Chapter 95 – The Crew Reunion and the Captain's New Stats
Neji took a deep breath, then stepped forward and wrapped Aike in a quick, awkward hug.
"Welcome back, big brother Aike!"
The whisper barely left her lips before she hid behind him again, face steaming.
The contact lasted half a second, but Aike was deeply touched.
As expected of his little cotton jacket—she really was the thoughtful one. All that effort crafting her perfect body had been worth it.
Tashigi, on the other hand… he had zero expectations.
She had been stolen from Smoker fair and square. Not complaining was already generous. Expecting a hug? In public? Dream on.
She was the quiet, secretly shy type. Private moments were possible. Public affection? Never.
Besides, it had only been six hours. No need to be dramatic.
The little reunion theater over, Aike officially introduced the new members to Hikari, Kuina, Nojiko, Tashigi, and a freshly aproned Tom.
When they saw Yakumo and especially tiny Hinata hiding behind Aike's leg,
the veterans' expressions turned… strange.
Their eyes slid to Aike with deep, meaningful suspicion.
Clearly, they were questioning their captain's moral compass.
Aike's skin was thick enough to deflect artillery. A few stares? Light breeze.
"U-Um… hello, everyone…"
Hinata squeaked, half-buried behind Aike's coat.
The adorable shyness + smoke-coming-out-of-ears combo instantly melted Hikari, Nojiko, Kuina, and even Tashigi.
Yakumo was calmer.
"Hello. I'm Kurama Yakumo. Pleased to meet you all."
Proper lady of a (former) noble clan—manners on point.
Quick introductions later, both girls were officially welcomed.
Hinata, especially, instantly became the ship's new mascot.
"And these two—"
Aike gestured to the last pair.
"Doyu and Guren. They'll handle cleaning and chores from now on. Anything you need help with, just ask them."
The tone was subtly different from how he'd introduced Yakumo and Hinata.
Nojiko caught it immediately.
Different status tier confirmed.
Still, she welcomed them with a warm smile.
Tom didn't overthink it.
In his cat brain: anyone the master brings aboard = future mistress. Must curry favor!
Kitchen.
After a feast that could feed a Marine fleet,
Carina leaned back in her chair with a satisfied groan.
"Only Tom's cooking can fix six days of tastebud deprivation."
"Facts!"
Nami nodded vigorously.
"Next world trip, Tom is non-negotiable."
Faced with praise from the two head wives, even Tom got bashful and started twisting coyly.
The words "other world" made Yakumo and Hinata tilt their heads.
They still thought they were in the shinobi world.
Explanation duty fell to Nami and the veterans.
Aike slipped away to his room.
Host: Aike Physique: SS- Soul: SS Abilities: Kyōka Suigetsu (S), Rinnegan (SS+), Tenseigan (SS+), Yin-Yang Release (SS), Haki (S+), Swordsmanship (SS), Devil Fruits… Authority Level: 2 Transaction Points: 291,500 Dimensional Trade: On cooldown
Aike stared at the luxurious stat screen.
A wave of accomplishment washed over him.
After stepping into Six Paths, the Yin-Yang baptism had rocketed his physique straight to SS-.
In raw physical strength alone, he could now grab Yonko or Admirals and beat them like drums.
In system ranking, Yonko tier hovered around S to S+.
Only Rocks and a few Knights of God reached SS-.
Imu? Unknown, but definitely not above SS.
Maybe a hair stronger than current Aike at best.
Soul-wise, the Shinigami system still reigned supreme.
Opening the panel after so long felt amazing.
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