Night had fallen, a gentle breeze carrying the coolness of the sea brushed against their faces. The moon hung high in the sky, its silvery light spilling over the shimmering waves.
The tide gently lapped against the reefs by the shore, producing crisp, rhythmic sounds. It was the sea whispering through the night.
A familiar voice from outside the lounge instantly drew everyone's attention, and they all turned to look.
The door opened, revealing a blue figure. Beneath his golden hair was the same gentle smile as always.
"I'm back, everyone." Reiner slowly walked into the lounge.
"I heard everything that just happened outside. You did well, Luffy. You really looked like a captain."
He had listened from outside for quite a while and had felt uneasy too, but he knew he could not interfere in this matter. Luffy had to handle it himself.
Once a rift formed, it could not be avoided. If they could not face the problem head-on and resolve it, then even if someone stopped them this time, no matter how much the two pretended not to care in the future, an unresolved knot would remain in their hearts.
"Reiner!"
Chopper's little legs pattered as he threw himself at him, tears filling his eyes. "Waaah! Reiner, you're finally back!"
Bang!
"Ow!"
Reiner casually tossed Chopper aside, ready to welcome another lovely figure.
"Why were you gone for so long?"
Nami rushed over with red-rimmed eyes and buried her face in his chest. "You have no idea how much happened on the ship while you were gone. And Robin... Robin disappeared!"
Nami raised her head, her eyes brimming with tears. Even this strong girl occasionally showed a softer side, especially after what had happened today. It had simply been awful.
The Going Merry's fate, Robin's disappearance, Reiner's