Chapter 69: Surveillance and Counter-surveillance
The little girls of the Sheep's House were sulking. Each of them had once dreamed of growing up and becoming Roy's bride someday—only to have that dream crushed by a beautiful "fairy" who stole their brother's heart.
"Really? We're a couple," Toki said sweetly, crouching down and hugging Roy's arm with a soft smile. She didn't mind the teasing gazes of the children in the slightest.
She had already told Roy everything—her identity from eight hundred years ago and the truth about her Devil Fruit. In Toki's mind, as long as Roy accepted her for who she was, nothing else mattered.
She was even kind enough to encourage Roy to pursue younger women if he wished. Truly, she was the perfect girlfriend.
"Shameless!" the blue-haired girl snapped, glaring up at her. "You're so much older, too—"
"Ah!" Roy flicked her forehead lightly. "Watch your mouth, brat. Want another flick?"
"Tsk!" The blue-haired girl turned away with a huff, dragging the other little girls with her.
Roy grinned. "Besides, I like older ones."
Toki blinked, cheeks flushing as Roy grabbed her hand. "B-bah… shameless," she muttered, poking him in embarrassment.
"Boss, you've got no shame!" one of the boys called out, laughing.
"You idiots don't get it," Roy said, puffing up his chest. "Being shameless makes life a whole lot happier!"
Redding and the other giants watched the chaos with exasperated smiles before heading back to the village, shaking their heads.
---
That night, the moon hung high and silver, casting its glow over the yard of the Sheep's House.
A massive round table sat in the grass, surrounded by dozens of children. Roy and Toki sat side by side, stealing glances and laughter while the children ate.
To the kids, everything tasted a little sour tonight.
"HAHAHAHA! Roy, let me see your face properly. You didn't miss us at all while you were gone, did you?"
The ground trembled. Two massive figures—Jarul and Jorul—approached with booming laughter.
"Elder Jarul! Elder Jorul!" Roy quickly stood up and ran toward them, grinning.
Jorul chuckled. "Hahaha! Look at this boy—still remembers his elders!"
Jarul snorted but smiled. "It seems you still missed us!"
Roy scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.
"Elder Jarul, Elder Jorul, I'm planning to stay in the village for a while," he said. "Can you teach me Elbaf's secret techniques?"
Jorul raised an eyebrow. "You hear that, old friend? He wants lessons."
Jarul smirked. "He's been gone so long, and now he asks for favors? I don't know…"
Roy grinned mischievously. "Maybe you're getting too old to swing a sword. Guess I'll ask Captain Dorry and Captain Brogy instead."
"Those two fools! They're not qualified to teach a genius like you!" Jorul bellowed, yanking Roy closer by his beard.
"Exactly!" Jarul added, puffing up. "Those idiots vanished ages ago and never even send word! Hmph! I'll teach you myself."
Roy chuckled, watching the two elders bicker like children. The giants of Elbaf might be fearsome warriors, but to him, they were just two overgrown kids arguing over who would be the better teacher.
"Then it's settled," Roy said cheerfully.
The two giants exchanged a look, realizing they'd been tricked—and then burst into hearty laughter.
---
Later that night, Roy cleaned up the nun's old room and moved in with Toki.
Toki sat by the window, wrapped in a towel, quietly watching him.
For the first time, she fully understood why Roy had grown so strong and unyielding—he'd been raised among giants.
The Navy's attitude toward him only confirmed her suspicions. The nun's death had turned Roy into the last thread connecting Elbaf to the outside world.
The Marines coveted not only his potential but the strength of Elbaf itself.
"Will we be able to leave the village?" Toki asked softly, a faint smile on her lips. She already knew the answer.
"The Navy's probably waiting just offshore."
"We can," Roy said confidently. "Linlin left me Horus, and I've still got Pandora. As long as no one with flying abilities follows us, we can move freely."
Toki smiled faintly, resting her head against his chest.
"Alright, don't think too much. Get some sleep," Roy murmured, wrapping an arm around her.
"Mhm…"
---
The Next Morning
Roy rose early, leaving the Sheep's House while the sun was still climbing the horizon. He rode atop Horus, the thundercloud soaring high above Elbaf.
"Let's scout around the island," he said to Pandora, who floated beside him.
"Understood!" Pandora replied, darting ahead.
"Then let's check the waters nearby," Roy added, patting Horus.
"Got it, Master!" Horus answered, rumbling with lightning.
They glided toward the coast. Below them, a Marine warship drifted across the sea, its lookout scanning the island through a telescope.
Hidden behind the clouds, Roy peered down, studying the deck. Dozens of Marines stood at attention, rifles ready, while officers kept their eyes on the shoreline.
But there was no sign of Admiral Kong.
That made sense—Roy hadn't yet awakened Observation Haki. Unless Kong appeared in person, he wouldn't be able to sense him.
"How about last night?" Roy asked.
Pandora had stayed behind at the Sheep's House, while Horus had kept watch from above the warships.
"No sightings of Admiral Kong," Horus replied. "They didn't send anyone ashore either."
Roy nodded after a moment's thought. "Alright. Let's go back."
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