On the Chris ship.
As usual, Chris didn't linger on the deck and headed straight for the training room.
"Let's go, we'll chat in the training room."
Sweet Queen looked at Mei Di and Nami, her delicate brows arching as she smiled and spoke.
Mei Di nodded gently, her demeanor elegant and poised.
"Chris is really diligent, isn't he? He never wastes a single moment."
Betty took a drag of her cigarette and said coolly,
"We all call him the 'workaholic.'"
Kalina covered her mouth and laughed, her voice exceptionally pleasant and intoxicating.
"You'll understand later. When I first boarded the ship, I was also shocked by how hard he pushes himself."
The women chatted and laughed as they followed Chris.
Paton bounced around cheerfully, grinning at Bepo.
"The ship is getting livelier and livelier. So fun, hehehe~~"
Bepo held a fishing rod and boasted,
"Today, I'm going to catch more than you. You're doomed to lose!"
Ajin watched the women walk away, his expression cold as he said indifferently,
"The captain is really lucky, surrounded by beautiful women. It's enviable."
"You're too weak to even pick a fight. Damn it!"
Burgess glanced at Ajin with dissatisfaction and walked away.
Doc Q grinned eerily at Ajin.
"These women are all very pretty. Maybe you should try your luck—you might succeed."
"You're always playing with fire. One day, you'll get burned."
Law coldly threw out those words before walking off to train.
Hawkins spoke in a low voice,
"No, he doesn't show signs of death. His life won't end here."
Lafitte twirled his cane and smiled politely.
"This guy just talks big. He wouldn't dare go too far."
"But if I ever get in a bad mood and accidentally kill you, I hope you won't blame me."
Ajin gripped his strange-looking weapons, a cruel smile on his face.
"Don't worry, I'll train hard so I can surpass you soon."
"The vice-captain's position belongs to me!"
On the way back, he had learned about Haki.
Instantly awestruck, he was eager to master such an ability.
After hearing how Chris trained relentlessly every moment, he immediately found his direction.
He would follow Chris's example!!
Even if he had to train until death, he wouldn't hesitate.
Hawkins looked at him with his usual lifeless expression and said calmly,
"You may train fiercely and strive hard."
"But your fate is set—you'll never become vice-captain. That's an unchangeable fact."
Lafitte, however, had high hopes for Ajin. Standing straight with his cane, he encouraged him like a true gentleman.
"You're a ruthless man. I have no doubt you'll train like crazy from now on."
"Say no more. I welcome your challenge anytime—I won't refuse."
"After all, the vice-captain's position is only for the strong!"
Inside the training room.
Kalina looked at Nami, blinking playfully.
"Those guys outside are all ruthless and vicious. They're no fun."
"So when we have nothing to do, we prefer staying here, chatting and relaxing."
Nami tilted her head, puzzled.
"Really? I think everyone seems nice. They don't seem that scary."
Betty leaned back in her chair, legs crossed, and said flatly,
"You're wrong. You just don't know them well enough."
"This ship operates on strength. Chris keeps everyone in line with absolute power."
"That's the only reason they obey. But that doesn't mean anything."
Sweet Queen nodded, smoothing her golden hair.
"Nami, those men are all cold-blooded killers."
"Take Vice-Captain Lafitte, for example. He may smile politely and act gentlemanly, but deep down, he's brutal."
Perona floated in the air, her face scrunched in disgust.
"I hate that Doc Q the most. His smile is creepy, and he's always stirring up trouble."
Reiju rested her chin on her hand, gazing at Bakara with gentle grace.
"Honestly, if anyone else were captain, they'd never be able to control these guys."
Bakara tucked a strand of her deep red hair behind her ear, smiling.
"Don't worry. As long as Chris is here, they'll have no choice but to obey."
"Take that new guy, Ajin. Just one look tells you he's ruthless."
Mei Di, elegant and noble, smiled.
"You can see it in his cold eyes—this man has a vicious heart."
Kalina turned to Nami, advising her.
"Just don't get too close to those guys. Don't trust them too much."
At that moment, a crisp sound rang out.
Bururu bururu...
The women turned toward the source—the Den Den Mushi on the boulder.
Chris stopped training and walked over to answer the call.
"Lord Chris, please come save Big Sister...!"
The Den Den Mushi transformed into Marigold's likeness, her face filled with panic.
At the same time, loud explosions and the sounds of fierce battle could be heard from the other end.
The noise was chaotic.
"...Big Sister is facing a powerful enemy. Her life is in dan..."
Before she could finish, a deafening BOOM came through, and the call abruptly cut off.
With a whoosh, Chris vanished on the spot.
Hearing the urgency in the Den Den Mushi's plea, the women exchanged stunned glances.
They knew the situation must be dire.
"Who was that just now?"
Mei Di looked at them curiously.
Sweet Queen shook her head, frowning.
"I don't know, but the 'Big Sister' she mentioned must be Boa Hancock."
Betty nodded in agreement.
"That Den Den Mushi can only contact her, so it's definitely Boa Hancock."
"The world's most beautiful woman, huh?"
Perona suddenly realized, tilting her head.
"Didn't she say she'd never ask Chris for help? Or did I remember wrong?"
Reiju rolled her eyes.
"Is it strange for someone in danger to ask for help?"
"But Boa Hancock is too proud. She'd never beg Chris—that's for sure."
"This call must have been made by her subordinates behind her back."
Bakara brushed her deep red hair aside, reassuring them.
"Don't worry. Since Chris has gone, everything will be fine."
She turned to Nami with a smile.
"Nami, tell us about the Fishmen. What exactly happened?"
"Oh, right!"
Nami snapped back to reality, laughing awkwardly before explaining.
"Well, the village was peaceful at first..."
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T/N:
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