Companions

"What's wrong with the Blue Sea?"

Enel began to chew on the apple in his hand.

"It's also ruled by a bunch of guys who think they're gods. Don't you want to take them down?"

Seeing that the fish had taken the bait, Cifer naturally had to add more fuel to the fire.

Enel had already figured it out. He wasn't a god at all. If he were a god, then what was Cifer? And what was that woman who could hit him?

But he could become a god! As long as he did what a god should do.

"Can't a man like you do it?"

In Enel's eyes, someone as powerful as Cifer should be able to do anything in the world.

"Enel, don't underestimate the world too much!"

Cifer had indeed considered overthrowing the World Government's rule, but not now, at least.

Marine Admirals, Four Emperors, the Revolutionary Army, and the Knights of God, along with Imu – who was human and who was a ghost was still unknown.

His own strength was limited. Even if he truly had the ability, what would he do after the overthrow?

In his opinion, the difficulty of rebuilding was even greater than overthrowing. He couldn't become some ruler to manage all sorts of things; that would go against the freedom he pursued.

So, he could only wait. When the time came, he would naturally make his move.

"Take me with you!"

Swallowing the last apple core in his hand, Enel reached for the food in front of Cifer.

"Show me this world. I want to know how to be a qualified god!"

"Welcome aboard!"

Their fists met.

The two hit it off immediately, and all the unpleasantness from the previous battle vanished at that moment. Enel officially became Cifer's companion.

"Did you reach an agreement?"

Seeing their fists collide, Hina walked over and sat down next to Cifer.

"Of course. Do you want to be my navigator?"

Cifer invited Hina again. This time, she didn't refuse, but she didn't agree either. She fell silent.

In the more than a month she had sailed with Cifer, she had seen many sights she had never seen before and experienced many things she never had as a Marine.

Over the years she had been a Marine, she had seen a lot of the government's darkness. She also felt confused. What exactly was Justice?

If she became Cifer's companion, could she still maintain justice as she had before?

Cifer had his own way of doing things, a path completely different from the Marines. Could she keep up with his pace now?

Cifer could see Hina's hesitation. He knew she was different from him. She had family who loved her, good friends who cared about her, and teachers who believed in her. She couldn't do whatever she wanted.

"I'll wait for you."

"On my ship, there will always be a navigator's seat reserved for you."

"Honestly, Hina is a Marine..."

Intending to give a perfunctory response as usual, Hina found tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. She could only cover her face with one hand.

"Why are you crying? You're a Marineford Captain."

Cifer casually pulled out a tissue and handed it to her.

"What, Captains aren't allowed to cry?"

Hina wiped away her tears and replied with a proud pout. Her tear-reddened eyes and pink cheeks looked exceptionally charming in the bonfire's glow.

"Ring ring~ Ring ring~"

Unfortunately, at this moment, the Den Den Mushi in Cifer's large robe began to ring.

"Brother Cifer, it's Joni!"

The Den Den Mushi transformed into a cute image.

"Joni! How have you been lately?"

He had expected Sakazuki or Doflamingo, but it turned out to be this little girl.

"I'm great! Uncle Sakazuki brought me to Marineford to play. His house is so big!"

Joni kept recounting how Sakazuki had taken her out to eat various things and visit places over the past few days, making Cifer sigh. He hadn't expected that guy to be such a "daughter-lover."

Hina also chimed in from time to time. The three of them chatted for quite a while like this, while Enel watched them talk to a snail with a completely bewildered expression.

"Alright, little Joni, let Uncle say something!"

"Okay!"

Sakazuki's voice came through on the other end.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku wants to know which Shichibukai you plan to replace?"

"It's not clear yet. If I don't happen to run into a Shichibukai, I think I'll make a trip to Alabasta."

The implication was clear: if nothing unexpected happened, Cifer intended to take Crocodile's head to pave his way to becoming a Shichibukai.

"It's best not to mess with those who have a national foundation, and try not to kill!"

Dealing with those who had a national foundation, like Crocodile and the Empress, could easily incite public outrage if not handled properly. As Cifer's friend, Akainu naturally didn't want that.

If Devil Fruit users were killed, their fruits would reappear in the world, becoming new uncontrollable factors.

"I understand. That's all for now. Take care of Joni!"

Cifer hung up without hesitation, saving himself the trouble of explaining why Hina was still with him.

"What a pain!"

Cifer wondered if he should change his target. Alabasta was indeed a complicated issue; he'd have to talk to the king and the princess, and also the rebels. Just thinking about it gave him a headache.

He couldn't just go in, defeat Crocodile, and declare him the culprit, could he? He didn't even remember what Crocodile had done.

"Why think so much! Let's eat!"

Seeing Cifer lost in thought after the call, Hina shoved a slice of pizza into his mouth.

"This is so heartwarming~"

Enel watched the two bicker, a smile spreading across his lips.

Cifer and the others continued their travels on the Sky Island. Hina, like any ordinary girl, went shopping with Aisa and the others, riding the Waver to experience the local customs and culture.

Wright busily studied various cuisines and learned about different types of shells, while KureKke and Wappa explored ruins deep in the forest.

The three Priests and the remaining God Army members were assigned to the Cloud Harvesting Field as laborers. Enel, after offering his sincere apologies, was forgiven by everyone.

After all, without his intervention, the war might never have ended.

Moreover, although he was cold and ruthless, he didn't attack people without reason; most of the time, he simply enjoyed toying with outsiders.

Unknowingly, a week had passed.

Cifer had decided to return to the Blue Sea. In addition to the original four, Enel had joined them.

As for the Ark Maxim, it would remain on the Sky Island. When Enel and Cifer had sorted things out in the Blue Sea, if he still wished to go to the Infinite Land, he could return then.

"Brother Cifer, I want to go to the Blue Sea too!"

The little girl Aisa kept tugging at Cifer's pants, acting spoiled. As a curious child, she was filled with longing for the Blue Sea that Hina spoke of.

Could there really be an endless ocean filled with water? And there were several people even stronger than that Enel...

Aisa didn't dare tell Wappa that she wanted to go to the Blue Sea, so she spoke directly to Cifer. Wappa was too fierce and would surely scold her, but Cifer wouldn't.

Besides, if Cifer agreed, Wappa definitely wouldn't object.

"What a shame, I won't have time to accompany Aisa next time."

Cifer gently ruffled Aisa's hair, politely refusing.

"I'll take you next time, Aisa!"

Even Wappa, whom she considered fierce, was now gentle, as he too wanted to see the land where his ancestors once lived.

He had already instructed the Priests and their group to build sailing ships suitable for navigating the Blue Sea. Going down was easy, but coming back up was difficult, so he had to make thorough preparations.

"Okay~"

Aisa reluctantly let go of Cifer's hand.

"Goodbye, everyone!"

The Little Ul disappeared into the horizon of clouds.