The calm sea, the sky azure, seagulls soaring among the white clouds, and a gentle sea breeze drifting by.
The Gale sailed slowly across the waves. Leno yawned and got up from the bow.
"Hey, Carmen, can we have barbecue for lunch?"
"Hey fool, eat proper food! Who eats barbecue in the middle of the day?" Nami scolded, glaring at him.
"Barbecue, huh? That works too. We still have some meat left in the fridge, plus some vegetables. Let's have a barbecue for lunch," Carmen poked her head out of the kitchen.
"I'm saying, you guys—"
"Sounds great. The weather's perfect, the wind's comfortable—barbecue is just right," Nojiko said, nodding.
"Nojiko, you too…" Nami sighed, exasperated.
A while later, when Chopper had finished helping, he went to eat and saw Robin reading.
"Robin, come on, barbecue! Carmen's cooking is really good!"
"Mm, okay. Just let me finish this page," Robin replied without looking up.
"You can't! Barbecue doesn't taste good cold. And if you only read books, you'll turn into a worm. People say 'bookworm,' right?" Chopper said with complete seriousness.
"Hehe… kawaii, Chopper," Robin smiled warmly.
Leno, walking by, looked genuinely surprised. "Chopper, you're so knowledgeable! So reading really does turn you into a worm!"
"You jerk, Leno, what did you say!" Chopper shouted, a little embarrassed and annoyed.
"Hahahaha…" The crew laughed as they ate barbecue and drank together.
After the meal, they sprawled lazily on deck, soaking in the sun and the sea breeze, enjoying a moment of peace.
Suddenly, Chopper shouted: "Whoa! Leno, look! Someone's riding a bicycle across the sea—amazing!"
A bicycle? Immediately, an image popped into Leno's mind—Aokiji. In this world, the only one who could ride a bicycle on the sea was him.
Walking to the railing, he saw a lone figure pedaling closer across the water.
Sure enough—it was him. ''Man, this guy… he's really worried about Robin, huh? Coming all the way to West Blue just to check on her.''
"Hey, kid, I'm a little tired from my stroll. Mind if I come aboard and rest?" Aokiji called.
"Sure, hop on, old man."
"Thanks—but no need for 'old man.'"
"Ah-la-la, nice ship," he said, stepping aboard and glancing around.
"Oh? How did you know this ship was built in Water 7? Nice eyesight, old man," Leno said, feigning surprise.
The girls all looked at him helplessly. He always pulled this routine.
When Robin heard someone come aboard, she got up—and froze. Her nightmare stood before her—Aokiji.
Her whole body shook, sweat beading down her pale face as she collapsed to the deck, unable to even speak.
"Robin, what's wrong?"
"Are you okay, Robin?"
"To scare Robin like this—who the hell are you?" Kuina and Nojiko both gripped their sword hilts, ready to fight.
Chopper clung tightly to Leno's leg, trembling.
Through her fear, Robin managed to whisper: "He's a Marine… Marine Headquarters Admiral—Aokiji!"
"Marine?!"
"Admiral?!" the crew exclaimed.
"A Marine Admiral? Just how strong is he?" Nami clutched her head in horror.
"There are only three Admirals in the Marines—Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji. Above them is only Fleet Admiral Sengoku. He's one of the Marines' three ultimate forces!" Robin explained, panic clear in her voice.
"Then why would such a big shot show up here? Is he crazy?" Carmen muttered hopelessly.
Hearing her, Aokiji's eyes lit up as he turned to Nami. "Ah-la-la? Such a stunning young lady. Are you free tonight?"
Leno slapped his forehead. 'What is wrong with this guy? Is he being deliberately absurd?'
Leno wasn't too nervous though. One, his own strength gave him confidence. Two, Aokiji was most likely just here to check whether Robin had joined them.
But while Leno stayed calm, the others were tense. Chopper blurted out, "Hey, speak properly! What are you really here for?!"
Scratching his mushroom-shaped hair, Aokiji sighed. "Like I said, I was strolling, got tired, so I came aboard. After the Illusia Kingdom incident, Nico Robin vanished. I just wanted to confirm her whereabouts. Looks like she's with you now. Don't worry—I'm not here to arrest you."
Nojiko raised an eyebrow. "Robin, this guy's really an Admiral? He doesn't look the part…"
"Hey now, miss, don't judge by appearances. My justice is lazy justice, so… ah-la-la, forget it." Aokiji said, then plopped down on the deck.
"You really do look lazier than Leno," Nojiko teased.
"Hey! Nojiko!" Leno protested.
"Haha…"
"So, not here to catch us, huh? Tea, then?" Leno poured him a cup.
"Stupid Leno! Be serious! He's a Marine Admiral, and we're wanted fugitives! What are you doing?!" Nami shouted, nearly losing it.
Purupurupuru.
Aokiji's Den Den Mushi rang. Sighing, he went to the bow to take the call.
Nervous, Nojiko whispered to Leno, "Leno… are you sure this is okay? Letting a Marine Admiral on board?"
"It's fine. Don't worry. With me here—and Robin too—it'll be okay. Leave it to me." He tried to reassure her and Robin both.
While they whispered, Aokiji finished his call. Turning back, he sat cross-legged at the prow, scratching his head irritably.
Leno frowned at his expression. "What's wrong, old man?"
"Adventurer Leno… how should I put this? You're bold—or maybe just unpredictable. I came here to meet you and Nico Robin. But after thinking it over… maybe it's best if you all die here."
At those words, everyone tensed again. The casual laziness vanished from Aokiji, replaced with a subtle killing intent that prickled their skin.
"Although you haven't caused any great harm yet… each of you is frighteningly strong. Three Mythical Zoans, one Logia, plus Robin's Paramecia. A group like this will only grow more dangerous in the future."
Chopper stammered, "Th-that's not true! We just want to sail the world and have adventures! We're not dangerous!"
"The one I find most dangerous… is you, Nico Robin."
"So it really is about Robin…" Leno muttered. He wasn't afraid, though—drawing his blade, he stepped forward slowly.