[Xefer's POV]
The streets of the Grand Line town bustled with life. Merchants shouted their wares, sailors laughed over mugs of ale, and children darted between stalls. Xefer watched from a shaded balcony, his eyes tracking the chaos below with quiet amusement.
"Are you sure this is wise?" Keela asked, appearing at his side. Her flames flickered faintly, casting warm light across his face. "Letting them go alone?"
Xefer's smile was soft as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "They're not alone. They have each other. And Kiruko needs this."
Keela leaned into him. "She's been through so much."
Xefer pressed a kiss to her temple. "That's why she needs sisters."
Below, Keala, Keeva, Kunai, and Kiruko walked together, their arms linked, their laughter weaving through the noise.
---
[Keala's POV]
Kiruko's steps were hesitant at first. She clutched her worn book of medicine tightly, her eyes darting nervously at the crowd. But Keala tugged her forward, her flames flickering faintly with excitement.
"Relax," Keala said with a grin. "You're with us now. No one will dare mock you again."
Keeva leaned closer, her voice teasing. "Besides, you need new clothes. That worn outfit won't do for a nurse of our crew."
Kunai smirked, her crimson eyes glowing faintly. "They're right. You'll need to look the part. Strong, confident, untouchable."
Kiruko blinked, her lips trembling. "But… I don't know what to buy. I've never had much."
Keala laughed, pulling her into a shop. "Then we'll decide for you."
The shop was filled with fabrics, dresses, and coats. The girls moved quickly, picking out outfits, holding them against Kiruko, teasing her with exaggerated poses.
Keeva draped a long coat over her shoulders. "This makes you look like a commander."
Keala held up a fiery red dress. "Too bold? No, perfect."
Kunai handed her a simple but elegant tunic. "Practical. You'll need this for work."
Kiruko blushed, her heart racing. She had never been treated like this before — never teased, never encouraged, never surrounded by warmth. Slowly, her lips curved into a smile.
They bought her clothes, shoes, and even a small satchel to carry her book. As they left the shop, Kiruko's steps were lighter, her eyes brighter.
Keeva looped her arm around her. "See? You're already one of us."
Keala grinned. "And you look amazing."
Kunai smirked. "Now you just need confidence to match."
They continued through the town, buying supplies — herbs, bandages, medicines. Kiruko's eyes lit up as she examined each item, her knowledge shining through. She explained their uses, their effects, their importance. The girls listened, impressed.
"You really know your stuff," Keala said softly.
Keeva nodded. "You'll keep us alive."
Kunai's aura shimmered faintly. "That's worth more than gold."
Kiruko's heart swelled. For the first time, she felt needed.
---
[Xefer's POV]
Later that evening, Xefer sat in the inn's common room, the Fortress Fortress Fruit resting before him. Its patterns glowed faintly in the candlelight.
Keela entered, her footsteps soft. "They're back. Kiruko looks happier."
Xefer smiled. "Good. She deserves happiness."
Keela sat beside him, her head resting on his shoulder. "You're going to give her the fruit, aren't you?"
Xefer nodded. "She's ready. She just doesn't know it yet."
Keela's flames flickered softly. "You always see the best in people."
Xefer pressed a kiss to her hair. "Only because I see the best in you."
Keela smiled. "You're impossible."
"And yet," Xefer murmured, "you love me."
Keela laughed softly. "That I do."
---
[Author's Note]
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