This is the 28th chapter. I don't own the series of One Piece.
No flame reviews.
Farewell Cocoyashi Village! Nami's Depart
Coconomi Island, Cocoyashi Village
After Ventus finished his story, the Straw Hat pirates and the two hunters stared in shock at the young Dragoon, horror and disgust was all over their faces. Luffy looked like he wanted to beat his two uncles and Zoro and Sanji weren't far behind him. No one said a word, stood in silent.
"After we've made out to the eastern shore few days later, the nuns have informed them about the incident. Do you even know how hard it is for a three year old boy to suffer for witnessing death and to be in for such cruel treatment?" Ventus said with sad expression of his face, begin to shed a tear.
"All of this was get out of Ishgard so you can live." Usopp growled with anger, holding his long nose up.
"Little Bro, what happen after that? Was anyone able to take you in?" Johnny questions.
"That's right..." Ventus nods. "It was Jinbe and the Sun Pirates."
They were stunned when the young Dragoon told them that one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea would be eligible to take him in.
"When he arrived in Eorzea island to get some supplies, he overheard the explanation and told them that he'll take me in." Ventus explains. "After that, we were able to get to the Gaia island, where Sir Fratley and Freya Crescent were waiting at the shore. They took me in to Burmecia, raise me and trained me to become a Dragoon so I can defend myself."
"But what about your father, did anyone know what happen to him?" Nami inquired.
"Yes, my father was planning to have a meeting with the King from Ishgard since they've been on good terms with one another." Ventus told her. "However, they found the body which it happens to be my father...His head was chopped off...He was murdered."
That got then stunned which it explains why Starblaze didn't come to the meeting because he's been killed.
"My uncles have been planning this plot after they convince those people from Ishgard with their lies and rumors about me and mother!?" Ventus growled with anger.
"Do you think they killed him?" Zoro questions with his hardened scowl.
"Yes..." Ventus admits without hesitation. "They've killed both my father and my mother just so they can continue this pointless conflict between Ishgard and Dravania."
Ventus then begin to have some flashbacks, remembered about the incident of Starblaze's death which the King won't accept their actions, banish them from Eorzea island forever which both Grima and Thenian have grown furious for not finding their nephew and kill him, but they were also stripped from their title of the council and the noble name which it was now inherited to the young Dragoon. However, the people of Ishgard were feeling very guilty after what they put him and his parents through.
"How long have you been living in Burmecia?" Usopp asks.
"For only ten years, but after hearing that the dragons from Dravania were looking for me, I left Burmecia so I won't get caught." Ventus answered. "After that, I traveled from island-to-island so I earn some money for bounty hunting and many jobs. I have to educate myself to read some books, reading maps, compass, and everything in between. I've kept running for only a year until..."
"Until you've met me and Zoro." Luffy finish his sentence, earned a nod from the young Dragoon.
Luffy then left the house along with the rest of the Straw Hat crew and the two bounty hunters, leaving Ventus alone as he then begin silently cry out in tears with pain and sorrow.
Few minutes later, he walked over to the ruins of Arlong Park, begin to punch the ruins over and over while yell with pure anger, venting his anger and frustration. Zoro followed his Captain encase he plans to do something stupid, found Luffy punching the ruins while watching him vent his anger until there's nothing left of the ruined structure.
"You know, Ventus have already destroyed it with only one blow. I don't think you'll beat his record." Zoro joked, causing Luffy to stop and breath heavily as he then look at his First Mate with a glare.
"SHUT UP!?" Luffy yelled. "HOW CAN YOU JOKE LIKE THIS?!"
"You think I'm not pissed off about what I was just told? Well you're right, I'm beyond that." Zoro said with his dark tone. "I'm on the verge of a murder spree and trust me when I'm done, no one will ever find the bodies."
"Get in line, cuz' I want a piece of those bastards." Sanji told him with a deep scowl, approach the two. "When I'm done with them, they're gonna wish that they haven't killed his parents."
Luffy then calms down a little as he spoke.
"I'm sorry, I was just so angry." Luffy apologize.
"We all are." Nami said, approach the three along with Usopp, Johnny, and Yosaku.
"Still, anyone who abuses their children and give them cruel treatment are the absolute worst." Usopp said.
"Yeah, and his uncles are one of them." Sanji agrees. "I don't think banishment is enough for them, but with them out of Eorzea island, they might be looking for him."
"Maybe, but thanks to his mom, she was able to trick her brothers in order for Ventus to get away." Nami said sadly. "But she sacrificed herself in order to save her child so he can live."
"The kid is lucky, but with his parents gone, dragons are looking him along with his uncles which he wasn't lucky during his travels." Zoro stated. "He kept running while trying to survive."
That saddened Nami even more, wanted to help the young Dragoon after what he's been through.
"No, he won't travel alone. He'll be traveling with us." Luffy declared with his serious expression on his face.
"But Luffy, you heard what he said, both the dragons and his uncles are out to find him." Usopp told him. "And if they found him, they'll kill him."
"Then we'll protect him." Luffy stated. "He's been with us for a while and we know how strong he is."
"Yeah, but we also know how angry he can really get." Nami told him. "I've seen it how he fight against the Arlong pirates."
"I think we should keep him." Sanji suggests, earned their attention. "Hear me out, if he ever leave the island alone while trying to find a place to live, then the dragons and his uncles will be looking for him. But if he stays with us, we can protect him from those guys and help him seek justice for his family."
"But we don't know where were they at." Usopp told him.
"True, but we're traveling to the Grand Line and maybe we'll find anyone who knows where those two of his uncles were at. Hell, we might even find those two ungrateful bastards." Sanji said.
"I guess that's true." Nami agrees.
"And if we don't?" Zoro pointed out.
"Luffy's going to be the King of the Pirates, right? Well once he achieves his goal, do you honestly think anyone's going to stand in his way? At the very least we should keep him with us until we find them and let Ventus decide on what to do with them." Sanji finished his sentence. "I mean, they're the ones who killed his parents."
They then begin to think since Sanji is right about Luffy's goal, but when it comes to hearing Ventus' dark past, things have gotten complicated. The Straw Hats pirates and the two bounty hunters then return to Nami's house which Nojiko was here comforting the young Dragoon, seeing his eyes were red along with his cheeks and his dried tears. They can tell that he's been crying for quite a while after telling his dark past. Nami then begin explain this situation to her foster sister since she wants to knew why he's crying. After she finished her explanation, Nojiko felt distraught and disgusted for what she have heard.
Luffy then walk towards Ventus as he spoke.
"Ventus, you don't have to travel alone. You're traveling with us." Luffy told him. "Once we head to the Grand Line, we'll help you find your uncles and bring them to justice for your parents."
Ventus widened his eyes, didn't know how to respond of the rubber Captain's remark.
"Listen kid, you were lucky that you left Ishagard and Burmecia alive, but luck won't last forever." Zoro added, sighed. "But whatever you decide, we'll always watch your back. And I'll continue to spar with you."
"Zoro's right. Look, just because you've been treated like crap from Ishgard while raised in Burmecia, it won't change our opinion of you or our friendship." Usopp reassured.
"You may have been learning all on your own, but it's never too late to teach you." Nami declared. "Your parents wanted you to live and look at you now. You're growing up for eleven years while trying to survive. And I know they're proud that you're making friends. You're maybe a half-dragon, but that doesn't the fact that we accept you as who you are. You're our friend and it's not going to change."
"She's right. Listen, I'm planning to teach you how to cook since your way of cooking could use some work." Sanji said. "Also, I'll let these idiots have those failures if nothing else. But I just want to be friends."
"Well there you go, no one is going to give you a cruel treatment. So you got nothing to worry about." Luffy declared happily.
Ventus couldn't believe what he was hearing, they want him as a friend and they're accepting him as who he is. Like the nuns, the Sun pirates, Fratley, and Freya, they're accepting him and wanted the young Dragoon to be happy and to have a good life. He couldn't deal with this as he then burst in tears, it's clear that to the crew that he was having an emotional breakdown. Nami then hugged him and the rest of the Straw hat crew comforted him. Ventus then realize that he's not alone anymore, he has friends and he knows that his family was watching him which the only thing he had...is the love of his parents.
Few hours later after everything is settled down, Ventus have given the Marines a helping hand by burning up the bodies to prevent a disease from spreading the island. The young Dragoon has been given some thought about either he joins Luffy and his crew as a pirate or travel alone, of course, he talk to Luffy about the decision which he told him he'll join his crew as a pirate, making the rubber Captain very happy to hear that decision along with Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji.
Of course, the villagers were very happy that Arlong and his crew were dead which they're finally free from their tyranny which they started a grand celebration that was meant for the young Dragoon. Ventus wasn't interested in parties, but Luffy pretty much insists that he should celebrate. The villagers then saw Ventus, cheering for the young Dragoon for killing Arlong and his entire crew, and destroyed the Arlong Park which it's something he's not use to that kind of thing. They were all dancing, making merry, and eating the food which they're celebrating for three days until they drop.
Ventus have eaten early while left quickly just to have some quiet time and practice his lance.
Nojiko finish drinking when she saw a kid as she spoke.
"Hey you." Nojiko greets with a smile.
"Have you seen Arlong Park, Nojiko? It's totally smashed to pieces."
"I know, it's great." Nojiko told him.
"I have to meet the guy who sit that, he must be totally awesome! I heard he's still here in our village, do you know where I can find him?"
"Actually, you just missed him." Nojiko told him, leaving him confused. "He's done ate and left early."
"But where is he?"
"He probably wants to have some quiet time." Nojiko shrugs. "He goes by the name of Ventus Starwind. He's the youngest member of the pirate crew and he's a Dragoon from Ishgard."
"Ishgard?"
"He was born in Ishgard from Eorzea Island, but raised in Burmecia from Gaia Island." Nojiko explains, not getting into full details or telling him about Ventus' dark history. "When I first look at him, he doesn't look like in his teens, but his age don't lie and he's been in training for using his lance and his dragon abilities for eleven years. Which I think that's the reason why he got that body of an adult in the first place."
The kid couldn't help but feel amazed of Ventus, wishing that he could meet him in person.
Meanwhile, Ventus is continuing his practice with his lance while doing some aerial combat practice, even though he'd rather get stronger if he's going to the Grand Line with his crew. He doesn't have time for making merry or anything, his only focus is to get stronger which he now has two goals: Find his uncles and seek justice for his family and end the conflict between Ishgard and Dravania. The reason is because Ishgard is still his home and he doesn't want it destroyed nor wanted any people or dragons die for this pointless conflict, not even his late father wanted the conflict that's been going on for centuries. Both Nako and Zoro manage to find the young Dragoon, seeing him practicing his spearmanship and aerial combat.
"Hey kid, get down here." Zoro call him, earned his attention as he then landed to the ground and having his wings vanish. "The Doc here wants to ask you something."
"First, I have to ask him." Ventus told him, turned his head to Nako. "How much was it for Zoro getting stitched up?"
"Don't worry about it, it's no charge. You did save our village and I wanted thank you." Nako reassured. "But seriously, pirates are suppose to be smarter than this. Don't you have the ship's doctor?"
"Afraid not." Ventus shook his head. "I only know some about the medicine, but I don't think I'm the right one to help out."
"Doctor? Never thought of that, that's a good idea." Luffy said, earned their attention. "But we need to get a musician first, right?"
"Why's that?" Zoro inquired while Ventus raise his eyebrow.
"Because pirates really like to sing." Luffy told him.
"Luffy, we need a doctor for our crew so we can get patched up if we ever get either sick or wounded." Ventus suggests with annoyance. "We don't need a musician. If we don't get the doctor soon, we're screwed."
"He's got a point Luffy." Zoro agrees. "Look, kid has been traveling longer than any of us so, I think it's best that we agree to his suggestion."
Luffy ignored the swordsman while turned his head to Nako as he spoke.
"Hey Doctor. Where's Nami?" Luffy asks. "I haven't seen her around."
"Well then, if she's not in the village, there's only one place to go." Nako told him.
Though, Ventus caught her scent which he know where she was at.
Which it turns out Nami is paying respects to Bell-mere's grave with a smile on her face along with Genzo. Nojiko have manage to find Genzo and Nami as she spoke.
"Why are you still here, Nami?" Nojiko asks, earned his attention. "Your friends have been looking for you."
Nami turned her head, seeing both Nojiko and Genzo were smiling, finally free from Arlong's reign in Cocoyashi village.
"Hey, Nojiko. Genzo." Nami called them, earned their attention. "If Bell-mere were still alive and I want to become a pirate, do you think she'd let me do it?"
"A pirate!?" Genzo exclaims with shock. "What do you think!? Of course she'd never let her precious daughter go out to sea with a bunch of treacherous pirates!"
"Yeah, she let her." Nojiko disagrees, much to his dismay. "But if she had said 'no', that wouldn't stop you, would it?"
Nami then stick her tongue with a smile which, it won't stop for being a pirate. Of course, she's been with the Arlong pirates for only eight years while being forced to make sea charts for him and his crew.
"That's right." Nami admits. "Nope."
That got Nojiko giggled of her remark which her foster sister is right. Genzo then smiled, knew that Nami's right as he then burst with laughter which leaves her confused as he then spoke.
"You certainly are Bell-mere's kids." Genzo said, patting her shoulder and left. "Nami, you've already made your mind about this. There's no use fighting it, live your life. It's what Bell-mere would've wanted."
Nami just stood silent while the wind blows through her hair, smiling at Bell-mere's grave which she knew that her foster mother was thinking the same thing.
The celebration has been going on for three days straight and the villagers are still making merry and dancing through the night. Of course, Ventus was still not in the celebration which he's probably somewhere outside of the village, probably want some quiet time since he's not use to have something this big. Zoro has finished drinking his beverage.
"Boy am I stuffed." Sanji said, earned his attention as sat next to the wooden pillar. "It's nice to not have to cook for a change. So how are you feeling, Zoro?"
"I'll be okay, I think all I needs a little bit of rest." Zoro told him.
"That's good." Sanji said.
"But seriously, the kid needs to try and celebrate for once and a while." Zoro scoffed. "It's not like the villagers are gonna bite or anything."
"He's still 14 years old, probably need some sleep." Sanji joked, causing Zoro to scowl. "Relax, I'm just kidding. But seriously, Ventus wasn't use to be around with people after what happen to him. We just need to give him time and not to force it or anything."
Zoro nods with an understanding, knew that he's right about Ventus' dark past which he felt disgusted after what they've put the young Dragoon through. To him and Sanji, it's cruel and wrong for his uncles treating his family this way.
"Still, how much longer can they keep this up?" Zoro asks, changing the subject. "It's been three days now."
"Nothing wrong with that. Smoke'em if you got'em." Sanji told him as he placed his cigarette on his mouth, light it up.
Until, Luffy showed up out of nowhere, holding the meat with his hands and his mouth as he spoke.
"Hey Sanji! Where'd you get that melon? I wanna give it a try!" Luffy shouts with his mouthful.
"It isn't polite to talk with your mouthful." Zoro told him with a deadpan expression.
"I don't know, it was raw ham melon with raw ham on top." Sanji told him, obviously lying.
"'Raw ham melon'!?" Luffy repeats excitedly. "Show me where you've found it."
"I can't." Sanji shrugs. "The whole town is basically one giant buffet. Good luck finding it."
Though Luffy was nowhere to be found as Zoro spoke.
"He ran off." Zoro told him, drinking his beverage.
"Three days of stuffing his face." Sanji said with a smile. "No that my belly is full, time to dance."
After Sanji stepped his cigarette butt, he then ran towards the ladies to dance, leaving Zoro annoyed.
'Good thing Ventus isn't around to see that. Don't want the kid grew up, acting like that lovesick cook.' Zoro mentally thought as he then sleeps.
Meanwhile, Ventus was out in the forest alone, staring at the sea with a smile on his face but still feeling sad for the reminder of how much he missed his parents. It is clear that he and Nami were the same because they both lost to those they cared. Ventus have lost his parents for only eleven years and Nami have lost her foster mother for only eight years which he knows what is like to lose someone he loves.
Ventus then got his ocarina out of his pocket as he placed his mouth piece on his lips and begin playing.
(A/N Sadness and Sorrow: Ocarina version and soundtrack of Naruto)
He then begin to play that has filled with sadness as the wind sway his hair, given him the majestic look to his performance. The song is like the wind and the leaves were flowing peacefully while flying through the night. It was like he was singing with the forest at night.
Nami was about to head towards her home, but notice that Ventus is playing his ocarina as she then quietly hide to those trees while listen to that song with a smile on her face. Even though, that song he's playing is different and what he's playing is really sad. She can tell that the young Dragoon loved his parents very much and how much really missed them.
However, both Genzo and Luffy were listening to that song which the rubber Captain knew that it was Ventus playing his ocarina. Though, he was still thinking about having Ventus as a musician, but he decides not to because he'll have to find someone else who would be a musician for his crew.
(Music ends)
When he finished playing his songs, he lowered the ocarina from his lips. He paused only for a moment before putting his ocarina away. But he caught Nami's scent as he spoke.
"You can come out now, Nami." Ventus told her, revealed herself. "How long have you been here?"
"Long enough." Nami admits. "That was beautiful, Ventus."
"Thanks." Ventus thanked her with a small smile, but sheds a tear in his eyes. Nami knew that look on his face. "But, it's also-"
"I understand, you love them very much." Nami interrupts, placing her hand on his shoulder with a smile. "I know what's like to lose someone and we both have similar past. But Ventus, I know you missed your parents and you think about them every day."
"Why are you telling me this?" Ventus inquired.
"Because you and I are the same." Nami answered. "I've missed Bell-mere after what Arlong did to her and I've always think about her and the safety of the Cocoyashi village every day when I was working on the sea charts."
Ventus could understand what Nami is telling him which she's right about it.
"The point is, they'll always be with you as long as you remember those lessons they taught you. In a way, you'll never be apart, for you are still apart of each other." Nami told him which it's slowly mending the break in the young Dragoon's heart, given him hope. "Also, you remind me of me when I was young. And because of that, I feel I should offer you some advice."
Ventus then widen his eyes, feeling like he had a kindred spirit. When he first met the navigator, he thought she only came to steal money from pirates and not getting involve into a fight without any conscious, but he realize that Nami was only stealing treasures to save Cocoyashi village from the Arlong pirates. However, the young Dragoon was able to kill Arlong and his entire crew and destroyed the building because of his Dragon Rage. He then sighed with a smile as he spoke.
"Thanks Nami." Ventus thanked her with sincere, causing the navigator to give the young Dragoon with a heartwarming hug.
Little did they know that both Genzo and Luffy have overheard their conversation, smiling at the scene. Luffy knew that Ventus need some comfort and decided not to ruin the moment. Genzo can tell that both Nami and Ventus have shared some similar past when she told him and Nojiko about the young Dragoon. Even though, Genzo had a feeling that Nami had adopted a little brother as they then quietly leave so the two can have some time alone.
The next day, the Straw hat pirates were getting ready to leave right after they restock some supplies since both Zoro and Ventus were carrying the crates for food. The young Dragoon was flying his way towards the ship while placing the crate down the deck and Zoro is climbing up the rope ladder, carrying the crate as Usopp then grab hold the crate.
"This is the last one, right?" Usopp asks with a grunt.
"Yeah." Zoro answered.
"Got everything?" Luffy asks.
"Every last one." Ventus told his Captain as Zoro then lands on the deck.
"Alright, we're stocked up with everything we need. I think we're good to go." Sanji said with a smile as Usopp placed the crate next to the other.
"You know, we've only been on this little island for few days, but it feels more like a lifetime." Usopp said with a smile, leaving Luffy nod with an agreement while laughing.
Sanji then notice something's wrong as he scan the area, Ventus have figured that the cook is looking for Nami. Until, Johnny and Yosaku showed up at the shore.
"We can't thank you enough for everything you've done for us, but we gotta go back to our regular jobs as bounty hunters." Yosaku told them.
"So this is goodbye." Johnny added. "I hope we get to meet again someday."
The Straw Hat pirates have only known them for a short while which they can be a bit of goofballs, but they're fun to be around.
"See you around." Zoro said with a smirk.
"Stay out of trouble." Ventus added.
"Goodbye." Both Johnny and Yosaku said in unison.
"Yeah, now it's time for us to get going." Usopp told them, earned his attention.
"But we can't leave yet, we gotta wait for Nami." Sanji protests.
"Well maybe she's not coming." Zoro guess, earned a growl from Sanji.
"But why not?" Sanji questions, showing the shark-like teeth. "If you tried to hit on her, I swear I'll breaking your freaking neck, you got it?!"
"Why would I do something like that?" Zoro questions with a shrug.
"Will you calm down, Sanji." Ventus told him with a sigh, earned his attention. "She'll come."
"And how can you be sure about that!?" Sanji shouts, but notice that the young Dragoon smiled. "Uh Ventus...are you okay? Never seen you smiled before."
"What do you mean?" Ventus inquired with confusion.
"Well kid, you never smiled. What came up?" Zoro questions, raise his eyebrow.
"Actually, we had a heart-to-heart talk last night." Ventus told them, got them realize why the young Dragoon smile.
"Well, you pretty much need it." Usopp said with a smile. "Cuz' your traveling with us instead of going alone. Also, you should smile often."
"He's right, because that smile might bring charms with the ladies." Sanji added. "And who knows, I might teach you how to make a lady happy."
Of course, Zoro then butts in while arguing with Sanji and few seconds later, they begin to fight for no reason at all. The villagers were confused why Nami wasn't on board which neither of them have seen her all morning.
"What!? 100 million berries!?" Genzo exclaims with shock. "She left all of the money!?"
"She left all of it in our house with the letter." Nojiko told him.
"She's not even gonna take some of it?!" Nako protests. "But she work so hard to get it!?"
"She'll steal more, that's what her letter said." Nojiko shrugs, sighed. "There's no changing her mind once it's made up."
"That girl, she didn't even give us a chance to thank her." Genzo muttered.
Until, Nami arrived at the village which the Straw Hat pirates and the villagers noticed her, but her eyes were covered from her hair as she spoke.
"Set the sails!" Nami ordered as she then run towards the Going Merry, leaving the villagers and the pirate crew wonder why she's running.
"I don't get it. Why is she running?" Usopp asks with confusion.
"She said to set sail." Luffy told him simply, much to his dismay while Nami continues to run.
"No! She's planning on leaving us without any of us thank her or saying goodbye." Genzo shouts with shock, made the villagers realize that which they plead her to stop.
"Set sail!" Luffy ordered as they bring the sails while Zoro raise the anchor as they set sail, leaving the villagers pleaded them to stop but it's already too late as they sail while Nami keeps running.
The villagers have got much bigger problems when Nami was close to them as they try begging her to stop.
"So, you sure you want her to leave like this?" Sanji questions his Captain seriously.
"Not my decision." Luffy told him. "She does what she wants."
Nami is close to the villagers they tried to grab hold of the navigator, but she manage to evade while running towards the Going Merry and not getting caught. The villagers were trying to stop her, begging her not to leave but she was too nimble on her feet as rush towards the shore, jumping in mid-air while trying to get to the ship. The villagers were completely shocked of what Nami just did as she landed on the top of the wooden rail and land on the deck. She then pulled her shirt up a little, causing the variety of purses and wallets to drop next to her. The villagers from the Cocoyashi village then realize that they've been robbed from the hands of Nami as she spoke.
"Thanks a bunch." Nami thanked them with a smile.
"Damn! You Little Brat!" Genzo yelled with anger, causing him and the villagers drop their jaws with white eyes and shark-like teeth, really angry at Nami.
"Great, she hasn't changed a bit." Usopp said with deadpan expression.
"I'd watch my back." Zoro warned him.
Ventus then sighed with annoyance, seeing that Nami will never change after that stunt she pulled. Luffy laughed while Sanji give her a thumb up.
"You Lousy Pickpocket! We'll Miss You!" Genzo yelled.
With that, the Straw Hat pirates then set sail as they leave the island. Genzo then remind Luffy of what he told him while Nami then saying her farewell to the villagers. Even though, they'll miss Nami and knew that she'll be safe with the pirate crew. Apparently, Nami may have some ideas for Ventus which, she's going to spoil the young Dragoon rotten from now on since she decides to adopt him as her little brother.
That's it for the 28th chapter.