"If you want to visit your companion, she's in the room at the end of the hallway—that's ship doctor Ms. Elibam's quarters. Remember to knock before entering. I won't accompany you, nights are when pirates run rampant, so I need to stand watch with the crew. Get proper rest—even Devil Fruit powers strain the body. Don't be careless."
Listening to T-Bone's instructions, Jake nodded earnestly before responding.
"Yes, Lieutenant Commander T-Bone!"
With that, T-Bone turned towards the deck.
The salt-laden sea breeze sprayed across Jake's face—when he wiped it, his hand become damp.
The battleship's interior lacked electrical systems.
For a sail-powered vessel, such technology remained too futuristic.
However, Jake could understand why.
Apart from Marine mission ships that needed to cross the Calm Belt, most vessels weren't equipped with those specially designed external wheels.
Naturally, an ordinary lieutenant commander's ship wouldn't have such advanced technology.
The pirate world had plenty of black tech—Enel's electric-powered ship, the Thousand Sunny's cola-fueled vessel... If he ever became fleet admiral someday, the first thing he'd do was promote steam-powered ships throughout the Marine.
Shaking his head, Jake pushed aside those scattered thoughts.
He gazed at the dimly lit wooden walkway illuminated by scattered candlelight and slowly moved forward.
There were no Marine soldiers in the corridor.
At this hour, apart from those on essential guard duty, most sailors were resting in their quarters.
The Marine's daily workload was heavy, so maintaining adequate rest time was absolutely necessary.
Perhaps due to years of erosion by sea winds, the corridor carried a faint musty wooden scent, though not unpleasant.
Near the ship's infirmary, Jake detected a strong alcohol aroma.
A series of "knock knock" sounds followed as Jake gently knocked on the infirmary door.
Heavy footsteps approached from inside and with a creak, the door swung open.
The flickering candlelight swayed slightly in the breeze, revealing the robust yet kind-faced ship's doctor, Ms. Elibam.
"Greetings, Ms. Elibam. I am—"
Before Jake could finish introducing himself, Ms. Elibam pulled him inside the infirmary, scolding him lightly.
"I know who you are. You're the kid T-Bone rescued two days ago. I treated your wounds myself. By all rights, your injuries shouldn't have healed yet. Who gave you permission to leave your bed? What if your wounds reopen? Many of your muscles were torn—they might look fine on the surface, but without proper rest, you could suffer lifelong complications! Damn that T-Bone, I specifically told him to keep an eye on you!"
Listening to Ms. Elibam's complaints, Jake smiled and explained.
"Ms. Elibam, first, thank you for your timely treatment and your concern. But I'm actually a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user, so my recovery speed far exceeds that of ordinary people. Coincidentally, my Devil Fruit abilities also include some healing properties. That's why T-Bone-san allowed me to get out of bed."
Hearing this, Ms. Elibam's rugged eyebrows lifted slightly.
She pinched Jake's shoulder, feeling the healthy tissue that was nearly indistinguishable from normal human flesh and a look of surprise flashed in her eyes.
With a soft tone, she said.
"Healing abilities? So you're here to treat your companion? May I observe? As a doctor, I need to take responsibility for my patients, even if she hasn't paid the medical fees yet."
"Of course, Ms. Elibam. My name is Jake, currently a Marine Petty officer Third Class and a soldier under Lieutenant Commander T-Bone command. If all goes well, we'll likely be working together for quite some time."
Ms. Elibam chuckled, her freckled face lighting up.
She reached out and patted Jake's shoulder.
"Didn't save your life for nothing—you've got spirit. Just call me Ms. Elly from now on, Jake."
"Yes, Ms. Elly."
"Can you use your abilities now? If so, let's get started. I still have other soldiers to treat later. Since you're awake, you can stay here and look after her."
Watching the no-nonsense Ms. Elibam, Jake nodded.
Then his gaze shifted to Monet, who lay on the bed, her face pale.
Under the dim glow of the slender-necked oil lamp, the surroundings appeared somewhat shadowy.
The slight rocking of the ship from the waves and the sound of the tide still felt surreal.
Monet had now removed her thick glasses, her light green silky hair slightly disheveled.
Ms. Elibam looked at Jake and chuckled softly.
"You're quite lucky to have such a beautiful girlfriend. Stop staring at her face and use your ability already—there are still many people over there who need rescuing, young Marine."
Jake's face flushed slightly at her words, though it wasn't very noticeable in the dim light.
"Ms. Elibam, Monet and I aren't in a relationship you think we are."
As he explained, he gathered a faint golden Holy Light energy in his hand.
The golden glow illuminated his face, making the faint blush on his face more noticeable.
"If your face is already red, your words lose credibility. But this power of yours is quite comforting. And your girlfriend name is quite lovely."
Hearing Ms. Elibam's teasing, Jake didn't bother explaining further—the more he tried, the more it would seem like a cover-up.
Placing his palm gently against Monet's forehead, he felt a cool, delicate touch that made his hand tremble slightly.
Though he could cast healing spells from a distance, this method allowed for more efficient energy utilization.
As the golden light slowly faded, Ms. Elibam kept a close watch on Monet, wary of any mishap.
Monet's slightly long eyelashes fluttered twice before her pale golden eyes gradually regained focus.
Ms. Elibam chuckled and stood up, her voice tinged with excitement and amusement.
"Your ability is remarkable—far more effective than my medical skills. Once you've fully recovered, come be my assistant for a while. And now that little Monet is awake, I'll leave you two lovebirds to your privacy."
At Ms. Elibam's words, Monet and Jake exchanged a glance, both flushing red.