After Rouge finished speaking, she looked at the girl lost in thought and said apologetically,
"These are only my own thoughts. I hope you don't mind me going on like this."
Flare shook her head, her expression still thoughtful.
"No... Sister Rouge, what you said makes a lot of sense. I just need to think about it a little more."
"Mm. There's no need to rush."
At that moment, Rouge seemed to notice something and said with a smile,
"Here, let me hold little Ace."
Flare carefully handed him over. Then she saw Rouge look down at the child in her arms with a gentle smile.
"Holding a child isn't easy either. There are many things you can only understand once you've experienced them yourself. No matter how grand a story is, it eventually returns to the ordinary. So accepting change isn't always a bad thing."
The room fell quiet at once. Only little Ace's steady breathing could be heard.
Rouge was about to leave, but before she went, she seemed to remember something and added one last meaningful remark.
"Men are simple and careless creatures. So if there's something in your heart, you have to say it. Don't be shy. If you don't tell him, how is he supposed to know how you feel?"
Flare immediately understood what she meant, and a blush spread across her cheeks.
Fortunately, just then, Kurota suddenly came running over in a rush, his face full of excitement.
"Big Sis Flare, Boss and the others are back!"
At that moment, all the worries weighing on Flare's heart vanished in an instant. Surprise and joy spread across her face, and she hurried to the deck with Rouge and the others.
The deck was already packed with people. Everyone was looking expectantly toward the sea not far away, where the Twin Goddesses was slowly sailing toward them.
...
As the Twin Goddesses slowly pulled in and came to a stop, the men and women on deck were all visibly excited.
For these ordinary people who had left their countries and chosen to join the Sky Pirates' side, there was only one pillar of support they could rely on, Yemu, the captain of the Sky Pirates.
And Yemu did not disappoint them. When he came from the Twin Goddesses onto the deck, the first thing he said was,
"Everyone, tomorrow I'll be able to take you away from here to a new country, where you can begin a new life!"
The crowd immediately erupted into cheers.
The two warships did have plenty of space, but drifting at sea with no fixed home still made the men and women aboard feel uneasy, especially with so many pregnant women and children here.
For ordinary people who were already used to stability, only land and a home of their own could truly make them feel secure.
Only after calming everyone down and making his promise did Yemu come to Flare's side.
Since Flare had joined the ship, this was the longest the two of them had ever been apart.
At that moment, neither of them said anything, but their eyes held only each other.
"I'm back."
"Mm. Your body...?"
Flare immediately noticed the white bandages wrapped beneath Yemu's clothes and asked with concern.
"Don't worry. With Ayala here, nothing will happen. If anything, this trip was a huge success. By the way, where is everyone else?"
Kurota was the one who answered.
"Teacher Erik took everyone to patrol the nearby waters and keep anyone from getting close. I'll go tell them right now that you're back, Boss."
"Mm. Kurota, go notify everyone, and the Kuja side too. Have them come to our ship."
"Got it, Boss. I'll go right away!"
After Kurota left, Yemu's gaze finally turned to Rouge beside Flare, and to the little boy in her arms.
"So this is Ace?"
"Mm."
Holding Ace in her arms, Rouge nodded deeply to Yemu in gratitude.
"Thank you, Captain Yemu. If it weren't for all of you, I'm afraid I would never have had the chance to watch Ace grow up..."
"No need to thank me. I suppose this counts as fate between us."
As Yemu spoke, he reached out to tease little Ace.
Unfortunately, the little fellow was sleeping soundly at that moment and showed no sign of waking.
Seeing that, Yemu withdrew his hand and said,
"Once I've made the arrangements here, I can send you to Skypiea. No one there will recognize you mother and son, so you'll be able to live there in peace."
"Thank you so much."
"Then I won't disturb you for now. Flare, come with me."
...
About half an hour later, on the deck of the Twin Goddesses.
Aside from Enel, Tiger, and Erza, everyone had gathered together and sat cross-legged.
Among them were Yemu, captain of the Sky Pirates; Flare, the head chef; Erik, the swordsman; Ayala, the ship's doctor; Kuromu, Kurota, and Kuroli of the Kuro Brothers; Ron, the shipwright; Tadas Fes, the former treasurer of Baterilla Island; and Sheriff Saranojo Minsen.
Also present were Galahad Anne, captain of the Kuja Pirates and Emperor of Amazon Lily; Staff Officer Elder Nyon; and Anne's guard, Rebellio Lina.
In addition, there were several newcomers.
Everyone sat together, looking at one another with different expressions.
"Sorry. There isn't really a proper place for a meeting on the ship, so I'll have to trouble everyone to make do here on the deck."
Yemu's words were mainly directed at Anne and Elder Nyon. After all, Anne was the Emperor of the Kuja, and such simple conditions did feel somewhat lacking in courtesy.
Elder Nyon quickly responded,
"Captain Yemu, you're too polite. We're pirates as well, so there's no need to fuss over formalities."
"Mm. Thank you."
As Yemu spoke, he gave Anne a small look. Only then did he turn to everyone and begin discussing the main matter.
"Alright. It's been nearly a month since I parted from all of you. Some of you know where I went, and some of you don't. I'll explain everything in detail shortly. But before we begin, let me first introduce a few companions who have newly joined our pirate crew and our nation."
"First is Dr. Furumi. He comes from the legendary Island of Technology, Mecha Island. From now on, he will be the chief scientist of our pirate crew."
After being introduced, Dr. Furumi stood and bowed to everyone.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Furumi. I'll be in your care from now on."
Everyone nodded in return.
"Next is Doug Rice, a very famous swordsman from the West Blue with a bounty of 150 million Belly. Erik, you're both swordsmen, so you two should spend more time together."
After being introduced, Doug Rice said a little nervously,
"Everyone can just call me Rice. Mr. Erik, I hope you'll give me your guidance from now on."
Erik's eyes lit up, and he welcomed him warmly.
"This is great. I was the only swordsman on the ship before, and it did feel a little lonely. Mr. Rice, let's spar often from now on!"
After introducing the two of them, Yemu turned to the last man and the gorilla.
"These two are Dr. Indigo and Scarlet. They were both once members of the Flying Pirates, but from now on, they're our companions."
Dr. Indigo and Scarlet seemed a little reserved, but they could not refuse their leader's final words before his death. Besides, the Sky Pirates truly were a good path forward.
"I'll be in your care from now on!"
"Puh-puh-puh!" Scarlet cried.
***
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