"Oh?"
Upon hearing Uta's words, Brook, a dark mass, struggled to raise his head.
He slightly opened his jaw, revealing a small portion of his still-white teeth.
"Big Mom, that's a familiar name. Back in the Florian Triangle, I always heard that woman talk about her mother."
Even after three months of getting used to modern life, I still find it hard to believe that a woman could become Emperors of the Sea in this era.
This is an era where women have finally risen to the highest positions, ho ho ho!
What a wonderful era!
As soon as he finished speaking, Brook slowly raised his dark right bone and pointed his bone fist at Gawain.
He moved his hand with great difficulty, and after a moment, Gawain saw a vertical... pitch-black thumb bone.
After completing this step, Brook collapsed to the ground with a thud, as if his bones were beyond saving.
The dancers, terrified, screamed repeatedly, but finally mustered the courage to pack Brook up and lift him up.
Watching the dancer's actions, Gawain narrowed his eyes with admiration. Although she was frail, she was quite courageous and had a strong sense of responsibility.
She was indeed a woman who had survived the treacherous seas, completely different from the inexperienced and hard-working girls on Fish-Man Island who probably only knew how to blow bubbles.
As he thought back to the lovely Merfolk, Gawain nodded to the dancer.
"Just take him with you. Find a place to soak him in milk, and he'll be fine in no time."
Also, if you could dress more fashionably, you might actually be able to get along with him.
Rock music needs women too. Rock music without women in the band would be an insult to the spirit of free rock.
Perhaps I should find him a few band members from the Kamabakka Kingdom, haha."
After speaking, Gawain waved to the dancer, then turned and walked towards Pangea Castle on his own.
Shalria naturally followed behind Gawain, strolling along while continuing to compete with Uta on Gawain's body in rolling her eyes and making faces.
Looking at Gawain's steady, mountain-like back, and then at Shalria and Uta's faces full of mischief, they resembled the tranquil sounds of a mountain stream.
The dancer's heart skipped a beat.
Although she ultimately could not escape the fate of becoming merchandise, she was offered to the head of Sabaody by the nobles of her kingdom, becoming a high-quality commodity mainly for the Celestial Dragon.
Although he himself was indeed bought by the noble yet terrifying Celestial Dragon.
But now, she doesn't seem as panicked as before, because the Celestial Dragon... aren't necessarily as terrifying as the rumors say.
Or rather, Gawain's current appearance is actually just like his past image in newspapers and Den Den Mushi —a compassionate and kind great man!
For a moment, the dancer's steps became lighter and quicker. She skipped past the other newly bought people and nervously followed a little closer to Gawain.
As she walked, she tilted her beautiful face up and secretly admired Gawain's back.
But just as she was engrossed in watching, a voice suddenly came from the urn bag she was carrying.
"Miss, please don't look so intently. Your knee keeps bumping into my head when you walk, which is really bothering me."
Even though I, being carried, have no right to make any demands, please be sure to treat me with more care. I..."
"I understand, Mr. Brook!!!"
Before Brook could finish speaking, the dancer quickly nodded, while gently shaking the urn in her hand, stopping Brook from saying what he was about to say.
Then, she moved the bag further away from herself to avoid bumping into Brook while walking.
Even the dancer couldn't help but think of it.
Mr. Brook is a really good person, but his mouth is just a little annoying.
That mouth... it's interrupting my enjoyment of today's most beautiful scenery~.
Just as the dancer blushed and pondered, Gawain, having heard the voice, turned around with a smile.
"Brook, even when he's being lifted up, still makes demands. What a nuisance."
Come, hand him over to me.
After saying that, Gawain reached out and snatched the bag from the surprised dancer's hand.
He then picked up Brook and nodded to the dancer with a smile.
As he nodded, Uta, who was swaying up and down, also grabbed Gawain's head and gave the dancer a big smile.
Sunlight streamed through Uta's red and white hair, falling on the dancer's face and then across her trembling lips.
"Ah... this is indeed the most beautiful scenery of the day."
Or rather, it should be the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life.
Before long, Gawain led everyone back to the family home.
Shalria had no intention of going home. After seeing her brother off, she found a nice room in the Gawain Family and secretly started packing up all the clothes she had recently prepared.
Since becoming acquainted with the maids of the Gawain Family, Shalria boasted that she knew most of Gawain's hobbies.
Knowing that Gawain disliked the Celestial Dragon's traditional clothing, she quickly gathered a group of maids and personally ordered them to make new clothes for her.
She certainly wouldn't wear these clothes outside; that would make people laugh at her, as she belonged to the Gawain Family.
However, it wouldn't be a problem to wear it at the Gawain Family, because how could Gawain Family laugh at their own family?
Even if they're going to laugh, they're only laughing at the Rosward Family, so it's not a big deal.
In short, not long after, Shalria, wearing a shoulder-length dress, smiled and entered the lobby where Gawain was conducting business.
After sneaking in, the girl didn't stand on ceremony at all. She went straight to Gawain's side, forcefully pushed Hancock aside, and squeezed into Gawain's arms.
Hancock pursed her lips in displeasure at being treated this way by the woman. Considering the woman's Celestial Dragon status, she found it difficult to act appropriately.
So she grabbed Shalria's foot and maliciously began to play with it, causing Shalria's giggles to escape from Gawain's arms.
Looking around the hall at the beautiful women surrounding Gawain, Rayleigh nodded with satisfaction, then continued massaging Shakky's calves.
While enjoying Rayleigh's massage, Shakky reviewed the intelligence gathered over the past two days and then spoke to Gawain.
"Captain, recently, a series of plans following the Reverie have been gradually rolled out."
After a three-month adaptation period, the staff seemed to have become familiar with the subsequent transportation and other work arrangements.
"Perhaps we can free up some time to consider whether or not to continue our journey!"
At this point, a glint flashed in Shakky's eyes. The final leg of their journey was about to bring real waves to this vast ocean!
As she thought about it, Shakky smiled deeply, then casually pulled out a piece of paper.
"Furthermore, Captain, according to Franky's report, the Dark Bird Ship will be fully upgraded in no more than a week."
"So, before the Dark Bird Ship can set sail again, shouldn't we deal with the last of the Shichibukai?"
At this point, Shakky's gaze swept between the resentful Doflamingo and the cowering Moria.
As for Gawain, while writing about the resettlement issues for the Windhowl Island route, he couldn't help but think about his life over the past year.
In this year, first Jinbe, then Kuma, and then Hancock.
Next up are Crocodile, Doflamingo, and Gecko Moria.
Now, the Shichibukai are about to be completely swallowed up by him, just as he originally planned.
The only remaining Shichibukai who hasn't joined their ranks is the World's Greatest Swordsman... Mihawk!
Thinking of this, Gawain kept working while speaking softly.
"You're right, Shakky. At this point, we no longer need to let that eagle roam outside the organization."
"Alright then, tonight will do. I will personally go and meet the World's Greatest Swordsman!"
After saying this, Gawain folded up the order he had just written and handed the note to Kaya.
Just as Kaya went to the side and read out the order to the soldiers stationed near Windhowl Island.
Gawain continued.
"Old Mr. Rayleigh, do you still remember what we talked about back then at Shakky's Rip-off Bar?"
"Haha, how could I not remember!"
Rayleigh raised his fist and gently tapped Shakky's sole as he spoke.
"When you came to our little shack, I knew trouble was coming."
Unexpectedly, the trouble turned out to be much bigger than I had imagined, and I even got myself involved.
Back then, you were really arrogant, spouting nonsense that only those in positions of power had the right to boast about.
If it weren't for your drive, I wouldn't be willing to risk my life for you based on your boasting alone.
But to this day, wow, it's only been a year!
A year has passed, and the boast you made when we first met has actually come true.
They absorbed the entire power of the Shichibukai. Haha, such a force is even slightly larger Koby any single Four Emperors crew.
You actually did it, missing only one Mihawk!
As soon as he finished speaking, Rayleigh gave him an appreciative thumbs-up and continued massaging Shakky's feet.
Gion, however, seeing Shakky's blissful expression, couldn't help but gently wiggle her toes inside her shoe.
Glancing to her right, she thought, "Hmph, I really can't be as carefree as Hancock and Shalria!"
But Shirahoshi...
Seemingly noticing Gion's gaze, the girl glanced past Aunt Shakky and slammed her big tail right in front of Gawain.
"Sir, I also want to have my tail rubbed, it feels so good."
Please, hee hee, brother~~~."
While pleading sweetly, Shirahoshi's tail fanned out a breeze, causing Gawain and Shalria's hair to flutter continuously.
Hearing Shirahoshi's sweet and innocent voice, Gawain felt a slight chill run down his spine.
This little girl, after leaving the Hard-Shell Tower and gaining so much more experience, is truly becoming more and more outstanding and enchanting!
The sound I just heard was so powerful that even I found it hard to resist; its strength was almost comparable to Hancock's when she used Devil Fruit ability!
Gawain forcefully suppressed certain inappropriate plans and took over the tip of Shirahoshi's tail.
"Getting down to business, Shirahoshi, be careful your tail doesn't hit Shalria."
As for massage... um...
Night!"
After saying that, Gawain patted the big tail reassuringly, then helped Shalria up from his arms.
While pressing on Shusui and Deer-Cry Tiger-Cleaver his waist, Gawain stood up and said.
"Let's go eat. After we eat, we'll train for a bit."
Shiryu, Kuma, Gion, and Issho.
Later, you all will have to practice with me a lot so that I can maintain a relatively better condition.
After all, if I'm not in a good state when I go to see that guy, I won't be able to get his eye on me.
"Who told him that all he could see was me and the sword in his hand!"
After saying that, Gawain led the way to the restaurant, and everyone immediately put down their work and followed in his footsteps.
Although everyone present is a key member of the team surrounded by a huge amount of work, the Gawain Family is now managed in a family-style manner.
There was nothing more important than communicating with family members and receiving invitations from the family patriarch.
At this moment, although Gawain did not give an absolute order, even Robin put down the historical materials in her hands, Nami also put down the ledger and forms filled with small money symbols with great difficulty.
The group arrived at the restaurant in small groups, spreading out to either side of where Gawain was sitting, and soon began to eat and drink naturally.
Unexpectedly, just as Gawain had taken a couple of bites of food, a golden light flashed before everyone's eyes and then stopped not far from Gawain.
As soon as it stopped, the figure raised its hands and waved them in front of its chest to the crowd.
"Oh, hehe, please forgive my sudden arrival and uninvited visit."
The atmosphere here is so warm and inviting that even I, an old man, feel a natural sense of coming home.
As he spoke, Borsalino glanced around, and when he saw Gawain had just finished eating a rather succulent pork chop, he picked up a cup of tea and walked over to Gawain.
Seeing Kizaru approaching, Gawain swallowed his steak and took a handkerchief from Hancock to wipe his mouth.
Then he said softly.
"Borsalino, if you can make this your home, that would be wonderful."
Let's sit down and have something to eat together, and chat about why you came, and also about your recent work and life."
After saying that, Gawain moved his right hand slightly, and the metal decoration on a nearby chair immediately moved the chair back half a foot.
Borsalino, seeing the chair Gawain had prepared for him, nodded, then put one hand in his pocket, bent down, and placed the tea in front of Gawain with his right hand.
Gawain picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then put the lid back on.
At the same time, Borsalino casually sat down, and nodded to Saki and Gion.
Sanji, who had keenly noticed the increase in the number of diners, smiled and got up to get more food.
After the maid set out the cutlery for him, Kizaru, fiddling with his fork in one hand, spoke to Gawain.
"My lord, I have just returned from the New World and I think I have some interesting news to share with you."
About seventeen hours ago, Thatch, the fourth division commander under Whitebeard, led his men to attack a transport ship belonging to a royal family of the Alliance.
"I have received this message and have already reported it to the adults."
Not far away, Shakky, carrying a glass of red wine, frowned thoughtfully and said...
"So, there are still some twists and turns in this matter, right? And of course, your speed is much faster than our intelligence speed, Borsalino."
"Indeed."
In response to Shakky's question, Borsalino nodded and continued.
"Originally, I thought it was just a simple attack."
But just half an hour ago, through my remote observation of the Whitebeard Pirates, I discovered that there seemed to be a... deep black hole on their ship!
At this point, Borsalino's eyes deepened as he looked at Gawain and spoke with reminiscence.
"People who came from that era would rarely fail to recognize that black light. From today onwards, the Yami Yami no Mi will likely reappear on the sea."
The fact that this Devil Fruit ended up in Whitebeard Pirates makes me feel uneasy.
Back then, the owner of the Yami Yami no Mi nurtured Whitebeard, the current pirate overlord!
Now, Whitebeard is going to start training the owner of the Yami Yami no Mi!
They, haha, they seem to exist in a cycle controlled by fate.
Just thinking about it makes my heart beat a little faster.
How terrifying!!!