Boom!
Mikita was utterly shocked, as if struck by lightning, eyes wide open, wanting to cry but having no tears: "Gym... gym equipment?"
Eh? What's going on!
Could it be because her Fruit Ability reaches ten thousand pounds in weight, but she is pathetically weak, even getting beaten up by the fourteen-year-old Nami...
So that's the impression she left on Lord Xiano?
How embarrassing.
So shameful!
"Just kidding, don't take it to heart."
Watching the girl's head steaming with embarrassment, covering her face as if wishing the ground could swallow her, Shano chuckled:
"Of course I remember you, Kilo-Kilo Fruit Ability User, Miss. Valentine's Day, it's been a long time, I really didn't expect you to join the Endgame, hmmm, back then I remember you said you were going to return to your hometown in the West Sea to open a café?"
"Eh? You actually remember that too!"
Mikita raised her head with delight, proudly put her hands on her hips, "Hehe, actually the café is already opened! And the business is super good!"
She extended her right palm, showing it to Shano:
"Opened three branches altogether! All over the island, three branches!"
"Oh? You're quite talented in business then, why come to the New World to join us?"
Shano was a bit surprised, smiling, "Being a leisurely café owner isn't better?"
"Because of the live broadcast in Shampodi Islands!"
Mikita giggled, "After seeing your elegance, I couldn't sleep well for days and nights and understood immediately! I, Mikita, am naturally inclined to do big things!"
"Otherwise, I wouldn't have run to the Grand Line just as I became an adult. Being a boss lady in the countryside for life? I'm not satisfied, changing the world or something is much more suitable for me!"
"So I sold the café and ran to sign up for the legion's selection exams myself!"
"Although I'm very poor in combat and wasn't selected into the Combat Corps, my Fruit Ability that can change weight at will is quite useful in the Infrastructure Corps, now I'm at Manager Level and responsible for connecting livelihood projects on three full islands, and the progress is going very well!"
"Impressive."
Shano gave a generous compliment, and patted Mikita's shoulder to encourage her:
"Keep up this confidence and vitality, don't underestimate yourself, actually, in my opinion, the importance of the Infrastructure Corps has always been not inferior to the Combat Corps, nothing is more important than making the people's lives more comfortable, right?"
Eh eh eh?
Mikita was flattered, her cheek flushed instantly, turning red again at a visible speed.
Previously ashamed, now happy and super joyful!
She felt herself floating up, Lord Xiano not only remembered her but also praised her like this, when she goes back and tells her companions, they are probably going to be beyond jealous!
"Yes! I will definitely continue to work hard!"
Mikita nodded enthusiastically, "Absolutely, definitely won't let Lord Xiano down!"
"Hmm, I believe in you."
Shano nodded with a smile, his gaze turned upwards to the sky:
"By the way, the noise just now didn't scare you, did it? That was me testing a new defense system which now covers all Endgame territories."
"Defense system? So that's it!"
Mikita's eyes lit up, suddenly understanding, "No wonder there was that green barrier appearing, I thought I was seeing things! If that's the case, everyone's life will be safer, right?"
"Exactly."
Shano stretched lazily, feeling a bit fatigued himself.
Just hurried back to the territory from the Windless Zone, continuously working hard, selecting four remote islands in different sea regions, experimenting with various attack methods.
This Dune Island was just one of them.
In summary, the test results were quite satisfactory; even his full-force strike couldn't break the defense of the Demon Tree barrier, requiring time and several consecutive hits to succeed.
And the Sheepskin Map can promptly send alarm signals during enemy invasions.
The Teleportation Staff allows him to return to his territory anytime.
The three major tools complement each other, forming a perfect defense system.
Last time when conquering Ten Thousand Nations, he still needed to leave Fujitora at home just in case.
But from now on...
He can fully attack without any worries!
"Alright, it's getting late, I should go, as a reward for your hard work, here, I'll give you this. If you have time in the future, you're welcome to visit the headquarters, Nami will definitely be happy to see you."
With that, he waved to Mikita, his figure flashed, rose from the ground, and quickly turned into a little black dot on the horizon.
"What... eh? Wait, Lord Xiano!"
Mikita instinctively caught the thrown item, but when she looked up to shout, it was already too late, she stared at the empty dunes, sighing with a sense of loss.
Really.
How could she be so silly, knowing how busy Lord Xiano is, she should have bragged less, first asked for a photo together, then for an autograph.
But soon, she perked up again, clenched her fist to cheer herself on:
"Mikita! You have to work harder! This time wasn't enough, next time we meet, I'll make Lord Xiano see me in a new light!"
Right, what was the reward again?
"Magical sunscreen?"
"Just squeezing a little ensures no skin darkening for a month? Eh, there's such a good thing?"
Perfectly suited for someone working in the desert every day!
She took it contentedly, heading to the edge of the dunes.