The following days, Leno and his crew settled into life at the Revolutionary Army's base. Each of them quickly found something meaningful to do.
Chopper and Kaya joined the Revolutionary Army's medical division, learning and assisting at the same time. Their days were full and fulfilling.
Nami dove headfirst into the navigation department, testing and refining her meteorological theories with the Revolutionaries.
As for Carmen—she was completely absorbed by the logistics department's collection of recipes from all across the Four Seas and the Grand Line.
Nojiko and Yamato were invited to temporarily serve as training instructors, though it was mainly Nojiko who took charge. Yamato, on the other hand, was busy challenging everyone she could find—she had a keen interest in the strong ones within the Revolutionary Army.
The most interesting event was her duel with Sabo. Because of Leno, Yamato never got the chance to fight Ace, but Sabo, Ace's brother, made up for it. The two battled for an entire day and night without a clear winner. Sabo, at his current age, already wielded both Armament Haki and Observation Haki with impressive mastery.
Yamato's natural talent was exceptional, but aside from occasional beatings—"lessons"—from her father Kaido, she had never received proper training. Compared to Sabo, who had been nurtured by the Revolutionary Army as one of their next-generation leaders, her combat experience was clearly lacking.
Fortunately, her Oni physique and the power of her Mythical Zoan fruit carried her through; otherwise, the result might have been very different. Judging from her bright smile afterward, she had thoroughly enjoyed the fight.
At one point, Dragon had requested a private meeting with Kuina. When she returned, her face was full of shock. It turned out Dragon had been a longtime friend of her father, who had secretly supported the Revolutionary Army many times by helping them acquire resources.
Her father had never mentioned it, but after thinking it over, Kuina found some clarity in her heart.
Other than Leno and Hancock, everyone had found something that allowed them to grow stronger.
Hancock, of course, never left Leno's side. Ever since their relationship became official, she had reached a new peak of devotion—serving him tea, waiting on him constantly. The Revolutionary officers were all dumbfounded. Was this really the feared Pirate Empress? She looked more like Leno's personal maid!
Hancock herself didn't mind at all. Ever since Kuina had used her Devil Fruit powers on Skypiea to erase the Celestial Dragon marks from her and her sisters, she had devoted both body and soul to Leno.
Leno had tried to dissuade her, but when he saw how happily she attended to him, he simply let her be—and truthfully, he didn't mind the attention. Having such a stunning beauty clinging to you every day—what man wouldn't feel a little proud?
Watching his companions working hard every day, filled with energy and purpose, Leno suddenly felt a little lost.
"Hancock, do you think it's bad that I spend all day doing nothing?"
"Lord Leno, no matter what you do, your wife will always be by your side~"
"..."
Seeing her gaze turn syrupy again, Leno hurriedly changed the subject.
"Right—how's your Conqueror's Haki infusion training going?"
"Lord Leno, I've barely crossed the threshold of Conqueror's Haki infusion. I can't use it proficiently yet. I've let you down~"
Seeing her disappointed expression, Leno quickly comforted her.
In front of him, Hancock acted just like a child—her every emotion written clearly across her face.
"You've already done great~ Keep at it. I'll help you more later!"
In Leno's mind, Hancock shouldn't have learned Conqueror's infusion this early. But since she had managed it with his help, that was a pleasant surprise.
Once Hancock, Kuina, and Yamato all mastered the infusion of Conqueror's Haki, who in the world would dare stand before them?
Reflecting on his time with the Revolutionary Army, Leno grew curious. Dragon had never once asked him to join. Why was that? Did he suspect something? He hadn't done anything suspicious…
The truth, however, was much simpler. Of course Dragon had considered inviting him—but ultimately gave up. The reason was obvious: there was no suitable position.
A man like Leno, who valued freedom above all else—what rank could he even hold? Anything low would be an insult, but anything high… how high could it go? Apart from Dragon himself, no one in the Revolutionary Army could match Leno's strength. Giving him Dragon's own position was impossible—neither Dragon's subordinates nor the organization itself would accept it.
So in the end, Dragon chose the next best path: friendship. Mutual respect, mutual aid.
Time passed quickly. As Robin's translation of the ancient texts neared completion, Leno and his crew finally prepared to leave.
On the day of their departure, Leno and Dragon exchanged Vivre Cards, promising to meet again someday.
Turning down the Revolutionary Army's offer of escort, they began their journey to the Sorbet Kingdom.
Over the past few days, Leno had noticed the Revolutionary Army's communication channels growing busier. Their next move was clearly imminent—and since the South Blue was their main base, the upcoming operation would surely be massive.
Leno looked forward to reading about it in the papers.
A few days later, the group arrived at the capital of the Sorbet Kingdom.
"Hey~ The people here look pretty lively."
The streets bustled with residents, shops on both sides shouting to attract customers—a scene of peace and prosperity.
Nami couldn't help but sigh. They had traveled through many nations and seen all kinds of places. The smiles on these people's faces meant life here was good.
Robin smiled. "Naturally. After all, this place is right under the Revolutionary Army's nose."
Nami nodded. "True. The nobles who abused civilians have already been purged by them."
Leno didn't comment, but he understood the situation here well. Walking down the streets, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration. The Revolutionary Army's actions had truly saved countless suffering people.
"Come on, since we're here, let's look around. Buy whatever you like!"
"Yes, Lord Leno!" Hancock immediately followed him, her long legs catching up in graceful strides.
The rest were long used to Hancock's clinginess. Exchanging helpless looks, Nojiko, Robin, and the others followed behind.
Soon, they stopped near a church.
"We're here."
Everyone looked puzzled. Why had Leno brought them to this particular place?
Seeing their confusion, Leno shrugged with a small smile.
"Nothing special. I just came to see someone—to check on how she's doing."