Quietly hiding behind the two adults, Aileen's little eyes darted around nonstop after overhearing her parents' conversation.
After a long while, a tiny light bulb seemed to flash above her head, and she finally put on a look of sudden realization.
As if afraid of being discovered, the little girl quickly covered her mouth with both hands and slowly retreated.
In her heart, she could only marvel at her mom's move—this maneuver was absolutely incredible!
She inwardly screamed that she had learned something new!
On the other side, Leno led the two downcast sisters back to what used to be their home.
When they opened the door, they found the inside surprisingly clean. It seemed someone came by regularly to tidy the place.
After a brief discussion, the three decided to stay there for the night.
Nami and Nojiko went to the bedroom to sort out the bedding, while Leno, having nothing else to do, stepped outside and sat down on the front steps.
His gaze swept across the courtyard wall, where faint sword marks crisscrossed one another.
Looking at those traces left behind in childhood, Leno's eyes grew distant.
Just a few years ago, several kids had once practiced swordplay and played around here, each making their own vows.
They had been pure and naive, burning with passion as they chased their dreams, filled with longing for the world beyond the sea.
But now, the girl's innocence and fiery spirit were gone, replaced by maturity and resilience.
The boy, meanwhile, had transformed into a notorious criminal whose name shook the seas!
In the blink of an eye, everything had changed.
Thinking back on all that had happened over the years, Leno felt overwhelmed with emotion.
Gazing at the drifting sea of clouds in the distance, he let out a long breath, trying to sort through the tangled thoughts in his heart.
"What are you thinking about, Leno?"
A voice sounded from behind him.
Leno glanced at Nojiko as she came up beside him, reached out to pull her into his arms, and said with a sigh,
"I was thinking… time really flies."
"Yeah. In the blink of an eye, we've all grown up."
And I've already become your woman too. Nojiko smiled as she nudged closer in Leno's arms, settling into a comfortable position.
Her old dream had been to stay with the one she loved forever. Looking at it now, it seemed she was the first to achieve it.
"Leno, have you ever thought about what kind of life you want to live in the future?"
"What kind of life?"
Nami's voice sounded from behind. She walked over and slipped into his arms as well.
With an exasperated look, Leno rubbed her small head before speaking in an indulgent tone.
"In the near future, of course I want to travel around the world with you first~"
"And after traveling the world?"
Nojiko stared intently at Leno, as if waiting for a particular answer.
"Have you thought about it?"
Leno seemed a bit conflicted as he sighed, pondering seriously for a moment before finally saying helplessly,
"I haven't thought that far ahead about what kind of life I'll live later on, but I do have some ideas…"
Nojiko froze for a moment. Though she felt a little disappointed, she was still curious about what Leno was really thinking.
Given his current strength and status, as long as he didn't stir up trouble, he could easily live well with her and all the others.
But if he was determined to carve out a grand future, she would follow him all the way without hesitation.
"Along our journey, we've seen all kinds of people—pirates, Marines, officials of the World Government… what kind of lives do they live?"
Leno frowned slightly, murmuring softly before speaking with a more serious tone.
"What does a person live for, in the end?"
"If someone like me, still young, indulges in enjoyment—enjoying life, good food, love, money, freedom…"
"Squandering wealth others couldn't earn in a lifetime, enjoying power others could never reach—then when I grow old, I'll realize…"
Nami and Nojiko suddenly lifted their heads in his arms. Their emotions were fully hooked now, eyes filled with anticipation as they asked,
"Realize what?"
"—That my life has had no regrets at all!"
Letting out a light breath, Leno relaxed completely, his eyes shining as if he had grasped some profound truth of life.
Nami: "..."
Nojiko: "..."
"Go die, you idiot!"
Nami angrily pounded her small fists against Leno's chest, while Nojiko also gave him an annoyed smack.
Seriously—she had thought this guy was about to say something deep.
Who knew he was just messing with them.
The two sisters exchanged a glance, then broke free from Leno's embrace together and headed back inside.
Feeling his arms now empty, still faintly scented with their fragrance, Leno helplessly pursed his lips.
He was clearly telling the truth, alright?
If you don't enjoy yourself while you're young and strong, indulging to your heart's content, are you supposed to wait until you're old and just cry over beauties you can't have?
Wouldn't that be ridiculous…
While Leno was still sighing inwardly, on the other side, Uta returned to the temple with Gordon after a tiring stroll.
Thinking about how she would soon be setting sail with Leno and the others, and how they might not see each other for a long time, Uta wanted to spend more time with the old man who had worked so hard to raise her.
Back in those years on the island, without Mr. Gordon's help, she probably wouldn't have survived to this day.
She had always worried about what would happen to him after she left.
But after touring Skypiea today, the environment and location here put her much more at ease.
The scenery was beautiful, the place was safe, and there were plenty of residents—at the very least, she wouldn't have to worry about the old man being lonely.
"Uta, after today's outing, an idea suddenly came to me~"
Just as he sat down to catch his breath, Gordon looked at Uta—who was pouring him some tea—with excitement, his eyes practically sparkling.
"I want to set up a music academy here and teach the children music!"
"Huh? That's a great idea. It would be perfect for continuing Elegia's legacy here."
Hearing Gordon's idea, Uta paused with the kettle in her hand, then smiled.
In her heart, she also hoped more people would come to love music, allowing even more people to find joy through it.
And knowing that Gordon could continue doing what he loved put her even more at ease.
"Still, we'll need Lord Leno's approval for this," Gordon said, his brow knitting slightly as his tone turned serious.
"After all, he's the ruler here."
"And if we have his support and promotion, I'm sure building the academy will be much easier!"
"That's true. I'll bring it up with him later—there shouldn't be any problem~"
Uta tapped her finger lightly against her chin, speaking casually. It was a good thing, after all, and she was sure Leno would agree.
"I wonder where he's gone now… I haven't seen him anywhere."