"Ah—"
A relaxed sigh escaped Mike's lips.
The warm, mineral-rich water of the hot spring gently lapped against his skin, and the fragrant steam filling the air seemed to melt away every last bit of tension from his body.
This was true bliss!
Beside him, Crocodile lay sprawled against the stone edge of the spring, looking more relaxed than he had in years.
After working his men to the bone all night to miraculously restore the Yuba oasis, Mike had insisted the Warlord join them.
Crocodile, seeing no reason to refuse such a "friendly" gesture, had grudgingly agreed.
"Captain Mike, you must be tired," a gentle voice purred.
A beautiful attendant clad in a tasteful bikini gracefully approached him with a tray of freshly squeezed juices.
She knelt by the edge of the spring, offering a glass to Mike.
"Please, have some juice. It's refreshing."
Mike smiled faintly, accepting the drink.
The sweet and tangy flavor blossomed on his tongue, invigorating his spirit.
"I am a bit tired, though I haven't done much of the work," he admitted, his gaze shifting to Crocodile with a look of genuine satisfaction.
"Good job, Crocodile. This trip to Alabasta has been most satisfactory."
"Nothing pleases me more than hearing that, Captain," Crocodile exhaled in relief, finally certain that his life was no longer in immediate danger.
As Mike settled back into the water, another attendant began to gently massage his shoulders, her delicate hands expertly working out the knots.
"This kneading and pressing…" he murmured to himself, a faint smile on his lips.
"The perfect balance of firm and gentle. Who could resist it?"
The air was filled with the soft, bubbling sound of the spring, and a comfortable silence settled over the four men—Mike, Crocodile, Smoker, and Kuro—each lost in their own moment of relaxation.
"You really know how to enjoy yourself, kid," Smoker chuckled under his breath, his eyes half-lidded.
He had to admit, since throwing his lot in with Mike, life had become… better.
The training was intense, but the downtime was genuinely relaxing, and his pockets had mysteriously grown heavier.
'This golden goose…' he thought, 'I have to hold on tight to him.'
Suddenly, a new voice, as cold as the ice it commanded, shattered the tranquil atmosphere.
"Smoker, you've fallen too."
Smoker's eyes snapped open.
Admiral Kuzan, also known as Aokiji, was stepping into the hotspring, a towel wrapped around his waist.
"Hmph. Kuzan," Smoker grunted. "Finally decided to show up?"
Kuzan let out a lazy chuckle.
"I've been here for a while," he said, his eyes scanning the bizarre assembly of men.
"Didn't want to interrupt your… money-making pleasures." He then walked over to Mike and extended a hand, his gaze carrying a strange depth.
"Our first time meeting properly. Admiral of Marine Headquarters—Kuzan."
Mike smiled and shook his hand firmly.
"Headquarters Captain—Mike."
The atmosphere shifted subtly.
The young women massaging Mike's back tactfully withdrew, leaving the men space to converse.
"I know who you are," Kuzan said, slowly settling into the hot water, a slight wince on his face as the heat clashed with his Devil Fruit power.
"Smoker's mentioned you plenty—the man who cuts through the sky."
"Oh?" Mike smirked. "Smokey didn't badmouth me, did he?"
"No," Kuzan said, his gaze growing solemn.
"He mentioned many of your… unique qualities." His tone turned serious.
"Which brings me to my question. I'd like to discuss something with you Mike."
"Discuss is a strong word. Go ahead and ask, Admiral."
Kuzan's words fell lightly, yet they carried an undeniable weight that seemed to silence the bubbling water.
"How do you view 'Justice'?"
The question hung in the air, a stone dropped into the quiet lake of Mike's heart, sending ripples across its surface.
....
Outside the hot springs inn, the wind rustled the brass bell hanging by the door, producing a faint, lonely chime.
At that moment, a breathless staff member burst into the owner's office, his face frantic with tension.
"Boss, it's bad!"
The owner looked up from his desk.
"What's got you so worked up?"
"Because the hot springs were booked by Sir Crocodile for his honored guests," the staff member nearly shouted.
"No one else is allowed in! But now, a group of people are trying to force their way inside!"
"What?!" The owner shot to his feet, shock spreading across his face.
"Who would dare do that? Do they know who's in there right now?!"
The staff member swallowed hard, his voice trembling.
"They claim to be… the division commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates… and the Straw Hat Pirates!"
"?!?!"