"Don't worry," Urouge said seriously, puffing his chest as if the responsibility of divine diplomacy rested on his shoulders. "Thanks to me, Lord Ashveil initially didn't want to see you two because of your... lack of efficiency. But after my gentle persuasion, he reluctantly agreed to meet you. However—" his eyes narrowed, "—your gifts must be perfectly prepared. Not a single mistake is allowed."
Shiki and Zephyr both broke into relieved grins.
"Hahaha! Urouge, we really owe you one!" Shiki said, patting his shoulder. "If Ashveil accepts us, I'll treat you to the best feast the New World has ever seen!"
The two men looked giddy with anticipation, barely able to contain their excitement.
Of course, the gifts they spoke of weren't ordinary. They included rare manga collections and modified game consoles that Ashveil loved. The Whitebeard Pirates had already secured the rest of the treasures from the United Army the day before—those were trophies for the crew. But these… these were offerings of devotion.
As Shiki thought back on yesterday's battle, a chill ran down his spine.
Even in his wildest days, the Golden Lion could never have imagined that level of strength.
---
Ashveil had finished breakfast but wasn't in a hurry to go anywhere. True to his nature, he slouched in his chair, tapping at the keys of his computer as pixelated explosions flashed on the screen. The battle had drained him, and a day of rest felt well-earned.
By the time noon rolled around, he finally stretched and checked the clock.
"Hm… already noon? I guess I should take a walk," he muttered, yawning. "I still haven't seen what Shiki and Zephyr brought."
He slipped on his sandals and strolled toward the Whitebeard Pirates' main hall.
When the doors swung open, every head in the room turned. The casual sight of Ashveil in loose clothes and slippers somehow exuded more presence than an admiral in full regalia.
Golden Lion Shiki and Zephyr immediately straightened, stepping forward with eager smiles. They had once stood at the peak of their respective worlds—one a terror of the seas, the other a legendary Marine hero—but in front of Ashveil, they looked like subordinates awaiting their commander's approval.
"Ashveil-san," Shiki said first, forcing a laugh that barely masked his nerves, "you've finally come! Hahaha, as promised, we've prepared the gifts we discussed."
The once-proud Lion of the Seas now bowed slightly, his trademark arrogance replaced by cautious reverence.
Doflamingo, who stood nearby, could hardly believe his eyes. The last time Shiki had visited, he'd been as insolent as ever—bragging, challenging, even clashing briefly with Whitebeard's commanders.
Now, the same man acted like a tamed beast.
What had Ashveil done to him?
Doflamingo couldn't decide whether to be terrified or impressed.
Even Whitebeard himself, the strongest man in the world, was taken aback. He and Shiki were once rivals on par with Pirate King Roger. For someone of Shiki's pride to lower himself like this… it was unthinkable.
And yet here he was, practically purring like a housecat before Ashveil.
Zephyr stood beside him, grinding his teeth as Shiki's fawning grew worse. The former admiral cursed inwardly. That damned Golden Lion said everything I planned to say first!
Still, when Ashveil approached, Zephyr straightened, forcing a calm, respectful tone. "Ashveil, you've finally come out. These are the gifts we've prepared for you. We hope you'll accept them with a smile."
He bowed deeply, his words steady, his demeanor that of a man addressing a superior officer.
Everyone in the hall watched in silence, expecting Ashveil to acknowledge them, perhaps even announce their acceptance into his ranks.
Instead, Ashveil only tilted his head and replied lazily, "Hm… that depends on your gifts." He rubbed his stomach and gave a small sigh. "But right now, I'm hungry. Food first."
Without another word, he waved a hand dismissively and walked straight past the two men toward the kitchen.
The entire hall froze.
Even Whitebeard blinked.
Ashveil hadn't even looked at them.
Golden Lion Shiki and Zephyr—legends whose names once shook the seas—were completely ignored like background extras in a play.
The silence stretched until it felt unbearable.
"...You've got to be kidding," murmured one of the Whitebeard commanders. "He just walked right past them?"
Another pirate whispered back, "Yeah… and Shiki didn't even react. Is this really the same man who once fought Roger for days?"
Whitebeard frowned. He knew Zephyr's temperament; the former admiral was patient enough not to take offense. But Shiki was a different story. The Golden Lion's temper was infamous. Even a perceived slight could trigger a violent storm.
Worried, Whitebeard approached Shiki cautiously and patted his shoulder. "Hey, Shiki. You should know by now—Ashveil's like that. Don't take it to heart."
Everyone held their breath, expecting an explosion of rage.
But instead, Shiki turned toward Whitebeard and burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahahahaha! Whitebeard, you old fool, have you gone senile? Why would I be angry?" His laughter filled the hall, his grin wide and bright. "You heard him, didn't you? He agreed!"
"Agreed?" Whitebeard repeated, bewildered.
"Of course!" Shiki said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "He said it himself—'depends on your gifts'! That means there's a chance! Once he finishes eating, he'll see them, and if he likes them…"
He clenched his fists, practically trembling with anticipation. "It'll be the greatest honor of my life!"
The hall went silent again, but this time from sheer disbelief.
The once-arrogant Golden Lion Shiki was smiling like a loyal disciple awaiting praise.
Even Zephyr, though annoyed, couldn't help but be impressed. He had known many powerful men in his life, but none who could make Shiki act like this.
Whitebeard chuckled softly and shook his head. "Hah. Seems like even the strongest lions bow to the king."
As the laughter of the crew filled the hall, Ashveil's calm voice could faintly be heard from the kitchen, ordering his lunch.
He hadn't intended it as a command, yet every soul in that hall took it as one.
---