Chapter 19: Chapter 18 – Farewell Feast and New Horizons
Support me on P @t r e o n it helps alot.
P @t r e o n.com/Darking099
For 30+ Advance Chapters
---
Laughter echoed through the once-quiet halls of the Kaya estate.
The air smelled of roasted meat, fresh bread, and warm soup. Long tables were packed with food, villagers, and celebration. The battle was over, the threat of Kuro had ended, and peace had returned to Syrup Village—if only for a moment.
In the middle of it all, Luffy sat cross-legged atop the table, chomping down his fifth roasted leg of meat with that infectious grin on his face.
"This is the BEST party ever!" he shouted with his mouth full, spraying crumbs.
Zoro, seated nearby, nursed a bottle of sake in one hand, his other arm bandaged after the brawl. He raised it slightly toward Rael, who stood silently by the open balcony, gazing out at the village below.
"You're strong," Zoro said simply. "Too strong for your own good."
Rael glanced at him, smirking faintly. "You say that like it's a problem."
Zoro chuckled. "Nah. Just means you've got your own path to walk." He took another swig, then added, "Still… if you change your mind, we've got room for another freak on our ship."
Rael shook his head, not unkindly. "NAH"
Luffy looked up from his food. "Boooo! You'd make an awesome crewmate!"
Nami, seated at the far end, leaned back and gave Rael a knowing smile. "Guess some people have bigger stories waiting for them."
Rael didn't reply—but something flickered behind his eyes. A storm, silent and waiting.
Two Days Later
The sun rose over Syrup Village, golden and peaceful. A gentle breeze flowed through the docks as Rael loaded a small ship with supplies: food, water, charts.
He moved with quiet purpose.
Behind him, Kaya approached, a small travel bag slung over her shoulder. She wore a simple blue dress and a white cloak fluttering in the wind.
"I'm coming with you," she said firmly.
Rael paused.
"You're serious?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder.
She nodded.
"This village… it holds too many memories. Too much pain. And after everything… I want to see the world. I want to be more than the girl locked in a mansion."
Rael looked at her silently for a moment, then said, "It'll be dangerous."
"I know," she said softly. "But it'll be worth it. As long as I'm with someone who saved me from dying in fear… I'll take that risk."
Just then, the old butler Merry, limped down the dock toward them.
"Young Miss Kaya," he said, clearly conflicted, "are you absolutely certain about this?"
"She's not a child anymore," Rael said, stepping aside as Kaya nodded respectfully to Merry.
Merry sighed, a soft smile breaking through. "Then take this as my blessing… but also a warning: if anything happens to her—"
Rael cut him off gently, "Nothing will."
Down the shore, the Straw Hats stood by their brand-new ship, gleaming under the morning light. A small but sturdy vessel, gifted by Kaya as a thank-you for saving her life and her home.
Luffy waved madly. "RAEL! KAYA! GOOD LUCK!"
Usopp wiped a tear from his eye. "I still can't believe Kaya's leaving… She's grown so much."
Nami smiled. "She'll be fine. She's with him."
Zoro leaned on the mast, watching Rael with interest. "We'll meet again. I'm sure of it."
Rael looked across the sea.
"I know," he said.
With Kaya standing at his side, Rael untied the rope tethering their small ship to the dock. The sails unfurled with the wind, and slowly, the boat began drifting away.
Kaya looked back one last time at the village that had been her prison—and her home.
She smiled.
Rael stood tall at the helm, eyes fixed on the horizon.
New lands. New trials. New threats.
But this time, he wasn't leaving alone.
---
Support me on P @t r e o n
join my patreon for more frequent upload.
P @t r e o n.com/Darking099
For 30+ Advance Chapters
---
GIVE ME 40 powerstones for extra chapter