At the Fish-Man Island's sea exit, Shirahoshi leaned against the railing of Pkong 1, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she watched Rolan. On the shore, Neptune, the three princes, and countless Fish-Men citizens were there to see him off.
Rolan's expression remained calm, his stoic demeanor unchanged. "Shirahoshi, once I establish a territory in the New World, I'll come for you. Wait for me, understood?"
Nami smiled gently. "Don't worry, little sister Shirahoshi. With our strength, you won't have to wait long."
Lina nodded firmly, "Yes, you have to trust Rolan."
Shirahoshi's small pinky extended. "Then let's pinky swear."
Rolan and the others extended theirs, their fingers meeting hers in a firm promise.
"All right. King Neptune, the three princes, everyone—our journey begins!" Rolan declared, preparing to activate the ship's flight.
"Wait!" Shirahoshi's voice cut through the wind.
Rolan turned to her. "What is it, Shirahoshi?"
Her eyes closed as she leaned closer. The sunlight accentuated the delicate pink-white hue of her skin. Her lips glimmered faintly, perfectly shaped.
"I want a kiss," she whispered, soft as a harp's note.
Rolan scratched his head, momentarily unsettled. "Don't test me like this."
"Rolan, aren't you my fiancé? A kiss shouldn't be a problem, right?"
He glanced at Lina and the others—they had turned their faces away, offering silent approval. Even Neptune and the princes averted their gaze.
Rolan leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Shirahoshi's cheek. Neptune exhaled quietly, relieved, thinking the worst had been avoided.
"No! I want a kiss on the lips!" Shirahoshi demanded, pouting.
"Nani!" Neptune nearly choked, certain he had misheard.
Rolan took a deep breath, closing his eyes before placing a tender kiss on her lower lip. Her face flushed instantly, a warmth filling her chest.
This kiss was born of her insecurities; she had feared that Rolan, admired by so many women, might overlook her. But now, she knew he had chosen her.
After a few seconds, Rolan pulled back, pursing his lips, a faint sweetness lingering. A twinge of guilt crossed his mind, but beneath it was certainty.
"Shirahoshi, I'm leaving. Stay on Fish-Man Island and wait for me." His eyes, usually unreadable, softened slightly.
Shirahoshi's cheeks glowed as she nodded, humming her agreement.
Rolan activated a massive Electromagnetic Barrier around the ship, lifting it slowly into the sky. Shirahoshi waved from the water below. "Rolan, I'll wait for you!"
---
Onboard Pkong 1, Lina crossed her arms, a mock stern glare at Rolan. "If you let Shirahoshi down, I will never forgive you."
Nami's voice echoed beside her, equally teasing. "Exactly. Don't even think about bullying her."
Robin chimed in, her tone dry but pointed. "And if you dare, I might just become… your sister in practice."
Rolan glanced at them, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I understand, I understand," he replied, his usual nonchalant expression intact.
---
"Is this the New World? It doesn't feel too different from the first half of the Grand Line," Lina remarked from the bow, the turbulent sea stretching before her.
Nami frowned, sensing danger. "The New World's weather is unpredictable. Stay alert."
A sudden bolt of lightning split the sky, striking near Lina. In an instant, her body ignited with flames as she clung to Rolan's arm.
"You scared me!" she gasped.
Rolan stroked her head, frowning as he scanned the sky. Bright and sunny… where did that lightning come from?
Nami reached out, feeling the currents. "Quickly, move! A thunderstorm is forming; convective weather is building fast." She summoned a cloud beneath the ship, carrying them swiftly to safer waters.
Lina glanced back at the storm, eyes wide. Countless lightning bolts struck the sea surface, a terrifying spectacle. She shivered. "If that had hit me…"
Nami rolled her eyes. "You're fire, Lina. Aren't you supposed to be immune?"
Lina's eyes widened, realization dawning. "Oh right… I'm fire. Lightning can't harm me."
Robin, ever pragmatic, spoke. "Now that we're in the New World, we should contact Kuro and the others first."
Rolan nodded, recalling that Kuro had arrived a month before them. Their intelligence and strength ensured safety in this chaotic new territory.
He pulled out a Den Den Mushi and dialed.
Buru buru~
Buru buru~
Click.
"Hello! Is that Rolan? Have you reached the New World?" Kuro's energetic voice came through.
Robin smirked. "Sounds energetic for someone who's supposed to be stuck at sea. Surprised you're still alive."
Crocodile's voice followed, amused. "Still dark-bellied, Robin-chan. But thanks to you, things are going well. We've secured a large territory."
Franky added cheerfully, "Rolan, we've been on fire this week! Acquired another island!"
Rolan's lips curved into a faint smile. Things were progressing even better than he had imagined.
"We've arrived, but our exact location is unknown. We'll follow the Vivre Card to you," Robin noted.
Enel's voice crackled through. "Rolan, it has to be you. Kuro won't let me do this or that—I'm bored to death!"
Rolan chuckled softly, understanding Enel's restlessness, thankful for Kuro's leadership.
Kuro's voice interrupted again. "Rolan, we may need to head to Totto Land next week."
Robin raised an eyebrow. "Totto Land? That's Big Mom's territory, isn't it?"
Kuro confirmed, "Yes, next week is the Big Mom Pirates' Tea Party."
---