"So, you're Boa Hancock, and these two are your sisters?" Though he'd suspected as much, this was the future empress.
Taking a closer look, she was indeed a rare beauty, but not yet at the level where she could charm the masses.
"Come with me, then." Leno removed his mask and tossed three black robes to the trio.
As they walked, the three kept glancing around, leaving Leno exasperated.
"Hey, what are you staring at? Want me to put the mask back on?" Leno asked helplessly.
"No, no need. We just didn't expect you to be so young, sir." Hancock's cheeks flushed as she murmured softly.
"Don't call me sir. My name's Leno—just call me that. We're here. Let's go in." Leno's eye twitched at the bar's signboard.
'With strength like this, you can do whatever you want,' Leno sighed.
"The king from three generations ago?!" *x3*
"Oh, looks like Tiger got you out safely. It wasn't in vain that I went with that old man to hold off the Marines."
Nearby, an elderly man with glasses and graying hair, looking sharp and spirited, was nursing a drink.
He sipped his alcohol while subtly sizing up Leno.
"You three sisters have suffered. We've been trying to rescue you, but we never found the right chance." Shakky sighed.
"No, we're very grateful to Tiger for saving us, and also... and also to Sir Leno," the three sisters whispered.
Seeing their reddened eyes, Leno could hardly imagine the life of slaves.
"Ah, young Leno, thanks for helping us save the three sisters." Shakky turned to Leno with a warm smile.
"No, no, I spotted the sisters on the shore and came to ask about something. I just tagged along." Leno waved it off modestly.
Rayleigh chimed in: "You're so young, yet your strength is this formidable. That commotion from the rear guard was truly astonishing."
"Uncle Rayleigh, don't go spreading rumors. Storming Mary Geoise to save people—how's that got anything to do with a 13-year-old kid like me? Don't slander me; I'll sue you for defamation!" Leno protested.
Rayleigh couldn't help but chuckle at Leno's outburst.
"Pfft. Ah, young Leno, you're quite the joker." Shakky laughed.
"Hey, hey, Sister Shakky, I really am 13—like, the real deal."
Everyone froze at his words.
Hancock cupped her cheeks, blushing, and murmured, "Lord Leno's even younger than me... That's great."
"Ah, that's surprising." Shakky's face showed genuine shock.
Rayleigh added, "Truly, each generation has its talents." He'd pegged Leno at least at 16 or 17, not 13, and sighed in admiration.
"Hey, Uncle Rayleigh, mind if I pick your brain on a few things?" Leno leaned in, pouring him a drink.
"Oh? So you know me, young Leno?" Rayleigh's eyes gleamed.
"Hm? Didn't Sister Shakky just call your name?" Leno asked, puzzled.
"No, we haven't called each other by name at all." Shakky grinned.
Leno glanced back at the Hancock sisters, who nodded slowly.
Leno slapped his forehead. 'Sloppy.'
"Uh, heh... Well, don't sweat the details." Leno laughed awkwardly.
"Giggle..." Leno cringed inwardly.
"Heh... No worries. What did you want to ask?" Rayleigh let it slide and turned the question back.
"Uh, it's about how to train for the Ryuo, and the method for Conqueror's Haki infusion." Leno went all in.
"Oh my, I really underestimated Little Brother Leno," Shakky said, truly surprised now. She couldn't believe that a boy as young as Leno had not only was seeking to reach the level of Ryou, but also had Conqueror's Haki.
Rayleigh was also full of surprise, but seeing that Leno had helped them, he still explained the training methods for Ryou and Conqueror's Coating in detail.
"Hey, Hancock, you'll have to train Conqueror's Haki infusion sooner or later. Remember it well." Leno turned to her.
"Hm?" Rayleigh looked surprised, while Shakky beamed with joy.
"Hancock, you've awakened Conqueror's Haki?" Shakky asked eagerly.
"Y-Yes, I think so." Hancock fidgeted nervously.
"It happened when I saw Lord Leno... kill the Celestial Dragon..." Leno slapped his forehead again—too late to stop her.
Rayleigh and Shakky stared at Leno. This goofy kid had just massacred Celestial Dragons moments ago, and now he was calmly asking about training techniques. Was this normal?
"What's wrong?" Leno asked, enduring their gazes with a stiff neck.
After a moment, Rayleigh sighed softly. "Sigh, looks like I'm really getting old." Shakky's expression turned complicated.
"Ahem... Uh, Sister Shakky, I'd like to buy some info from you."
Shakky's eyes narrowed into a smile. "What kind of info are you after, young Leno?"
"Er, yeah... a place called Sleepy Hollow Town." Leno answered cautiously.
"Sleepy Hollow Town? Hm, I don't know it offhand. If I hear anything, I'll let you know."
"Alright, thanks, Sister Shakky." Leno breathed a sigh of relief.
"Well, I've handled my business, so I'll take off. Hancock, forget the past and live well from now on. See you around." With that, Leno bolted.
"Heh... An interesting kid."
"Yeah, quite the character."
"Hancock, tell me what happened after you met him." Shakky turned to Hancock.