Chapter 10: Departure

As the lively banquet wound down past midnight, people tidied minimally and returned home to sleep. The town grew quiet, its darkened streets bathed in moonlight, casting an ethereal glow over the island's houses.

Silk, back at her home, gazed at the full moon through the window. She and her grandmother Setsuyo lived in a house doubling as an inn on the second floor and a tavern below. Their corner room held two beds side by side.

Silk sat on her bed by the window in pajamas, while Setsuyo slept soundly on the other. The gentle rhythm of Setsuyo's breathing suggested deep sleep, but Silk couldn't rest. Restless and unable to lie down, she felt an odd sleeplessness.

Staring at the moon, she reflected. Today was hectic—rescuing shipwrecked Luffy and Kiri, battling pirates, then joining an unprecedented feast. Exhausting, yet strangely fun.

Was it lingering excitement or something else? Her pensive expression betrayed a quiet melancholy as she gazed at the moon, its light seeming to shift, radiating a strange power that held her gaze.

Sleep felt impossible tonight, the reason elusive—a first for her. Glancing back at Setsuyo's peaceful form, she hesitated to wake her. The urge to confide clashed with reluctance, leaving Silk to stew alone.

Sighing, she stood, left the bed, and slipped out in pajamas. When sleepless, she often went to the nearby port to watch the sea—a habit.

Descending to the first floor, she headed for the back door when voices drifted from the tavern. Not thieves—familiar, subdued voices. Tonight, the inn wasn't just home to her and Setsuyo.

Instinctively silencing her steps, she crept closer, leaning against the wall to peek into the tavern.

Lit by a small lamp, Luffy and Kiri sat talking—her guests, still awake.

Relieved they weren't intruders, Silk's face softened as she moved to join them. But a snippet of their conversation froze her in place.

She didn't know why.

Hiding by the wall, she listened.

"Pirates are like that—attacking towns, hurting innocents, plundering treasure, and fleeing without accountability. Good pirates like Shanks are rare," Kiri said quietly, mending Luffy's straw hat with needle and thread, his face calm in the lamplight.

Luffy, slouched with his chin on the table, looked uncharacteristically subdued.

Their calm demeanor felt strange, making Silk hesitate to interrupt. She stayed hidden, eavesdropping.

"There are pirates everywhere now, but most are like that. No wonder people hate them," Kiri continued.

"Yeah, I get it," Luffy replied.

"Disillusioned? You could still back out. If it's just adventure you want, be an adventurer, not a pirate. Now's your only chance before a bounty's on your head."

The conversation turned serious. Silk stifled a gasp, covering her mouth to stay unnoticed.

They'd declared themselves pirates that afternoon, fresh from battling Three Moon's galley. Now they discussed their future. Interrupting felt wrong—this moment might decide whether they'd continue as pirates. Luffy's casual reply came swiftly.

"Nah, I'm good with this."

So nonchalant. Silk blinked, stunned by his lack of hesitation.

Her brow furrowed, but Kiri, unsurprised, chuckled as if expecting it, showing no intent to challenge Luffy.

"I went to sea to be a pirate. I'll be the pirate I wanna be," Luffy said.

"What kind of pirate is that?" Kiri asked.

"Hmm… I wanna throw parties. That banquet was fun, right?"

"Very you, but not very pirate-like."

"C'mon, Kiri, pirates sing and party. Feasting after adventures is the best. That's my kind of pirate."

"Specific yet vague. Fine, that's you. Adventure, fighting, and feasts, huh?"

Their voices stayed calm, their banter unchanged from daytime. Their camaraderie eased Silk's tension, making her smile despite herself.

Her unease didn't vanish, but it lessened. Should she join them or return to her room?

Their voices continued.

"By the way, Silk said something funny. Called us Peacemains," Luffy said.

"Peacemains? Sounds familiar…" Kiri mused.

Silk, about to retreat, froze, ears perked.

"Old pirate term," Kiri explained. "Before the Great Voyage era, pirates were split into Morganias and Peacemains. The name faded after the Pirate King rose."

"Oh, yeah! Shanks' first mate mentioned it," Luffy recalled.

"Pirates who hunt pirates. She thought we seemed like Peacemains."

"Cool! I like that," Luffy grinned.

Silk peeked, seeing Luffy laugh heartily, clearly delighted. Guilt pricked at her eavesdropping, but curiosity held her.

"You aiming to be a Peacemain?" Kiri asked.

"Nope, not quite," Luffy said.

"Huh? Not that?"

"When I was a kid, Makino told me something."

Kiri tilted his head at the sudden name. "Makino? Who's that?"

"Bartender in Foosha Village. We heard about Peacemains from the first mate. She said they're like heroes."

"Makes sense. They take down pirates."

"Nah, that's not it. Heroes and pirates are different. I like heroes, but I wanna be a pirate, not a hero."

"How so?"

"Like, say there's meat. Pirates eat it and party. Heroes give it to the needy. I wanna eat meat and party, not be a hero."

Kiri laughed weakly, half-getting it, his tension easing. "Pirates are pirates, huh?"

"Yup. Pirates are free. Heroes are stuck."

"Haha, true. I'd pick pirate freedom too."

Their innocent laughter filled the air. The darkened tavern, so familiar to Silk, felt like their world now, its unique aura excluding her.

It highlighted the distance between them.

Staring into the darkness ahead, Silk reflected. Pirates—whether raiders like the galleys or Peacemains like Luffy—were the same breed. She'd never considered it, always seeing them as distinct. They were pirates; she was just a town girl.

A sudden emptiness hit her. She'd called herself their comrade, felt accepted, yet lacked the resolve to be a pirate. Tomorrow's path was unclear, the root of her sleeplessness.

Was she a pirate or a townsfolk?

Mulling it over, her expression grew pained, lips pursed, eyes shut. In the darkness, a voice cut through.

"What's Silk gonna do?" Kiri asked Luffy.

Her eyes snapped open, heart racing, though she didn't look at them. Why the question shook her, she couldn't say, but tension gripped her.

She'd boldly declared herself a comrade to Luffy. As a pirate, she'd have no grounds to complain if taken to sea. The question was whether she wanted that—and she didn't know, still wrestling with it. Maybe Luffy's words would sway her.

She waited, heart torn between hope and fear. His flat voice came.

"She'll decide. Come with us or stay—her choice."

A hammer struck her mind. Stunned, she froze.

Unaware of her presence, they continued, their words raw and honest.

"If she wants to come, she will. If she wants to stay, she stays. No forcing. Pirates are free, not ordered around," Luffy said.

"Says the guy who dragged me along," Kiri teased.

"You wanted to be a pirate."

"I refused, didn't I?"

"Nah, you wanted it. My eyes don't lie."

"Hah, fine. Looking back, you weren't wrong."

Silk glanced at them, their relaxed postures unchanged.

"She'll decide herself. She's our comrade," Luffy said.

"Even if she stays?" Kiri asked.

"Doesn't change a thing. She said she's a comrade, and I, the captain, accepted her. On my ship or not, she's a comrade forever."

Kiri nodded. "Fair. That's one way to see it."

Luffy's words struck Silk. Her eyes shone with joy.

They'd met just a day ago, amid a crisis. Her comrade claim was impulsive, not backed by true resolve. Did Luffy know?

He likely did—her lack of commitment. Yet he called her a comrade, his voice and eyes sincere.

Clenching her fists, Silk felt her turmoil calm.

"You think she'll decide by tomorrow?" Kiri asked.

"Yup. I'll hear her out," Luffy said.

"You trust her, huh? Barely know her," Kiri said.

"Shishishi, you trust her too, don't you? You see her as a comrade."

"Yeah, guess so."

Their words warmed her heart, dissolving her fog of doubt. Exhaling, she steadied herself.

Her hesitation was clearing, but rushing to decide felt wrong. She needed calm.

Luffy spoke again. "But Silk's treasure is here, so she might not come."

"Then what?" Kiri asked.

"No big deal. Forcing her won't help."

"Right. She'd come if she sought something beyond this town."

"Yup. If she wants something, she might join."

Kiri placed the repaired straw hat on Luffy's head. He accepted it gleefully, the air warm and easy.

Silk decided to return to her room. Glancing at them one last time, she crept upstairs silently.

Her steps were unsteady from her thoughts, but she reached the room, opened the door quietly, and closed it softly.

Setsuyo slept on, unaware. Confirming her peaceful face, Silk moved to her bed.

Then, her sword in the corner caught her eye. She'd trained daily to fend off pirates, yet when the moment came, she'd done nothing, saved by these pirate boys. What had she achieved? Relief at being unharmed was a townsfolk's mindset—not hers.

Realization hit, and her gaze lifted.

"I get it."

The fog cleared. Her unease, her hesitation, stemmed from a disconnect with her identity. The moment she'd declared to Luffy, her path had shifted.

Taking the sword, she hugged it and sank onto the bed, collapsing onto the sheets.

Staring at the dark ceiling, she felt the weight of her childhood town and room, the loneliness of leaving Setsuyo, her surrogate parent. Yet her heart raced uncontrollably.

Suppressing this impulse felt like a betrayal—to herself and Setsuyo.

Her life's threads connected. Abandoned by pirates as a baby, enthralled by their tales in childhood, she'd honed her sword to protect her town.

Pirates were woven into her life, impossible to ignore.

Now, it made sense. Her heart calmed.

Gazing at the ceiling, she murmured, "Grandma, you awake?"

No reply. Setsuyo slept.

But Silk felt her words could reach, that now was the time to speak.

In a quiet, resolute voice, she said, "I've decided."

Simple words, no explanation needed. Closing her eyes, she felt at peace. The fog was gone, her mood bright. Despite the joy urging her to shout, she was oddly calm and sleepy.

Seconds later, Silk's gentle breathing joined Setsuyo's, sword in arms, no blanket.

Though warm by day, nights were chilly. Normally meticulous, tonight she slept like a reckless child, her face youthful.

Noticing, Setsuyo rose quietly, lifted the fallen blanket, and draped it gently over Silk, leaving the sword untouched—a cherished sight.

Without a word, Setsuyo smiled warmly and returned to bed, thinking she'd always known this day would come. Unsurprised by Silk's choice, she accepted it.

Lonely yet nostalgic, Setsuyo closed her eyes, smiling as she drifted back to sleep.

As dawn broke, fog blanketed the town and sea. The sun hadn't risen; the town slumbered, weary from the night.

Two shadows stirred. Sleepy Luffy yawned repeatedly, stepping out of the inn. Kiri followed, tossing a bag of gold coins onto their table—payment for lodging and meals, likely insufficient but left as thanks.

Before the townsfolk awoke, they planned to depart. Luffy, eager for adventure, had urged Kiri to leave early despite insufficient sleep.

But Luffy's steps were unsteady, his yawns persistent. Kiri sighed, annoyed at his self-inflicted fatigue, and lightly slapped his cheeks.

"C'mon, Luffy, wake up. Fun adventure awaits."

"Mmm, sleepy…"

"You wanted this. Sleep on the ship, but walk now."

"'Kay."

Unlike his vibrant banquet self, Luffy trudged listlessly. Kiri, more alert, watched with a wry smile.

The empty town felt lifeless, the air cool but ineffective on Luffy.

The port, close to the inn, was reached quickly. Their ship—a small sailboat for five, with one cabin, a mast, and sails—had been secured by Kiri during the banquet, a gift from a shipwright for saving the town. Piracy in disguise, perhaps, but accepted graciously.

It lacked pirate flair, no flag to hoist. For now, they'd sail as unassuming pirates. Spotting the ship, Kiri tapped sleepy Luffy's shoulder.

"It's there. Our ship."

"Huh? Oh, bigger than before."

"Negotiated for it. Kept it small, though."

"Shishishi, just us two. It's enough."

"Bigger one later. We'll find a good ship."

Chatting casually, they noticed a small figure on their ship, standing with its back to them.

Both tilted their heads. Who was on their ship?

The figure turned, grinning—Silk, standing tall.

"Hey! Going somewhere without me?" she teased.

"Silk!" Luffy exclaimed.

"You're early. We thought we were too," Kiri said.

Her mock anger didn't hide her joy. Stepping off the ship, she faced them, her presence different—resolute, free of doubt. Luffy and Kiri were caught off guard.

"I'm coming. I'm a pirate comrade, right?" she declared.

"You sure?" Luffy asked.

"Your treasure's here. Once we sail, who knows when you'll return," Kiri added.

"I know. I've decided."

Her sword and rucksack were already aboard, her eyes unwavering.

Words weren't needed. Luffy grinned, shoulders shaking. Kiri smiled gently.

"Let's go. Ready?" Silk urged.

"All set. Townsfolk helped," she added.

"Alright, let's move!" Luffy declared.

At his command, the trio boarded. Kiri untied the ropes, Silk raised the sails with practiced ease, and preparations were swiftly complete.

"Full speed ahead!" Luffy shouted.

With a spirited cheer, the small pirate ship set sail through the fog, its path unclear, destination unknown, yet brimming with confidence.

As the ship moved, Silk spoke. "You both have dreams, right?"

"Yup. I'll be Pirate King," Luffy said.

"Same here—helping Luffy become Pirate King," Kiri added.

"Right… I thought about it. My reason to be a pirate."

Sitting on the deck, hugging her knees, Silk faced Luffy and Kiri at the bow. Her dream might entangle them, but unlike yesterday, she felt no hesitation—only confidence, her eyes gleaming.

"I'll be a Peacemain."

Their faces lit with surprise.

"Peacemain?" Kiri asked.

"Yup. I wanted to protect my town, so I got strong. Thought I was tough. But when it mattered, I did nothing. If you two hadn't come, we'd have been crushed. That stung."

"You don't know that," Kiri said.

Silk shook her head firmly. She was certain she'd have failed. They fell silent, urging her to continue.

"I want to get stronger. But strength alone isn't enough. There are people like us, towns attacked by pirates, suffering. I want to help them."

"By fighting pirates?" Kiri asked.

"Yup. But I'm no hero."

Her sudden words shifted the mood. Grinning slyly, she declared, "Pirates abandoned me, and I became part of this town. I'm a pirate's kid. Deep down, I've always wanted to be a pirate."

So, her goal was Peacemain.

With a playful tongue-out, she said it lightly, impish yet charming, a rare soul.

Luffy and Kiri burst into laughter, their joy echoing through the quiet morning, carried by the wind.

She was unique but uplifting—a worthy comrade.

Three youths, enamored with pirates, had no achievements yet, just starting out. Their path brimmed with hope, their hearts swelling with anticipation.

After laughing, they'd already embraced her as one of them.

Their spirits soared, their bond natural.

Young and not yet true pirates, they were adventurers with a vast, unknown world ahead. Eager to explore, they exchanged glances and gazed at the endless sea.

"Shishishi, this is getting fun. Who'll join us next?" Luffy said.

"No idea, but it won't be dull," Kiri replied.

"Hehe, it's getting exciting," Silk added.

"Alright, Kiri, Silk—I'm ready!" Luffy stood at the bow, fists raised high.

As if on cue, the fog began to clear, sunlight bathing him.

His silhouette became unforgettable to them.

Facing the sea, Luffy bellowed, "I'm gonna be Pirate King!!"

Sunlight pierced the fog, the sea sparkled, and the misty town watched silently—Setsuyo and many townsfolk among them—as the trio's tiny pirate ship sailed into the dawn.