"Let's take a look," Karl said. "If we run into them, we'll lend a hand. Ann, I'll leave this one to you. Good chance to stretch your legs."
"Yes, Uncle!" Ann's eyes gleamed; her fingers brushed the hilt of Cold Moon as she stepped forward.
When the Tiger God drew near, the pirate ship had already latched onto a battered merchant vessel. Ann didn't wait—she vaulted across the gap in a flash of silver and ice.
The pirates didn't stand a chance. They were the usual scum—thugs from coastal towns, vicious but weak.
Within minutes, it was over. Every wound she dealt glittered with frostbite shards.
"Done." Ann wiped her blade clean and slid it home, tone cool as ever.
Karl grinned. "Not bad. You're getting faster—and you kept awareness of your surroundings. Good work."
Most of the merchant crew lay dead. Only a handful of passengers and the first mate's men were alive.
"Let's go," Karl said, turning back toward their ship.
"Wait!" a voice called behind them.
Karl didn't even glance at first. Rescued people usually came in two types—grateful or vengeful—and he didn't care for either.
"Handsome! Wait! Can I come with you?"
The voice belonged to a young woman—tall, dark-haired, eyes bright with desperation. "Just until we reach the Grand Line! I only need passage to the East Blue!"
Karl paused. Handsome, huh? Might as well hear her out.
"And why the East Blue?" he asked, voice dry.
"I—I want to go to Windmill Village." Her tone turned pleading. "Please, just that far. I'll disembark once we reach the Grand Line!"
Her name, she later said, was Murphy Daphne.
She claimed to be a noblewoman whose country had fallen overnight to pirates. Her family slaughtered, wealth stolen, the only relative left—an uncle—tried to sell her off to a king's obese heir in exchange for political favor. She'd fled that same night, taking whatever gold she could carry.
Her original plan had been clever: use her noble birth to survive long enough to reach Windmill Village in the East Blue—find the so-called "main character" of this world, and cling to him for safety.
But a random pirate raid had sunk her plan… until fate dropped Karl's ship in her path.
Now, playing the only card she had, she widened her eyes and looked as pitiful as possible.
Karl studied her for a long moment. Something about her felt off. She was too calm for someone adrift at sea.
"If you're not afraid," he said finally, "then come aboard."
Her relief was instant. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"
Bansen raised the anchor, and Tiger God glided away from the wreck.
"I'm Murphy Daphne," she said once they were underway, bowing slightly. "An orphan now. Thank you all for saving me."
Ellie tilted her head. "Miss Daphne, why the East Blue, really? It's rare to see someone as delicate as you traveling alone."
Daphne's expression softened into tragedy. "My parents were killed by pirates. The North Blue is too dangerous. I just… want to live somewhere peaceful."
Ellie's heart clenched. That story was far too familiar. Her own village had burned the same way.
"Well," Ellie said gently, "you can stay aboard for now. We've business in the North Blue before we head back to the Grand Line. Maybe the East Blue later. I'm Ellie—call me that."
"Really? Thank you, Ellie!" Daphne smiled sweetly. Inwardly, she smirked—lucky again. No matter the world, fortune always favored her.
"Come," Ellie said. "Let's find you clean clothes."
Up on the mast, Enel leapt down, landing beside Karl.
"Captain, that woman's weird. I don't trust her."
Karl nodded slightly. "Maybe. But she's too weak to cause trouble. Let her be."
When Ellie and Daphne emerged again, Karl glanced over—then blinked. Cleaned up, she was strikingly beautiful.
"Pretty, right?" Ellie teased. Daphne blushed faintly.
But when her gaze fell on Enel, she froze.
"E—Enel? You—you're supposed to be on Skypiea!"
The deck went silent.
Enel's eyes narrowed. "Hmph. I knew you were suspicious. Who are you?"
Daphne stammered, "I—uh—saw your wanted poster! You all have bounties, I just remembered—"
Karl's voice cut in, calm but sharp. "And how would you know he was from Skypiea?"
"I—I guessed?" she tried weakly.
"Captain, she's lying. Toss her overboard," Enel said flatly.
Karl circled her once, watching her eyes. Then he said quietly:
"Tian Wang Gai Di Hu."
Daphne froze. Her pupils dilated. Then she blurted, "Bao Ta Zhen He Yao!"
Karl blinked—then burst out laughing. "No way… You really are!"
Daphne's eyes brimmed with tears. The sound of home—it hit like lightning. She lunged forward and hugged him, crying outright.
Around them, the crew looked utterly baffled. Ellie's smile twitched; why did she suddenly feel like her ship had been robbed?
Karl awkwardly patted Daphne's shoulder and turned to his crew.
"Relax, everyone. We… uh, met a long time ago—back when I left Tiger Roar Island. It's been over ten years; I barely recognized her."
Ann squinted, still unconvinced.
Enel snorted.
Ellie just sighed.
And Daphne, still clinging to Karl, whispered through her tears:
"Finally… someone from the same world."
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