So, he was filled with heartfelt gratitude towards Nami, struggling to stand up and salute, but his legs gave way, and he almost fell to the ground.
Pike quickly helped him up, shaking his head with concern.
"Oh, don't be so polite!"
Nami waved her hand, "It's just a small matter, but remember, don't be so reckless next time. That was a Navy Grand Admiral! Among us, only my elder brother can handle it. You better not try."
She put on an intentionally mature look, trying to exude a big sister vibe, and attempted to pat Jack on the shoulder to comfort him, only to find she couldn't reach, so she settled for patting his knee.
However...
The wildly upturned corners of her mouth still betrayed how proud she felt, and even a few strands of hair were cheerfully bouncing like tiny flames.
——He actually called me big sis!!!
"You're right to teach me,"
Jack nodded vigorously in agreement, "That guy is indeed strong, but if it happens again, and I see him attacking Master Shano, I still won't let him off!"
Nami: "?"
Did I just say all that for nothing?
Darn it all.
It's not like she has a stereotype about big guys.
But...
Sure enough, the taller they are, the less they seem to think.
"Ouch, that hurts!"
It was Nami's ear getting twisted by Shano.
"What are you doing, brother!" Nami turned her head in grievance.
Even if you're my older brother, you need a reason to bully me!
Nami furiously wanted revenge, but suddenly remembered her brother's real height and immediately forced an awkward smile, retreating once more.
Shano let out a cold grunt, having grown up together since childhood, how could he not know what this girl was thinking?
Jack obviously didn't know what was on Nami's mind. He turned his head and looked at Shano, then suddenly knelt down in front of him.
"I'm, I'm sorry!"
Jack stuttered, "Master Shano! I haven't had the chance to thank you for saving my dad's life, yet I've caused you more trouble, back in Alabasta, I, I even followed Hanafuda and attacked everyone..."
"Nobody remembers that!" Nojiko quipped with a smile, "Didn't you sink straight to the bottom of the sea? Nobody even saw what you looked like."
Jack's face immediately turned red with embarrassment.
That scene was indeed too humiliating.
Fortunately, even after eating a Devil Fruit, Fishmen can breathe in the ocean, otherwise, what would have drifted to the City of Gastronomy would be a corpse.
"No need for an apology."
Shano also shook his head and helped Jack up:
"Back then, you were still under Hanafuda's control, and besides, you didn't cause any substantial trouble."
He paused, sizing up the big guy with interest: "However, I heard from your father that you want to follow me now?"
Huh?
Did Master Shano take a liking?
Pike instantly perked up, just about to slyly kick his godson.
Jack already lifted his head energetically, his eyes brightened, and started speaking incoherently in excitement:
"Yes! Master Shano! I, I have great strength, can do work! Although I can't figure out many things, if you tell me to go east, I absolutely won't go west!"
"And with my skills!"
He patted his chest, "Hanafuda said I'm a very rare Zoan-type Ancient species with great potential. Although I can't beat that powerful Navy Grand Admiral, in the future, other pirates, Navy Vice Admirals, I'll definitely knock them down!"
"And what if it's Vice Admiral Garp?" Nami asked with a grin.
Garp?
Never heard of him, but since it's just a Vice Admiral...
"Absolutely no problem!" Jack stood tall and declared with certainty, "No matter how many of those guys come, I'll defeat them all!"
"Pfft!"
Nami and Nojiko couldn't hold back and burst into laughter.
"..." Shano was also speechless.
He looked up at a clueless Jack scratching his head, pinched his chin, and pondered silently.
Seeing him seriously consider it, Jack grew somewhat nervous, and Pike beside him unconsciously grabbed his godson's arm, sweating nervously from his palms.
...
There's no denying it.
Shano was indeed a little tempted.
Six years later in the original timeline, Jack, at just over twenty years old, was already one of the Three Calamities of the Hundred Beasts Pirates.
As Hanafuda said, this guy's growth potential was top-notch.
More importantly.
At the tender age of 22, Jack had yet to go astray; his personality is straightforward and loyal, and due to Pike's influence, he holds gratitude for Shano in his heart.
Once aboard, he would definitely be a trustworthy companion.
The only flaw might be...
In terms of behavior, he indeed is slightly reckless.
"Brother, why not take him in?"
Nojiko quietly suggested beside him, "Our ship is just missing a strongman, convenient for carrying things, repairing the ship and such."
"Yes, yes!"
Nami quickly concurred, eagerly looking at Shano, "This kid may be a bit dull, but his character is good, very reliable!"
She kept referring to Jack as 'this kid,' as if he were younger than her.
No matter, Nami knew just one thing.
——This big guy was saved by her own hands, and he called her big sis!!!
Just hearing Jack call her, her vanity swelled.
If they could bring him on the ship, she'd have a new obedient little brother, and her status on the ship would surely rise.
Moreover, Jack has no bounty, so her bounty finally wouldn't be the lowest!
Shano glanced at the others, seeing no one opposed, he finally nodded.
"Alright then."
He smiled and extended his hand to Jack, "I'm sorry for leaving you here last night, I owe you for your bold support. From today on, you're one of us, welcome to the Endgame Adventurer Group."