8. Nami’s Heart Flutters! The Great Pianist, Chu the Overlord!

Chu Bawang waved at Nami, who stood behind him. Nami understood immediately and reached out to cover Kaya’s eyes.

*Swish!*

With a swift stroke, the head of Klahadore, also known as Kuro of a Thousand Plans, rolled to the ground. Syrup Village seemed to return to the quiet, peaceful place it had once been.

Though Kuro was dead, Kaya did not expose his conspiracy to the villagers. They still believed he had simply returned to his hometown to visit relatives. It was ironic; Kuro was a villain to his core, having spent three years cultivating a reputation for kindness solely to ensure he could inherit Kaya’s fortune. Even after being killed by Chu Bawang, he remained a benevolent, charitable figure in the eyes of the townsfolk.

Despite this, Chu Bawang still hosted a grand banquet. Nami held up a glass of wine, her cheeks flushed, and remarked, "Miss Kaya, you are truly too kind. If it were me, I would have definitely announced Kuro’s conspiracy to the entire village."

Kaya offered a shy smile. She gripped Chu Bawang’s broad palm and said gently, "The dead deserve respect. Kuro may have committed many evils in the past, but to the villagers, he was nothing but a kind-hearted man. Since that is the case, why should I shatter the beautiful dream they hold in their hearts?"

There was no doubt about it—this was a silent battle between the two women. As the established partner, Kaya clearly held the upper hand in time, place, and sentiment, pushing Nami into a steady retreat. Chu Bawang could feel Kaya’s small hand sweating slightly from nerves; her body was taut, much like a kitten guarding its food.

"Ba... Bawang, are you really going to travel the world with Luffy and the others?" Kaya asked, stammering.

"Of course. Don't you want to see the colorful world outside with me?"

Truth be told, Kaya had no real desire for adventure. All she wanted was to stay by Chu Bawang’s side and live a quiet, harmonious life. "I... I’m just a little worried. Nature’s whims are unpredictable, and there are many pirates who pillage and kill... The journey across the sea is very dangerous."

Chu Bawang smiled warmly, his expression as radiant and empowering as the sun. "Don't worry. With me here, I will make sure to protect you."

Lights out. Sleep.

(The following one thousand words of indescribable intimate actions are omitted.)

After the farewell ceremony, Chu Bawang and Kaya boarded the Going Merry. Usopp waved at the villagers with tears in his eyes, "Mayor! I, and Bawang, will definitely return!"

The mayor and the villagers panicked. *No! You can come back, but there is no need for Bawang to return! That demon always makes me call him 'Daddy'!*

Chu Bawang pointed at the weeping villagers and said, "Look, Kaya, they are so reluctant to see us leave."

*No! You demon, leave Syrup Village and go as far away as possible! If it weren't for the fact that we couldn't beat you, we would have beaten the living daylights out of you!*

As the Merry drifted further away, the elderly mayor waved his hand. Every household began to hang decorations, as lively as a New Year’s celebration. "Thank heavens! That demon has finally left Syrup Village! Quickly, light the firecrackers, beat the drums! We are going to hold an even grander farewell party!"

Someone poked the mayor’s back and stammered, "Ba... Bawang, he’s back?"

Everyone turned to look toward the high platform, their lips trembling. "Ba... Bawang."

"Ba... Bawang."

"Ba... Bawang."

It was another beautiful day, and a hundred-draw reward was secured once again! He was one step closer to conquering the heavens and the worlds. How delightful.

"System, give me ten sets of ten-draws!"

[Obtained: Any-Portal Fragment 1]
[Obtained: Any-Portal Fragment 2]
[Obtained: Incursio]
[Obtained: Chinese Golden Throat Lozenges]
[Obtained: Brand New Carrod Upright Piano x1]
[Obtained: Tuxedo Suit x1]
[Obtained: Level 10 Piano Skill]
...

"Any-Portal fragments? Are these tools for traversing the heavens? I just wonder how many are needed to assemble a complete portal."

"It’s a pity. Aside from Incursio, the rest seem to be auxiliary abilities."

"Still, an upright piano is quite interesting. I don't think the pirate world has anything like a piano, right?"

"Let’s start with 'The Truth That You Leave'! It’s my favorite piano piece."

Melodious piano music began to drift across the Going Merry. In the study, Kaya closed her eyes, swaying gently to the rhythm, completely intoxicated by the ocean of music. As for the four members of the Straw Hat crew, they all craned their necks to stare at Chu Bawang, who was dressed in his tuxedo.

Nami’s eyes seemed to light up with sparkling hearts: "Wow! He’s handsome, talented in music, and incredibly powerful—he’s simply the perfect life partner!"