With a polite smile, Anna led Kizaru toward her family's tavern. Deep down, she hoped that if a fight really did break out, they could move it away from the island—she didn't want anyone innocent to get hurt.
"General, please sit here for a while," Anna said with a bright smile. "I'll go cook something for you."
As soon as she stepped into the kitchen, her mother rushed over and grabbed her by the shoulders, eyes full of worry."Did the Admiral do anything to you? Oh dear, why would a Navy Admiral suddenly come to such a small island? I hope nothing bad happens."
Anna quickly shook her head and held her mother's hand. "Mom, of course not! He's a Navy Admiral, remember? I'll be fine. Anyway, he's waiting for his meal—I'd better start cooking."
Her mother sighed and patted Anna's head. "All right, all right. I'll help you prepare the ingredients."
Out in the tavern, Anna poured a large glass of their island's signature wine and placed it before Kizaru.The Admiral lightly tapped the table with one finger and smiled. "Don't worry, young lady. I'm just here to look into a few matters. I won't harm the people of this island."
"I believe you, Admiral. You're a good man—you'd never hurt innocent civilians." Anna gave him a sweet, confident smile.
Kizaru blinked, then gave a lazy grin. "Yaa~ I really can't resist that smile of yours, young lady." He reached out and gently patted her head.
"It's an honor, Admiral," Anna replied politely, letting him ruffle her hair like a child.
Kizaru chuckled softly, looking almost amused by how calm she seemed. "Yaa~ So scary. You're quite the fearless one, little lady."
Anna only smiled and slipped away toward the kitchen.
As soon as she was gone, Kizaru looked at his hand, rubbing it between his fingers as if her warmth still lingered. "Clever little thing," he murmured with a smirk.
When he finished his meal, the Admiral rose to leave. "Well then, Miss Anna. If fate allows, we'll meet again."
Anna stood up quickly, looking a little surprised. "You're leaving already, Admiral?"
"Yes," he said with a grin. "Everything here seems peaceful—and honestly, I've already wasted too much time being charmed by such a cute little lady." He reached down to ruffle her hair one last time. "I probably won't get another chance."
"Then I wish you a safe journey, General," Anna said softly.
Kizaru gave a lazy wave. "Then I'll borrow the young lady's good luck."
When he walked out of the tavern, Anna finally exhaled. Please, she thought, let nothing bad happen to this island because of all this.
But that wish didn't last long.
That Evening
Business at the tavern was as lively as ever—until the door suddenly slammed open and a rowdy group of pirates marched in.
"Boss lady! Got any wine?" one of them shouted. "Let's have a party!"
Anna didn't even need to look up. That voice… oh no. Don't tell me it's—
Sure enough, she glanced up to see a familiar shock of red hair.
It was Shanks.
Why is he here?! she screamed internally. Kizaru just left this afternoon! Can't I get one peaceful evening? Marco, hurry up and come back! I don't want to deal with this mess!
Putting on her best professional smile, she said, "What kind of wine are you looking for, sir?"
Shanks leaned forward on the counter, grinning. "I remember this island makes a special kind of wine, doesn't it? We came all this way just to try it."
Anna froze. So he really came just for the wine… The willfulness of a Yonko truly knows no bounds.
On the outside, she kept smiling. "Of course. How many bottles would you like? I'll need to know so I can bring the right amount up from the cellar."
Before Shanks could answer, Beckman appeared behind him and smacked him on the head.
"Control your drinking," Beckman scolded. "If you go over budget again, you won't get pocket money for the next two months."
"Aw, come on, Beckman!" Shanks whined, rubbing his head. "Don't be so stingy! We're finally off duty—how can we not enjoy ourselves? Right, guys?"
"Yeah!" several crew members shouted."Beckman, don't be such a buzzkill!""It's just a little deficit—if things get tight, we'll sell Shanks' head to the Navy for some cash! Hahahaha!"
"Yeah, that'll cover it!" another pirate laughed.
Anna glanced at Beckman's graying hair and sighed inwardly. No wonder it's all turning white… babysitting this crew must be exhausting.
"Hey, boss lady!" Shanks called, pounding the counter with both hands. "Bring out the wine already!"
"Right away!" Anna handed them a few dozen bottles from the shelves. "Drink these first—I'll fetch more from the cellar."
As she turned to leave, Beckman caught Shanks by the collar. "Don't just sit there. Go help her carry the wine. You may be useless at most things, but at least you're strong."
"Eh? Me?" Shanks pointed to himself in mock surprise.
"Yes, you. Now move." Beckman tossed him forward toward Anna.
Anna sighed. "Well, all right then. Sir, please come with me."
Shanks hopped up immediately, brushing himself off. "Sure! Let's go. So, where's the wine cellar? Oh, and by the way—name's Shanks. What's yours?"
"My name's Anna," she said as they walked. "The cellar's just ahead. This way, please."
Shanks followed her with a grin. "Anna, huh? You sound familiar. Have we met before?"
Anna froze for half a second before replying calmly, "That's impossible. This is your first time here, and it's also my first time meeting you."
"Really?" Shanks tilted his head, squinting playfully. "Hmm. I don't know why, but you feel really familiar to me. You're sure we haven't met— not even once?"
"Of course not," Anna said with a nervous laugh. "I've never seen you… at least, not in real life."
Shanks smiled faintly. "Oh? Then what about… in your dreams?"