The setting sun poured over the horizon like molten gold, tinting the boundless blue a brilliant orange.
The waters of the New World were always full of uncertainty.
Towering waves never ceased. Sometimes snow avalanched from the sky, sometimes the skies were perfectly clear, sometimes raindrops as big as ships fell, and sometimes hailstones even larger than ships came down.
It was as though the sea were warning intruders.
Yet a pirate ship was cutting through the wind and waves on those treacherous waters.
Despite the turbulent sea, the pirate ship sailed as smoothly as though it were on level ground.
That ship was the Lott Pirates' Skybreaker.
"What merciless waters. Let's hope we don't capsize, or all the Devil Fruit users aboard will end up feeding the fish."
"Hey, hey, hey, Robin, don't say such scary things!"
On deck, Ling'er clung to Robin's arm, her whole body hanging off her, her face filled with fear.
"Robin-chan, stop scaring the child," Nami said as she walked over to Robin.
Seeing Nami approach, Ling'er immediately released Robin's arm and ran behind Nami, watching Robin warily.
"Hehe."
Just then, Robin's voice sounded behind Ling'er.
Ling'er turned her head and saw Robin's figure gradually materializing amid fluttering cherry blossoms behind her.
"Ah! Nami!" Ling'er immediately darted in another direction.
Snap!
With a snap of Robin's fingers, five figures of Robin appeared around Ling'er.
Ling'er could only bury her head in the crook of Nami's arm.
Just then, a soft, sweet voice spoke up. "Ling'er, don't be afraid. I can swim. I definitely won't let you become fish food."
Hearing this, Ling'er raised her head, and the fear on her face instantly vanished without a trace.
"Oh, right! With Shirahoshi here, what do I have to fear?"
Issho stroked his beardless chin and said,