After giving the villagers time to think, Gawain, with Kaya in tow, turned and prepared to leave.
Those nobles were originally meant for the villagers to vent their frustrations on. If he stayed here too long, his Celestial Dragon identity might overwhelm any potential rebellious spirit the villagers might have.
Therefore, after finishing his business, Gawain naturally had to withdraw.
But before Gawain could leave the forest, they heard Sanji and Reiju's voices coming from the path opposite them.
At that moment, Sanji was speaking to Reiju.
"Reiju, are you sure you're all better?"
You were shouting so loudly just now that you startled Uncle Gawain. It's only been a short while, don't you really need to rest more?"
"Hello!"
As soon as Sanji finished speaking, Reiju's voice, though slightly weak, still exuded a strong mature woman's aura.
"Don't keep repeating what just happened. I... I admit I shouted a bit loudly just now."
However... that was just a minor side effect of the loss of control.
After Chopper healed me, he found that I was just a little weak. After drinking two vials of poison without an antidote from Kureha, I immediately recovered!
As soon as she finished speaking, Reiju raised her hand in annoyance and smacked Sanji the head hard.
"Kid, stop nagging me. I've been following you guys for so long, and I've seen that long-nosed kid who boarded the ship later than you already have abs, but you're still acting like a cocky old man!"
There are indeed many gossipy maids on Saint Gawain's ship, but don't learn from them. You don't learn those masculine traits from Saint Gawain, but instead you learn to be so talkative and gossipy with your sister!
After saying that, Reiju felt even more frustrated, so she gave Sanji another hard flick on the forehead.
Sanji clutched his head and pretended to groan, but he was clearly not faking it; his eyes were full of happiness.
Seeing her younger brother like this, Reiju was initially disappointed in him, but then she immediately began to reflect on herself.
After a brief moment of thought, Reiju sighed and gently rubbed the spot where she had just hit Sanji.
Reiju sighed softly as she stroked Sanji's blond hair.
"It was my fault. I shouldn't have been so quick to lecture you."
Our meeting should have been much warmer!
It seems you've finally found someone you can rely on; all my worrying about you for so long wasn't in vain.
I've been following Saint Gawain for a long time, ever since he obtained the Saint Gawain -Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
Although I'm not sure if Saint Gawain will succeed, his determination and his methods are both promising.
In short, bro, you little brat should learn more from him!
"Hello!!"
Being called a "little brat" time and time again, Sanji grumbled as he lit a cigarette, taking a drag Sanji.
"You keep calling me a little brat, Reiju, that's so disrespectful of me."
Even Uncle Gawain usually calls me Sanji, and sometimes he'll use a more domineering term like "man" to greet me!
However, hehe..."
Suddenly, Sanji gave Reiju a very mysterious smile.
Sanji said, laughing.
"But I really didn't know that you were following the Dark Bird Ship so early on, big sister!"
Most importantly, hehe, even if we started tracking you earlier, it couldn't have been more than half a year, right? In just half a year, you're already calling Saint Gawain so casually!
The way you're addressing Saint Gawain right now is just like how Niji Yonji and others address Qie Chi!
Tsk tsk, you seem to really admire Saint Gawain!
"What nonsense are you spouting?!"
Bang!!
Reiju suddenly threw a powerful punch, making Sanji see stars. While Sanji still dizzy, Reiju quickly explained.
"Don't be sarcastic with me, kid. If you treat me like this today, aren't you afraid that I'll find out you're dating someone in the future and then tease you endlessly about it?"
As for what you said, what do you mean by "only half a year," and what do you mean by telling me to worship Saint Gawain like I worship my father?
At this point, Reiju paused for a moment, then continued speaking earnestly to Sanji.
"Sanji, you brat, because I let you go too early, you've been living a leisurely life in this little pond in the East Blue for far too long."
You have no idea how big the world is, how strong the powerful are, or what the top powers on this ocean are like, and what their corresponding top predators are!
Do you know what Saint Gawain has accomplished in the mere ten months since he set sail—something that even geniuses couldn't achieve in their entire lives?
Do you know how short it took Saint Gawain to go from being completely unknown to becoming known as the world's number one Conqueror's Haki's Haki master?
You may know about the New World, and you may know that there are Four Emperors in the New World. Even the entire Vinsmoke Family combined is no match for any one of the Four Emperors!
Did you know that in just one year, that Uncle Gawain you mentioned has already gathered a terrifying fleet that might be capable of challenging two Four Emperors Grand Fleets simultaneously, all through his eloquence and Haki?!
You don't understand at all!
As soon as she finished speaking, a hint of longing appeared on Reiju's face. Although she had witnessed firsthand everything that Gawain had created, and had relied on Gawain's every judgment about identity, situation, and especially human nature.
But regardless, the thought of those ordinary Celestial Dragon weren't famous much in the first half of the year still evokes a strong sense of nostalgia.
In just six months, they assembled a Grand Fleet capable of defeating the Four Emperors and even simultaneously confronting two Emperor teams!
This was a huge shock to Reiju, who had watched her father struggle under various circumstances for over a decade to help the family break through the barriers of the Four Emperors level.
After a brief silence, Reiju continued, her voice filled with longing.
"Sanji, I remember when you were very young, your father locked you up and scolded you as an inferior product, and you asked me a few interesting questions."
You ask me how vast the ocean is, and how high the sky is.
You even asked me if the strongest person on the high seas is the freest person.
I remember the longing that shone in your eyes back then. You asked me with longing, "Where are the strongmen on the sea? What are they doing? Why don't they come and defeat Father so that you can also look at the sun freely and with dignity?"
"Now, I'm afraid I can give you an answer, Sanji!"
At this point, Reiju bent down slightly and smiled as she ruffled Sanji's hair.
"While rubbing, "Reiju said.
No one knows exactly how high this sky is, but the highest-dwelling people in the world are indeed the Celestial Dragons, represented by Saint Gawain.
In the past, I might have sworn at it, but now, with the emergence of a respectable and powerful figure like Gawain, I simply cannot underestimate what was once merely a so-called supreme bloodline.
As for how big the ocean is, no one has ever measured it precisely. But wherever ships sail, it is nominally all Celestial Dragon territory, which is quite terrifying.
As for the strongest person on this vast ocean... haha.
Whitebeard has already fought with Saint Gawain, and at least Saint Gawain didn't lose.
Red-Haired Shanks also fought with your Uncle Gawain still didn't lose.
I also witnessed firsthand Gawain's struggle against the Revolutionary Army leader, and even more so, I saw Gawain's bloody battle with Garp.
In short, Gawain may not be the strongest person on the sea, but he is definitely the one who improves the fastest. When I first saw him, he might not even be able to beat a pirate with a bounty of three or five hundred million, but now he has become an idol for countless people.
At the same time, both in terms of Conqueror's Haki and speed.
In both of these aspects, I think the only ones qualified to challenge him on the high seas are Red-Haired Shanks and that Kizaru from the Navy!
At this point, Reiju released Sanji, and then, while leading Sanji deeper into the mountains, she continued to speak with a smile.
"As for your question about who is the freest person on the sea."
Heh, combining the Celestial Dragons ' supreme power with Gawain's own hard-earned strength.
It can be said that, at least at this moment, Gawain is the freest man on the sea!
Above him, there were no thunderclouds to obscure his flight; in front of him, there were no fierce winds to block his path; and beneath him, there were plenty of places to land!
Are such Dark Birds not free?
Sometimes when I look at Saint Gawain, I suddenly find myself liking the other Celestial Dragons' utterly wicked and obese appearance!
While those Celestial Dragons are repulsive, if every Celestial Dragon were serious enough, they could become someone like Gawain.
Then ordinary people like us will probably never have any hope of escaping the rule of the Celestial Dragons!
Gawain is a monster unlike any other in the entire history of the Four Blues!
You little rascal, you actually managed to get on his ship the very first moment this monster rose to power. I'm really envious of you!
After all, regardless of whether Gawain wins or loses, you, who have always followed him, will sooner or later become an indelible part of history. You will be recorded in history, or at the very least, you will be remembered by future generations as Saint Gawain's personal chef.
Unlike your sister, I almost never have the chance to appear in history books.
Unless... haha.
Unless I passionately kiss Gawain, letting my venom bloom inside him, then perhaps I'll become a legendary assassin remembered in history... Huh?!
Suddenly, Reiju froze. Opposite her, Gawain and Kaya, rolling their eyes, were gazing at the sky, waiting for the two of them to approach.
At the same time, Sanji spotted Gawain immediately. He widened his eyes and waved his hands frantically as he explained to Gawain.
"Uncle, my sister was just talking nonsense. Poisoning you and all that was just a joke, a joke!!"
With me here, I will never let her harm you. I... sigh?
At this point, Sanji paused slightly, then looked at Reiju in astonishment.
"Sis, what did you say? You said you wanted to kiss my... Ugh... Waaah!!"
Just then, Reiju, who had covered Sanji's mouth with her hand, knelt solemnly in front of Gawain and said to Gawain seriously.
"I am Vinsmoke Reiju, it is an honor to have an audience with His Gawain!"
After saying that, Reiju released her younger brother, who had been lifted up and forced to bend over, then placed her hands on her bent knees, and finally pressed her forehead against the backs of her hands.
Time passed by, and Gawain quietly gazed at the sky. As if he had seen enough, he suddenly seemed to Dawu something and quickly lowered his head to speak.
"Hey, Reiju, you're recovering really fast, that's great."
Wait, why are you kneeling? Get up! You're still wounded.
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain took two steps forward, pretending nothing had happened, and helped Reiju up.
Then he put his arm around Sanji and laughed.
"Sanji, why don't you let your sister rest a little longer? Or are you unable to persuade her?"
"Uh, uncle..."
Seeing Gawain's smile, Sanji awkwardly pursed his lips first, then glanced at Reiju, who seemed to have nowhere to put her hands and feet.
After glancing at him, Sanji smiled slightly and continued speaking to Gawain.
"I can't convince my sister; I don't have that kind of persuasive power."
You haven't heard my sister talk, tsk tsk, she talks a lot of high-sounding principles, and she always treats me like a child, tsk tsk~."
At this point, Sanji raised his elbow and gently nudged Reiju's shoulder.
After being bumped by Sanji, Reiju's previously barely calm face flushed slightly, almost imperceptibly.
At the same time, Sanji, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, waved goodbye to Gawain one last time.
"Well, I brought my sister to see you, Uncle. She's been wanting to see you so much that she doesn't even want to rest."
Now that she's seen it, I'll go back and prepare the meal.
I'm going to show off my skills at lunch, so I won't bother my sister who's always talking Saint Gawain but I've been secretly watching her for ages, tsk tsk~!
With that, Sanji smiled and turned to leave, while Reiju's face, which had just been slightly flushed, was now as red as her earlobes.
Behind Gawain, Kaya, who was very perceptive, quickly shook Gawain's clothes.
"Well, sir, I'm in a hurry to hand over the secretarial work to Sister Kalifa."
Um, I'll be going now, please forgive my rudeness~."
As soon as she finished speaking, Kaya jogged off, calling out to Sanji as he strode away.
"Hey, chef, wait a minute!"
And so, in just a short while, only Gawain and Reiju, with her head down, remained in the forest.
Looking at Reiju, who seemed to want to bury her head in her chest and couldn't utter a single word, Gawain rolled his eyes helplessly.
Suddenly, he raised his hand and pointed to the ancient giant tree in the distance.
"Look, a dinosaur!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the dinosaur that had been hiding and peeking behind the tree immediately started flailing its arms and legs, then plopped down on the ground, desperately raising its two hind legs into the air, and sticking out its tongue to cover its corpse...
Seeing the dinosaur playing dead with such skill, Reiju finally reacted. She first pursed her lips slightly, then couldn't help but arch her long, slender shoulders slightly.
A moment later, a suppressed laugh escaped from Reiju's mouth.
Hearing Reiju laugh, Gawain let out a long sigh, then took out a cigarette and said.
"It's alright, it's good that you're smiling. Smiling means you're not so ashamed that you'd bury yourself alive, Reiju."
"Oh, by the way, want one? This one tastes amazing, it's made by Shirahoshi using her tail."
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain handed the cigarette to Reiju, Reiju then charmingly raised her right hand to gently cover her mouth, while simultaneously shaking her left hand at Gawain.
"Saint Gawain, I'll skip that for now. By the way, did you teach my brother to smoke in the same way you're teaching me now?"
"Why?"
Upon hearing this, Gawain tilted his head slightly.
Did I teach him?
"What taught him to smoke was clearly his past life, or perhaps it was his longing for you."
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain raised his hand, put a cigarette in his mouth, and lit it.
At the same time, Reiju looked up in surprise and said in astonishment.
"What you say, sir, always sounds so reasonable; I, a humble woman, am truly ashamed of my own in comparison."
His longing for me? Of course, within my entire family, Sanji can only long for me...
Reiju sighed softly. She knew her family all too well. Calling them heartless was secondary; the kind of heartlessness that existed between family members, to those with whom she had feelings, was the ultimate cruelty...
Seeing Reiju sigh again, Gawain smiled, flicked his cigarette ash, and said...
There's no need to sigh and complain; none of us can change our families.
Sanji seems to have lost a haven to reminisce about, but at least he's better off than me.
Whenever I think of Mary Geoise, tsk tsk, can you imagine that scene, Reiju?
At this point, Gawain smiled and looked at Reiju, after a moment of thought, couldn't help but laugh as well.
Reiju responded while laughing.
"My lord, when you think of Mary Geoise, it's probably like Niji and Yonji seeing thousands of Sanjis living in the Vinsmoke Family, right?"
"Ha ha!"
Gawain immediately burst out laughing, and as he laughed, he casually patted Reiju on the shoulder.
"Reiju, are all women as smart as you?"
It was just a roundabout, lame joke, and you've already shown me how well I know your Vinsmoke Family.
After all, if you don't know your family well, who would know that there's such a serious atmosphere in your family?
Even if family members are slightly behind, or if they still have feelings for their children, they will be seen by their family as a rotten wall that can't be plastered and useless garbage.
At this point, Gawain looked at Reiju with a meaningful expression.
Reiju, whose body had been alluring and shy just a moment ago, paused slightly, and then immediately tried to kneel down to Gawain again!
But just as she was about to kneel, she suddenly realized she couldn't. It was as if the signals in her brain couldn't be transmitted through her nerves to her bones!
At the same time, Gawain shook his head and laughed.
"Don't kneel down so easily. Kneeling is not a good habit. You know me well, so you should know I don't like it."
After saying that, Gawain's eyes narrowed, Reiju immediately staggered.
While quickly regaining her footing, Reiju stared at Gawain as if he were a monster!
Keep in mind, Reiju had just made the decision to kneel down!
He had only made a decision in his mind, but Gawain had already suppressed it!
For a moment, Reiju's gaze towards Gawain grew increasingly astonished. Could that be... the same technique as Katakuri of the Big Mom Pirates — Observation Haki that allows Future Sight?
At this time, Reiju had no idea that Gawain didn't yet possess any Future Sight.
He simply memorized the bioelectrical signals within each person's body!
Here comes a long chapter of 5,000 words, and another 5,000 tonight. Starting today, I'm going to be writing 10,000 words a day again!!
Tickets are here!!