One Piece: Song of Despair - Chapter 25

Five days later, at Marineford, Nokiyoru stood atop a small hill, gazing out at the scenery. His over-the-shoulder short hair was still tied with a purple ribbon, and the three scars on his right cheek did nothing to diminish his chiseled, handsome face.

Dressed in a simple shirt and trousers, Nokiyoru was lost in thought.

His eyes, dark and bright like stars, revealed his deep contemplation. Five days had been enough for Nokiyoru to recover from his injuries fully, but instead of training, he had come here alone.

“Clomp… clomp…” Heavy footsteps approached, and a figure dressed in casual clothes, carrying two bottles of liquor, came closer.

“Master,” Nokiyoru turned and respectfully greeted the newcomer.

“Come, sit down.” Smiling, Zephyr sat on a large rock, patting the spot beside him.

Sitting down slowly, Nokiyoru looked confused at Zephyr. “Master, why are you here?”

Zephyr smiled and handed Nokiyoru a liquor bottle, speaking softly, “I went to check on you and found you weren’t there, so I figured you’d be here. I thought you’d be training, but I was wrong.”

Opening the bottle, Nokiyoru took a swig, his expression turning melancholy. “I don’t feel like training today.”

“What’s wrong?” Zephyr was taken aback. Nokiyoru seemed like a completely different person, no longer the training-obsessed maniac.

“I miss my sister. I don’t know if she’s eating well, if she’s warm enough, and she has a congenital heart condition. I don’t know if she can hold on until I find her.” Nokiyoru’s voice wavered with concern and longing, nearly breaking into a sob.

“She’ll be okay. I checked recently. Since Gol D. Roger became Pirate King, the Golden Lion Pirates have disappeared. As long as you haven’t seen it with your own eyes, you must believe she’s still alive.” Zephyr patted Nokiyoru’s shoulder, offering reassurance. “No matter what you need to do, remember, I’m your master, always.”

“Master.” Nokiyoru’s heart trembled. Growing up with divorced parents, he only knew his grandfather’s love. Now, he felt like he was experiencing fatherly love for the first time.

Just as Nokiyoru thought, Zephyr truly saw him as his child.

“Everything will be okay.”

“I understand.” Nokiyoru nodded firmly, realizing he had overthought things.

“That’s better. Come on, let me introduce you to two people. It’s about time you met your mistress and junior brother.” Zephyr slapped his forehead as if remembering something, looking regretful.

“Mistress? Junior brother?” Nokiyoru was stunned. His master was married? And had a child?

“Master, why didn’t you ever tell me you were married? And I have a junior brother?”

“I forgot, and you were always busy, so…” Zephyr looked embarrassed. After all, it was rather strange that he had never mentioned this to his apprentice.

Oddly enough, Nokiyoru had never asked because he had always assumed Zephyr was a bachelor. Having only seen up to Ace’s death in the original storyline, Nokiyoru knew little about the characters’ personal lives beyond the major figures.

“Master, you’re really something…” Nokiyoru didn’t know what to say, feeling somewhat guilty for never asking about Zephyr’s family.

“Come on, let’s go. They’ve wanted to meet you for a long time, but I kept forgetting.” Zephyr stood up, waving his hand. Nokiyoru followed, feeling awkward about how he had handled things as a disciple.

Both master and apprentice were rather thick-headed.

“Master, wait, I should buy some gifts.”

“No need, your mistress won’t mind.”

“But…”

“What about my junior brother?” Nokiyoru asked, realizing he should bring something for the child.

“He’s only three; he won’t mind either.” Zephyr dismissed the idea of gifts for the child as well.

“This doesn’t feel right.”

“What’s the problem? Besides, do you have any money?” Zephyr stopped and crossed his arms, looking at Nokiyoru oddly.

Feeling awkward, Nokiyoru realized he might not have any money. His meals and accommodation were provided in the academy, and he never thought about finances. Even his clothes were provided by the dormitory.

“Unacceptable. I can’t visit empty-handed on my first visit.” Nokiyoru insisted, determined to find a way. “Master, wait for me.” With that, he used Moonwalk to disappear into the sky.

“This kid…” Zephyr watched Nokiyoru leave, shaking his head but smiling with pride.

At the Navy Academy, the cafeteria was bustling with students eating their meals, making the place lively.

Nokiyoru had only one friend in the Navy: Aokiji. But knowing Aokiji’s laid-back nature, he suspected his friend might be as broke as he was.

Without a second thought, Nokiyoru dismissed borrowing money from Aokiji.

After some consideration, he approached someone with a background—Tsuru’s protege, Gion (Momousagi).

Ordinarily, a man would hesitate to borrow money from a woman due to pride, but Nokiyoru felt no such pressure, knowing that pride couldn’t be eaten.

He could have asked his master for money, but no one in their right mind would do that.

Walking through the cafeteria, Nokiyoru’s calm demeanor drew the attention of other students. Spotting Gion among a group of girls, he approached her directly.

To be honest, Gion was very beautiful, but to Nokiyoru, such things were superficial.

As Nokiyoru entered the cafeteria, the students stopped eating, aware of his formidable reputation and power.

Standing beside Gion, Nokiyoru’s calm exterior belied his inner struggle. He wasn’t used to asking for favors, especially from someone he barely knew.

Everyone, including Gion, wore curious expressions. Was Nokiyoru about to confess his feelings?

Even Gion’s face turned slightly red, feeling flustered.

“Xu… Nokiyoru… do you need something?” Gion stammered, her heart racing.

“Um… can I borrow some money? I’ll pay you back tenfold later.” Nokiyoru felt his face heat up, though he remained serious.

“Thud…” There were audible gasps as everyone froze in shock.

Gion’s tense expression turned rigid.

“Borrow… money?” Gion was at a loss for words.

“Yes, if you don’t have any, it’s fine.” Nokiyoru nodded.

Regaining her composure, Gion, though slightly annoyed, agreed. “How much do you need?”

“Several hundred thousand Berries.”

“Come with me; I don’t have it on me. It’s in my dorm.” Gion stood up.

“Thank you.”

As they left together, a man and woman, everyone in the cafeteria, watched them leave with puzzled expressions.

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