When Shiki extended his invitation, Lind nearly lost his composure.
After all, if he followed Shiki directly, he'd probably have to spend most of his time around him, making it hard to claim a piece of territory of his own.
What Lind truly hoped for was to become one of the division captains under the Rocks Pirates. The division captains enjoyed a lot of freedom — as long as they obeyed Rocks when needed, they could do whatever they wanted. Rocks didn't interfere in their personal affairs.
But Shiki had made such a direct offer — turning him down outright might be a bit too bold.
In the end, Lind's desire to farm and have his own space won out. He figured that Rocks likely wouldn't want Shiki to have too powerful a personal force anyway.
"Uh… Captain Shiki, shouldn't something this important be brought up with Captain Rocks first? I mean, inviting me on board was also based on his decision, right?"
Of course, Lind already knew that Rocks wouldn't care about who Shiki named as his vice-captain. But Shiki didn't know that Lind knew.
Shiki simply assumed Lind was unaware of the internal workings of the Rocks Pirates and didn't want to offend their captain. He laughed loudly:
"You're not wrong! Don't worry — I do have that kind of authority. Just come back to Hachinosu (Hive Island) with me and meet the boss, then I'll bring it up to him about making you my vice-captain!"
"Alright, where's your ship? Bring it with you — we're heading back to Hive Island!"
Seeing that Lind still seemed hesitant, Shiki waved his hand decisively, ending the discussion.
"Understood, Captain Shiki. I'll go bring my ship over now."
Lind quickly played along since Shiki wasn't pushing the recruitment matter any further.
"No need for that — just tell me where your ship is. We'll fly there directly!"
With another wave of his hand, Shiki demonstrated his confidence and the convenience of his powers.
Because yes — Shiki was Shiki. The Float-Float Fruit was insanely broken in this regard. If Linde tried to use his telekinesis to do the same, he'd probably burn himself out.
"Then I'll trouble you, Captain Shiki. I'll guide the way!"
High in the sky, over 10,000 meters above sea level, two ships sailed one after another at a steady pace.
At the bow of the larger ship up front, Shiki and Lind were drinking together.
"Brother Lind," Shiki suddenly said, looking slightly embarrassed, "I have a favor to ask."
"Come on, Big Bro Shiki, just say it! Leave it to me!"
Lind, not used to drinking in this body, was already tipsy thanks to Shiki's relentless toasts. He agreed before Shiki could even finish.
"Jiehahaha! That's the spirit! It's nothing major — just that poem you recited before back on my ship. Think you could come up with something like that for me? Something bold and majestic!"
Shiki didn't stand on ceremony when he saw how straightforward Lind was.
"Don't worry, Big Bro Shiki. I'll write you a poem that's fierce, imposing, and full of heroic energy!"
Hearing this, Lind sobered up halfway. It was a bit of a brain-drainer, sure, but since he'd already agreed — and it wasn't that big a deal — he didn't overthink it.
Shiki was delighted, raising his glass again in celebration.
"You're a real bro! Let's drink to that!"
"Cheers!"
One drink after another, and soon, Lind was completely hammered.
He didn't even know how he made it back to his room. When he finally woke up, nearly ten hours had passed.
"Brother Lind, your alcohol tolerance needs serious work! On Hive Island, you'll be laughed at with a tolerance like that. Even Flameflower and the others can drink you under the table!"
Lind frowned a bit at Shiki's voice — the guy was telling the truth. This body really couldn't hold its liquor.
Fine, don't blame me for cheating, Lind thought darkly.
His two and a half years on the deserted island had given him deep reserves — including two different types of mutated plants that countered drunkenness.
It might be a bit shameless, but Linde figured he was enough "Lind" for the job.
With those two little secrets, he was confident he could dominate the drinking scene on Hive Island.
Just as Lind was getting out of bed, Shiki walked into the room.
"Brother Lind, you remember that poem you promised to write for me?"
"Any chance you can finish it before we get back? I want to shock the whole island with how badass I am!"
"No problem. How long until we arrive? Just give me a few days."
Lind winced internally but still accepted the task.
"You just say how long you need, and I'll make sure we don't arrive until then!"
Shiki's bold statement was music to Lind's ears.
"Three days should be enough. I'll make it worthy of your name, Big Bro Shiki."
"That's what I like to hear! Take your time. We still have some distance to go — I'll give you a whole week! You'd better make me a killer entrance poem!"
Shiki patted Lind's shoulder with great excitement.
"Alright then, get some rest. Let me know if you need anything — I won't bother you further!"
With Lind's promise secured, Shiki left the room, visibly thrilled.
Maybe he was already imagining the poses and special effects he'd use to accompany his grand entrance — planning to go all out in one epic flex back on Hive Island.
One week later.
In the sky 5,000 meters above Hive Island, Shiki and Lind were doing final prep before the big reveal.
"Big Bro Shiki, this is your moment. I'll let you take the spotlight!"
Lind had thought long and hard and ultimately decided to let Shiki do the grandstanding.
He didn't want to attract too much attention. If Whitebeard or Charlotte Linlin got annoyed, he wouldn't stand a chance against a "friendly spar" from those monsters.
"Jiehahaha! Brother, that poem you wrote is perfect! Watch me shock the whole island with it!"
"Whitebeard? Linlin? They're nothing but side characters now!"
"Off I go!"
Shiki was practically glowing with excitement.
After spending several days with Lind obsessing over the poem, he'd caught the bug himself.
"Go get 'em, Big Bro Shiki."
Lind stood at the ship's bow, ready to watch the show.
As the ship approached Hive Island—
A powerful wave of Conqueror's Haki erupted, sweeping across the island, followed by a booming, heroic voice:
"Golden Lion roars through the seas, and all creation weeps."
"He cleaves the wind and waves — all directions bow before him."
"A thousand-cut valley stirs the storm. Who dares withstand his tide?"
"Oto's peril, Kogarashi's speed — if you don't seek defeat, don't come my way."
"Even burdened by a thousand islands, I'll still lift an airborne fleet with one hand — I, Shiki, am invincible in this world!"
"To all on Hive Island — the Golden Lion Shiki has returned!"
Shiki hovered above Hive Island, golden hair flowing behind him, radiating an overwhelming aura.