Uta's words left Tashigi silent.
She glanced at Arton; her expression grew thoughtful.
[Tashigi: As for Captain Arton, I respect him deeply. Even though we once stood on opposite sides, I've always respected him. And honestly, nothing he's done so far violates justice—that's one reason I chose to join him.]
[Uta: So all you feel is respect?]
[Tashigi: N‑not exactly… A man who wields so many famed blades with such superb swordsmanship is… is certainly attractive.]
[Uta: Hehe, I knew it—deep down you do like the captain a little. He saved you when you were in danger and let you go unharmed. Any other woman would have warmed to him right there, let alone after all he's done for you since.]
[Uta: Come on, Tashigi, why not just give yourself to Captain Arton? The moment you joined the Flame Blade crew you must have steeled yourself for that possibility. You've seen the pin‑ups and paintings in your own diary; you know what sort of man he is. Don't tell me you never imagined one day waking up beside him.]
Reading the note, Tashigi fell silent again.
She knew Uta was right: the instant she decided to sail under Arton's flag, she'd accepted the doujinshi scenario—and if Arton ever forced the issue, she wouldn't resist.
[Uta: I'm an old hand on this ship. At first everyone came aboard for power, or because they needed something from Arton. But in time we all got used to his playful nature, accepted him—then started to truly like him. Eventually we're willing to go further.]
[Uta: Take Carina and Nami: if they didn't keep each other in check, they'd have slipped into his bed long ago.]
[Uta: Tashigi, I'm sure you'll fall into Arton's net sooner or later—actually you're already on its edge. Since you're there, and you're ready to give yourself to him, why not step forward and eat the captain now? You'll take that step one day anyway, right?]
Tashigi planted her sword in the ground and typed:
[Tashigi: Uta, I don't understand. If you're Arton's woman, don't you want to keep him to yourself?]
[Uta: You've got me wrong. I'm not like Nami or Carina—I never planned to monopolize him. Being his first woman already makes me happy, and I don't have the confidence to chain a wanderer's heart to my side forever. I'm nudging you because you were a Marine; if you truly give yourself to Arton, I'll trust you more.]
[Tashigi: …Uta, you really are straightforward.]
[Uta: Hehe, thanks! I just want us to be honest with each other—and I worry you might leave someday. Besides, Arton's stamina is ridiculous; sometimes I can't handle him alone. If you'd help me fight the captain together, I'd get a breather.]
[Tashigi: You… I…]
She bit her lip, unsure how to reply.
[Uta: Anyway, I've said my piece. It's your call now. Just remember—you two are in an extra‑dimensional world right now. Perfect chance! Any other time you'd have to worry about Carina or Nami barging in. Even I have to drag Arton into Uta‑Space for our fun. Think about it.]
Face burning, Tashigi marveled at Uta's boldness.
She drew a deep breath to steady herself.
"Like him…"
She looked down at her hands, felt the power coursing inside, then gazed at the sea of swords in Unlimited Blade Works.
Moments later, memories of all the times Arton had helped her drifted through Tashigi's mind. A faint smile crept onto her face.
"Yes—I do like him. Maybe I really should thank Arton properly, and not just let him look."
"Uta's right—at this rate I'll end up being his sooner or later anyway."
She patted her cheeks, cheeks already crimson, then stood and walked toward Arton.
"Finished already, Tashigi…?" Arton glanced over. "In that case I'll close Unlimited Blade Works. It doesn't drain me as fast when we're not fighting, but it still eats plenty of stamina."
He started to rise—only for Tashigi to lunge forward and push him back to the ground.
"Tashigi, what are you—?"
Face flaming, she whispered, "Captain… are you uncomfortable?"
"Un—uncomfortable? Wait, where exactly are your hands—?"
…
Some time later.
With a soft whimper Tashigi pushed herself upright, palms on Arton's chest.
He lay there with eyes half‑closed, breathing slow and even.
"Asleep already… Using UBW really does sap him."
And if not for that, she thought shyly, he might not have dozed off from what we just did—Uta did say even she can't always handle him alone.
She tried to stand but winced, one hand instinctively covering her stomach. Only after a long breath did the lingering soreness become familiar enough to ignore.
"First thing—get Arton back to his cabin. If Carina or Nami see him like this, things will get messy."
Thank goodness he's asleep; if the diary had auto‑uploaded what just happened, everyone would know in an instant…
Moving quickly, she dressed, then slung Arton's arm over her shoulder and half‑carried, half‑guided him to the captain's quarters.
…
A little later, Training Room.
Uta and Kaya arrived.
"Eh? This smell…" Uta sniffed; her eyes gleamed.
"Smell?" Kaya copied the motion. "There is something odd. Do you recognize it, Uta?"
"Hehe, oh, I'd never mistake this scent." Her gaze swept the floor until it stopped on a few damp spots and a faint red stain.
"Really now—the rookie was careless. Didn't even think to clean the battlefield. Or was she enjoying herself so much she forgot? Still, if you won't tidy up, at least keep a keepsake."
Shaking her head, Uta pulled a white handkerchief from her skirt pocket and crouched by the stain. Kaya followed, watching her cover the red mark.
A spark of realization flashed through Kaya's mind. "U‑Uta, th‑that's… T‑Tashigi's?"
"Mm‑hmm, pretty sure. Bold girl, isn't she?"
"Kaya, hold this for me. We'll give it back to Tashigi—something she should save."
Uta pressed the handkerchief into Kaya's hands. Though she'd secretly encouraged Tashigi during their card game, she hadn't been certain the swordswoman would actually follow through—no new photos had appeared, after all. With the time about right, she'd come to check, Kaya in tow to fetch medical supplies.
Kaya stared at the cloth, then at Uta—now mopping the floor with a bucket of water—her entire face turning apple‑red.
"T‑Tashigi… that was so sudden…"
"What's wrong, Kaya? Upset she skipped the queue?" Uta teased, glancing back with a grin. "Or are you annoyed she didn't honor first‑come‑first‑served and let you have Arton first?"
...
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