A month had passed since the Paramount War. The Sabaody Archipelago had returned to its usual bustle.
Transparent bubbles floated through the air, refracting rainbow halos in the sunlight before finally breaking into mist in the wind.
Marine Base No. 6 No. 6-
A small blue airship slowly descended onto the open ground behind the base.
The Marine Soldiers on guard recognized it at a glance: Shining's personal transport, the Thunderhawk.
The hatch opened.
Shining was the first to step out.
His silver-gray hooded trench coat gleamed faintly in the sunlight, while blue-white arcs traced a lazy curve across his black, ball-lightning head.
He stretched, tiny arcs crackling over his body.
All the Marine Soldiers stationed nearby saluted when they saw Shining emerge.
"Whoa-no need to be so formal..."
An exclamation mark appeared on Shining's face.
"Yes, sir!"
After their synchronized response, the soldiers returned to their posts.
Word of Shining rescuing Marine officers and soldiers during the Paramount War had already spread through the middle and lower ranks.
They had a very positive impression of this "Advisor" and hardly mentioned his status as a Shichibukai anymore.
"Horo~ horo~ horo~-we've arrived-the Sabaody Archipelago~!"
A figure with pink spiral twin tails leaped out from behind Shining. Her slender, fair arms wrapped around his neck.
Today, Perona wore a black gothic Lolita outfit with black-and-white striped knee socks and little red leather boots. Her decorative little red crown flashed in the sunlight.
"...Whoa-so bright..."
Caught by the flash of sunlight, Perona let go of Shining and shrank back into the shade.
"It's not your first time here..."
Shining turned and reached out to ruffle her hair. Perona huffed but did not dodge.
Kessoku Band held a group outing about once a month, usually choosing a tourist island.
Since the Gold City Incident,