Ch. 8: A New Voyage (SUN)
A few days after the storm…
Ever since then, Rosso has seemed troubled…
Though I called out to him, he always wanted to left alone to think, shutting himself in his room.
I had left him alone, reluctantly, and spent my time helping out around the ship.
I’d like to be able to support him…
I thought about it again while I sat in the galley, helping to peel potatoes…
A flurry of footsteps shook the old ship.
? Did something happen?
Everyone in the area was exchanging glances with one another.
Rosso: "Listen up! I’ve finally decided…!"
Rosso rushed from the galley, his cheeks flushed with excitement.
Sailor: "W-what’s going on?"
Rosso: "I’ve decided. OO, you listen to."
OO: "O-okay."
What is it?
Rosso took in a deep breath…
Rosso: "I’ve decided to fix the ship!"
OO: "Eh…!"
At Rosso’s words, the crewmen started murmuring amongst themselves.
Sailor 1: "Repair the ship…"
Sailor 2: "U-um, where’d this come from all of a sudden?"
Rosso: "For crying out loud. My eyes were opened thanks to the storm…and her."
OO: "…!"
Rosso suddenly grabbed my shoulder and pulled me in tightly.
At the surprise embrace, I felt my heart leap in my chest as Rosso’s strong arm held me.
Rosso: "I’ll never let anyone die again. All of you keep that in mind, and come with me!"
Sailor 1: "I-I don’t really get what’s going on but…"
Sailor 2: "Yeah-!"
The crew cried out in pure joy.
I saw Rosso grinning, his face looking more refreshed than I’d ever seen it before.
Beside him, a smile from deep within my heart blossomed.
I’m glad…he’s so happy.
His arm held me as I felt tears well up, completely overcome with emotion.
…
……
We stopped at a large town, leaving the Balenarossa to be repaired.
Rosso: "…"
Rosso kept starring at the docked ship.
OO: "Rosso…"
Rosso: "Yeah, I’m fine. Just giving her a little farewell. Telling her to make sure she comes back good and strong. Besides…"
OO: "?"
A while after that…
…
……
Rosso: "…amazing, I hardly recognize her."
Rosso stood beside me, gazing up at the splendidly repaired Balenarossa.
OO: "Yes. She has become quite beautiful. Now she can overcome anything at sea."
Rosso: "Yeah, that’s right."
Our shoulders bumped each other. I felt my heart leap and in the instant I reflexively looked up at Rosso…
OO: "…!"
Gripping my shoulder, Rosso wrapped me in an embrace.
I’d already felt the comforting warmth from within those arms many times…
My heart was beating so fast I felt as if it would burst, and I took a slow, deep breath.
This is a little embarrassing…but…it makes me really happy, to be held in his arms.
Rosso: "OO…thanks."
OO: "Eh…? I didn’t do…"
Rosso: "No, this is thanks to you OO. Because of you, I was able to hold strong this time. I don’t really get it but…you’re really amazing."
I thought of how much I liked his slight ruggedness and those eyes that took in the dazzle of the sun.
I kept staring as if I was being drawn in.
Then the hands around me held on more firmly.
Rosso: "I always thought that…changing the ship would mean betraying them. But…but I have to hold on to the men I have left even more. I never…want to lose anyone."
I saw something flash for a moment in the corner of Rosso’s eyes, and I felt my chest warm as I was overcome with emotion.
Rosso: "With the ship in such a battered state…there would have come a time I couldn’t protect anyone. But now…"
OO: "I think…even though the appearance of the ship has changed, I’m sure the souls of your friends still live on in it. And I’m sure…that they’re pleased to see the Balenarossa become so beautiful."
I honestly spoke what was on my mind as Rosso was at a loss for words.
And with that, Rosso smiled, though even now he seemed on the verge of tears…
Rosso: "I suppose you’re right…thanks OO. I can move forward now, because of you."
OO: "That’s… …"
Accompanying his firm words was a warm kiss…
Rosso: "Come live with me. Me, and the Balenarossa."
Bathed in the setting sun, he kissed me again with more intensity.
I felt as if the reborn ship…was watching over us with a gentle strength.
END