"Alright, Kuma."
He laughed and ruffled Bonney's hair, "Since this little girl followed us on her own, let's bring her along. We won't really miss her on the ship anyway."
"But..."
Kuma wanted to say more, but Shano had already stood up and patted his arm:
"No buts, this little rascal is clever and quick-witted. As long as she doesn't run off to join the battles, she's actually quite safe on the ship."
He paused for a moment and then pretended to be serious, "Don't forget, you're my crew member now. I'm the one who decides on matters like this."
Kuma was left speechless.
He looked around, seeing everyone grinning and enjoying the commotion, then glanced down at the smug little Bonney, and finally sighed helplessly.
"Kuma Kuma~"
Bonney leaned over, grinning as she hooked her arm around him, "I was wrong, don't be mad. I promise... no, I swear, swear I won't cause you any trouble!!"
"You..."
Kuma rubbed his temples, looking pained, "Really can't do anything about you."
Despite his words, a subtle trace of relief flashed across his eyes.
This little girl has finally become more sensible, grown up...
Understanding to worry about herself.
"So, you agree?"
"Yes." Kuma nodded, "But as Lord Shano said, you're absolutely not allowed to sneak into battles."
"Oh yeah!"
Bonney cheered excitedly and high-fived Nami who ran over to celebrate, "Boarding Plan Operation PLAN A, great success!"
They had other PLANs ready?
These two little rascals really are birds of a feather. Observing quietly, Robin smiled, "Bonney, seeing you can grow big and small... is it the ability of the Paramecia-type Age-Age Fruit?"
"It is!"
Bonney proudly tilted her chin up, "And after studying these past few days, I can not only change my age, but also change other people's ages! Sister Robin, if you want to see, I'll show you!"
She slapped her hand down on Nami's knee.
Smack! A pink halo flashed and disappeared, and Nami's figure suddenly shot up, reaching around 1.85 meters, her appearance much more mature, and her figure became...
"Whoa!!!"
Nami's eyes widened in excitement as she showed herself off to Shano, "Brother! Look, even compared to Sister Robin, I'm not lacking at all. I didn't know this wasn't my limit!"
Look at you!
Shano, with a dark expression, gave her a karate chop to the head.
Nami held her head, pouting in grievance, while Shano stroked his chin, gazing at his younger sister who was almost as tall as his "Kami-e Martial Body" form, lost in thought.
How did she get so tall?
Could it be because she had enough nutrition growing up, living a carefree life without having to run around earning a living?
Probably. He remembered in the original timeline, grown-up Nami was only about 1.7 meters tall.
"So, how's my skill?"
Bonney laughed as she ran to Robin, "Big Sister, why don't you try it too?"
Witness your future self too?
Robin smiled softly, seeing Bonney's eager look, closed her book, and calmly said, "Sure."
Bonney's eyes lit up, and she immediately reached out her little hand and slapped it on Robin's arm.
A pink halo engulfed Robin, whose form began to change rapidly—her mature and elegant posture shrank, her curves becoming youthful and slender, her skin tighter and smoother.
In just a few seconds, the glow faded, transforming Robin into a young girl of eighteen.
Why did it make her younger?
She looked down at her hands, touched her face, a hint of confusion in her eyes.
"This feeling..."
Robin murmured softly, her voice clearer than usual, with a touch of a young girl's softness.
"How is it? Isn't it great!" Bonney triumphantly put her hands on her hips, "This is my best trick, pinpointed to eighteen, called... 'Youth Return!'
Robin didn't answer immediately, but reflexively looked up, subtly glancing at Shano, lost in thought.
Eighteen...
That was her most helpless time, drifting alone in the dark world, on the brink of being consumed entirely.
No companions, no support, only endless betrayal and escape.
But now, she stood on the deck of the Endgame, surrounded by reliable companions, a future full of hope ahead...
Yet, why did she feel a bit of regret?
"Turn me back, Bonney." Robin managed a smile, her voice gentle, "I still prefer my original form and age."
"Tsk, you're so dishonest, can't let go of your pride."
Smoker, lighting a cigar nearby, clicked his tongue, "At your age, suddenly back to your prime, you should be thrilled inside, shouldn't you?"
Robin narrowed her eyes.
Thud!
In the next moment, a large hand shrouded in black Haki shot up from the ground, and he screamed, flying off the deck into the sea, cigarette and all.
"Blub blub..."
The white-haired figure struggled desperately in the sea, "He... help! Can someone save me, I'm a landlubber, I'll drown!"
That's what you get for mouthing off...
Everyone looked on speechlessly, with Shano sighing, turning to head back to the cabin. As he passed, he gave a kick to the dozing professional lifeguard Ah Yin, pushing him overboard.