After crossing the boundless seas and finally spotting Water 7 in the distance, Leno pulled out his trusty vessel, the "Little Rickety Boat," and slowly steered toward the city.
From afar, Water 7 resembled a colossal oceanic fountain—powerful currents gushed upward from the city's center, then split into several tributaries flowing back into the sea, reducing direct impact from the waves.
Nearby, the Sea Trains gently rumbled to life. The fusion of technology and nature created a scene of breathtaking grandeur.
Leno's main purpose for visiting Water 7 was to exchange some Berries and buy sea salt—thanks to the "Aqua Laguna," the salt harvested here was deep-sea salt, renowned for its exquisite flavor.
He also couldn't miss trying the famous "Mizu Mizu Meat."
As for shipbuilding? Franky hadn't even shown up yet. That could wait a few more years.
First, Leno exchanged gold for several billion Berries, then went on a shopping spree—clothes, sweets, and of course, he didn't forget to buy Nami some books on navigation.
Arriving at the shore, he stowed away the little boat. With a crackle of lightning, Leno vanished from the spot.
The story's main events hadn't kicked off yet—many people and incidents were still nowhere to be found.
For now, best to just head home and lie low. After all, unfamiliar plotlines could easily derail, and there'd be no rewinding mistakes.
Plenty of time left. The stronger he got, the more confidence he'd have. Go for it! Olé!
This trip had gone unusually smoothly—except for the exhausting travel. Once he built the Ark Maxim in a few years, he could just kick back and relax.
After more than two months of back-and-forth travel, he finally returned home. Just as he began unpacking the mountain of parcels from his backpack—
"Leno! You're back! Haha… Nojiko, come quick! Leno's back!"
"Hey, Nami! What a coincidence—I just docked and already ran into you. Come help carry stuff!"
"What coincidence? Ever since you set sail, Nojiko and I've been taking turns watching ships from the cliff, hoping to spot you the moment you returned. I was the one who saw you and ran over!"
Leno felt a surge of warmth. He hugged Nami, ruffling her little head, then gave Nojiko a big embrace too.
The little girl's face flushed red—who knew what she was thinking.
"Come on, help carry! I brought tons of stuff. Tonight, we feast!"
"Wooow! You're the best!"
"Thanks, Big Bro Leno!"
"No problem, no problem—let's haul it home!"
Days passed like this. Nami's yearning to draw sea charts grew stronger by the day, constantly pestering Leno to take her sailing. They'd practically explored every nearby island.
Three years flashed by. It was now Year 1507 of the Sea Calendar. Leno now stood around 2.2 meters tall—truly a towering, robust figure.
Status Panel: Leno
Armament Haki: Advanced
Observation Haki: Advanced
Conqueror's Haki: Intermediate
Advanced Body Techniques
Advanced Swordsmanship (Swordmaster)
Devil Fruit Abilities:
Rumble-Rumble Fruit (No Side Effects) — —
Inventory: Berries, Sandai Kitetsu, Gold, etc.
Gazing at this dazzling stat sheet, Leno proudly declared, "My achievements today? Entirely earned through my own sweat and effort. I deserve every bit of it!"
"Leno, what're you spacing out for? Dinner's ready!"
"Oh, oh!" He turned to see little Nami, now over six years old. Unlike in the original story, she hadn't suffered childhood malnutrition.
The little girl was already nearly 1.5 meters tall, with fair, rosy cheeks and brimming with energy. Nojiko was even more extreme—almost 1.7 meters, standing tall and graceful.
Though… he wasn't sure when exactly they'd stopped calling him "Big Brother."
"Leno, come eat!" Nojiko called out naturally.
"…Yeah, coming," Leno sighed helplessly.
"Where's Belle-Mère?"
"She went to deliver food to Uncle Genzo."
"Hmm? When are those two gonna make it official?"
"Pfft…" x2
Both girls instantly turned beet red.
"Wh-what are you talking about?!" Nojiko glanced nervously toward the door, stammering.
"I know, I know! I saw Uncle Genzo giving Belle-Mère flowers the other day!" Nami blurted out loudly.
"Oh? Sounds like wedding bells are ringing soon. Guess we'll be welcoming a new family member," Leno declared confidently.
"A new… member?!"
*Gasp!* O_o‖ x3
"N-nothing! Nami was just saying she wants a pet, right, Nami?" Leno quickly shot her a desperate look.
"Ah?! Y-yes! Leno just said he'd buy me a pet!" Nami stammered out the completely fabricated story.
Beside her, Nojiko stared wide-eyed at the two liars—one big, one small—who didn't even blush while spinning tales.
"Oh, I see. What kind of pet? Decided yet?" Belle-Mère asked casually while eating.
"Not yet, just started thinking about it," Leno began sweating. As they say—one lie demands a thousand more to cover it up.
Nojiko watched him wipe sweat while desperately patching the story, covering her mouth to stifle giggles. Nami smirked smugly at his predicament.
Leno shot them both a glare, then silently focused back on his meal.
After dinner: "By the way, I'm heading out tomorrow. Might be gone a month or so."
"Huh? Again?!"
"I wanna go too!"
"Nami, this time you can't come," Leno ruffled her hair gently.
"Hmph! Stupid Leno! Never takes me anywhere!" Nami turned away with a huff.
"This time it's serious business, but I promise I'll come back safe and soon," Leno assured her.
"Since you've made up your mind, just be careful out there," said Belle-Mère.
"Mm. Then while I'm gone, I'm leaving our home in the capable hands of clever, lively, cheerful Nami and gentle, kind, capable Nojiko."
"Hmph! Since stupid Leno put it that way… fine, I'll handle it!" Nami declared with tsundere pride.
"Don't worry, Leno—we've got everything covered," Nojiko said warmly.
The next morning, waving goodbye to the two girls, Leno boarded the "Little Rustbucket" and set off. Crack! Crack! This time, no hesitation—he transformed into lightning and shot straight toward the Grand Line.
Sabaody Archipelago.
"There are quite a few strong presences on this island… Eh, I'll just stroll around first."
With Sandai Kitetsu at his hip, Leno headed toward the commercial district. En route, he bought a mask—the bold character (Thunder) emblazoned across the forehead.
"Yep, this'll do. Don't wanna get wanted before even setting sail. Better cover my face."
Been here nearly half a month already… still no movement? When's it gonna happen? Leno spent his days aimlessly wandering.
A few days ago, he'd contacted Belle-Mère via Den Den Mushi, telling her he might be delayed and not to worry, explaining his current situation.
Little Nami, upon hearing Leno was strolling around and eating delicious food, grew wildly envious, clamoring for him to bring her treats.
After chatting awhile with Nami and Nojiko, he hung up.
Hmm? Mid-stroll, Leno suddenly froze. "There he is! Red-skinned fish-man, tall with a wrapped head—definitely him. Fisher Tiger."
"Looks like it'll happen in the next few days… I'd better prepare!"
Several nights later, Leno, lying within the clouds, snapped his eyes open. "It's starting… Finally!"
"Mary Geoise… he's here. He's climbing up, fueled by vengeance…" As the red fish-man scaled the Red Line under cover of night—
A black-clad figure, wearing a mask marked, also silently ascended the so-called "Holy Land."