At the edge of the camp, the bonfire blazed, crackling loudly.
Masha sat on a flat reef rock, holding clean medical gauze.
Carrot lay obediently on a blanket, her two long rabbit ears drooping beside her head.
Masha wrapped the gauze around Carrot's shoulder, her movements very gentle.
Masha asked, "Does it hurt, child?"
"Not at all! You're really good at bandaging, Aunt Masha! Karuchu!"
Carrot lifted her face with a radiant smile, then picked up a carrot and took big bites.
Lorne walked over to them and stopped.
He looked down at the gradually healing wounds on Carrot's body, then turned his gaze to Masha's face, which was full of affection.
The monsters of the New World had already bared their fangs.
Kaido and Charlotte Linlin would never swallow this insult.
On the voyage ahead, they could face an annihilating assault at any moment.
Lorne asked, "Mom, how are her wounds?"
"This child has a strong constitution. The bleeding has completely stopped, and all her bones have been properly set."
Masha put the remaining gauze back into the medicine chest.
She looked up at Lorne and asked, "You were drawing a nautical chart on the ship earlier. Were you planning our next route?"
Lorne nodded. "Yes. I was originally planning to head straight to Zou."
"The situation in the New World is treacherous, and monsters run rampant."
"You captured two important officers of the Four Emperors this time. They'll definitely come after you like madmen for revenge."
Masha stood up, worry in her eyes.
She continued, "If I stay here, I'll only hold you back."
Lorne clenched his fists and said firmly, "I won't let anyone hurt you."
"But you're right. The battles ahead will be far more intense than anything before."
"I can't let you stay aboard a