Lorne had barely entered the camp when he saw Carrot holding a grilled fish, her face smeared with black charcoal ash as she ate.
"Slow down. No one's going to steal it from you."
Kuina handed her a clean towel.
"Thank you, big sister Kuina! Karuchu!"
Carrot called out indistinctly, taking the towel and giving her face a hasty wipe.
Her long rabbit ears twitched happily in the air, and her tail kept wagging.
Lorne walked over and sat beside the fire.
"Big guy, my benefactor, are you done?"
Carrot blinked her large eyes, looking at him curiously.
"Yes, it's taken care of."
Lorne picked up a piece of firewood and tossed it into the fire.
Sparks crackled, illuminating Lorne's powerful frame.
Masha sat nearby, mending a damaged Marine uniform with a needle and thread, a gentle smile on her face.
"Lorne, did you say Vice Admiral Garp was coming?"
Masha looked up and asked.
"Yes, Mom."
Lorne looked at his mother.
"I've already asked him to come."
"The New World is going to be very chaotic soon. I'll only feel at ease if you go back to the East Blue with him."
Masha sighed and set down the garment in her hands.
"I know. Staying here would only distract you."
"Those two Emperors aren't to be trifled with."
"Don't worry, Mom."
"There's no one in the New World who can stop me from leaving."
Though Lorne's tone was gentle, it carried absolute confidence.
Carrot sat nearby, gnawing on her fish as she listened to their conversation.
"The Four Emperors? What are they? Are they really strong?"
Carrot asked curiously.
"Four monsters of the sea."
Kuina patiently explained from beside her.
"Each one has the power to destroy a country."
"We just captured their people, so they're bound to come