Watching Gion leave, Ross finally stepped out of the cabin.
He had spent all of yesterday by Gion's side.
The others were always nearby, but he would not get to see Gion for a long time. He was especially fond of those long, five-foot-eleven legs.
Moreover, Ross treated Gion completely differently.
In this chaotic world, Gion was someone who could truly help him at his side.
Compared to her, Stella and Olvia held only slightly higher status than disposable playthings.
Of course, after spending these days together, Ross had grown particularly fond of Stella. Barring any surprises, he would keep her by his side.
"Master!"
Stella greeted him with a radiant smile.
Even after spending so long in the darkest places, she seemed never to have given up hope, much less chosen to embrace the darkness.
"They didn't cause any trouble yesterday, did they?"
Ross did not stop walking, allowing Stella to drape a cloak over him.
With his physique, he did not need to fear the effects of the weather.
But not fearing it did not mean he disliked Stella's gesture.
"No. Robin stayed by Zany's side the whole time, pestering her to teach her Physical Technique. Olvia remained in her room studying documents and did not even come out to eat."
Stella bowed as she reported. The two round objects cradled in her arms trembled twice, as though they were about to fall.
Ross stepped forward to support them, then continued outside after steadying them. As he walked, he asked,
"Any other news?"
Gion was responsible for information from Cipher Pol. Since she had temporarily left, some matters concerning him had temporarily been handed over to Zany.
Stella was responsible for his daily life and necessities. As soon as Ross spoke, she understood what he was asking.
"Word came from the Holy Land that your personal travel ship is ready. It uses the World Government's latest technology and can be powered by mechanical propulsion. Seastone has also been attached to its hull, allowing it to cross the Calm Belt with ease."
Stella explained in detail. The biggest matter under her responsibility was Ross's ship.
"Good. We'll change ships once we return to the Holy Land."
Ross nodded in satisfaction. He would certainly travel often in the future, and he could not possibly keep using Navy warships.
In a world that was ninety percent ocean, how could he manage without a ship of his own?
His demands were not high. Something like Tesoro's future luxury cruise ship would be fine.
However, a ship of that level would take one or two years to build, even if he had enough money.
That was why he had previously asked Stella to make arrangements and get a ship for temporary use first.
A ship capable of freely crossing the Calm Belt would be enough for him in the short term.
After leaving the cabin, Ross had no intention of seeking out Zephyr or Sakazuki.
There was no need to think about it. The two were either training or handling official duties. He had no interest in watching men busy themselves.
Robin had been placed in Zany's cabin, making it Ross's first stop.
"Saint Ross!?"
When Zany saw Ross enter, a rare trace of panic entered her voice. She was still holding a white bandeau in her hand, and even her movements had stiffened.
Under Ross's appreciative gaze, she swiftly dealt with the item in her hand, then picked up a white suit beside her and put it on.
Observation Haki was an active skill, and keeping it activated consumed considerable mental energy. No one kept it on all the time.
Besides, on a Navy warship, Zany was not particularly alert. She did not think anyone besides Ross would barge in, so...
Yet Zany's expression remained composed. After getting dressed, she lowered her head and stood before Ross.
Ross was the one she had been indoctrinated to serve since childhood. No matter what Ross did, she could accept it.
If Ross could give her a few days off because of it, that would be even better.
"Saint Ross, what are your orders?"
Zany bowed slightly. If she had activated Succubus Form right now, her tail would probably have started swaying involuntarily, revealing the unrest in her heart.
"It's nothing. Where's Robin?"
Ross shook his head. Getting such a feast for the eyes first thing in the morning really felt great.
He had truly misjudged her before.
Who would have thought? Who would have thought?
Zany's figure was even better than Stella's. He had no idea how she could move so quickly while carrying such a heavy burden.
Zany had kept them tightly restrained before, which was why he had made the wrong estimate.
"Robin overused her Devil Fruit ability yesterday and is still resting."
Zany did not avoid Ross's gaze. She led him to the bed at the very back of the room and was about to wake Robin directly.
"No rush."
Ross stopped Zany and glanced at the curled-up Robin.
"Did she ask you to teach her Physical Technique yesterday?"
"Yes, but without your permission, I would not teach her that. So she spent yesterday practicing her Flower-Flower Fruit, hoping to improve her strength." Zany nodded slightly.
"That's only natural," Ross said.
After encountering a major upheaval, people always wanted to become stronger.
Especially since Olvia had hurt Robin the most. That would likely intensify Robin's desire for strength even further.
However, neither Robin's physical talent nor her Devil Fruit ability was particularly suited for combat.
Given Robin's potential, even if resources were poured into her regardless of cost, she would probably only reach the level of an elite Vice Admiral.
The Pirate World was one that relied heavily on bloodline and talent. The only variable was Devil Fruits.
Without any of those, unless some heaven-sent system appeared, becoming strong was impossible.
Two hundred times the effort? That was something people could just listen to and laugh about.
If hard work alone could make someone strong, the seas would be full of Whitebeards.
The same went for guidance from famous teachers. It was just something nice to hear.
If teaching truly worked, the number of strong experts in the Navy and the World Government would be more than ten times greater.
"Since Robin wants to become stronger, you'll be responsible for teaching her. Arrange the details yourself."
"Understood!"
Zany nodded seriously. As long as it was Ross's order, she would certainly carry it out.
Since childhood, she had been trained and indoctrinated to serve the Jaygarcia Family. Since Ross was a member of the Jaygarcia Family, he was the one she should serve.
As for the other members of the Jaygarcia Family...
Zany had her own thoughts. The ideas instilled in her from childhood meant she had never once considered betraying the Jaygarcia Family.
But no one had ever told her which specific member she should serve.
For the current Zany, staying by Ross's side was far better than carrying out missions under Saturn.
Zany could still sense that Ross treated her as a person most of the time, rather than as a cold, lifeless weapon.
In the Holy Land, she looked like a person, but in truth she was a weapon.
She had lived that way for more than twenty years and had even grown used to it herself.
Wasn't it normal for masters not to treat slaves as people?
At the very least, her circumstances were much better than those slaves'.
Yet by Ross's side, she could feel that casual respect. It was enough to send ripples through her cold heart.
Not everyone's respect could stir her emotions.
Only members of the Jaygarcia Family were worthy of having all of her.
And Zany firmly believed that Ross would become the most honored member of the Jaygarcia Family in the future.
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