"She can also transform directly into your appearance," Leo explained, a sly smile playing on his lips.
"It would be quite something if someone came after her," he added thoughtfully, his eyes gleaming with a mix of anticipation and mischief. Leo couldn't help but imagine the stunned expressions on the faces of any pursuers when they encountered Velis in her new form.
Holding a wand that began to emit a faint, magical glow, Leo gently tapped Willis's forehead. With delicate precision, he imprinted a portion of the spell from his own mind into Willis's consciousness, sharing the essence of the magic. Once the process was complete, Leo pocketed his wand, a quiet pride settling over him.
Standing back a little, Leo watched as Velis's pupils flickered with a brilliant blue light. She whispered softly, almost reverently, "Mimicry Magic: Nefeltari Vivi."
A shimmer of light enveloped her, and her form began to shift and change with stunning speed. In moments, standing before everyone, was a flawless replica of Princess Vivi.
"This is...?" someone gasped.
"Amazing! There is absolutely no difference. She looks exactly like the princess!!"
Ikalem, who knew Vivi best, stared in disbelief, comparing the two side by side. The resemblance was uncanny. If it weren't for Velis's slight stiffness in movement — a subtle tell of her unfamiliarity with the form — no one would have guessed she was an imposter.
But that stiffness was fading quickly as Velis grew more accustomed to her new body.
"So that's how it is," Vivi said suddenly, her eyes widening with understanding. "You must have been preparing for this all along. It seems like everything just happened by coincidence."
Leo chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his head. "Ahem… How could that be? Nami just put this plan together today. Total coincidence~"
Despite the obvious fib, Leo felt a thrill of excitement at how well things were falling into place.
He then gave his orders. "Let her and Ikalem return to Alabasta first. As for you, come with us for now."
After a moment's thought, he added, "The main reason is that we're still short of a ship's doctor. We can't just send you back to Alabasta right away. I've heard there's a skilled doctor on Magnetic Drum Island. We should head there first."
"A doctor?" Vivi asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes," Leo confirmed with a nod.
"Thank you for your help. I'll excuse myself for now." Vivi glanced around at the group. Indeed, none of them appeared to be doctors.
Ikalem bowed deeply to Vivi. "Then I will take my leave, Princess. Please take care."
Velis, now perfectly mimicking Vivi's appearance and aura, winked playfully. "Creator, and friends of the Creator, see you in Alabasta."
Sanji, who had been watching Velis intently, grinned with admiration. "Wuhuhu! Miss Velis, we will be there as soon as possible!!" he called out with enthusiasm.
Miss Velis, wait for me in Alabasta!
Leo nodded, feeling a strange tug at his heart. It was odd, sending his "daughter" off on such a long journey.
The hidden port of Whisky Peak was quiet under the moonlight. Vivi, Leo, and their companions watched as Ikalem's ship slowly slipped away into the distance. The salty air was suddenly thick with the unmistakable smell of gunpowder.
Hmm? Gunpowder?
Before anyone could react, a violent explosion lit up the night sky like a fiery blossom.
Leo's lips curved into a satisfied smile.
Everyone else's faces went pale, shock settling into their features. Pupils dilated as they stared at the spectacle.
"Impossible… Didn't you say it was okay?" Vivi's voice cracked as she turned to Leo, panic rising in her tone.
Leo raised a hand to calm her. "Why rush? Willis is still up there. Look closer."
Far out at sea, the ship that should have been destroyed was still intact, sails fluttering as it sped away toward the horizon.
Vivi's tension melted away, replaced by embarrassment. She sheepishly let go of Leo's arm, her cheeks flushing red.
Luffy, usually carefree and boisterous, paused for a moment before bursting into laughter.
Leo's heart warmed at the sight and he smiled with eyes half-closed. "Come on, Luffy. Now that they're safe, it's time for us to get moving."
The group hurried back to the Thousand Sunny. Nami returned shortly after, laden with treasure—jewels and gold worth millions of Baileys.
The fast runner Karoo, whom Vivi affectionately called her swift companion, had already boarded the ship long before Leo and the others returned.
The Merry sailed past the pier, turned into a tributary, and smoothly entered their plotted course.
After leaving Whisky Peak behind, Vivi visibly relaxed.
Time passed as the morning mist slowly lifted, revealing a sky brightening with soft sunlight.
Vivi stood at the edge of the boat, gazing toward Alabasta. "I hope Ikalem has a safe journey. I'll rush to Alabasta as soon as I can."
With the Merry now on course, there was little left to do but wait and watch, unless they encountered an unexpected storm.
Nearby, Nami and the others clustered around Vivi, discussing the number of enemies pursuing them.
Leo, meanwhile, narrowed his eyes thoughtfully as he leaned against the second deck's railing, a flicker of regret passing over his face.
Sensing the ship was steadily moving away from the dangerous waters near Whisky Peak, Leo shook off his momentary hesitation and approached Vivi with a smile.
Suddenly, with a swift motion, he kicked several of the crew into the sea — everyone except Vivi and Karoo.
"Go swimming! You can't have a boat ride this time!"
Even Luffy, usually the boldest of all, was tied with one hand behind his back and tossed into the waves, splashing as he struggled in the water.
Leo's smile twisted with cruelty. "Remember, this time I won't hold back the Sea Kings' speed. If you can't protect the captain, you'll die in the sea."
"This is only the beginning. Once you survive this, the real torture—training—starts."
He grinned inwardly. When they reached a certain level, he planned to personally spar with them.
Vivi and Karoo stared at Leo in horror.
After sending everyone into the water, Leo casually took a deck chair and settled behind the Merry, enjoying the miserable sight of Nami and the others struggling in the sea. They trembled with fear and exhaustion.
Leo glanced at Vivi. "Go take the helm if you're not busy. I don't want to go off course. Or, if you want, you can practice swimming with the others."
"Understood!" Vivi quickly disappeared from view, reappearing moments later at the helm. She carefully steered the ship, eyes sharp and focused.
As the fog dissipated fully, warm orange sunlight bathed the deck. A gentle sea breeze whispered across the waves, making it a perfect day for sailing.
The sounds of frantic splashing and the excited calls of Sea Kings filled the air.
Leo frowned, displeased by the noise and chaos. He was already planning how to silence them next time.
Ãdvåñçé 60 çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)