The Direction of the Voyage Ahead

Still, regarding Yaen's explanation, Zoro's swordsman's instincts told him that this guy had done it on purpose, and might even have genuinely wanted to use the opportunity to cut him down for fun...

"Tsk..."

Recalling his pathetic appearance just now, Zoro's face twitched slightly as he said with utmost seriousness,

"Cherry Blossom Dragon, remember this. Sooner or later, I'll definitely..."

Before Zoro could finish, Ying gave his mind a heavy knock and said unhappily, "Zoro, what do you think you're doing?"

"Ah... Ow..."

With Ying's extraordinary strength, Zoro was in so much pain that he immediately crouched on the ground, clutching his head with both hands. He then continued, "No... What I meant was that I'd definitely... um, invite Cherry Blossom Dragon out for a drink."

"No need. I never drink."

Yaen said it without blushing or flinching, then turned his attention back to Ying. He observed the changes in her carefully, asking about and showing concern for her recent situation.

Although Yaen could be said to have always known the Straw Hat Crew's whereabouts and condition like the back of his hand, it had still been quite some time since he had last seen Ying. He could not help feeling a little more delighted than usual.

Now that he had truly seen Ying again, he felt that compared with her former willfulness and spoiled nature, she seemed to have matured considerably. He could not help saying,

"Adventuring... must have been hard..."

Ying answered with a bright smile. "No, it's been very happy—much happier than I imagined. My companions have treated me very well, too."

"Is that so?"

Yaen rubbed Ying's smooth, long hair, then pushed up his glasses and spoke gently to the Straw Hat Crew.

"Ah, I'm really sorry for the trouble you've had taking care of Ying's