The snow over Drum Island had softened overnight, blanketing the world in pale silence. Morning sunlight caught on the drifts like powdered glass, glinting faintly across the mountain pass.
From Kureha's home atop the summit, smoke curled lazily from the chimney, thin and silver in the cold air. Inside, the warmth of the hearth carried the quiet hum of life — the low voices of Ada's crew and the soft cooing of a baby now breathing peacefully.
Ginny stirred weakly beneath a heavy wool blanket. The blue sheen that once covered her skin — the telltale mark of Sapphire Scale — had faded to faint, silvery traces.
She was pale, thinner than before, but alive. Beside her, Kuma sat silently, his large hands gently cradling the tiny bundle wrapped in soft cloth.
Bonney's faint giggle echoed through the small room.
Ada stood by the window, her cloak draped over her shoulders, the morning light outlining her figure in soft gold. She didn't speak. Her crimson eyes, usually so fierce, were calm — distant, but filled with something wordless.
Lilith was tinkering quietly with one of her mechanical tools nearby, adjusting her gloves. "Vitals are stable," she murmured, glancing toward Kureha. "You really are something, doctor."
Kureha chuckled, taking a swig from a bottle as she leaned back in her chair. "Heh. I told you, didn't I? 129 years old, and still the best there is." She smirked at their collective looks of disbelief. "You kids act like that's ancient. Try living through five different generations of idiots."
Bullet crossed his arms with a grunt. "You sure you're not some kind of witch?"
Kureha laughed so loud the rafters shook. "Damn right I am. A witch who knows more about saving lives than the lot of you combined."
The others chuckled softly. Even Mihawk cracked the faintest ghost of a smile.
Fisher Tiger was the one who spoke next, his deep voice rumbling. "You've done something most wouldn't even try, Doctor. Thank you."
Kureha waved him off with a scoff. "Bah. Don't thank me. I just hate losing patients. Besides…" She looked over at Ada. "Your captain here's got the kind of glare that makes you work faster."
Ada met her gaze and smiled faintly. "Force of habit."
Outside, snowflakes were falling gently, carried by the soft wind.
———————
By midday, Ginny could stand again. Kuma supported her carefully as she took her first few steps toward the ship anchored below. Bonney slept soundly in her arms.
Ada's crew gathered their things in silence, the atmosphere a mix of relief and quiet melancholy.
Perona hovered near the door, her transparent ghosts carrying supplies. "Ugh… I hate goodbyes," she muttered.
Okiku smiled softly. "It's not a goodbye forever."
Hiyori nodded. "Still… it feels heavy."
Lilith adjusted her goggles. "That's what happens when something actually works out for once."
Bullet grunted from the door. "Let's move. If we stay longer, the Marines might get curious."
As they descended the snowy slopes, the cold bit into their cheeks. Below, the Oro Jackson gleamed faintly in the harbor — its sails covered with frost.
When they reached the deck, Kureha stood at the summit above, her coat fluttering in the wind. She raised her bottle high. "Take care of the ones you choose to protect, Nyx D. Ada! Don't let the world write your story for you!"
Ada raised her hand in return, a faint smile curving her lips. "Wouldn't dream of it."
The doctor's laughter echoed down the cliffs long after the ship had set sail.
—————-
The snow was still falling softly when Ada and her crew walked down the mountain path, leaving Kureha's home behind. The old doctor's laughter echoed faintly from above, fading with the wind until only the crunch of boots in fresh snow remained.
At the foot of the slope, the group paused beside the Oro Jackson, its deck dusted with white. The moment felt strangely quiet — the storm of fear and urgency was finally over, leaving nothing but cold air and the long breath after survival.
Perona drifted down beside Ada.
"So…" she kicked a puff of snow. "Now that everyone's alive and not crusty blue anymore, where do we go next?"
Enel crossed his arms, lightning crackling faintly at his shoulders.
"I say we finally return to the New World. This frozen rock is draining my magnificence."
"Stop whining," Lilith muttered. "We still have to make sure Ginny and the baby don't freeze."
Hiyori smiled warmly and shifted her winter cloak. "Captain, we await your word."
Ada looked over her shoulder, toward Ginny and Kuma. Ginny was bundled in a thick cloak Kureha had given her, Bonney cradled against her chest. Kuma stood at her side, massive shoulders tense, jaw clenched with unspoken worry.
Ada stepped closer, her voice gentling as she looked at Ginny and Kuma.
"Where do you want to return to?" she asked softly. "Where is home for you both?"
Kuma blinked, surprised by the question. Ginny looked down at Bonney before answering.
"It's the Sorbet Kingdom," she whispered. "That's… where we lived before I joined the Revolutionary Army."
Kuma bowed his head slightly. "But—we cannot ask you to escort us. You've already done far too much. We would be imposing on your kindness."
Ada stared at him for a moment, then let out a soft, almost amused breath.
"Kuma," she said, "you begged on the floor for her life. Do you really think something like this is 'imposing'?"
Kuma flinched, his cheeks flushing, but Ada's voice was warm, not mocking.
"You matter to us," Ada said quietly. "Of course we'll take you home safely. No questions asked."
Ginny's eyes shimmered as she clutched Bonney tighter.
"Ada… thank you."
Bullet cracked his knuckles, smirking.
"Then it's settled."
Fisher Tiger nodded with his calm gravity.
"Home it is."
Mihawk stepped lightly up the gangplank. "Sorbet Kingdom lies east. If we leave immediately, we'll arrive within the week."
Tesoro twirled a gold coin.
"Sounds quaint," he said. "Better than freezing our asses off."
Okiku smiled kindly at Ginny.
"We will see you safely there."
Kuma bowed deeply again, but this time his voice didn't tremble—
"…Thank you. All of you."
Ada lifted her cloak and strode up the gangplank first.
"Set sail," she ordered. "Next stop—Sorbet Kingdom."
The crew cheered, the anchor rose, and the Oro Jackson cut smoothly through the icy waters. Behind them, Drum Island grew small against the snowy cliffs, Kureha's silhouette still visible at the peak, waving her bottle high.
The world ahead warmed slowly as the ship sailed on, toward a kingdom waiting quietly for the family returning home.
———————
The journey back to Sorbet Kingdom took several days. The seas were calm, the skies clear — a rare mercy. Ginny rested most of the time, sitting near the railing with Bonney bundled safely against her chest. Kuma stayed beside her constantly, silent but protective.
Ada would often stand a few paces away, quietly watching them.
Fisher Tiger noticed one night, as the stars shone overhead. "You care for them deeply," he said, his tone warm.
Ada didn't deny it. "They've suffered enough. If they can find peace again… then it's worth the detour."
Tiger smiled faintly. "You sound like someone who's starting to believe in peace again."
Ada's lips curved. "Maybe I'm just borrowing their hope."
Nearby, Mihawk leaned against the railing, polishing Yoru. "Peace is a fragile concept. But for some, it's enough to fight for."
Enel laughed quietly. "You? Talking about peace? I thought you only cared about duels."
Mihawk didn't look up. "There's no honor in drawing your sword against those who've already lost."
Tesoro, lounging nearby with a coin spinning between his fingers, added with a smirk, "Maybe the great swordsman's gone soft."
Ada gave a soft chuckle. "Maybe we all have."
The ship sailed on through calm waters, their laughter fading into the night.
———————
By the time they reached Sorbet Kingdom, the sun was rising — warm and golden over a gentle sea. The port was small and humble, surrounded by green hills and wooden houses painted in faded colors.
Fishermen were already tending to their nets. A few children chased each other by the docks.
Then they saw the ship.
The Oro Jackson, carrying the crescent moon of Nyx.
The moment the villagers recognized the symbol, fear swept through the crowd like a cold wind.
"P–Pirates…!"
"That flag— that's the Nyx Pirates!"
"The First Emperor is here? Why— why would THEY come to Sorbet!?"
Mothers pulled their children behind them. Fishermen abandoned their nets. Even the local guards stepped back, hands trembling around their spears.
Above the deck, Enel floated lazily, crackling with faint electricity — only intensifying the panic.
"Great," Perona muttered, watching people faint. "We haven't even done anything yet."
Bullet cracked his knuckles, amused. "They're acting like they've seen a sea king."
"They might as well have," Fisher Tiger said quietly.
And then there was Mihawk, standing tall beside Ada — calm, sharp, impossibly intimidating. His mere presence pushed the crowd another step back.
Ada raised one hand, her cloak fluttering in the breeze — calm, steady, almost gentle.
"We mean you no harm."
Her voice carried across the dock. Strong, but not threatening. Certain.
Something about it quieted the chaos — just a little.
Then, the next moment froze the entire port entirely.
Moments later, Ginny stepped onto the dock, supported carefully by Kuma. Her hair, pink as the sunrise, fluttered weakly. Bonney rested against her chest, sleeping soundly.
Gasps rippled across the villagers.
"G–Ginny…?"
"No way… I thought she was missing!"
"She's alive— she's really alive!"
"And Kuma… he brought her home!"
Kuma turned toward Ada, his massive frame shaking with emotion. He bowed — not a small bow, but one that drove his forehead to the wooden planks of the dock. Tears hit the wood beneath him.
"Ada…" His voice cracked. Raw with emotion. "Thank you for bringing us home… for saving her…for saving the most precious person to me.
Ginny's eyes welled as she bowed beside him — her knees trembling. "If not for you… I wouldn't be here. Bonney wouldn't be here."
Ada stepped down from the ship, the wind catching her red dress. She looked at Ginny with an expression soft enough to silence the entire port.
"You were strong enough to survive," Ada said gently. "We only helped you stand again."
Bonney stirred then, tiny hands reaching out toward Ada's cloak. Ada brushed her cheek softly with her thumb.
"You're so much like your mother."
Ginny bit her lip, tears streaming. "Ada… thank you."
Kuma stood again, wiping his face with the back of his hand. "When Bonney's disease returns… Ginny and I will handle it. We'll protect her."
Ada nodded. "And when the time comes, if you need my help… I'll come."
Behind her, the crew stood quietly.
Fisher Tiger's voice was gentle. "You two have been through enough."
Mihawk inclined his head. "Sorbet is safer because of your return."
Enel crossed his arms. "Tch. All this crying is making the air humid."
Lilith elbowed him. "Shut up, lightning rod."
Perona sniffed. "Ugh… even I'm crying. This is your fault, Ginny."
Ginny laughed — a soft, fragile sound, but a real laugh.
Kuma tightened his arm around her, relief trembling through every breath. "We'll make this place her home. Safe. Happy."
Ada smiled faintly. "That's all she needs."
Perona floated upside down, sniffing. "Ugh, why is this making me emotional?"
Enel scoffed, but softer than usual. "Sentimentality… tch. Annoying."
Fisher Tiger placed a gentle hand on Kuma's shoulder. "She'll grow strong. Kids like her always do."
Ginny's tears kept falling, but now they were warm — full of relief rather than despair.
"You all saved my life," she whispered. "And you saved hers."
Ada turned back toward the ship.
"We should depart," she said. "You two deserve peace now."
Kuma and Ginny stood together at the dock as the Oro Jackson pulled away. Ginny cradled Bonney closer, and Kuma waved with a trembling hand.
"THANK YOU, ADA!! THANK YOU… ALL OF YOU!" Ginny cried, voice breaking.
Kuma's shout followed, deep and thunderous.
"WE WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT YOU DID FOR US!"
Ada raised her hand one last time — a silent promise carried with the sea breeze.
————————
Sorbet Kingdom, Minutes Later
Once the Oro Jackson had disappeared over the horizon, Ginny and Kuma walked slowly into their small home. It was simple — wooden floors, soft curtains, warm sunlight filling the room.
Kuma carefully helped Ginny sit. Bonney giggled softly, playing with her mother's hair.
Ginny exhaled shakily.
"…She really saved us."
Kuma nodded, eyes soft. "Ada saved us when the world abandoned you. And she showed me… there is still kindness in this sea."
Ginny wiped her eyes. "Dragon needs to know."
Kuma stepped to the Transponder Snail and dialed.
Pururururu… pururururu… CLICK.
Dragon's face appeared, stern as always. Ivankov peeked in dramatically from the side.
"Report," Dragon said. "Any updates about G—"
He froze.
Ginny stepped into view.
Ivankov gasped, nearly falling off-screen. "GIIIINNYYYYY! Darling, you're alive! I thought we lost you forever!"
Ginny's lips trembled. "Hello, Dragon. Hello, Iva-chan."
Dragon drew in a slow, shaky breath — a crack in his composure.
"…You survived."
Kuma stepped forward. "Ada found her. Saved her. She's safe now."
Dragon closed his eyes in relief. "Thank goodness… Thank goodness…"
Ivankov wiped his eyes dramatically. "I knew that steel-hearted goddess wouldn't let you die, Ginny-chan!"
Ginny smiled weakly. "Ada's crew… they cared for us. Even when they didn't have to."
Dragon nodded. "I will thank her myself, when the time comes."
Kuma placed a gentle hand on Ginny's shoulder. "We'll handle Bonney's illness. Ada already knows."
Ginny held Bonney close, whispering. "We'll be okay. All three of us."
Dragon's voice softened. "We will support you however we can. Rest now."
The line clicked off.
Ginny sank into Kuma's chest, crying softly. "We're home… we're really home…"
Kuma held her close, silent tears running down his face.
And in the warm morning light, the Sorbet Kingdom welcomed back the lives they thought were lost.