to see everything. But if they're scared of me, we should go."

She pouted slightly before grabbing another meat skewer from a stall, taking a large bite as she turned away.

Jacob turned back to the shaking guards, giving them a sharp look.

"We'll leave when we're ready."

And with that, he walked off with Yamato and Alvida, leaving the frightened guards behind.

***

Jacob soared effortlessly through the sky, the weight of Yamato and Alvida barely affecting him. Below them, the landscape of Goa Kingdom stretched out—lush forests, winding rivers, and distant mountains formed a breathtaking view.

As they passed Edge Town, Jacob frowned. The area was lawless, filled with criminals and vagabonds who took advantage of the lack of government presence.

Then came Gray Terminal, the massive landfill slum on the outskirts of the kingdom.

Jacob's nostalgia hit hard.

"This... this was where Luffy and Ace grew up."

Memories of his previous life clashed with his new reality. He knew Ace had already set sail years ago, but he wondered about the state of the place.

Yamato looked down at the sprawling slums in fascination. "This place... it's like Wano's lower districts."

Alvida scoffed. "It's a dump."

Jacob ignored her, adjusting his course. "Next stop, Foosha Village."

As they neared Foosha Village, the small seaside town came into view. The humble village consisted of simple wooden houses, a central dirt road, and a lively little harbor.

The smell of grilled fish and salty ocean air filled Jacob's nose.

"This is where it all started for Luffy..."

Jacob's feet touched the ground, landing gracefully near the village entrance.

Yamato jumped off, stretching her arms. "Finally! Flying is fun, but I prefer having my feet on the ground!"

Alvida dusted herself off. "So what now? You just wanted to show us this random village?"

Jacob looked toward the town center, spotting a familiar-looking bar—Party's Bar.

"Makino should still be here."

With a slight smirk, he said, "Let's grab a drink."

***

Jacob pushed open the wooden door of Party's Bar, the small bell above the entrance jingling softly. The warm scent of liquor, fresh fruit, and home-cooked food filled the air.

It was afternoon, so the bar was mostly empty—only a few fishermen enjoying a drink at the corner table. Behind the counter, a gentle-looking woman with green hair and kind eyes wiped a glass clean.

Jacob recognized her immediately—Makino.

She is a beloved figure in Foosha Village, known for her kindness and hospitality.

Close to Luffy and Shanks's crew.

She turned toward them with a warm smile. "Welcome! I don't think I've seen you around before."

Jacob smiled back. "We're travelers. Got any specialties today?"

Makino chuckled. "You're in luck! I just made some fresh pineapple rum punch and a special seafood platter."

Yamato, spinning on a barstool like a child, immediately perked up. "That sounds amazing! I'll take three servings!"

Makino giggled. "Coming right up."

As Makino prepared the drinks, Jacob discreetly studied her. She moved effortlessly, her hands quick and precise. Even without formal training, her observation haki probably gave her an edge in reading people.

Alvida sat stiffly. "Can you at least take these off now?" she grumbled.

Jacob ignored her, focusing instead on Makino as she placed the drinks in front of them.

"So," Makino said with a friendly tilt of her head, "what brings you to Foosha Village?"

Jacob sipped the pineapple rum punch, savoring the sweet yet tangy flavor. Makino really knew her craft. He set the glass down and looked her in the eye.

"I'll be honest with you." He leaned forward slightly. "I need someone like you—someone with a sharp mind, a silver tongue, and an eye for people. A skilled negotiator with high emotional intelligence who can keep things running smoothly."

Makino tilted her head, intrigued but cautious. "Oh? And what exactly do you mean by that?"

"I mean I need a mixologist, a businesswoman, and a diplomat all in one. Someone who can read a situation, calm tensions before they boil over, and handle delicate negotiations. The Grand Line isn't just about fighting—it's about alliances, deals, and knowing when to talk instead of drawing a sword."

Makino smiled gently and shook her head. "That's quite the pitch, Young man. But… I'm afraid I'll have to decline."

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Makino chuckled. "I'm too old for adventuring."

Jacob nearly choked on his drink. "Too old? You're not even thirty!"

Makino laughed softly. "Compared to your crew? I assume they're all young and ambitious. I love this village. I live here, and I'm happy running my bar."

Yamato, who had been wolfing down her seafood platter, suddenly spoke up. "Oi, Makino! You don't have to fight. Just serve drinks and make people happy! That sounds fun!"

Alvida snorted. "Not everyone wants to leave their home, you barbarian."

Makino smiled at Yamato, then turned back to Jacob. "I appreciate the offer. But I'm not a warrior. I'm just a bartender."

Jacob frowned slightly. She's underselling herself.

But he wasn't the type to force someone into his crew. If she didn't want to leave, that was her choice.

He leaned back, tak. " And notsip of his drink. "Fair; she's twenty-sevenever change your mind—even if it's just to run a bar on my ship—you're welcome."

Makino nodded, her eyes warm. "I'll remember that."

Jacob leaned in, pointing his hand to Yamato, "And, Not all my crew were young, she's twenty seven."