Hina looked at the girl before her, brimming with enthusiasm. Crossing her arms indifferently, she threw her words like cold water:
"Better do it first before talking big. Someone who does nothing but snack and read comics all day doesn't have the slightest qualification to be Hina's opponent.
And don't tell me you think you're the only one with potential to develop, while Hina has none?"
"Eh? Really?" Vivi turned to Peter in surprise, seeking confirmation in his eyes.
But before Peter could answer, Hina shot Vivi a bored glance and said irritably:
"Isn't it obvious?! Do you really think I'm someone with no future, who's already exhausted all her potential?"
"N-No, not at all! How could that be?!"
Embarrassed by Hina's angry expression, Vivi rushed to flatter her:
"Sis Hina, you're still young, very talented, and certainly have plenty of untapped potential. Maybe if Peter gave you some guidance, you'd become strong enough to kick down the Yonko and punch the Admirals!"
"Hmph, of course." Hina lifted her chin proudly, like an arrogant swan.
But Peter couldn't stay silent at their chatter:
"Hey, stop making decisions on your own. When did I ever say I'd develop your potential, Hina?
The most I'll do is guide you in releasing your inner energy—your Ki. After that, it's up to you to build your own foundation and learn how to use it.
Forcing an unnatural leap in power won't bring you any real benefit."
"Ehh~? How can that be?" The proud look on Hina's face instantly vanished, and she suddenly appeared like a spoiled girl deprived of her favorite toy—hardly the image of a Marine Colonel.
Kalifa showed no courtesy, speaking directly:
"All this talk… doesn't it just mean this woman has nothing left to develop? It's fine, just admit it. She can take it."
Hina: "Damn it! You bitch from CP, what did you just say?!"
Peter only shook his head:
"That's not it. Broadly speaking, a human's potential is limitless. Even if I can't draw it out, that just means my strength hasn't reached the level required—not that the person is hopeless.
In any case, don't take my words too seriously. The truth is Hina hasn't reached her limit yet, but I don't want you all to rely too heavily on me."
Deep down, Peter had another reason he didn't say out loud: he wanted their bodies to toughen up first, so they could endure more when "playing" with him—sparing him from running around between rooms every time.
After clarifying, Peter told the girls who hadn't yet mastered using Ki to line up so he could help them draw it out.
Upon hearing this, the sisters around Vivi quickly rushed to form a line, completely ignoring her even though they'd been praising her non-stop moments earlier.
Vivi turned her head angrily and muttered, "No sisterhood loyalty at all!"
As always, the one who stepped forward first—living up to her role as the elder sister—was Robin.
Placing her hand on her stomach with concern, she asked again:
"Are you sure this won't affect the baby?"
"Absolutely," Peter reassured her with a smile:
"Don't underestimate Saiyan children. They're the toughest and strongest beings in this world."
At those words, Robin's hesitation vanished. She stretched out her hand with confidence:
"Then let's begin."
Peter took her hand and smiled:
"Hm, your skin has improved a lot compared to before. If you keep it up, it'll return to the fair tone it should be."
Robin, whose complexion had indeed grown lighter since they first met, nodded seriously:
"I'll do my best."
The others: "… You didn't have to respond that seriously."
Moments later, Peter channeled Ki into Robin, a faint white aura forming around her body.
"All right, next."
Mikita eagerly rushed forward: "Me! My turn now!"
She stretched her hands out without hesitation.
And just like with the others, Peter helped one after another, until it came to the final trio: Stussy, Kalifa, and Alpha.
Alpha was still a little hesitant. After all, they had only joined Peter's group less than a week ago.
Even if he refused to help them draw out Ki, she would've understood.
But seeing the others gaining power while she and her friends did not—it stirred a deep sense of disparity inside her.
While they waited nervously, Peter pointed directly at Alpha without hesitation:
"Come. Since I've already explained it to you, I'm not worried about you leaking anything or running away. Besides, once I extract your energy, I'll be able to sense your locations more easily. Think of it as a way for me to keep control over you. Now, give me your hand."
Though his words were harsh, they unlocked Alpha's heart like a key.
She reached out without hesitation, eyes shimmering:
"Then it's settled… You have no reason to abandon us anymore."
Peter paused for a moment at her words, then nodded seriously:
"Relax. I don't have that kind of habit."
Thus Alpha's energy was successfully drawn out.
Kalifa followed next, sharing the same feeling as her sister: having cut ties with the World Government, what they truly lacked was security and belonging.
Ironically, though Peter had been the cause of their loss, he was now the one granting them what they missed—gradually allowing them to accept themselves as part of his group.
Finally, it was Stussy's turn.
But the mature woman didn't extend her hand right away. Instead, she blinked her large eyes at Peter and asked:
"Aren't you going to say something first? Encouragement… or even a threat? At least say something."
"Stop rambling. Everything that needed to be said—I already told you last night in bed."
As he forcibly took her hand, Peter pulled a small key from his pocket and unlocked the Seastone cuffs from her wrists.
Muttering sarcastically:
"I knew it… No way a Zoan-type user would tire out so quickly halfway through sex."
Peter grinned:
"Ah, turns out you'd forgotten about that. No wonder."
Stussy murmured:
"…I'm not really that weak. Sorry about that."
The moment the cuffs came off, she flexed her wrist slightly, and suddenly the lingering weakness weighing her down vanished entirely.
"Hah~ This feeling of freedom… It's amazing."
Even Stussy herself didn't realize that a genuine, pure smile had unconsciously appeared on her face.
Born as nothing more than a test subject, an "eye" planted by Vegapunk—now she finally had someone she could depend on.
With her power drawn out at last, Peter wiped his brow as if brushing away sweat that wasn't there and said:
"Hah~ Finally done. I didn't expect controlling this level of development without overdoing it would be so difficult…
But at least you didn't let me down. Now, you finally look like true Saiyan wives."
The girls blushed:
"Hey, don't say that out loud, it's too embarrassing~"
Kaya, Vivi, and Nami covered their faces in exaggerated shyness, while the others looked at them with disdain.
"Come on, that's too much. You've already tried everything you should and shouldn't—don't pretend innocence now."
Nojiko added with a teasing smile:
"Nami might be pretending, but these two little girls… I doubt it."
Nami immediately protested:
"What do you mean, Nojiko? I'm just a pure girl who hasn't even turned eighteen yet!"
Nojiko laughed:
"Fine, fine—you're the purest of them all. Happy now?"
Nami shouted:
"What kind of attitude is that?! Apologize right now, you—!"
As the sisters bickered, Carina slipped beside Peter, pushing Mikita aside who had been trying to cling to him. She grabbed his arm and deliberately changed her tone:
"Oy~ Darling, I've always wanted to ask you: among all these girls with different personalities… who's your favorite?"
The carriage instantly fell silent. Even Nami forgot her quarrel, pricking up her ears.
Peter shifted his arm slightly, testing its flexibility, then smiled and replied:
"That's a complicated question… Basically, since Saiyans are a warrior race, I naturally lean toward strong-willed women like Nami, Carina, and Alpha."
"Strong-willed? Me?!"
Alpha pointed at herself in shock and anger:
"How exactly am I strong-willed? Explain yourself immediately!"
Peter calmly continued:
"Likewise, powerful women like Hina, Stussy, Mikita, and Kalifa are ideal choices for marriage from a Saiyan perspective."
Mikita smirked triumphantly, while Robin and others flashed victory signs.
"But… if it's about me personally, I simply love beauty in all its forms. Whether it's wise, composed Robin, gentle Vivi and Kaya, or Nojiko with her skillful hands… it makes no difference to me. I love you all, without exception."
His words were as balanced as ever, truly worthy of the title "Maestro of Balance" in the pirate world.
Even Nojiko and Vivi, who had been about to object, couldn't help but beam with satisfaction at his answer.
Carina pouted in dismay:
"So in the end, all that matters to you is a pretty face. What a man without a shred of romance."
She dropped his arm in disappointment and was about to stand up, but Peter didn't let her escape—he grabbed her and pulled her back beside him.
As the girls' expressions shifted into complicated shades, they finally arrived at Lamma Port, where the Saiyan ship awaited them.
The girls began boarding with their luggage, while Peter and Robin stood with Daz Bonez, Zala, and a few senior agents to exchange final instructions.
Peter said:
"This time, I'll be gone for quite a while. During my absence, I leave Alabasta in your hands."
Sara nodded firmly:
"Rest assured, Boss."
At that, Bon Clay (Mr.2) jumped forward, tears streaming down his face:
"Ah, Peter~ I'll pray for you every day! Please… come back safely!"
Even Mr.3 (Galdino, the wax fruit user) was present, covering his eyes as he pretended to weep:
"Boohoo~ Boss, though we haven't spent much time together, I've always respected you and looked up to you as my role model."
But his partner, Miss Goldenweek, tugged at his clothes and said coldly:
"You're exaggerating. The Boss will think you're a hypocrite."
Galdino panicked, quickly covering her mouth while laughing nervously:
"Haha, don't listen to her, Boss—I am sad to see you go!"
Peter ignored their act and continued:
"Though I'll be leaving, I'm still your leader. Today, our organization will no longer be called Baroque Works… but will be known as the Sarada Company. You may use my flag and announce yourselves as my subordinates."
Cheers erupted from Sara, Galdino, and the other agents, filled with excitement:
"Really, Boss?!"
Peter nodded with a smile:
"Yes. Carry my flag with pride—and don't bring shame upon me."
Their shouts rang out:
"Long live the Boss! Long live Sarada Company!!!"