by MangaMoon

One Piece - The farewell to Princess Vivi

Remember… when Vivi calls out to the Straw Hats from Alabasta’s shore, and nobody aboard answers? Her country is saved. Luffy and his friends are sailing onward, while Vivi stays with the people who need her. She wants to continue their adventure, but understands why she must remain. Standing beside Karoo, she calls toward the Going Merry. She recalls their journey and asks whether, if they meet again someday, they will still consider her their friend. Everyone hears her. But the Marines are nearby. Publicly acknowledging their friendship could expose the princess’s connection to pirates. The crew cannot answer without putting her at risk. For a moment, their silence feels like rejection. Then all six turn their backs and raise their left arms. Each bears a black **X**, the mark they used to confirm one another’s identities against Bon Clay’s ability to impersonate them. Now it carries their answer. Vivi breaks into tears. She and Karoo raise their marked arms in return. The ship continues away. No declaration reaches the Marines, yet Vivi understands perfectly: staying behind has not cost her a place among them. Their paths are separating; she remains their nakama.

Material: wooden