"Exactly one year since you left home. Let me summarize—you're now hailed as the World's Greatest Swordsman with a bounty of 3.276 billion Berries, correct?"
"Mhm."
"And this so-called 'Sea Emperor' title seems incredibly prestigious. The entire Marine Headquarters, along with the Warlords of the Sea, can barely maintain balance against you all?"
"Mhm."
"And besides Kuina and Robin, you've added another pretty girl named Bonney to your crew?"
"Mhm—Wait, huh??? Nami must've been spouting nonsense on the phone with you! That girl's still a kid! Mom, what's with all these questions? What are you trying to say?"
"What do you think?!"
At the dining table, Bellemere angrily twisted Xiano's ear and snapped:
"You're already nineteen—that means your twentieth year has begun! By traditional reckoning, you're practically twenty-one! You've made a name for yourself, surrounded by beautiful women your age, yet you're still all alone. What do you think I'm trying to say?"
Xiano's eye twitched.
So you rushed back from Shimotsuki Village to Cocoyashi just to nag me about marriage?!
Cocoyashi Village doesn't even follow that "traditional age" nonsense. Did staying at Isshin Dojo for so long infect you with Wano Country's bad habits?
He hated that "traditional age" crap!
"Someone not even forty yet is in a hurry to become a grandma?"
Xiano grabbed a honey-glazed rib and took a big bite:
"Mmm, delicious… By the way, did you come back alone, or did Koshiro send someone with you?"
When it came to placating his mom, the best tactic was to let her words go in one ear and out the other while changing the subject.
It worked.
Bellemere's attention immediately shifted. She exhaled a smoke ring and sighed:
"I sailed back myself. A child at the dojo fell seriously ill, and I'd been helping care for them for days. Once I left, Koshiro had to take over—he couldn't get away."
"Otherwise, he would've loved to come see you. He also asked me to pass along a message: Sanji and Zoro officially set sail at the beginning of the year."
"Oh?"
Xiano was slightly surprised.
If he remembered right, those two were only sixteen.
Even Ace and Luffy waited until seventeen before setting out. These two left even earlier.
Seems Kuina's rise to fame under his wing over the past year had lit a fire under those brats.
He wondered if they were sailing together or competing separately.
If Zoro went solo on his own ship…
Well, he might just get lost and drift straight to Laugh Tale.
"Looking forward to meeting them in the New World someday."
Xiano laughed heartily, downing his bowl of corn chowder in one go before patting his full belly in satisfaction. "So good. Really missed this taste."
"Cut the act."
Bellemere flicked her cigarette ash, unimpressed. "With that old man Zeff around, you're really lacking good food?"
"Someone's jealous~"
Xiano smirked. "It's not the same. No famous chef can compare to home cooking."
"Oh?"
Bellemere snorted, though the corners of her lips betrayed a slight upward curl.
Fine, she'd take the brat's words at face value.
She stubbed out her cigarette butt and stood up to clear the dishes:
"Alright, enough flattery. Go take a shower and change your clothes. You were so drunk last night you passed out straight away, and now you reek. What kind of state is that?"
"That can wait. Let's talk business first."
Xiano helped clear the dishes. "I bet Nami already tipped you off over the Den Den Mushi the moment I stepped out. After all these days, have you thought it over? Will you come with me to the New World?"
"Huh?"
Bellemere paused mid-motion, looking up at Xiano in surprise. "I thought Nami was just teasing me. You're serious about this?"
"Of course."
Xiano gathered the dishes and, as he passed Bellemere, turned his head with a grin. "I already have two territories over there, and there'll be more in the future. You can live wherever you like."
"If you get bored and miss the three of us, just come aboard my ship. Stay wherever you want. I didn't bring you along before and made you leave your hometown because I was afraid of dragging you into trouble."
He winked. "But things are different now. In this world, no one can harm my dear mom anymore."
"Big talk."
Bellemere kicked at him irritably. "Forget the dishes—go brush your teeth first!"
Xiano brought his right hand to his mouth, exhaled, and sniffed… Yep, definitely reeked of alcohol.
"Right."
The Sea Emperor obediently set down the dishes and went to grab his toothbrush and toothpaste.
"Ara, leaving the East Blue to see the world outside?"
Bellemere leaned against the windowsill, resting her chin on one hand as she gazed at the lush orange trees in the yard, smiling faintly.
"All these years, my greatest wish was to see you, Nami, and Nojiko grow up safely and to save up a hefty sum. Now you're all doing well, and I've got enough money. I suppose I really can relax and chase my own dreams now."
"Chasing dreams? I support that with both hands—and feet!"
Xiano spat out a mouthful of foam and turned back cheerfully. "So, does that mean you're saying yes?"
"Mhm. My luggage is still packed from Shimotsuki Village, so no need to repack."
Bellemere was straightforward by nature. Once she made a decision, she didn't hide it. She grinned.
"Once you finish the dishes, we can set off right away!"
She returned to the table, took out paper and pen, and began scribbling something.
Xiano finished brushing his teeth and came back to clear the dishes. Noticing this, he asked casually,
"What are you writing?"
"A dream travel list!"
Bellemere snapped her fingers. "Totto Land, Elbaf the Giant Kingdom, Dressrosa the Kingdom of Love, Passion, and Fairies… I've wanted to visit these places for ages. We can check them off one by one. Hmm… But the place I want to see most is this one… I don't think I can get there on my own. Might need your help to make it happen."
"Where?"
Xiano leaned over to peek. It couldn't be Marine Headquarters, could it?
That place was certainly… unique.
Bellemere had been a Marine once. Marine Headquarters might well have been the holy land she once dreamed of, but back then, her qualifications, strength, and achievements had all fallen short. As an ordinary sailor, she'd never had the right to set foot inside.
If it were him stepping forward, Sengoku would likely give him some face.
For instance, urgently recalling the Three Admirals and assembling fifty thousand elite troops...
"Huh?" Xiano paused when he saw where Bellemere's pen was pointing. "The Red Line?"
"Yep!"
Bellemere looked up excitedly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I heard that from the top of the Red Line, you can see the entire world—all four seas, the Calm Belt... everything at a glance! Back when I was following my superiors to Loguetown for an exchange, I caught a glimpse of the towering Red Line in the distance. I've never forgotten it and always wanted to climb up there!"
That's it?
Xiano scratched his head, both amused and exasperated. "Bellemere, your dream is way too simple. The Red Line? I can take you there right now."
"Really?"
Bellemere's eyes lit up, but then she hesitated. "But that's territory directly controlled by the World Government. Given your current status, wouldn't it be..."
"Relax. The Red Line is huge. Aside from that damned Holy Land Mariejois, which is a bit risky, I can come and go as I please anywhere else."
They could just pick a spot near Reverse Mountain, somewhere closest to Cocoyashi Village in a straight line. It wouldn't take much time.
"Let's go, Bellemere. Time to head out!"
"What's the rush? I haven't finished my list yet. Go on, go wash the dishes first."
"Oh, right. Almost forgot..."
...
That same morning.
After briefly bidding farewell to Genzo, Man-Scar, and the others, Xiano left Cocoyashi Village with Bellemere.
The two sped off on a Floating Motorcycle, racing straight toward Reverse Mountain.
"Lucky her."
Genzo stood at the dock, watching their retreating figures with envy.
Bellemere really hit the jackpot. If only he had such a capable son...
What was he even thinking? He scratched his head, then paused when something felt off. Taking off his patrol cap, he gaped in shock.
Huh?
Where's my little pinwheel?
...
"We're almost there, Bellemere! See it?"
After two days and nights, the roar of the Floating Motorcycle's engine filled the air as the outline of the Red Line gradually came into view.
The towering mountain wall stretched endlessly, vanishing into the horizon like the spine of the world, piercing straight into the clouds.
Bellemere leaned out from the backseat, tilting her head up. Her pupils dilated slightly, and her breath unconsciously slowed.
"It's... breathtaking," she murmured, her voice tinged with awe.
"It'll be even more breathtaking up close."
Xiano parked the motorcycle on a reef, storing it in a capsule before extending his hand, palm up. "Here, hold on tight."
Bellemere hesitated for a moment before tightening her fingers around his. "We're... flying up?"
"Pretty much."
Xiano laughed heartily, then suddenly kicked off the ground—
"Here we go!"
A shockwave erupted beneath their feet as their figures shot into the sky like arrows loosed from a bow.
"WAAAH—!!"
Tears and snot sprayed from Bellemere's face as she instinctively clung to her foster son's arm. The wind howled in her ears, and the weightlessness sent her heart pounding wildly...
But soon.
The sight before her stole all her attention.
The dusk was upon them as clouds brushed past, and the sunlight pierced through the thin mist, painting the cliffs of the Red Line in a fiery gold.
The islands and ocean below rapidly shrank into specks of green, embedded in the endless expanse of blue.
"This…"
Bellemere's breath hitched slightly as she stared dumbfounded at the scenery she had never seen before.
Xiano began to slow down, bringing her to a steady landing atop the Red Line.
Whoosh…
The wind rushed in from all directions, tousling her hair. Bellemere stood dazedly at the edge, where beneath her feet was a sheer cliff and before her eyes stretched the vast and boundless Grand Line.
Where the sea met the sky, it seemed like the very end of the world.
She remained silent for a long, long time before wiping the corner of her eye and turning with a smile to the spirited young man before her, speaking softly:
"This is wonderful, Xiano."
Her life had been a bit tough, to be honest. She had lost her parents at a very young age and nearly starved to death in her own home.
It was the kindness of the villagers that raised her, though they often found themselves exasperated by her antics, calling her a mischievous fool.
"Bellemere! Did you steal all the coconuts from the village entrance again?"
"Hey, Bellemere! You little rascal! Did you release all the fish I spent the whole day catching in that barrel?!"
"Hah? Bellemere! You say you want to join the Marines? No way, hahaha! The Marines are strict—they'd never take in a troublemaker like you!"
Amid the scolding, there was always laughter laced with helplessness. The adults would shake their heads while stuffing freshly baked bread into her hands.
She had thought she would live carefree forever, stumbling through life until she grew old in a daze.
Until she actually became a Marine, fighting for the justice she believed in, and on that rain-soaked battlefield of despair, she took in those two pitiful little girls and a black-haired brat.
Suddenly, someone needed her to be a "reliable adult."
She began clumsily learning to cook porridge (often burning it), awkwardly mending socks full of holes, and bending her back in exhaustion in the tangerine groves…
All to raise three hungry little idiots who, in turn, gave her life new meaning.
And now.
More than a decade had passed in the blink of an eye…
That brat who once needed her care had grown into a man the entire world had to look up to. And today, he had brought her to stand at the very top of the world.
"This is wonderful, Xiano."
Bellemere gazed at the distant sunset and murmured the words again.
Xiano smiled but said nothing.
He simply stood beside her, handing her two red bean buns before tearing into his own, quietly watching the sea together with her.
After who knows how long,
Xiano finally spoke:
"Let's watch a little longer. We'll set off once the sun has completely set."
"Alright."
Truth be told, Xiano hadn't planned to waste time on the journey.
He had Kuma use his ability to send him flying here, and for the return trip to the New World, he intended to rely on the power of the Teleportation Staff to go back directly.
Two thousand Points per person—four thousand for two—was a steep price, but it would save at least half a month of travel time. For Xiano now, it was manageable.
But he had changed his mind.
They would ride along the edge of the Calm Belt all the way back to the New World.
Isn't it only natural for a grown boy to spend more time with his mother?
...
The last rays of the setting sun stretched long golden-red ribbons across the sea as Xiano and Bellemere sat atop the Red Line, watching the final sliver of light sink below the horizon.
"Time to set off."
Xiano stretched and turned to his mother. "The road ahead might get a bit exciting. Ready for it?"
Bellemere scoffed, stuffing the last bite of her red bean bun into her mouth before dusting off her hands.
"Don't look down on me, brat! Excitement is exactly what I'm after! Remember when I rowed you three brats through that storm? You were clinging to my waist so tight you wouldn't let go!"
"Who remembers that stuff?!"
Xiano burst into laughter as he retrieved a Floating Motorcycle from a capsule, flicking it open with his fingers.
"Hold tight."
Xiano mounted the bike, and Bellemere nimbly jumped onto the back seat.
With a roar of the engine, the motorcycle lifted into the air, shooting off the cliff and plunging straight down the rocky face of the Red Line.
Simultaneously, Bellemere's scream pierced the air—
"AAAAAH! You brat! Who goes down like this?!"
...
One hour later.
The Floating Motorcycle cruised smoothly across the Calm Belt, with Bellemere puffing her cheeks in irritation, arms crossed angrily.
In front of her, Xiano drove the bike with a pitiful expression, his ears bright red from being twisted and three large bumps still swelling on his head, faint smoke rising from them.
Women, truly creatures whose words and actions never match.
Even mothers are no exception.
Along the way, terrifyingly massive Sea Kings occasionally noticed the speeding motorcycle, lowering their bodies menacingly as they charged toward it.
But the moment they got close, their bodies would suddenly stiffen, and the next instant, as if frightened by something, they'd turn tail and flee in panic.
"These big guys sure know their place."
Bellemere raised an eyebrow. "Do they read the papers? Know you're a Sea Emperor?"
"It's Conqueror's Haki..."
Xiano sighed. "Speaking of which, Mom, you have it too, don't you?"
"Me? No way!"
"Then how come your hits hurt so much? Even Navy Admirals and Warlords of the Sea can barely manage that, you know... huh?"
Xiano suddenly braked, looking up in surprise at what lay ahead.
Speak of the Warlord, and the Warlord appears?
"What's up?" Bellemere curiously leaned forward, following Xiano's gaze.
At the edge of their vision, a uniquely designed large Pirate ship sailed slowly into view.
The ship's prow was pulled by two giant snakes, its hull painted in red and black with vermilion sails bearing the Nine Snakes skull emblem.
Everything from the structures on deck to the figures standing by the railings carried a distinct Amazon rainforest aesthetic.
"All women?"
Bellemere immediately noticed the most striking difference, sounding astonished. "There must be a hundred people on that deck, and not a single man in sight?"
Her surprise was mirrored by the female warriors aboard the ship.
"Look! A man!"
"Where? Oh wow, he's really handsome!"
"What's he riding? It looks like a white horse, but so strange..."
Amid the chatter, a cold, haughty voice suddenly rang out from behind:
"Why have we stopped? What's all this noise about?"
"Empress!"
The female warriors immediately halted their movements and respectfully stepped aside to clear a path.
On the deck appeared a tall figure.
Her jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, framing a breathtakingly beautiful face that bore an innate arrogance. Clad in a form-fitting crimson robe, she strode forward in high heels, her slender legs carrying her to the railing where she gazed down with cold, imperious eyes.
(End of Chapter)