Their victory was celebrated with a small party in the village. After years of living in fear and suffering, the people of Kurohana rejoiced in their freedom with simple but heartfelt joy. A bonfire blazed brightly in the village square, dancing in the cold night. Local musicians played simple instruments—a harp, a tambourine, and a few drums—while people danced around the fire, laughing freely. The smell of food cooked by Nara wafted through the village, making Bastien and Arthur's stomachs rumble.
"Now this is a party," Arthur said as he devoured a piece of meat that tasted better than anything he'd ever eaten. "If it's always like this, I could be a sailor for life."
Bastien only smiled and nodded. He couldn't deny that this kind of atmosphere, filled with joy and togetherness, was exactly what he longed for. The world of adventure certainly offered plenty of danger—but also moments like this. Sometimes, the madness was truly worth it.
Nara joined them, carrying a tray of more food. With a wide smile, she sat down beside them. "You know," she said as she handed a plate to Bastien, "I've always wanted to travel the world. To taste everything, cook for anyone who needed a warm meal. But I was always too afraid."
Bastien looked at her seriously as he took a spoonful of spicy fish soup. "If you come with us, you won't just see the world. You'll be part of a free family."
Arthur, still chomping on a piece of fish, grinned and added, "You fit right in with us. Fierce in the kitchen, stubborn as hell, and hate oppressors. Welcome to Freebone, Chef."
Nara beamed, her eyes sparkling. Still, a hint of doubt lingered in her gaze. "I don't know... I don't know if I belong in this world. I'm just an ordinary girl from a tiny village with barely anything to offer..."
Bastien smiled as he patted her shoulder. "You'll never know until you try. This world is full of lunatics—like me and Arthur." He glanced over at Arthur, who was sneakily stealing fish from his plate. "We didn't have much either. But look at us now—got a name, got a ship, and now… a crew."
Arthur took a sip of his drink and nearly choked. "If you wanna be part of the crew, remember: there are two main rules in Freebone. One, eat everything you cook. Two, never run from trouble. If we're in it, we face it together."
Nara chuckled, though her eyes glistened with tears. "Then let me cook for you for the rest of my life."
The next morning, La Fortuna set sail again, the wind carrying them toward new adventures. The ship sailed faster, with more spirit, more life than ever before. On the deck, Nara was already preparing meals for the whole crew, laughing and chatting excitedly about all the dishes she wanted to try next. Arthur seemed to enjoy the change in atmosphere—though he still couldn't stop eating way too much.
"Hey, Captain! I think we need to add a new item to our ship's menu!" Arthur shouted, waving to Bastien at the helm. "Something like… Kurohana Soup, Freebone-style!"
Bastien turned and nodded in agreement. "Then we've got a new rule on this ship: everything Nara cooks is guaranteed to be delicious. If not, Arthur takes the blame."
Arthur froze mid-bite and stared at Bastien, eyes wide. "W-WHAT?! That's... that's the most unfair rule ever!"
"Relax, Arthur," Bastien laughed. "I'm just joking. But you know, too much meat isn't great for your body. How about a new dish: Freebone Salad? Just veggies and… a glass of coconut juice."
Arthur grimaced. "Coconut juice... what even is that?"
"Juice from a coconut," Bastien replied casually.
"Coconut juice is more dangerous than a bandit's sickle, you know that?!" Arthur groaned, going back to his fish, which of course he ate way more than he ever did with vegetables.
Nara, overhearing the conversation, burst into laughter. "Maybe I'll make coconut juice for you guys. If Arthur's scared, he can drink coconut soup instead."
Arthur cleared his throat and pouted. "I'm just afraid I'll grow coconut leaves on my head."
After much laughter, their journey continued. La Fortuna sailed on across the vast ocean, toward new adventures, taking them farther than they ever imagined. Three people—Bastien, Arthur, and Nara—had formed a bond that couldn't be broken, a bond stronger than anything the world could throw at them.
And for the first time since they raised their sails, the voices of the villagers rang out clearly from the distant port.
"Farewell, Captain Bastien!" they shouted together.
Bastien stood still for a moment, his eyes on the shrinking village behind them. Then, he smiled—a wide smile full of confidence and freedom. "You hear that, Arthur?"
Arthur laughed loudly. "Finally. Captain Freebone."
They continued their journey, heading toward a new horizon, ready to face whatever awaited them in a world full of wonder and adventure.