The next morning.
The sky had only just begun to brighten, and the streets were sparsely populated, seeming somewhat deserted.
"Come visit often, okay? The girls will be happy to see you both."
At the shop entrance, Big Mom waved them off enthusiastically.
"Ugh..."
"So tired~~."
The old man and the young man both wore dark circles under their eyes.
"Those massage techniques were seriously something."
Rayleigh straightened his back, spread his arms, and let out a long stretch. The breath he exhaled instantly condensed into frosty mist. "—Whew, are you leaving today?"
"Yeah. I'm buying an Eternal Pose for Weatheria, then I'm leaving."
Reiner took a deep breath, rubbed his face, and let out a long sigh. "I still need to buy some food for the road. I'll leave Luffy to you."
"You can rest easy when I'm handling things."
Rayleigh patted him on the shoulder and laughed. "If he can't learn Conqueror's Coating, I won't let him leave. Over the next two years, make sure you practice what your big brother taught you last night."
Reiner: "..."
His character was getting a little warped. That probably wasn't my fault, right? Ah, whatever.
"I still need to visit a nautical supply store. I'll be going now."
Reiner draped his cloak over himself, waved, and left without another word. "If fate permits, we'll meet again in two years."
Rayleigh chuckled softly. "In such a hurry to see your little girlfriend? You really are young."
Just wait until you get home and she peels you alive. Reiner rolled his eyes internally.
The air was somewhat cold. He was the only person on the entire street, making it feel especially bleak.
At Grove 60 of the Sabaody Archipelago, a Marine outpost had been established. Several warships slowly docked by the shore.
After