Somewhere on the seas of the New World.
The Saber of Xebec cut through the waves.
Its bow parted the azure sea, churning white spray trailing in a long wake behind its stern.
Compared to its hurried pace on the outward journey, the ship was noticeably slower now, like a vessel finally relieved of its burden, drifting unhurriedly beneath the sun.
Over these past few days of the return voyage, the atmosphere among the Rocks Pirates had been surprisingly good. That was no exaggeration, of course; mainly, everyone had something to keep them busy and no time to pick fights with one another.
Using Rocks as his "teaching aid," Ron began an intensive regimen of Haki and swordsmanship training.
Kaido did not understand it, but he knew one thing: sticking with Ron was the right choice.
Annika took care of Ron's meals and daily needs, making little treats in her spare time for the others to sample.
Linlin and Gloriosa had an argument over keeping in shape and ended up making a bet.
Golden Lion and Silver Axe, two men who could never sit still, kept coming over to invite Ron and Kaido to "play games," but Ron politely declined every time, saying, "Studies come first."
Whitebeard maintained his usual "idle mode." He was truly something else, able to sit by the edge of the deck all day sipping his drink, quietly watching Ron and the others sweat through their training without speaking or leaving.
As for the others, they spent their days doing nothing, loafing around and stirring up trouble at random. Whenever they succeeded, they watched the show, then discussed whom to set up next once it was over. They were absolute little devils.
Bright sunlight spilled across the deck, warming the grain of the wooden planks.
Ron