The ultra-intensive, condensed training that Rengoku put the ten Alabasta royal elite soldiers through was completed within ten days.
Though the time was short, their combat ability had risen significantly compared to before.
"Good! With this, the special training is concluded! Each of you endured and persevered through these ten days—this will surely become a model for all of Alabasta's royal army!"
"Huff… huff…"
"I feel rather guilty, though. You had already mastered the three sword dances and songs, yet you stayed three extra days just to train us further…"
It had taken Rengoku a full week to perfectly master the three dances and their accompanying music.
By rights, the training should have ended on the seventh day. But training cannot simply be cut off without closure—the last three days were needed for a proper finish.
"No need to apologize, Your Highness. Learning those sword dances was actually a tremendous help for me!"
To Rengoku, moving every fiber of his body through dance was a new experience. It pushed him in ways different from swordsmanship, martial arts, or physical training—and it awakened something inside him.
What that "switch" was, he could not yet define, but he felt it was important.
Rengoku handed over a thick bundle of papers.
"For the physical training, I divided everything into three stages—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—so it can be taught according to the unit's condition. As for Rokushiki and some elements of Fish-man Karate, I've adapted and simplified ten forms to make them accessible. These ten are the foundation out of the twenty-four you yourselves practiced. If these can be widely adopted by the army, the kingdom's overall strength will surely rise to a higher level!"
"Heh… the thickness of this training manual is almost frightening."
Prince Mamba muttered with a wry smile as he flipped through the detailed curriculum.
"This kingdom can do it. I've seen with my own eyes the determination of your soldiers to protect this land. You need not worry."
"Thank you. Then, since the training is finished, let's return to the palace."
""Yes, sir!""
Back at the palace, Rengoku and Hancock prepared to depart. They entered the great hall to take their leave.
"So, you're really setting out now?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I still have duties and promises I must fulfill. It's time I moved on."
At Rengoku's farewell, King Cobra stroked his beard and replied:
"Come visit whenever you like. Each time, I'll receive you with the honors due a state guest."
"Thank you. When time allows, I'll surely return."
"Hohoho, good. Vivi!"
"Yes, Father."
Vivi entered dressed in the traditional finery of Alabasta. Though still a young maiden, it was clear that she would grow into a truly beautiful woman.
"Ah, by the way… are you married? If not, what would you think of a state marriage with Vivi?"
"Father!"
Vivi blushed furiously at her father's sudden proposal, while Hancock's face darkened instantly beside Rengoku.
"Hahaha! I am grateful for Your Majesty's affection, but Princess Vivi is still a minor. It is far too early to speak of marriage. And as for myself, I have no intention of marrying at this time."
Rengoku's polite but firm refusal only made King Cobra chuckle.
"Hohoho! A pity, but I understand. Then tell me—where will you head next?"
"I must apologize, but I cannot reveal my next destination. I ask for your understanding."
"Haha, everyone carries secrets. I won't pry. Then go in peace."
"Yes. And may Your Majesty live long and rule in prosperity!"
Escorted by the royal family of Nefertari and the palace guards, Rengoku and Hancock boarded the Kuja Pirates' ship once more.
But before Sandersonia and Marigold could even greet their sister, Hancock seized Rengoku's hand and pulled him straight into the captain's quarters.
"…Why is Sister acting like that all of a sudden?"
"I don't know… did something happen in Alabasta?"
The two sisters exchanged puzzled glances as the Kuja's ship, the Kussayuda, set sail once again after a long stay.
Meanwhile, dragged into the cabin, Rengoku couldn't help but wonder what was happening. Hancock had been quiet for some time—enough to worry him—but this sudden burst of boldness was new even for her.
"Kyojuro…" Hancock lowered her voice.
"What is it, Hancock?"
"Would you… would you consider becoming the Consort of Amazon Lily?"
The Consort—the husband of the Pirate Empress.
To become Amazon Lily's Consort meant marriage to Boa Hancock herself.
"That's… rather sudden! Is this because of what King Cobra said earlier?"
Rengoku's words struck true.
"Y-yes! You are the man I have already marked as mine! I will never allow another woman to take you away!"
Her pride wounded, Hancock asserted her "sovereignty" over Rengoku with boldness. Yet, to him, she only seemed endearing.
He stepped closer, gently brushing her slightly tousled hair, as though soothing a child.
"There is a proper time and fate for all things, Hancock."
"Then—you must never marry another woman! I will not allow it!"
"Haha! As of now, I have no thoughts of marrying anyone. So there is nothing for you to worry about."
"Tch…"
Whenever the proud empress revealed such almost childlike sides of herself, Rengoku found her utterly charming.
"Well then, I'll return to rest. You should get some rest too."
Rengoku left the captain's quarters and returned to his own room.
He began to recall the sword dances and melodies he had recently learned, trying to stir awake something deep inside his memory—something long dormant.
More than eight years had passed since he came to this world, and much of his past life's memory had already sunk into sediment.
The fleeting fragments he had never grasped clearly were now little more than hazy shards.
But after seeing Pell's sword dance in Alubarna Palace, Rengoku felt certain that he had to recover those memories.
Faint though they were, they still existed.
There was something important connected to them.
He then reminded himself of their current destination:
Dr. Vegapunk's research facility.
Though he was under suspension from the Marines, stripped of authority, he still technically retained his status as an officer in name. That meant he could still seek Vegapunk's help.
The only question was whether Vegapunk would actually be present at the facility.
The scientist oversaw multiple laboratories, but recent intel suggested he was currently working in one designated as Codename: Laboratory 3438.
As a pirate, Hancock could gain access there thanks to her status as a Warlord of the Sea.
But once they arrived, only Rengoku himself would be permitted entry.
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