The Gale drifted slowly through the high skies. On deck, Leno finally relaxed after confirming that everyone was safe.
He was about to set Aileen down and introduce her to the others, but the little girl clung tightly around his neck, refusing to let go. With a helpless smile, he simply kept holding her.
"Everyone, let me introduce our friends who came to help us."
He gestured to the elegant woman beside him. "This beauty here needs no introduction—you all must have heard her name before. The Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
He patted Hancock's head lightly, ignoring the shocked looks from Nami and the others. His expression softened with a hint of apology.
"Though after this incident, I doubt she'll keep that title for long. The World Government won't allow someone who defied them to remain a Warlord."
Hancock immediately raised her chin proudly. "I couldn't care less about a title like 'Warlord.' As long as I can be of help to Lord Leno, I'll do anything."
She pressed her head affectionately against his shoulder, her face flushed red and brimming with bliss.
Belle-Mère couldn't help but click her tongue and shoot Nojiko a teasing look that clearly said, See that? Learn from her.
Nojiko blushed, leaning shyly against Belle-Mère while staring at Hancock, both embarrassed and strangely focused.
Leno smiled and nodded to Hancock, then turned to another figure. "This is Jinbe, the 'Knight of the Sea,' also one of the Seven Warlords. Thank you for your help, Jinbe."
To Leno's surprise, Jinbe stepped forward in alarm, bowing deeply. His voice trembled slightly.
"Mr. Leno, you are a friend of Brother Fisher Tiger and a great benefactor to Fishman Island. I don't deserve your gratitude."
He hesitated before continuing with guilt in his voice.
"And… and, Arlong ignored Brother Tiger's warnings and went to the East Blue, wreaking havoc upon your home. For his sins, I am deeply ashamed."
He looked toward Belle-Mère and the others, eyes moist as he went on.
"Arlong and I parted ways after a disagreement. He took his own crew to sea, and by the time I heard what he'd done…"
He clenched his fists. "To do such things to the benefactor of our people—there are no words to express my shame."
"Arlong?" Nami and Nojiko froze for a moment before the memory surfaced—the Fishman Pirates who had once invaded their village.
Belle-Mère finally spoke up. "Jinbe, was it? Arlong did hurt our village, but since you weren't behind it—and he got what he deserved—we hold no grudge against the Fishmen. We're grateful you risked your life to help us this time."
Leno nodded in agreement. "Raise your head, Jinbe. We're all fine now. That's what matters most."
He patted Jinbe's broad shoulder with a smile. "Don't carry someone else's sins on your back. You came to help us—that's more than enough."
Nami, Nojiko, and Belle-Mère all smiled warmly at Jinbe, nodding in understanding.
Moved by their kindness, Jinbe thought of Queen Otohime and Fisher Tiger's final moments. His eyes welled with tears he couldn't hold back.
He bent low once more. "Such generosity… I am deeply, deeply grateful!"
Then, to everyone's surprise, he began to sob. The others exchanged helpless smiles.
Once Jinbe composed himself, Leno turned to the woman nearby.
"This is Miss Baccarat, assistant to the 'Golden Emperor' Gild Tesoro. Thank you for your help as well."
Baccarat gave a graceful smile. "Mr. Leno, you're too kind. I was merely following my boss's orders."
Her tone was polite and cautious—she knew exactly how dangerous Leno could be.
Suddenly, Leno turned toward Nami with a mischievous grin. "Nami, do you know why they call Tesoro the 'Golden Emperor'?"
Sensing something bad, Nami's expression stiffened. "W-Why?"
"Because he ate the Gold-Gold Fruit. He can control gold itself—and his entire ship is made of it."
"What?! An entire ship made of gold?!"
In an instant, Nami's eyes turned into Berries, sparkling with greed as she mumbled feverishly to herself.
Nojiko and Robin covered their mouths, laughing quietly. This was the Nami they knew.
A moment later, Nami snapped back to herself, stormed up to Leno, and grabbed him by the collar, shaking him furiously with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"You bastard! Why did you give me the Cloud-Cloud Fruit back then?!"
"You owe me a Gold-Gold Fruit!"
Aileen peeked up from Leno's arms, whispering timidly, "Brother… why is sister Nami looks scary like this…"
"Hahahaha!"
Everyone burst into laughter, nearly doubling over. Only Nami sat on the deck in despair, muttering "gold" under her breath.
Ignoring the sulking treasure maniac, the group followed Aileen's suggestion and started a celebration.
"To Belle-Mère's family's safe rescue—and to everyone's help—cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Laughter and the scent of good food filled the ship as everyone relaxed at last. Aileen raised her juice to clink glasses with the others, making them all laugh again.
Between sips, Leno turned to Jinbe. "Jinbe, after this, I doubt you'll keep your Warlord title either. Any plans?"
"Don't worry, Mr. Leno," Jinbe said with a calm smile. "I'm still a member of the Whitebeard Pirates. With Oyaji protecting Fishman Island, there'll be no trouble."
"Good. If the island ever needs help, contact me. You'll always have my full support."
Jinbe's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Leno. Fishman Island will forever be your friend."
Then he added seriously, "What about you, Mr. Leno? After this… the World Government will surely come after you."
"We're going to—"
"Come to Amazon Lily!" Hancock interrupted eagerly, cutting him off mid-sentence. "Lord Leno hasn't visited my island yet!"
Her big eyes shimmered pleadingly, as if she might burst into tears if he refused.
Leno thought for a moment, then nodded. "All right. We'll go. Let's see how the World Government reacts first—then decide whether to help relocate your nation."
"Yay~!" Hancock's cheer rang out as she practically glowed with happiness.
Robin tilted her head curiously. "But… I've heard that men aren't allowed on Amazon Lily. Are you sure Leno will be welcome there?"
T/N: Please have a look at my new novel (Minecraft: Transmutation Tablet & Group Chat)