Chapter 26: The First Devil Fruit
The warship cut across the inland sea of the Kingdom of Yacoslan, leaving the coastline behind.
Najenda stood at the railing, watching the kingdom fade into the distance. She turned to Lu Yu, her brow slightly furrowed.
"Captain... are we really doing the right thing here?" she asked, voice unsure. "Handing over a whole country to pirates? I mean, yeah, we're pirates too, but this just doesn't sit right with me."
Despite her absolute loyalty to Lu Yu, she still had a mind of her own—and on a human instinct level, this felt wrong. Still, she didn't oppose him. Just... questioned it.
Lu Yu glanced at her and replied calmly, "People live within whatever limits they're given. Pirates are no different."
He paused, watching the sea ahead. "Right now, they're the acting agents of the Kingdom of Yacoslan. A chess piece I left in the East Blue."
He turned back to her, his voice steady. "Justice and evil... they're just perspectives based on where you stand."
Najenda thought it over and nodded. "That's true... every country's got its own version of justice."
She understood now. For the sake of the Dragon Hunter Pirates' future, this was a strategic move.
"Roelki," Lu Yu called, turning his attention. "Head to Loguetown. Once we're outside its waters, stock up on supplies. After that, we set sail for the Grand Line."
"Aye, Captain!" Roelki replied quickly, but then hesitated. "Oh, and one more thing—I almost forgot!"