Following their planned route, after a period of rest, Leno and his crew finally passed through Reverse Mountain and sailed into the South Blue.
Compared to the other seas, the South Blue was a rather unique region. Pirate activity here was much less rampant, and the sea was relatively peaceful. The region was famous for its advanced machinery and technology—many renowned craftsmen hailed from these islands, and their inventions had a deep influence on the entire world.
"Ah~ it's so calm here," Nami said, leaning on the rail, enjoying the sea breeze and the tranquility of the open waters.
Unlike their earlier voyage through the West Blue, this sea wasn't swarming with pirates or chaos—it was quiet, almost too quiet.
"Yeah," Yamato said, stretching lazily. "We've been in the South Blue for a while now, but we've only seen a few merchant ships. Where are all the pirates?"
Nojiko chuckled. "Why? You hoping to find some?"
"Not exactly," Yamato grinned sheepishly. "I just… feel like sparring with someone."
"Oh? You're itching for a fight?"
Leno's voice drifted from behind her, calm but carrying a faint edge. Yamato stiffened instantly, her body going rigid as she turned her head mechanically.
"Heh… just kidding, captain."
"You said you wanted to get stronger. Have you finished the training I assigned you?"
"Uh… not yet."
Yamato lowered her head, guilt coloring her voice.
Leno sighed inwardly. Ever since she'd seen him defeat Kaido, she'd been pestering him nonstop to teach her how to grow stronger. He had eventually relented and crafted a training regimen for her—but Yamato had the attention span of a child. She'd start full of enthusiasm, only to give up and slack off soon after.
He hadn't wanted her to waste such potential, but seeing her so happy and carefree, he hadn't pushed too hard—until now.
"Then what are you waiting for? Go train, or you'll stay weak forever."
"Okay~"
Head drooping, Yamato trudged back toward the cabin.
Nojiko laughed softly. "Leno, you don't have to be so strict with her. She's still new on the ship. Let her adjust a bit first."
"She's got incredible talent, and her Devil Fruit power is no joke," Leno replied evenly. "If she doesn't take it seriously, it'd be a waste."
He glanced toward the sea as he continued, "She's spent her whole life trapped on Onigashima. Now that she's finally free, she's lost all restraint. If I don't keep her grounded now, she'll lose her way later."
Nojiko smiled faintly, her voice soft. "You're right… You always think ahead, don't you?"
Leno slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close as they stood together at the bow, letting the wind brush past them.
"I just don't want her to regret it someday."
Nojiko blushed but didn't pull away, resting quietly against him.
Seeing the two so close, Nami huffed in mock annoyance and stormed over, wedging herself between them.
"Idiot Leno! Don't go acting all smooth and serious. Nojiko, don't fall for his tricks!"
"Nojiko, why do you always let Nami ruin the mood?" Leno teased with a grin.
"Nami, why are you always undermining Leno?"
Nojiko felt helpless watching Nami's unreasonable behavior. The two of them had been at odds since childhood.
Recalling the time when the three of them were together as children, and the dreams they spoke of then, Nojiko's face visibly flushed deep red.
"Hey, Nojiko, why's your face all red?" Nami asked curiously.
"It's… nothing!" she stammered.
"Wait—what's that?" Nami suddenly pointed toward the horizon. "Is that land?"
Leno looked up. "You're right. It's land. Nojiko, tell everyone to get ready—we're docking soon."
"Got it," she said, reluctantly stepping out of his embrace.
Before long, the Gale found a safe harbor and docked.
As the crew disembarked and headed into the port city, they were struck by how desolate it felt.
"This place looks abandoned," Carmen murmured. "The port's big enough for trade, but everything feels… dead."
Robin's eyes scanned the people on the streets, her expression darkening. "Look at them. Their eyes are lifeless… there's no spirit left in them."
After gathering information from a nearby tavern, they learned that the island was part of the Kingdom of St. Dorea, a member of the World Government. To pay the Celestial Tribute, the king and nobles had continuously raised taxes, driving the people into poverty and despair.
And apparently, this port city was one of the better ones. In other towns, people were starving, and riots were already beginning to form.
"That bastard of a king deserves to be smashed into paste!" Yamato growled, slamming her Kanabo into the ground, fury blazing in her eyes.
"Calm down, Yamato," Robin said seriously. "Even if you kill the king, it won't fix anything. The nobles will just choose another puppet. The people's suffering will go on."
Yamato blinked, then clenched her fists. "Then I'll just smash them all!"
The rest of the crew exchanged weary glances.
Leno looked around at the starving, hollow-eyed citizens and said quietly, "If you kill them all, it'll only make things worse."
"Huh? Then… what should we do?" Yamato asked, frustration building.
"We don't do anything," Leno replied coldly. "This country's too far gone. We can't save it."
Yamato's mouth opened, but Nojiko quickly caught her arm. "Let's trust Leno for now. We'll wait and see."
Though clearly unhappy, Yamato nodded reluctantly and fell silent, following the group through the ruined streets.
The grim silence hung heavy—until a sudden burst of gunfire shattered it.
From a nearby street corner came the sounds of shouting and chaos.
They turned toward the noise—and saw a mob of ragged citizens clashing violently with a line of armed royal soldiers. Gunfire, screams, and shouts filled the air as the battle erupted in the heart of the city.
Leno's eyes narrowed sharply. Something about this scene didn't feel right.