Chapter: 33: Sorbet Kingdom

The ship sailed smoothly across the glittering waves, the sun casting a warm glow on the deck. With Joichiro now officially part of the crew, the atmosphere had drastically changed, for the better.

Each meal felt like a five-star dining experience. Perfectly seared meats, fresh vegetables with vibrant colors, and sauces so rich they felt like they belonged in royal banquets. Now seated around the dining table, the crew was blissfully savoring every bite.

"This... this is the most reliable crew we've ever had," Kuzan muttered between mouthfuls, clearly enjoying the food but not passing up the chance to take a jab. "Unlike a certain self-proclaimed right-hand runt."

Greenbull nearly choked on his rice.

"What did you say, Ice Brick? I'm the one doing work around here. I gather ingredients for Joichiro, I grow plants from across the world with just a description, I—unlike you—am irreplaceable!"

"You're an errand boy at best," Kuzan smirked. "I keep the ship safe. You're just a walking greenhouse."

Before Greenbull could slam the table and start shouting, Koa calmly raised his hand.

"No bickering at the table," he said in a soft yet firm voice. Enjoy the food. Peacefully."

Both of them grumbled like children caught misbehaving. But when Koa followed up with a quiet warning, their expressions turned pale.

"If you keep it up… I'll ask Joichiro to serve you the Calamares Special."

Kuzan immediately stiffened. Greenbull's face went white.

"N-No need for that!" they said in unison, immediately returning to quietly eating.

Joichiro let out a light chuckle from the kitchen. "Ah, my experiments are not appreciated, huh? I was proud of those fermented sea-calamari guts. Perfectly aged in vinegar and raw mustard extract."

"STOP."Both Greenbulll and Kuzan said at the same time, visibly shaken.

Koa chuckled to himself as he took another bite of expertly prepared lamb, roasted with rare sea herbs and a seasoning blend Joichiro had perfected during his solo years.

Meanwhile, Joichiro was in his element. Though busy preparing the next round of dishes, he watched his new crew laugh and argue like family. It had only been a short time, but it already felt like he belonged.

'So this is what it means to sail freely... and feed people who truly appreciate the craft,' he thought, smiling to himself.

To his side, several herbs shimmered in a basket—exotic plants that should've only grown in the most remote parts of the Grand Line. And yet, with just Joichiro's detailed descriptions, Greenbull had summoned them effortlessly with his Devil Fruit. It was an unspoken partnership, one that Joichiro knew he'd treasure.

The ship sailed onward, bellies full, hearts light, and a growing bond among the crew that would carry them through the battles ahead.

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"So boss, where do we go from here?" Greenbull asked as the crew relaxed on the deck. Koa was responsible for navigation, while Greenbull handled the helm, using his wood-based clones that he could control telepathically.

"Just sail ahead. Our route is already aligned with where I want to go," Koa replied, as he gazed at the open sea.

He had set his course for the Sobret Kingdom, the land where Bartholomew Kuma had grown up before becoming a slave. Koa wanted to see what the island looked like — to witness the place that shaped the man who had once been called a tyrant, then later a savior.

And so, their ship sailed through the calm waters of the South Blue.

Koa no longer felt the urgency that once pushed him to fly across the seas in search of allies. Now, with a ship beneath his feet and a crew at his side, he chose to enjoy the journey.

With each passing day, their bond deepened, strengthened by shared meals, daily banter, and the countless small moments that made them more than a group of individuals.

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After a few weeks of steady sailing through the calm waters of the South Blue, Koa's crew finally arrived at the docks of the Sorbet Kingdom. The kingdom's coastline was lively yet carried a hint of humble charm — a contrast to the tension and chaos they'd faced in their earlier travels.

As they approached, Koa stood at the bow, arms crossed, watching the distant shoreline with quiet focus. The moment they docked, Greenbull wasted no time, commanding his wooden clones to fasten the ship with practiced efficiency.

"Secure the stern, and tighten the knots. We don't want the current dragging her out," he ordered, before glancing at Koa.

Koa raised a hand and, with a simple motion, made the entire ship vanish from sight — cloaked in invisibility. "Just in case anyone gets curious," he said calmly. "Let's not give them anything to target."

Joichiro stepped off the gangplank, stretching his arms. "Finally, solid ground. Maybe I can find some local herbs in the market."

"We'll check the capital," Koa replied, already moving ahead. "Castle Town. That's where we'll start. Locals mentioned it's the heart of this kingdom."

As they made their way inland, the crew kept a low profile, blending in with the regular crowd. The group dynamic was shifting — more cohesive now. Greenbull carried most of their supplies without complaint, Joichiro kept scanning food stalls with a gleam in his eyes, and Kuzan — never in a rush — kept their rear secure, occasionally freezing pickpockets before they could even reach for a pouch.

Though they had only been together a short while, the bond between the crew had begun to solidify. There was a rhythm to their movement, a shared trust forming in the silences between them. Each member brought something unique to the table, and Koa — though calm and quiet as always — was clearly building something more than just a pirate crew.