Under Nami's relentless pressure, Leno and little Aileen obediently helped her gather the gold, while Robin, upon hearing there were ancient ruins nearby, decided to tag along as well.
By the end, once everyone heard they were heading for the legendary "City of Gold," a huge crowd followed them in excitement.
Nami led the way, practically glowing with joy. With so many people helping her collect treasure, she couldn't have been happier.
Along the way, Aileen, resting in Leno's arms, sighed softly as she looked up at him, a hint of gloom on her face.
"Big brother, ever since you were little, Sister Nami's always bossed you around. How come she still does now? You're so strong!"
"That's because she's still young," Leno replied with a grin. "I don't bully kids. Once she grows up, we'll see who bosses who."
Walking beside them, Robin lightly smacked his arm, annoyed. "Leno, don't teach the child bad things."
"???"
"What did I even say?" Then, realizing what she meant, Leno smirked mischievously. "Robin, have you perhaps grown to like being 'pushed down' by me?"
Robin's face instantly turned crimson. She darted her gaze around, then grabbed his waist and twisted a handful of flesh with an angry glare.
"You're such a pervert, don't say things like that~"
"What are you two talking about?" Aileen blinked at them, confused by the strange exchange.
"Nothing. Grown-up stuff, you wouldn't understand."
"Hmph~"
The group continued on their merry, chaotic way toward the legendary city of Shandora, beginning their "gold-collecting adventure."
By evening, after a long day of work, everyone finally returned to the temple. Nami strode at the front with a spring in her step, showing no sign of fatigue.
Seeing her radiant expression, Leno couldn't help but sigh. Nami's enthusiasm when faced with gold was truly earth-shaking.
Inside the hall, Nojiko and Kuina were sitting together, sipping tea and chatting. When they saw Leno and the others return, their eyes lit up—but then their faces flushed deep red.
They could hardly meet Leno's gaze. Remembering the impulsive things they had done together last night, they still couldn't believe how bold they had been. The lingering thrill still tingled through them.
Leno approached, concern in his tone. "How are you two feeling? Your bodies okay?"
"W-what are you saying?! There are people here!" Kuina and Nojiko's faces turned crimson as they pushed him away in flustered embarrassment.
Then, grabbing the still-smirking Robin by the arm, they hurried off toward the inner hall.
Watching their retreating backs, Leno sighed helplessly. They were the ones being so proactive last night...
Just as he turned around, he saw Belle-Mère glaring at him darkly.
"W-what's wrong, Belle-Mère?" he asked sheepishly.
"Nothing. Everything's ready. We're leaving first thing in the morning. Hmph~"
With that, she scooped Aileen into her arms and walked off, leaving Leno scratching his nose awkwardly.
He turned—and found Yamato entering the hall, grinning, a kanabo slung over her shoulder.
"Hahaha! Leno, those Sky Island guards aren't bad! They can actually take a few hits from me!"
"They're my trainees, so don't go breaking them," Leno warned, worried. Yamato was never known for restraint.
But she waved her hand happily. "Don't worry! I just sparred with them a bit." She bumped his shoulder with hers. "I heard we're leaving tomorrow. Where to this time?"
"My hometown," Leno said. "We're planning to relocate it—just in case the World Government decides to make a move against it."
"So we'll be back soon then? Good! I haven't had enough fun here yet." She laughed, slinging an arm around his shoulders. "Come on, let's take a bath together. I'm all sweaty."
Feeling the incredible softness pressing against his arm and catching a glimpse of her two snow-white peaks, Leno swallowed hard.
But recalling Belle-Mère's earlier attitude, he decided it wasn't the best time to start anything risky.
"Uh, Yamato, you go ahead. I've got something else to handle."
The ever-naive Yamato nodded without suspicion. "Alright, I'll go by myself then."
As she walked off, Leno absently rubbed his shoulder, savoring the fleeting sensation before leaving the hall. He needed to check on his guards.
When he arrived at the guard camp, he found them all bruised and battered, applying ointment. The moment they saw him, they stood and bowed deeply.
"Lord, we've shamed you!" they said, faces filled with guilt and anxiety.
After all, being a group of men beaten by a single woman wasn't exactly glorious. They feared punishment for failing the one who trained them.
Leno waved it off. "Consider this a lesson. There's always someone stronger out there. Think of it as experience."
"The sea is full of powerful people beyond counting. Keep training hard. When we return, I'll test your progress myself."
He paused, remembering the spare Devil Fruits he still had, and continued, "I'll reward the best among you with a Devil Fruit. So work hard—show me your resolve."
At that, the guards' eyes lit up with passion.
The Devil Fruits—Leno had told them before—were miraculous treasures that could make a man transcend his limits overnight. The mere chance to obtain one filled them with determination.
All of them dropped to one knee in unison, voices firm and burning with zeal.
"Yes, my lord! We obey your divine will!"
"Good." Leno nodded, and his figure turned into crackling lightning, vanishing on the spot.
He didn't need to micromanage the captain's future training plans. His role was simply to set their direction.
After all, aside from initially teaching them Haki, Leno had left most of their growth to their own effort.
This time, with more people arriving on Skypiea, he just wanted to strengthen them a bit.
Zzzzt!
A flash of lightning streaked through the air as Leno appeared in the great hall of Amazon Lily's royal palace. The sudden burst startled everyone—some even raised their weapons instinctively.
But on the throne, Hancock's stern expression instantly melted into delight. She leapt forward and threw herself into Leno's arms.
Catching her gracefully, Leno chuckled. "How's everything here? No trouble, I hope?"
"Lord Leno, rest assured," Hancock said sweetly. "Everything's been arranged. The people you sent are helping the citizens adjust to the Sky Island environment."
"Though… there is something…"
"Oh? What is it?" Leno asked, puzzled by her flushed cheeks and hesitant tone.
"It's just that… I haven't seen you for a whole day, and I missed you."
She blurted it out all at once, then cupped her face in both hands and collapsed against his chest in embarrassment.