On the deck of the pseudo-Merry, at the bow.
Sora gazed at the distant horizon where sea met sky.
It was the warmest, brightest time of day, the unbroken azure of sea and sky shimmering with an indescribable clarity. Occasionally, playful fish leaped from the water, their splashes mingling with the morning sun's rays filtering through faint mist, glinting like translucent sapphires.
Yet even this stunning vista couldn't hold Sora's attention.
Creak! Creak! Creak!
The ladder groaned underfoot.
Sora set down his glass, turning to see Kuina ascending the stairs. A spark of awe lit his eyes.
Fresh from her morning training and a shower, Kuina's deep blue hair gleamed like the sea, smooth and radiant. She approached, handing him a comb, her voice soft. "Sora, comb my hair."
Seeing the affection in his eyes, she knew every sacrifice was worth it.
Since learning Sora loved kimonos, she wore only them. Knowing he adored long hair, she let hers grow. Though kimonos and long hair hindered combat, she embraced them without hesitation, her love for Sora unwavering.
She had molded herself into the woman he cherished.
Sora took the comb, gazing at her back as she knelt before him. Gently, he ran it through her silky hair.
He knew her changes, her devotion. This debt of love, he'd repay with his life.
Smoothing her hair, he tied it into a ponytail with a red ribbon, admiring his work. Not bad.
"Done, Kuina."
Kuina stood, turning to meet his smitten gaze. Joyfully, she spun, her pink kimono fluttering like a butterfly, showcasing her beauty for him alone.
Before this woman, who reserved her charm and tenderness for him, Sora pulled her close, letting her rest against him.
Holding her soft frame, inhaling the fresh scent of her bath soap and her unique fragrance, he spoke with deep affection. "Kuina, in two years, when you're eighteen, let's get married."
Kuina's head snapped up, staring at his gentle face, tears welling like a spring, dripping onto his chest.
She'd thought he'd wait for her to confess first.
Sora smiled, his grin rippling like a clear stream, spreading across his face. Wiping her tears, he teased, "What, not willing?"
Kuina nodded frantically. "I'm willing! I'm willing!"
How could she not be?
"Hahaha!" Sora's laughter burst forth, uncontainable.
No girlfriend in his past life, yet at seventeen in this one, he had a fiancée.
Pretty thrilling, right?
Kuina buried her face in his chest, cheeks burning, lightly tapping him. Her face flushed, she listened to his steady heartbeat, feeling an unprecedented peace.
Sora's smile softened, his eyes tender. For years, he'd seen Kuina as a sister. But as she grew, relying on him, loving him, changing for him, he couldn't stay unmoved.
Who could resist such a beautiful, devoted woman?
To clarify, I'm not a lolicon or into raising girls! he thought.
Stroking her satin-smooth hair, Sora looked skyward, his resolve firmer than ever.
This promise matured him, strengthened him.
---
Sailing wasn't simple.
Three days at sea, the first two were thrilling, everything novel. But even the grandest views grew dull after days of nothing but sea.
No ships, no people—just endless water.
No wonder pirates threw parties; boredom was suffocating. At sea, you either trained or lazed like a salted fish.
Sora, fishing at the bow, stared blankly. Manga made fishing look easy. Why's it so hard for me?
Comics lie.
"Sigh."
Kuina approached with two colas, hearing his sigh. "What's wrong?"
"Three days, and not a single ship!" Sora grumbled, taking the cola. Isn't this the Great Pirate Era? Aren't pirates everywhere? Why's it so empty? Is East Blue too big, or are other ships just lucky?
Shaking the glass, ice clinked melodiously. He chugged, the icy cola hitting his stomach. Burping, he exhaled a white puff.
"Refreshing!"
Kuina giggled, her smile a faint glow. She took his glass, setting it on the table.
"No rush. It's only day three. We should reach Baratie today," she said, licking her lips. "I hear it's a sea restaurant with East Blue's best chefs."
"Little glutton," Sora teased, tapping her head.
Kuina feigned pain, clutching her head, her misty eyes glaring. "Hmph! Don't pretend you're not curious!"
Sora swallowed, looking away. "I'm just intrigued by someone running a restaurant at sea, not the food!"
He nodded firmly. "Yup, that's it."
Seeing through his bluff, Kuina didn't press. She gently took his hand, holding it close, joining him to fish.
Since their engagement, she'd grown softer, more playful. Ahua and the others swore she was possessed—she'd smiled at them, a first. They'd been dodging her, fearing trouble.
"Huh?"
Sora's rod bent, the line taut.
"A fish?"
Kuina released his hand, rushing to the railing, peering into the sea.
Sora gripped the rod, yanking hard.
The calm sea churned, the ship rocking. A bulge rose, water cascading to reveal a massive blue-yellow shadow.
The creature loomed, its broad forehead and sharp-fanged maw casting a shadow. Blood-red eyes glared at Sora.
Sora, in the shade, looked up, shouting, "It's you, Lord of the Coast!"
Dropping the rod, he rubbed his chin, addressing it seriously. "Do you know the one near Windmill Village? That guy's fierce—bit off Red-Hair's arm years ago. Bet it brags about that forever."
Raising his right hand, he gave an encouraging look, his chuunibyou soul igniting. "Come on! I'll make my mark in East Blue too!"
The Lord of the Coast didn't understand, but it sensed mockery in Sora's eyes. Pausing, it slammed down like a meteor.
Bang!
It felt like hitting steel, stars bursting in its vision.
Shaking its head, it noticed a broken tooth on the deck, feeling wronged. I was just cruising with a fish friend when this hook caught my mouth. Fine, hook me—but who'd think this guy could yank me up? And break my best tooth?
"Sora, stop playing. Three o'clock, a ship!" Alo yelled from the crow's nest.
"Where?" Ahua, slacking in the kitchen, raced out with a cleaver, leaning over the railing.
They ignored the Lord of the Coast, fixated on the ship—especially if it was a pirate's.
Sora's eyes flashed red, sensing with Observation Haki. A big ship, way larger than ours.
He apologized to the creature. "Sorry, no time to play. Gotta send you off."
Sensing danger, the Lord of the Coast shrank back, diving for the sea.
A split-second before Sora finished, a sharp, swift scrape rang out.
Zing!
A silver-white slash tore through the air, slicing the creature's neck, its force piercing the sky.
Clink!
Kuina sheathed her sword. She'd struck as Sora spoke.
Boom!
The Lord of the Coast's massive head plunged into the sea, sinking after a few bobs, its eyes flashing with resentment.
Its lower body lingered upright, unaware of its severed head, blood oozing from the clean cut. A gust toppled it.
Boom!
A larger splash erupted.
(End of Chapter)