"Same as ever. He's still keeping an eye on Blackbeard. He's laid all the blame for Pops' death on him."
At Ace's words, Barn's expression darkened, but he said nothing more.
Just then, a woman's voice reached them.
"Darling, dinner's ready."
Hearing that voice, Barn immediately perked up, sprang to his feet, and called back.
"Coming!"
His nimble movements gave no hint that he was already fifty-eight. With a wry smile, Ace shifted his gaze from Barn to the woman.
She was a stunningly beautiful woman. Even her loose, unadorned clothes could not hide her beauty. She was Boa Hancock, the former ruler of Amazon Lily, once the Pirate Empress, and now Barn's wife.
Standing in the doorway, Hancock had a noticeable swell to her belly. She was clearly pregnant.
Barn raced over to Hancock, then slowly crouched down. Smiling, he pressed his ear to her rounded belly and said to her with a grin.
"Edward's lively today! Hahaha!"
At his words, Hancock gave him a bashful swat and said, embarrassed and a little annoyed.
"Don't do that! Your student's watching!"
By then, Ace had walked over. He nodded to Hancock and greeted her with a smile.
"Hello, ma'am."
Hancock smiled and nodded at Ace's greeting. She had grown quite used to it by now. In the past, being addressed that way by Ace would inevitably have left her blushing again.
Seeing Ace approach, Barn rested a hand against Hancock's belly and said softly to her.
"You go on back. I need to talk to Ace about something."
Hancock nodded, but added one more thing.
"Hurry up. Lia, Adam, and Little Vita are getting impatient waiting for you."
Barn smiled and nodded, then watched Hancock leave. After she was gone, he and Ace returned to Whitebeard's grave and sat down.