Teaching navigation this time went even better than Leo expected.
Carmen's energy was completely different from the other four girls. Kaya, Nojiko, Nami, and Makino were bright and eager but tended to learn passively, absorbing knowledge without much initiative. Carmen, on the other hand, jumped in headfirst. She asked questions, experimented, made connections — even coming up with ideas on her own.
It suited her perfectly. Bold, free-spirited, and unrestrained — just like her personality.
By the time she had absorbed every bit of navigation knowledge Leo offered, he finally called it a night. But even then, Carmen looked like she could keep going.
Leo checked the time. Nearly dawn.
And besides — he was more than ready to "collect his reward."
…
In the room next door, Leo whispered softly, "Collect reward."
[Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the Navigation Support Skill – Hand of the Tide!]
Explanation: Once activated, this skill can stir up massive waves, giving the host the ultimate "sailing experience."
Friendly reminder: watch out for water damage.
Leo grinned, almost laughing out loud.
Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
None of the five women on his crew — Nami, Kaya, Nojiko, Makino, and now Carmen — had much natural talent for navigation practice of this kind. They learned, yes, but it always felt a little stiff, a little too mechanical.
The Hand of the Tide was exactly what they needed. With this skill, every one of them could learn — no matter how different their natural aptitude.
"Let's give it a try," Leo muttered, feeling his excitement grow.
Skill ready. Partner ready.
Right time, right place, right person.
He found Carmen again, healing her completely with his ability first.
Carmen blinked in confusion, feeling her body suddenly refreshed and full of energy. Captain can do this too?!
…
By sunrise, the girls sat at breakfast with earplugs in and dark circles under their eyes.
Even the usually gentle Kaya and Makino were quietly irritated.
What the hell happened last night?
Normally, Leo kept his "training" sessions with new crew members to four hours at most. But they had left Baratie at around eleven last night.
And now?
It was seven in the morning.
And judging from the sounds that lasted all night… it hadn't ended until just now.
"Unbelievable…" Nami grumbled, stabbing at her breakfast.
"You like new flavors that much, huh?" Nojiko muttered under her breath, earning nods from Kaya and Makino.
"Forget it," Kaya sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Let's just wait until he finishes. We can't disturb him while he's teaching a newcomer."
Nami huffed and stuffed another bite into her mouth.
…
Inside the cabin, water still glistened on the floorboards, evidence of just how intense that "training" had been.
Leo let out a satisfied breath. "System never disappoints. Perfect."
The Hand of the Tide skill was a masterpiece — overwhelming and completely unstoppable.
"Let's stop here for today," he said finally, putting away the last of the equipment.
Carmen buried her face into the pillow, her cheeks bright red. She had no words.
Leo chuckled, getting up and walking into the common area.
Strangely quiet.
A quick sweep with Observation Haki told him everyone else was still in their rooms, fast asleep.
"So lazy," he muttered, shaking his head.
Well, fine. Let them sleep. After breakfast, he'd rest too. He couldn't always rely on his healing power to erase fatigue — some experiences were better left natural.
…
By dinner, the tension in the air was almost comical.
Nami, Kaya, Nojiko, and Makino all eyed Carmen strangely.
Carmen kept her head down, silently picking at her food. She wanted to disappear.
Just thinking about last night made her face heat up again.
Leo caught her expression and couldn't help but laugh.
Who would have thought that the bold, free Carmen could look more embarrassed than Makino, more shy than Kaya?
His laughter earned him a deadly glare from Nami.
"Leo. You think this is funny?!" she hissed through clenched teeth.
Even Kaya and Nojiko's gentle stares turned into sharp judgmental ones, making Leo instinctively want to run.
Oops. Too far.
He finished dinner at record speed and slipped away, calling back casually as he left, "Carmen, after you finish your cook-off with Sanji, we're setting sail."
Carmen had waited ten years for this rematch. Now that she was so close, Leo wasn't going to stop her from completing her goal.
…
The next morning, with the whole crew and the Baratie chefs watching, Carmen and Sanji finally began their long-awaited culinary duel.
Carmen wore a chef's coat, her usual wild energy replaced with sharp focus. Every movement was graceful, precise, like she was performing art rather than just cooking.
Nami and the others couldn't help but gasp in admiration.
This was a completely different side of Carmen.
Her face glowed with confidence as she plated each dish, her charm turning the entire kitchen into her stage.
Unfortunately for her, her opponent was Sanji.
In the end, Carmen lost — but just barely.
Even so, every chef in Baratie, including Sanji himself, applauded her skills.
Though defeated, Carmen's heart felt light. The ten-year grudge match was finally settled.
With only a touch of regret, the Going Merry rose into the sky once more, floating gracefully as they set off again.
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T/N :
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