A few days later...
East Sea, Para Island
The sun was beginning to set, casting golden hues across the horizon. The red glow of dusk painted the entire port in a warm shimmer.
People bustled about the docks, smiles on their faces—smiles not commonly seen among pirates. This had been the most peaceful time they'd experienced since setting out to sea.
Some had even started reclaiming land on Para Island, planting wheat, fruits, and vegetables.
It was a life of peace—simple, pure, and comfortable.
No longer did they have to scrape for survival, fight their peers for scraps, or endure the fearful stares of civilians.
"Only by following Captain Gawain can we live like this."
A pirate leaned against the railing, a cigarette in his mouth as he chatted with a companion.
"Ain't that the truth?"
"I've served under five captains before this. Every one of them either led friends to die in battle or cut them down himself. But Captain Gawain? He actually cares if we live or die."
As he spoke, the pirate's gaze drifted toward the horizon.
There, a familiar pirate flag appeared on the sea's surface, followed by a small sailboat slowly gliding into port.
"Captain Gawain's back!"
At once, the pirates on the docks dropped what they were doing and rushed forward to welcome their most respected captain.
On the deck
Zoro stood near the railing, eyes scanning the crowed. He was immediately drawn to the genuine joy on everyone's faces.
He could tell real smiles from fake ones.
These weren't forced grins meant to appease a superior—these were sincere, heartfelt expressions.
And there was only one man aboard who could inspire that.
"Ah... so this is the kind of ship I've joined..."
Zoro turned to Gawain, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Looks like I picked the right crew."
Nami glanced at him, a teasing smile curving on her lips.
"Of course. Gawain's always been that kind of man."
She added with a smirk:
"You've still got a lot to learn, mosshead rookie~"
Zoro twitched at the word "rookie."
"You only joined a few days before me. That makes you a senior now?"
"A few days is earlier!"
Nami stuck out her tongue.
Zoro's face stiffened. Women really are nothing but distractions to a swordsman's path...
"You're really testing me!"
Just as Nami opened her mouth to respond, a large warm hand suddenly landed on her head and ruffled her hair.
Zoro received the same treatment a moment later.
Gawain's calm voice cut through the brewing quarrel.
"Alright, enough."
"Let's go home."
The ship dropped anchor and lowered the gangway. Gawain and his crew, now surrounded by enthusiastic pirates, made their way through the bustling port.
The Cat Brothers were still patrolling near Raven Harbor, repelling stray pirates in nearby waters, so only Jango remained at the port.
After a quick update on the situation, Gawain gave a single order:
"Start the fire. Let's hold a banquet."
As the festivities began, even Nami and Zoro—who were still getting used to the crew—slowly started to blend in and open up.
The Next Day
Gawain sat at his desk, mapping out his next steps.
To enter the Grand Line, his first priority was clear: he needed a proper ship.
With the billions of berries taken from Arlong, he could easily afford a vessel capable of sailing even the New World.
Even the Thousand Sunny, with all its advanced features, cost only 200 million—excluding Franky's "special upgrades" and custom keel.
There's no way I can mess this up even if I tried...
Gawain smirked.
The only potential issue was the skill level of the local shipwrights. But he could ask Grayza for help.
As a noble in charge of an East Blue port, her resources might not match Franky's genius, but her shipwrights should still be competent.
Then there was Sanji—one of East Blue's hidden gems.
Gawain had to recruit him before entering the Grand Line.
But for now, Sanji was still an apprentice at the Baratie, the floating restaurant. His exact location was uncertain.
He had reportedly stopped by Raven Port a few days ago but left the next day after clashing with Grayza.
"I'll leave that to the Cat Brothers. As long as they spot him, they can track him down. It'll just take some time."
"In the meantime, I can squeeze out some more experience from Zoro and the others... See if I can push my rank to Silver before heading into the Grand Line."
"Bronze-level combat power is fine for the East Blue, but it's not quite enough for what's coming."
"Not to mention... Armament Haki."
At the mention of it, Gawain's brow furrowed.
Lately, he had been exploring the concept on his own. He'd grasped the basics, but something still eluded him.
"Everyone has Haki within them... but most people go their whole lives without awakening it. So how do I take that final step?"
"I've tried every method I can think of. The only thing left is combat."
"A real fight. An equal opponent—or better yet, someone way stronger than me."
He sighed.
"But there's no such opponent in the East Blue... Guess I'll have to wait for the Grand Line."
Just then, a scene outside the window caught his eye, and a small smile crept onto his face.
In the port, three figures were lifting barbells, drenched in sweat, surrounded by an eager crowd of onlookers mimicking their training.
Gawain's grin widened.
"Now that's proper cultivation for leeks~"
He poured himself a cup of coffee, letting the rich aroma of milk and roasted beans drift into the air.
"Haaah~ Sinful. This is so sinful."
He finally understood why bosses like making employees work overtime.
There was something indescribably satisfying about watching others work hard while you relaxed.
"Yep. Capitalist life is just so... simple and honest."
Far away, Kuro—who had long since awakened his Observation Haki—could feel Gawain's gaze fall on him. Sweat rolled down his neck.
He sneered in his heart.
"That bastard Gawain is slacking again... The day I take over as captain isn't far off!"
One Month Later
Time flew by.
The Cat Brothers were still tracking the Baratie's movements, always just one step behind, while maintaining patrols around Raven Harbor.
Grayza had successfully contacted the shipyard. Based on Gawain's budget, a finalized design had been drawn up. Construction would begin as soon as the keel wood arrived.
That night...
A sea breeze drifted through the cabin windows as a familiar system prompt echoed in Gawain's ears.
"Physical Experience +246!"
"Swordsmanship Experience +411!"
"Death Walk Experience +51!"
"Observation Haki Experience +82!"
Another wave of experience flowed in—and finally, Gawain's long-stagnant skill broke through.
Death Walk – LV4: 1587/1600 → Death Walk – LV5: 38/2500
A familiar voice rang out in his mind.
"Death Walk has reached Level 5. Unlocking branch ability: Flash Step!"