Stella's Resolution

Guanhao Floating Archipelago.

The night was as black as ink. In the clearing, the bonfire crackled, illuminating the laughing, cheerful crowd.

A massive iron pot stood in the center of the clearing, rich, fragrant meat stew bubbling within and making everyone's mouths water.

Everyone sat in a circle, with their favorite foods spread out before them. The tireless Dirt Soldiers bustled around the warehouse entrance nearby, sorting and storing the spoils from this operation—crates of cash, glittering gold and silver jewelry, and large quantities of high-quality ingredients.

This banquet was held to celebrate the extermination of the five major Mafia Families of the West Blue.

On one side of the bonfire sat Adams and several male officers.

Lafitte elegantly sipped the champagne in his goblet, narrowed his slender eyes, and let out his signature laugh:

"Hohoho... Captain, now that the five families that could be considered obstacles in the West Blue have become history, are we heading straight for the Grand Line next?"

Adams shook his head, picked up the large wooden cup beside him, took a swig of strong liquor, and swept his gaze across the group.

"Before entering those waters, there's one more thing we need to do. Conquer the Flower Country."

He paused, undisguised greed flashing in his eyes. "I've been coveting the treasure beneath the Jade Ice Bed for a long time."

"Hohoho, that won't be an easy task."

Lafitte swirled his wineglass, his tone playful but utterly fearless.

"I like challenging things."

A wild grin spread across Adams's face.

"When the time comes, everyone moves out. Leave no one alive."

As he said this, he deliberately glanced at Kaku, who had not participated in this cleanup operation. Excitement and anticipation immediately appeared on young Kaku's face. He had never lacked interest in challenging strong opponents.

Though Daz Bones remained a man of few words, his clenched fists and slightly forward-leaning body already revealed how eager he was to fight.

However, Rob Lucci, who was known for his cold composure, was slightly furrowing his brow at that moment. He seemed to be preoccupied with something, noticeably out of place amid the lively atmosphere around him. His pigeon, Hattori, stood quietly on his shoulder, equally silent.

The other side of the bonfire presented an entirely different scene.

Several women with vastly different styles gathered together. Hina had a slender cigarette between her lips, and through the curling smoke, she occasionally looked toward Adams with a complicated expression, as though lost in thought.

Kalifa and Robin, the two who had remained behind during this operation, smiled as they listened to Perona excitedly boast about how her ghosts had displayed their might in battle and easily dealt with those Mafia members.

Elsewhere, Stussy leaned close to Stella's ear and whispered something. Stella's fair cheeks turned crimson at a visible speed, nearly red enough to bleed, while her fingers nervously twisted the hem of her clothes.

"C-can I really do this, Miss Stussy...?" Stella's voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz, filled with deep unease.

"I... I used to be nothing more than a slave. My status is so lowly..."

Stussy gave a dazzling smile, brimming with charm, and reassuringly patted the back of Stella's hand.

"Of course you can. Believe in yourself. That guy doesn't care about such things at all. In my opinion, he might even... have been waiting for you to gather your courage and make the first move."

Stella was slightly stunned. She secretly raised her eyes toward the silver-haired figure surrounded by the others, recalling how he had descended like a god, rescued her from that despairing auction house, and given her protection and respect.

She took a deep breath, as if making some sort of decision, then lightly clenched her little fist as though encouraging herself.

"I... I'll give it a try!"

Happy times always slipped away unnoticed. The night deepened, the bonfire gradually died down, and after eating and drinking their fill, everyone returned to their quarters one after another, each carrying their own thoughts and a slight buzz from the alcohol.

When Adams returned to his spacious but simply furnished captain's cabin, he paused in surprise.

The person waiting for him in his room was not Stussy, as he had expected, but Stella.

She had clearly dressed up with great care, changing into an elegant yet simple long dress. But her nerves left her at a loss, and when she saw Adams enter, even the tips of her ears turned bright red.

Adams rubbed his brow and instantly understood the general situation. He stepped closer, his voice softening slightly.

"Why did you come here? Did Stussy say something strange to you again and coax you over? I'll have to teach her a proper lesson later."

He had noticed the two of them talking earlier, though he had not heard what they said. Now, it seemed it had probably been some nonsense.

Stella hurriedly looked up and shook her head anxiously. Though her voice was soft, it was exceptionally firm.

"No! That's not it! This is entirely my own choice! You saved me from that hellish place, gave me a new life, and treated me with such kindness... I-I've always wanted to repay your kindness."

Adams looked at her, her determined expression reflected in his eyes. He was no fool, so he naturally understood the hidden meaning and resolve behind her words.

He sighed. "There are many ways to repay someone. Stella, if you choose this way, then later... you may not be able to turn back. Have you really thought it through?"

"I have!"

Stella answered with nearly all her strength, meeting his gaze with burning eyes.

"This is a decision I made after careful consideration. I'll never regret it!"

At that point, Adams said no more. He took a large step forward, his tall figure instantly enveloping petite Stella. His powerful arm wrapped around her slender waist and gently drew her toward him.

Stella let out a tiny cry of surprise, then closed her eyes, her long lashes trembling slightly with nervousness.

Adams lowered his head and precisely captured her soft, tender lips.

TO BE CONTINUED