After spending a long while comforting Hancock on Amazon Lily and promising to take her along on tomorrow's voyage, Leno finally excused himself and left.
Even after his figure vanished from sight, Hancock's gaze lingered dreamily toward the temple's doorway. Beside her, her two sisters and Elder Nyon began to talk among themselves.
"With Lord Leno's help, our Amazon Lily will soon be able to live peacefully here on Skypiea."
"Who would've thought that Lord Leno turned out to be the 'God' of Skypiea?"
Sandersonia and Marigold sighed in awe. They had once feared that their elder sister's involvement in the great war at Marine Headquarters would bring disaster upon their homeland.
Yet, against all odds, it had brought them fortune instead. Amazon Lily was freed from the perilous Calm Belt and now found itself relocated to the heavenly Skypiea.
Even more unbelievable—this paradise turned out to be Leno's personal domain. Thinking of the peaceful lives their people could enjoy from now on, the two sisters exchanged glances filled with excitement for the future.
At the same time, their gratitude and admiration for their savior deepened. Both sisters looked at Hancock with eyes full of respect.
Their elder sister's decision had been truly wise—though whether she made it for her people or for herself, no one could say.
Watching the excitement spreading through the hall, Elder Nyon's expression turned complex. At first, she had opposed the Snake Princess's choice.
To her, Amazon Lily standing against the World Government had seemed nothing but an egg striking a rock. That was why, when she first met Leno, she had shown him no kindness.
But everything that happened afterward made her realize—what that man had done was far beyond anything she could have imagined.
Recalling her own "glorious years" sailing the Grand Line and all the mighty figures she had met, she couldn't help but compare.
Without realizing it, Leno's name had already risen to stand beside those at the very top.
Watching Hancock's lovestruck expression now, so much like her own in the past, Nyon sighed softly and turned to the other Kuja officers.
"Everyone, from now on we'll do exactly as that man instructed—adapt to Skypiea's environment as quickly as possible."
"We must make sure our people's livelihoods remain stable in this new home!"
"Yes, Elder Nyon!" everyone responded in unison before dispersing.
Glancing at Hancock, who was already half-asleep and smiling dreamily, Nyon could only shake her head helplessly before leaving the hall.
...
By the time Leno returned from Amazon Lily, it was already past midnight. Everyone on Skypiea had gone to rest, except for the patrolling guards.
Finding the temple hall empty, Leno quietly turned toward the inner chambers and tiptoed to Robin's room.
"Robin-chan, I'm coming in~"
The door closed. Not long after, a rhythmic sound, stirring one's heart, began to echo in the dark room.
As the lights flickered, in a nearby room, a young woman cursed softly; another young woman curled her legs, unable to sleep for a long time.
The next morning, as dawn's light broke, everyone woke early to prepare for departure. Leno stirred awake at the sound of movement.
Turning his head, he found Robin sleeping peacefully beside him, lips curled in a faint smile as if dreaming sweetly.
Smack!
"Ah~!" Robin gasped awake, her face flushing as she hid beneath the sheets and gave a few embarrassed, half-hearted punches.
Leno chuckled and kissed her lightly before getting up. "Alright, we're setting sail today. Time to get moving."
When the two stepped out of the room, another door opened beside them. Nojiko emerged, yawning with a tired expression.
"Eh? Nojiko, didn't sleep well last night?" Leno asked, surprised by how worn out she looked.
Seeing him come out of Robin's room had already made Nojiko flustered. Hearing his question made her face burn crimson, her hands fidgeting helplessly.
Leno blinked in confusion and glanced at Robin.
Robin, unable to stand it anymore, twisted his waist sharply and shot him an icy glare.
"Did you forget? This isn't the ship—the walls aren't soundproof."
Leno froze, then turned toward Nojiko. Her eyes darted everywhere, her whole demeanor nervous and embarrassed.
Ah, so that was it. He grinned mischievously at Robin. "Well, your voice was quite loud last night..."
Robin's face instantly stiffened, turning crimson from ear to ear as steam almost rose from her head.
"Leno! You jerk! Nojiko, let's go—ignore him!"
Mortified and furious, Robin kicked him, shouted, then hastily grabbed Nojiko and fled down the corridor.
When Leno arrived at the dining hall, everyone else was already seated. Little Aileen was up early, and upon seeing him, she ran over cheerfully.
"Good morning, big brother!"
He scooped her into his arms, patting her back gently with a smile. "Morning, little princess~"
Then he looked around. "Morning, everyone~"
"Aileen! You're not a baby anymore—don't let Leno hold you while you eat!" Belle-Mère scolded sharply, then glared at Leno. "You're spoiling her rotten. She's getting more unruly every day!"
Both Leno and Aileen exchanged helpless looks. Belle-Mère's temper had been fierce lately, and Leno knew better than to argue.
Nami and Nojiko exchanged teasing smiles—serves you right, show-off.
Leno shot them a dark look before pretending nothing happened, calmly holding Aileen as breakfast began.
Not long after, Hancock arrived with her two sisters.
Seeing her approach, Leno asked with some concern, "Hancock, are Sandersonia and Marigold coming too? Amazon Lily still needs someone to manage things."
"Rest assured, Lord Leno. It's only me joining this voyage. My sisters insisted on accompanying me just to see me off."
At that, the two sisters bowed deeply. "Lord Leno, please take good care of our elder sister. We're counting on you!"
Looking up at the towering sisters even while they bowed, Leno forced a wry smile. "Don't worry. With me around, she'll be just fine."
Since everyone had packed in advance, they boarded the Gale soon after breakfast.
Moments later, as the ship took off, everyone once again experienced the "thrill" of plummeting from the skies.
The instant the ship landed, a barrage of fists, kicks, and curses rained down on Leno.
"You bastard! I nearly died of fright!"
"Leno! Could you please use your brain for once?!"
"You big idiot! I'll beat you to death!"
After a thorough beating, Leno—bruised and swollen—finally announced the voyage route to the still-fuming crew.
He had only meant to have a little fun. How could they not appreciate the excitement? Falling from the heavens was thrilling!
But apparently no one shared his enthusiasm—especially Nami and Carmen, who had gone all out with Armament Haki.
So much for teaching them that technique; now they were using it on him. Leno almost wanted to cry.
Seeing their stormy faces, he didn't dare make another sound—just quietly cursed the lot of them in his heart.