Chapter 60: New Card
It wasn't easy to take the final step.
[Amatsuki Toki]
[Relationship: Lover]
[Intimacy Value: 270!]
[Note: Unclaimed Rewards Available!]
Roy checked the intimacy value between him and Toki. As expected, 260 was the threshold between friends and lovers—once crossed, their bond began to grow naturally stronger.
And yesterday… well, Toki had said one thing but acted quite differently.
After that "incident," the intimacy increase was beyond miraculous.
His old teacher had been right—relationships were truly multifaceted, and that sort of closeness played an important role.
Roy glanced at his fingers, sighed with mild pride, and decided it was time to claim his reward.
"Check equipped talent cards," Roy muttered.
A display of cards appeared before him—two orange, one purple, one blue, one green:
[Observation Haki (Green)]
[Excellent Appearance (Purple)]
[Charm of the Opposite Sex (Blue)]
[Steel Defense (Orange)]
[Monster Strength (Orange·10%)]
"Claim reward."
[New Talent Card Slot Unlocked!]
Satisfied, Roy used his chance to draw another card. He selected—
Toki's [Natural Affection].
Immediately, it split into two copies, one flying into his lineup.
This was his first time obtaining it, so the effect was still at 10%.
[Natural Affection (Purple): Gentle, considerate, innocent, and sincere—naturally gains favor from those with no ill will.]
Roy didn't modify the card's gender for now; he wanted to see whether its effect mirrored the others.
Either way, it was impressive. It subconsciously made people feel goodwill toward him.
She really is my first wife, he thought proudly. Not very strong, but always thoughtful.
Toki stirred beside him, slowly waking up.
Morning sunlight streamed through the cabin windows. After eating bread and drinking milk, Roy and Toki walked through the coconut grove, where Tsuru stood waiting to see them off.
The young girl's eyes were bright and clear, as if she'd washed away all her worries overnight. She didn't even notice anything unusual about Roy or Toki.
"Goodbye," Roy said with a wave.
"Goodbye~" Toki added softly, her expression calm and serene.
After letting go of her pride the night before, she felt lighter—accepting Roy completely and releasing her old doubts.
"Goodbye!" Tsuru smiled brightly, waving back at them.
Even now, as Roy and Toki sailed away, Tsuru still thought about justice—and how to someday recruit him into the Navy.
Miserable girl, Roy thought with a sigh.
---
Back on the ship, Roy rested comfortably in Toki's arms—softer than any sofa.
"Ahem, be gentler next time. My legs still hurt," Toki muttered, glaring at him.
"Want me to rub it for you?" Roy teased, turning to face her.
He'd done everything short of crossing the final line of adulthood—and didn't regret a thing.
"No… wait a few days," Toki said, blushing slightly.
"I just want a little candy before sword practice," Roy said with a sly grin. "That's not too much to ask, right?"
"Tsk, candy, huh? I don't believe you…"
Days later, under Redding's command, Roy and Toki left the North Blue.
Their next stops were the New World, then Fishman Island, followed by the first half of the Grand Line. From there, they'd travel to either the East or South Blue.
Two years remained. Roy wasn't sure how smoothly his transfer would go—but for now, his relationship with Toki continued to deepen in strange, delightful ways.
The New World.
Vast blue waters shimmered endlessly under the sun.
Two pirate ships approached each other.
"Big brother!!!"
Onboard the Pirate' ship, Charlotte Linlin—wearing a small hat, pink hair messy and cake crumbs on her lips—looked at the red-haired boy across the water in surprise and joy.
Now seven years old, Linlin was round as a cannonball, dressed in her familiar pink polka-dot dress.
With a burst of energy, she shoved aside Streusen, sprinted forward, and leapt across the sea, landing squarely on Roy's deck.
"Brother Roy! Where have you been? Linlin missed you—and your snacks! Where's Mama Carmel? Where's everyone from the Sheep's House? Where did they go?"
She clung to Roy's arm, eyes wide and anxious.
"They…" Roy hesitated, looking at her. He hadn't expected to meet Linlin again so soon.
He needed to weave a gentle lie.
"You lost control again that day."
"What!?" Linlin froze. Her face paled instantly. She still carried photos of the nun and Roy, her only remaining treasures.
Did… did she hurt them?
Her heart pounded as dread filled her chest. She remembered her dream—to carry on the mother's will, to build a world where every race could live together in peace, sharing tea and smiles.
But now… how could someone like her ever be worthy?
"Ahhh!" Linlin broke down crying. Streusen scrambled up beside her, glaring at Roy.
Roy ignored him.
"I'm not finished yet," he said calmly.
"But… their faces already told me everything!" Linlin sobbed, tears streaming.
"You lost control," Roy said gently. "I stopped you—but you hurt some kids and destroyed the birthday party. The nun left because she was angry."
"Really?" Linlin sniffed, her tears slowing.
"Really." Roy nodded.
Only someone like Linlin would believe such a ridiculous lie.
"Brother, let's join forces!" Linlin suddenly declared, her mood swinging as she raised a fist. "Together, we can rule the seas—and fulfill the mother's dream! A world where all races live in peace!"
Beside her, Pandora frowned, his expression darkening as he glared at her.