Watching Nojiko and Kuina collapsed by the table, Leno couldn't help but laugh and sigh. At first, they had looked so determined—like they wouldn't stop drinking until they passed out—but in the end…
"Two little lightweights~"
Seeing that it was already late, Leno walked over and picked up Nojiko, carrying her gently back to her room. After tucking her in, he turned toward the door—there was still one more person waiting to be carried.
Lost in thought, he didn't notice Nojiko quietly opening her eyes once he left. Her gaze, like autumn water, was filled with unease and anticipation.
When Leno carried Kuina to bed and was about to pull the blanket over her, she suddenly opened her hazy eyes, looking at him with a mix of nervousness and hope.
"Leno, I like you~"
Leno froze for a moment, then smiled softly. Leaning down, he kissed her forehead. "My good girl~ I like you too."
Feeling her heartbeat through his arms, Leno lay down beside her and gently held her close.
Staring at his face so near, Kuina's mind went blank. Without realizing it, Leno's hand began to wander on its own.
"Ah~" Kuina gasped, shut her eyes tight, and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head in his chest.
Rustling sounds filled the dark room.
No one knew how long it lasted before the bedroom door quietly opened. A slim figure crept in, paused for a moment, then tiptoed toward the bed.
Outside, clouds stretched endlessly across the night sky. The breeze was soft, and the night was destined to be anything but ordinary.
At dawn, Leno opened his eyes and stretched lazily, feeling refreshed.
Thanks to the "artificial" Rumble-Rumble Fruit, his body was strong enough that even after last night, he barely felt tired.
He glanced at the two sleeping girls beside him, their faces calm and smiling. Pride flickered in his eyes.
Not wanting to disturb them, he quietly got up, dressed, and prepared to leave.
The two girls stirred at the sound. When they opened their drowsy eyes and remembered what had happened last night, both instantly blushed and ducked under the blanket.
Leno chuckled. "It's still early. Go back to sleep. I'll have breakfast sent to your rooms."
"Mhm~" came two muffled replies.
They were probably exhausted after all that happened last night. Leno didn't have the heart to tease them any further. After giving each a gentle kiss, he turned and left.
Once he was gone, Nojiko and Kuina peeked out from under the covers, exchanged a shy glance, and began whispering. Before long, both drifted back to sleep.
On deck, Leno felt invigorated. Staring at the vast sea of clouds before him, he drew his sword, Yellow Spring, and began his morning training routine.
After a long session, he took a shower and slowly descended the ship.
At the temple, everyone was already gathered around the table. Glancing around, Leno noticed that aside from Hancock, who had returned to Amazon Lily, everyone was present.
"Brother~ come sit!" Aileen called out happily. Seeing him early in the morning felt like being back in their old village.
Nami walked over, circling him with a suspicious look. "What were you up to last night? And where are those two?"
"Ahem… we were drinking on the ship. It got late, so we just stayed there to rest."
Before Nami could press further, Yamato ran up and punched him in the shoulder. "How could you not invite me for drinks!?"
Leno thought wryly, If I'd invited you, last night's good fortune would've vanished. Out loud, he simply said, "It was a special situation. Next time, I'll be sure to call you."
"That's more like it! Come on, breakfast's ready." Yamato grinned and nodded in satisfaction.
Nami rolled her eyes but let it go, joining them at the table.
Holding Aileen, Leno looked at Belle-Mère. "Hey, Belle-Mère, do you think the people of Cocoyasi Village would agree if we moved the whole place up to Skypiea?"
"I was going to discuss that with you yesterday, but things got delayed."
"You bastard," Belle-Mère snapped, glaring daggers at him. "Still thinking about the village, huh? I thought you'd forgotten all about them while you were busy enjoying yourself!"
Her tone made it clear she wasn't pleased. Seeing only Leno appear this morning, she had guessed the rest. Her precious daughters—raised with such effort—had been claimed by this pig of a man.
Sure, she'd pushed them a little toward him herself, but still—seeing him all smug and carefree today made her blood boil.
"What's wrong? Why so angry this early?" Leno asked carefully, already wary of her temper.
"You tell me, you idiot!"
Leno glanced around, trying to avoid her gaze. "I… I have no idea?" he muttered weakly.
From the side, Robin watched the exchange with amused eyes, the corners of her lips curling as if enjoying the show.
"So, should we start preparing today and set off tomorrow morning to bring everyone here?" Leno asked, trying to change the subject.
"Let's ask them first when we go back," Belle-Mère replied. "I'd love for everyone to live together again, but we need their opinion."
Leno nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. I'll bring them some Skypiea specialties as gifts first. Let them try a few things before deciding."
After breakfast, Nami grabbed Leno by the arm. "Come on, we're going to collect the rest of the gold!"
"No way! Brother promised to play with me today!" Aileen protested, grabbing his other arm in defiance.
"What play? You can play any day. It has to be today?" Nami glared down at her. "You're asking for trouble, little brat!"
Aileen shrank back slightly but argued softly, "You didn't even ask Brother what he wants to do. You just pulled him along."
Leno blinked. Well, she's grown up… she actually dares to talk back to Nami now. Brave kid.
Nami smirked. "Oh? Then why don't you ask him yourself—who's he coming with, you or me?"
Aileen immediately looked up at Leno, only to find him giving her a helpless, apologetic look.
Her expression stiffened, then she quickly forced a bright smile. "Picking up gold sounds great! I love gold—it can buy so many tasty things! Let's hurry, Brother, before Sister gets impatient!"
Leno: "..."
Belle-Mère: "..."
Everyone else: "..."