After Gojo was fully prepared with his new clothes and ready to depart for the Frauce Kingdom, Rick spoke. "You know the way to the dock, right? Go there and wait for me. I'll bring my things, and then we'll leave on the Marine ship headed in that direction. It will drop us at the island where our village, Cloverbook, is located."
Gojo nodded silently, eyes still closed. "Go ahead," he said. Without hesitation, he turned toward the dock and began walking. The sound of seagulls overhead and the faint lapping of water against the piers guided his steps. It didn't take long before he reached the dock, the salty breeze brushing against his face. Within half an hour, Rick arrived carrying a single bag, most likely holding his clothes and a few gifts for his family. Gojo could sense its weight and shape as Rick walked past him.
Rick led him to the Marine ship. Since Smoker had already given permission for Gojo to travel with them, no one stopped him. He stepped aboard and the ship's timbers creaked softly beneath his feet as it began to move. The journey was calm, the waves gently rocking the vessel. Gojo found an empty chair on the deck and sat, closing his eyes again, letting the wind tug lightly at his hair. He thought carefully about his Devil Fruit and how he could further develop its abilities. If my powers are limitless, then I should advance like Gojo himself, he considered. He already understood how Gojo's techniques worked—the Six Eyes, the limitless potential. He planned to emulate them, and perhaps even create variations of the moves to suit his own style.
After nearly four hours, the ship slowed and docked at a small pier. Rick turned to him and said, "We've arrived. Let's go." Gojo nodded and followed as Rick led him off the ship, feeling the solid ground beneath his feet again. The Marine ship slowly pulled away, leaving them on this island.
Rick began walking, his footsteps light on the cobblestones. "This is Shellpoint Town, the place I mentioned. Beyond here is my village, Cloverbook." Gojo nodded, listening to the distant sounds of merchants calling out, the faint clatter of wagons, and the occasional barking of dogs.
As they continued, Rick asked, "Do you want to ride a carriage or a horse? Should I arrange one for you?"
Gojo shook his head slightly. "I'm not so weak that I can't walk for an hour or so. But first, I need some food. I haven't eaten since morning. After that, we can head to the village. What do you say?"
Rick slapped his forehead, a sheepish grin on his face. "Oh, my bad! I completely forgot. I shouldn't have just shown you around the town without offering something to eat first. Let's go. I know a small restaurant—it's not big, but it's quite popular for its tasty food, at least among us middle-class folk."
Gojo nodded, keeping his eyes closed as Rick led the way. The smells of the town—baked bread, roasting meat, and the faint tang of the sea—drifted toward him, guiding his steps as they made their way toward the restaurant.
Soon, Rick came to a stop in front of a small restaurant. The wooden board above the door was faded, the letters barely readable, and Gojo couldn't make them out even if he tried. But the warm, savoury scent of cooked meat drifting from inside was unmistakable. They stepped through the door together, the soft clatter of dishes and low murmur of conversation welcoming them. Rick said with a grin, "This is one of the more popular spots for us middle-class folk—Martha's Restaurant. The food here is really quite delicious, and you'll enjoy it."
(A/N: If the lines say that Gojo is reading or looking, it means his eyes are open.)
From behind the bar counter, a woman looked up, eyes lighting up as she saw Rick. "Rick! Long time no see! Looks like you've managed to get yourself a holiday from Marine duties."
Rick chuckled. "Yes, I have two days off. I brought Gojo with me. In the future, if he likes your food, he'll definitely be a regular customer. I've already done my part promoting your restaurant—now it's up to you to see if you can satisfy him."
Martha's gaze shifted to Gojo, who was standing calmly with a blindfold. She raised her eyebrows at the boy's composed posture and sharp features. "What a cute little boy. What would you like to eat?"
Gojo responded evenly, his voice quiet but clear. "Whatever the best food you have. Just make sure it has lots of meat."
Martha smiled warmly, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Don't worry, you'll get plenty of meat—and just because you're so cute, today's meal is on me. Enjoy it for free."
Rick laughed and said, "Then I guess my food is free too."
Martha rolled her eyes playfully. "You're not that handsome yet. Go and become handsome first, then maybe I'll consider giving you free food."
Her voice carried across the restaurant, causing several guests nearby to burst out laughing. Gojo's lips curved into a faint, amused smile, sensing the lively energy of the room. Rick's face flushed red with embarrassment, and he quickly led Gojo to an empty table.
"She's Martha, the owner of this restaurant," Rick explained quietly. "Since you said you want to become a hunter, you could even consider selling your gains here someday. She'll give you a fair price, no doubt."
Gojo nodded thoughtfully. "I'll consider it. But today, I'm exhausted. The past three or four days of traveling, combined with a rough night's sleep, and tension have left me tired. Tomorrow, I'll return to town, check the local prices, and decide where I'll sell my gains."
Rick nodded in agreement. It made sense—after eating, they would continue to the village, and by the time they arrived, it would be evening. There wasn't much daylight left to spend in the town anyway. Also, Gojo was first captured by the pirates, and last night he fought them and killed their captain. All of this must have tired him out a lot.
Soon, their food was brought to the table. The aroma of sizzling meat filled the air, rich and savory, making Gojo's stomach rumble faintly despite the long journey he had endured. He ate steadily, savoring each bite, and Rick watched in astonishment as Gojo consumed more than he did, only pausing when he was completely satisfied.
Martha, observing the sheer amount of food Gojo had eaten, couldn't help but chuckle. "You're really trying to rip me off, aren't you? I gave you permission to eat for free, and you nearly emptied the kitchen!"
Gojo shook his head calmly. "If you want, I can pay—I don't have any issue with that."
Martha waved her hand dismissively. "It's not about that. I can afford it, and I said today's meal is on me. You don't have to worry about a thing."
Gojo nodded, quietly appreciating the warmth and generosity he felt.
With the meal finished, Rick led Gojo out of the restaurant. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long, soft shadows across the cobbled streets as they left Shell Point Town behind. The sounds of merchants calling out, the distant barking of dogs, and the faint clatter of wagons created a lively backdrop. Gojo could feel the gentle breeze on his face and the subtle vibration of the earth beneath his feet as they walked.
After almost an hour of walking through fields and along narrow paths lined with trees, a small wooden gate came into view. Simple in construction, it had no proper doors, just a rough rim, and a carved board that read: "Clover Book Village."
Gojo paused for a brief moment, taking in the calm scent of the surrounding forest and the quiet rustle of leaves in the breeze. This will be my home for the foreseeable future, he thought. He stepped forward, following Rick into the village, feeling the faint hum of life around him—the distant chatter of villagers, the clink of tools, and the occasional crow of a rooster welcoming him to his new beginning.
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