Even with Lynn's help, the four of them were still busy until sundown before finishing the day's work.
Nami and Nojiko
"Ah~"
"Finally, I'm done, Bell-mère! Can I eat a lot of meat tonight?" Nami bounced over to Bell-mère, as lively as ever.
"Of course~ I had Genzo buy the meat earlier, so you'll get your fill tonight~" Bell-mère said with a warm smile.
Though tired after the long day, seeing the bright, happy faces of the children made everything worth it.
"Yeah! Let's hurry home, Bell-mère!" Hearing about all the meat, Nami jumped with excitement.
"Nami, watch your step! There are still tools on the ground!" Lynn warned while bending down to pick them up.
Bell-mère chuckled at the scene, thinking that Lynn would definitely grow into a reliable man.
"Hey, Bell-mère, what about these tangerines?" Nojiko asked, eyeing the three full baskets on the ground.
They had picked these tangerines today, planning to sell them to a passing merchant ship in the morning.
"It's fine. I'll carry one basket back now, and I'll have Genzo help with the rest later," Bell-mère said, lifting a basket with ease.
"No need, Bell-mère! Leave the other two to me!" Lynn quickly offered, his tone firm and confident.
"No, your injuries just healed. I'll carry them later—"
Before Bell-mère could finish, Lynn grabbed a basket in each hand and effortlessly hoisted them up!
"Whoa~~" Nami gasped, her eyes widening in amazement. "Lynn, you're so strong!"
She practically sparkled with admiration.
Nojiko was just as surprised.
"Sugoi~! Lynn, you're even stronger than Bell-mère!" she muttered.
Bell-mère was impressed but, as a former Marine, she had seen plenty of powerful people before.
She quickly regained her composure, giving Lynn a nod of approval.
Lynn, feeling everyone's eyes on him, smiled proudly.
Setting the baskets down for a moment, he grinned at Bell-mère.
"See? Told you it's fine. If there's heavy lifting in the future, just leave it to me. I'm strong!"
He even flexed his arms to show off.
Bell-mère laughed, finding his confidence endearing.
She gently patted his shoulder.
"Thanks, Lynn. But don't overdo it. Take care of yourself too, alright?"
Lynn chuckled and nodded.
Then, with the baskets in hand again, he followed Bell-mère home, with Nami and Nojiko hurrying behind.
The evening sun cast a golden glow over them, creating a warm, peaceful scene.
On the way back, they ran into Genzo, who had come to help.
"Ah~ Sorry, Bell-mère, I'm late. Leave the tangerines to me—"
Before Genzo could finish, he saw Lynn carrying both baskets effortlessly. His jaw nearly hit the ground.
"Genzo-san, look! Lynn's stronger than you~" Nami teased with a proud grin.
"Hahaha~ Genzo, just take one basket from him and let's go home," Bell-mère laughed, amused by Genzo's dumbfounded expression.
After all, Genzo wasn't even as strong as her.
"Lynn, you're still a kid! Don't push yourself. Give me one," Genzo insisted.
No way would he admit to being weaker than a boy!
"Alright, Genzo-san," Lynn smirked, handing over a basket.
With that, the five of them continued home under the fading sunlight.
Back at Bell-mère's house, she busied herself with dinner while Genzo helped in the kitchen.
Normally, he wouldn't eat here.
But since today was special—with Lynn officially joining their little family—he made an exception.
Meanwhile, the three kids sat outside, wiping down the baskets of tangerines to sell in the morning.
Life in the East Blue was simple for common folk.
No matter how hard they worked, most just scraped by.
Islands were small, resources scarce, and many goods had to be shipped in from elsewhere.
But now that Lynn was here, he swore—he'd make sure they could eat meat every day!
"Nami, since you can fly, can you take me with you?"
Nami's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned toward Lynn, whispering excitedly.
Nojiko, curious, perked up her ears.
"Of course, but I don't know directions, and I can't read a map. If I get lost, we won't make it back," Lynn admitted.
"I can read them! I know maps!"
"Hey, Lynn, can you take me flying in the future? We could go out to sea together!" Nami's excitement bubbled over.
If Lynn could take her out to sea, she could visit countless islands and draw perfect maps!
Lynn blinked, suddenly realizing—oh yeah, Nami was a natural navigator!
Nojiko, listening quietly, felt happy for her sister, though she didn't show it as obviously.
"Shhh, Nami! Bell-mère would never agree to you going out to sea," Nojiko cautioned in a whisper.
"Yeah! So we just won't tell her! Lynn, promise you'll take me out to sea!" Nami whispered urgently.
Lynn smirked.
"Got it. I promise to take you out to sea one day~"
No way was he staying stuck in Cocoyasi Village forever.
Without Nami, he'd be lost at sea in no time.
Unlike the Grand Line with its Log Poses, the Four Blues relied entirely on maps.
Nami's eyes shone with excitement, and even Nojiko seemed pleased.
The three of them worked even faster afterward.
"Nami, Nojiko, Lynn! Time to eat!" Bell-mère called.
"Okay!"
"Coming!"
"Food!" the three kids yelled back in unison.
Lynn and Bell-mère moved the tangerines into storage before sitting down.
"Whoa!"
"So much meat!" Nami's eyes sparkled at the sight of the feast.
Once everyone was seated, the small family eagerly dug in.
Soon, a battle broke out—adults stealing from the kids, and kids stealing from the adults.
For the first time, Lynn felt the warmth of true family.
Laughing, he jumped into the fray, grabbing for more meat.
What could they do? Everyone had a big appetite!
After dinner, the three kids passed out, too full and sleepy to move.
Bell-mère simply tossed them onto a bed, leaving them sprawled out in a heap.
Watching them snore softly, even blowing little snot bubbles, Bell-mère smiled gently.