One Piece Chapter 22, page 26-28: YOU ARE A RARE AND PRECIOUS ANIMAL TOO

Nami is devastated for Gaimon, pointing out the tragedy of him guarding empty chests for twenty years. Suddenly, Luffy bursts into loud, cheerful laughter. He tells Gaimon not to be disappointed, pointing out that meeting them after twenty years is a great thing, and jokes that if it had been thirty years, Gaimon might already be dead. Luffy then invites Gaimon to join his crew and search for the One Piece together.

Gaimon is deeply touched by the invitation but politely declines, stating that he wants to remain on the island as the forest guardian. He explains that over the last twenty years, he has grown to love the strange hybrid animals on the island and wants to stay to protect them from poachers.

Luffy smiles and calls Gaimon a rare and precious animal too, which makes Gaimon jokingly threaten to kill him. Gaimon admits he feels relieved now that the burden of the treasure is gone, and he can live more comfortably. He wishes Luffy luck in finding the One Piece and building a great crew. Luffy and Nami wave goodbye as they set sail, leaving Gaimon happily surrounded by his hybrid animal friends. The narration box notes that the boats are sailing toward the Grand Line once again.