"Mr. Crocus, I really appreciate everything you've taught us these past three days!"
Erza bowed deeply, her voice solemn.
"No, no," Crocus waved his hand quickly, embarrassed. "I don't deserve the title of teacher. At my half-baked level, the fact that you managed to grasp the basics of Haki at all is entirely thanks to your own talent, Miss Erza."
That much was true.
Sugisawa Yuuto had admittedly overestimated Crocus' mastery. Though he had once sailed aboard the Pirate King's ship, Crocus had only joined midway, staying for two years as ship's doctor. His skill was nothing compared to true Haki masters like Silvers Rayleigh or Roger himself.
Still, for Erza to touch even the surface of Haki in just three days spoke volumes of her extraordinary combat instincts.
Nami, Juvia, and Mirajane, on the other hand, had made… less progress. For them, the training was little more than idling at the back of class. Especially Juvia, who seemed far more interested in clinging to Yuuto's side than learning anything about Haki.
But then, for someone like her—an elemental water mage who had already reached mastery in her own domain—Haki wasn't essential.
For Erza, though, as a swordswoman, Haki would be an invaluable strength.
As for Yuuto himself? He hadn't bothered with practice at all. His Lightning Dragon Slayer magic was already akin to a Logia power, with devastating offensive might. Lightning could strike through most defenses. More importantly, unlike native fighters of this world, Yuuto had access to seastone weaponry—a natural counter against Devil Fruit users.
Besides, his own growth was tied to the Fairy Tail guild system. Sooner or later, leveling the guild might grant him Haki directly. Why struggle when he could simply wait? Better to relax—and enjoy the company of his guildmates.
"Ah, President!"
Erza suddenly exclaimed, as if something important had occurred to her.
"What is it?" Yuuto asked lazily from beneath a parasol, Juvia leaning on his left arm and Mirajane on his right.
"It just occurred to me—the client's payment is usually collected after a commission is completed. But this time we've already taken it in advance. If we can't finish…"
"There is no 'if,'" Yuuto interrupted, his grin firm and confident. "Don't worry, Erza. We will complete this commission."
He rose, striding up to the massive whale before them.
"Laboon, hear me," Yuuto said, his voice solemn. "This is my promise to you. Within a year, I will bring back the Rumba Pirates. Until then, you must take care of yourself. Stop smashing into the Red Line without meaning. Promise me."
"Gyao~ Gyao~ Gyao~!"
Laboon's cry echoed across the sea, heavy and sorrowful, yet hopeful.
"Right now," Nami murmured softly, resting her chin in her hand, "he really does look kind of handsome…"
Yuuto cupped a hand to his ear. "Oh? Did I just hear someone call me handsome? Who was it?"
"B-Bah, I didn't say that!" Nami sputtered, her cheeks flushing red.
From behind, Juvia's sharp gaze locked onto her, eyes gleaming with silent rivalry. She had inherited Lucy's Celestial Spirit magic… and Lucy's knack for becoming Juvia's target of jealousy.
"Hahaha! Girls, get ready—we're setting sail!" Yuuto declared with a wave of his hand.
Fairy Tail's ship pulled away from Twin Point, sails billowing as Crocus and Laboon watched from the shore.
"Laboon," Crocus murmured, "this time, I have a feeling… something good might happen."
"Gyao~!"
Not long after leaving Twin Point—
"President, let's sunbathe together again!" Juvia sang happily, throwing off all restraint now that Crocus was no longer watching.
Before, at Twin Point, she had been modest, always neatly dressed. But now, finally free on the open sea, she cast aside her skirt with a dramatic flourish.
Clad only in a daring blue bikini, her curvaceous figure on full display, she pressed herself boldly against Yuuto's arm.
Nami's face flushed crimson at the sight, her heart racing.
"President, will you help Juvia apply sunscreen? All over, please~" Juvia asked sweetly, her tone dripping with intent.
"Y-Yeah, yeah, sure," Yuuto muttered, shaking his head with a wry smile as he reached for the lotion.
But just as he was about to begin—
BOOM!
The sky exploded with thunder.
Dark storm clouds rolled in, swallowing the sun. Rain poured down in torrents, drenching the deck in seconds.
"Wahh! Why rain now?!" Juvia pouted, her plans utterly ruined.
"Don't worry, I know it's not your rain," Yuuto reassured her. "This is the Grand Line. Sudden, unpredictable weather is its specialty."
Even as he spoke, the rain ceased.
A heartbeat later, heavy snow began to fall, only to be swept away by a violent storm. Then came hail the size of fists.
In just minutes, the sea showed its infamous chaos.
But none of it could stop them. Hail, icebergs, storms—each obstacle shattered under Yuuto's lightning.
"Alright, that's enough. Let's head inside before you all freeze."
He scooped Juvia effortlessly into his arms and carried her toward the cabin.
"Yes~" she hummed happily, arms wrapping around his neck. "President, Juvia's clothes are soaked… could you help dry them?"
"Leave it to me!" Erza interjected, smiling brightly as she stepped in.
"Wait—" Juvia began, only to yelp as Erza grabbed her by the arms and spun her around. Her body twirled through the air like laundry in a washing machine.
"Is that enough? Or should I do another round? Hee~"
"E-Enough! Enough!" Juvia cried, dizzy.
The cabin erupted with laughter.
"How is it, Nami?" Yuuto asked, grinning. "This is Fairy Tail. From now on, things will only get livelier."
Nami smiled softly. "I'll be looking forward to it."
"Then the rest of the voyage's navigation is up to you."
"Leave it to me!" she replied confidently.
Two days later.
The first island awaiting Fairy Tail on the Grand Line—
Whiskey Peak!