As Mansherry converted Oak's life force into healing dandelions that flowed into Shiki's body, his condition visibly improved and his aura grew steadily stronger.
Until, at a certain moment...
Boom!
Mansherry finished the treatment. Every hidden injury in Shiki's body, large and small, had healed. He threw his head back, radiating an aura even more powerful than when the Ship's Rudder had been pulled from his head.
Only when Oak sensed that almost ferocious aura did he nod in satisfaction.
Shiki had finally regained a measure of the glory he'd had at his peak.
That was more like it. In this condition, Shiki could hold his own against fighters at the height of their powers, like Newgate, Kaido, and Garp.
"Little lady, thank you!"
Shiki reined in his aura and spoke to Mansherry, who stood in Oak's palm.
"I owe you one. From now on, I'll look after you Tontatta!"
He thumped his chest as he made the promise, but instead of feeling grateful, Mansherry grew frightened and ducked into Oak's collar.
"Lord Oak!"
Her timid voice reached Oak's ears.
To her, Shiki's appearance and wild manner were scarier than a demon. Only the handsome, gentle Oak made her feel safe.
Oak rolled his eyes at Shiki.
"Haven't you racked up enough debts today?"
First Trafalgar Law, then Mansherry. In less than half a day, Shiki had owed two enormous favors—more than he had in the entire first half of his life.
Since when were you so quick to owe anyone a favor?
Oak glanced at Shiki. He still remembered what the man had been like back on Hachinosu: a walking disaster who managed to screw over his own side on every operation. And besides...
"Shouldn't you be thanking me most of all, damn it?"
Oak demanded an answer from