The vacation time passed quickly.
Originally, Rin had planned to destroy Enies Lobby—there wasn't much reason behind it. Back when he used to watch the anime, he simply found Spandam extremely irritating. But now that he had officially become one of the Shichibukai, he still needed this identity and the time it bought to continue developing.
Naturally, it was impossible to make a move against the judicial island under such circumstances.
Therefore
After the vacation, Rin made a decision. "Let's head for the Sabaody Archipelago. From there, we'll go to Fishman Island. If we've entered the Grand Line and don't go there, we can't really call ourselves great pirates."
On the ship, upon hearing this, Casa's eyes lit up with interest. "Fishman Island? I've never been there before."
"Fishman Island? Is that the island where all the fishmen live?" Artoria asked curiously.
"I'm also quite interested in fishmen," Enel said with his usual smirk, electricity crackling faintly around him.
"Fishman Island, okay! Okay! Let's go!" Little Klar clapped her hands excitedly. Klar's presence had been kept deliberately low during this time not by accident, but as part of Rin's intention. He didn't want her to appear openly alongside them just yet.
After all, Klar was still young. If she constantly appeared in public with the rest of the crew, the Marines might list her as an official member of the Pandora Pirates. Once she was given a bounty, it wouldn't be good for her future.
Especially considering Klar would eventually become a key member of the Revolutionary Army it was better if the World Government didn't pay her too much attention for now.
That aside
In the first half of the Grand Line, Sabaody Archipelago and Fishman Island were undoubtedly the most attention-grabbing islands. After all, they marked the final checkpoint for any pirate aiming to enter the New World. And Fishmen, being one of the most well-known humanoid races in the world, naturally drew curiosity and interest from many.
Unfortunately, many of those drawn to Fishman Island were actually slave traders.
"Well, since that's our next destination, let's pick up the pace and set course." Rin waved his hand.
"Roger that, Captain." Casa responded cheerfully, giving a quick nod before adjusting their heading and pushing the ship to full speed.
The ship surged forward.
Now that Rin was officially recognized as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, they were often approached by pirates seeking to challenge his authority. However, Rin didn't care about those small fries. Without needing to lift a finger himself, Enel easily disposed of every single challenger using his Logia abilities and Goro Goro no Mi powers.
———
Because it was still quite a journey to Sabaody Archipelago—
Rin relaxed on a deck chair under the sun.
Artoria was beside him, lying similarly relaxed. She had been spending more and more time near Rin lately. Close enough that he could smell the fresh and elegant scent coming from her skin. It was hard not to notice.
"Rin…"
Artoria suddenly called out to him, her voice so soft that only the two of them could hear it.
"Hm? What is it?" Rin turned his head, glancing at her curiously.
"I wanted to ask you something," Artoria said. A light flush rose on her cheeks, and she looked a little shy, clearly hesitant about the question.
Rin wasn't oblivious. Seeing Artoria's expression, he had some guesses about what she wanted to ask.
Artoria's voice was quiet as she spoke. "Rin… Do you have someone you like?"
"Uh…"
Even though he had somewhat expected the question, Rin still felt a bit awkward when it actually came out of her mouth.
Seeing her crimson cheeks and anxious gaze, Rin hesitated for only a moment before replying honestly. "There are two."
"Two…"
Hearing that, Artoria nodded slowly. Two wasn't too many. In her mind, it was acceptable. Back in the days of the British Empire she came from, it was normal for powerful men to have harems so long as they were worthy of them.
After a pause, she asked again, eyes hopeful. "Can you tell me who they are?"
"Hmm…"
Rin nodded and smiled. "One is a girl from the same kendo dojo I trained in. The daughter of the dojo master. Her name is Kuina. She had a dream one I always admired."
"And the other?" Artoria asked, her gaze locked on his face.
This time, Rin smiled more openly and said, "The other one is you."
"R-Really…?"
Artoria asked with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. But the upturned corners of her mouth already gave away the joy rising in her heart.
"Of course."
Rin nodded firmly, then reached out to take Artoria's delicate hand in his own. His voice was solemn. "I mean it."
Looking into his serious face—
Artoria's heart started pounding wildly, like a galloping horse. Her fingers trembled slightly.
"I… I like you too." She finally spoke, her voice almost a whisper, but steady.
It had taken all her courage to say those words.
She knew chances like this didn't come often. If she missed the timing now, the gap between them might remain forever. She didn't want that.
She didn't want to lose this chance to open her heart.
Seeing her flushed expression and hearing her confession, Rin chuckled softly sincerely happy.
He leaned down, his lips close to her ear. "I already knew."
"You" Artoria began to respond, but before she could finish
Something pressed softly against her lips.
She had been kissed.
It was sudden, a bit bold.
But although she was startled at first, she didn't resist. After just a moment of surprise, she gently reached up, wrapped her arms around Rin's neck, and kissed him back.
Artoria wasn't the type to care what others thought.
She was strong and bold.
So even if Enel, Casa, and Klar were nearby, she didn't mind at all.
Off to the side
Casa had turned his head to look over when he noticed some movement. Seeing the kiss, he was momentarily stunned.
Then, without hesitation, he turned away, mumbling to himself, "Finally! These two have been flirting for ages took them long enough. But now, I'm going to be a third wheel all the time, aren't I? What a pain."
Next to him
Enel's expression twitched. The corner of his mouth curled slightly as he sighed. Without looking again, he turned his gaze away and returned to eating his apple, as if it were the most important thing in the world.
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