"Bonney is Kuma's daughter?!"
Leno scratched his head at their reactions, looking genuinely puzzled. "You mean… you didn't know?"
"Nonsense! How could we possibly know that?!" Chopper and Carmen bared their teeth, glaring at him furiously. You never told us!
"Fufufu..."
Watching Chopper and Carmen fume while Leno stood there in utter confusion, Robin and Nojiko couldn't help covering their mouths as they giggled.
"Alright, alright. Knowing now isn't too late~" After calming the two down, Leno clapped his hands and announced, "Everyone, our trip to the Sorbet Kingdom has officially come to an end. Time to set sail!"
"Aren't we waiting for news from the Revolutionary Army?" Robin asked.
She knew about their latest operation and had assumed Leno planned to stay until the results came in.
"Don't worry. They've prepared well this time — the outcome's already clear. Let's keep on with our own journey."
As the Gale slowly departed from the port, the crew began a new voyage once more.
Two days later, above an unfamiliar stretch of sea—
In the early morning, Leno opened his eyes and subconsciously gripped his hand. A soft "mmph" sound immediately came from beside him.
Nojiko, whose face was serene in sleep, had the corners of her mouth slightly curved. Her brow furrowed gently as she felt the unusual sensation on her body.
Feeling the warmth and softness in his arms, Leno couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.
After this period of… training, Nojiko and Kuina had both become even more captivating — Their entire being possessed both the shyness of a young girl and the charm of a young lady, constantly stirring Leno's desires and igniting the fire in his heart.
As the amplitude of Leno's hand movements grew, Nojiko finally opened her sleepy eyes and looked up at Leno.
"Good morning, Leno~"
Her gentle voice, mixed with the flush on her cheeks, made her even more irresistible.
"Morning~" Leno leaned down to capture her lips, his hand moving instinctively again.
"Mmh~ Leno, what are you doing?"
"Doing… you~"
With that, Leno rolled over, the sheets rising and falling as their morning exercise began.
Two hours later—
When Leno and Nojiko entered the dining room, every gaze turned toward them at once.
Nojiko's face turned bright red. Enduring everyone's knowing looks, she lowered her head and quickly slipped into a seat beside Robin.
Their relationship wasn't exactly a secret anymore, but she was still terribly shy about it.
"Morning, everyone!"
Leno, on the other hand, had no shame at all. He greeted the group cheerfully, sat down as if nothing had happened, and began eating with perfect composure.
The girls rolled their eyes in unison.
"Hmph~ You big pig! How is this 'morning' anymore?" Nami muttered in annoyance. Every time she saw Leno being close with the others, she gritted her teeth in frustration — secretly wishing she could grow up faster.
After breakfast, Leno brought the Gale down to the sea's surface to continue their voyage.
To stay safe, they lifted the ship at night for rest and descended during the day. Compared to normal ships, their travels were far more comfortable — no night watches, no sleepless guard duty, just peaceful rest.
With the ocean breeze at their backs, the Gale cruised swiftly over the waves. Leno lazed beneath a parasol on the deck, looking every bit the relaxed slacker.
On the other side, Robin sat under another parasol, sipping coffee and reading, while Nami buried herself in navigation manuals.
In the infirmary, Chopper was grinding medicine to improve his Rumble Ball, while Kaya studied her medical books diligently.
Carmen organized and recorded her new recipes — especially those from the Revolutionaries that could enhance physical strength — her eyes shining with excitement. (T/N: Is he ever going to have some fun with Carmen?? I wonder...)
Kuina sat cross-legged at the bow, Sakura Veil resting across her knees as she meditated.
Nojiko and Yamato sparred on the open deck, sweat glistening in the sunlight. The ship was peaceful and serene — a rare moment of quiet bliss.
But that peace didn't last long.
Kuina suddenly opened her eyes mid-meditation. Through her Observation Haki, she sensed a foreign ship rapidly approaching.
"Everyone, there's a ship coming our way!"
At her words, the others gathered at the railing. As the vessel drew near, they realized what it was.
"A World Government ship? Don't tell me they're here for trouble."
"No, they're here to deliver something," Leno replied calmly as he spotted two masked CP agents in white suits carrying a large crate.
"Huh?"
Before the ships even met, the two agents stepped across the air using Moonwalk and landed on the Gale's deck.
"Lord Thunder God, the delivery is complete. We expect you to uphold your end of the deal."
Without waiting for Leno's reply, they turned and left, their ship retreating quickly into the distance.
"They sure don't waste time," Leno muttered, stepping forward to open the crate. Inside were five smaller wooden boxes neatly arranged.
"You big dummy... these boxes... could they be—"
Seeing the familiar design, Nami swallowed hard, her voice trembling.
"Devil Fruits."
"!!!"
Everyone froze in shock.
"Wait, what? Why would they just hand us Devil Fruits out of nowhere?" Nami asked, both stunned and suspicious.
Leno rolled his eyes. "Didn't I tell you before? The Five Elders wanted peace talks, so I took the chance to demand five Devil Fruits. You didn't believe me, remember?"
"How were we supposed to know you were serious?!" Nami shot back, pouting.
Hancock, Robin, and the others gazed at Leno, their hearts fluttering. Their man had actually made the Five Elders bow their heads — and even send five Devil Fruits as tribute.
Joy and pride filled their chests, making them tingle all over.
"Alright, enough staring. Nami, go grab the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia. Let's see what powers these fruits have."
"Okay! On it!" She dashed into the cabin and soon returned, flipping rapidly through the book.
"Found it! This one's the Cat-Cat Fruit, Ancient Model: Saber-Toothed Tiger Form!" Nami's excited voice rang out.
"Not bad, not bad. That's a strong one. Check the rest!"
Ancient Zoans were rarely weak — unless they were from odd subspecies. Leno couldn't help feeling eager for what came next.
Soon, they identified the other four:
Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Ancient Model: Velociraptor Form
Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Ancient Model: Deinonychus Form
Bird-Bird Fruit, Ancient Model: Harpy Eagle Form
Snake-Snake Fruit, Ancient Model: Hooked Viper Form
After reading all five descriptions, Leno nodded in satisfaction. The old men hadn't dared to cheat him with trash fruits.
"We're rich! Do you have any idea how much these Devil Fruits could sell for?!"
Nami's eyes had already turned into Berries as she hugged the fruits tightly, mumbling under her breath.
"Hey!"
"Those aren't for sale!"