"Modified? What does that even mean?"I stared at the screen suspiciously. Modification to… favorability?
"That means we can't mess around with our Valkyries anymore to boost favorability. Oh, and the captain's sneaky hands? Those will have to retire too. Hehe, isn't that wonderful news?"
"…You've got to be kidding me."
I almost blurted out a curse — but I forced it down, grabbed my phone, and said anxiously, "Ai-chan, what's going on? Don't tell me I can't touch you anymore?"
"That's correct, Captain. Open the game and read the official announcement yourself."
"…"
I pulled the black cloth off the screen, logged into the game, and tapped into the new announcement.
…Time passed.
I sat there on the wooden deck, motionless, staring blankly at the screen — my heart shattered. I wanted to cry, but I didn't even have tears left.
"Incineration Bureau… we are not on the same side!"
Favorability now increases automatically just for being online?Just for being online?!I don't want it to go up by itself — I want to tease them personally! Why would they rob me of this sacred little hobby?! I… I have something to say… and I don't know if I should even say it…!
My eyes started welling with tears. I was about to cry for real.
"Kiana-chan? Who made you cry? Tell me."
A voice suddenly called from below the Merry — Sanji!
I panicked and quickly wiped my eyes. Wait—how did he know I was crying?
FWIP!
Sanji sprang onto the deck in his pajamas, landed in front of me with elegant precision, and held out a handkerchief like a gentleman.
"…Sanji? You're still awake?"
"I sensed a woman in tears. Naturally, I woke up."
"…What kind of absurd superpower is that?! Hey—don't make me roast you!!"
"So then, tell me! Who made a beautiful lady cry at this hour? Point him out! I'll deal with him right away!"
"U-uh—no, I… It's nothing. Really. Thank you, but go back to sleep, okay?"
How could I possibly explain that I was crying because I couldn't tease the Valkyries anymore? That would make me sound like a… pervert! I'm not a pervert!!
"Kiana-chan… I understand."
Seeing I wouldn't tell him, Sanji sighed and backed off. But the fury in his eyes remained — he clearly swore to hunt that person down privately… and probably castrate them to appease his righteous vengeance.
…But if the culprit happened to be a woman… that was a problem. Sanji never hits women — by his chivalrous creed.
After saying goodnight, he left the boat and headed back to his room at Baratie. I stared at the handkerchief he'd given me.
—Oh. I forgot to return it.Whatever. I'll give it back tomorrow.
It was late, the sea breeze was cold, and my eyelids were getting heavy… So I clutched the handkerchief against my chest and headed toward Nami's room.
The moment I opened the door, a soft, feminine fragrance drifted toward me — uniquely hers. I froze.
From my previous life until now… I'd never actually shared a bed with a girl before. Well, aside from my mom.
"Why do I suddenly feel… weirdly flustered?" I muttered.
My feet hesitated at the entrance. Sleep beside Nami… or go back outside?
"Why are you standing there? Come in. And close the door — the wind's cold tonight."
"O-Oh!"
I obeyed instantly — like an idiot. And only afterward did I realize I'd missed my chance to flee.
I forced my stiff body forward, step by step, until I sat down beside the bed. Nami blinked sleepily and looked at me.
"Why? Aren't you going to sleep?"
"I-I am…! Going to sleep. Of course. Yes."
I threw myself onto the bed — without even taking off my clothes.
"…Are you seriously going to sleep wearing that?"
Nami eyed the crimson armored Valkyrie battlesuit covering my body.
"Take… take it off? What are you planning?!"
My voice jumped half an octave. Calm down! You're a guy on the inside — you have the mental protection of a steel fortress!
"I'm not planning anything. I just mean that can't possibly be comfortable to sleep in."
She poked the armor. Clang. Yeah… not exactly pajamas.
"Ah…"
Right. Panic had made me forget the basics of sleeping like a normal person.
I awkwardly stood up, peeled off the crimson outfit, and tossed it onto the chair. Undressing in front of Nami felt… way more embarrassing than it should have.
Once the battlesuit was off… Mei's elegant figure was revealed — slender waist, perfect curves — the moonlight passing through the window made it look almost surreal.
I quickly slipped into the quilt.
"…You're in really good shape," Nami commented with a hint of jealousy. Her hand drifted toward my chest — and squeezed gently in comparison with her own.
"…"
Miss Nami. Please stop that. Your chest will grow in two years — trust me.
But she didn't stop. She started touching more boldly — as if venting some unseen frustration — and grabbed harder.
"Oof—!"
"Ah—sorry. My hand slipped…"
She apologized quickly, but I just glared at her in silence.
Still… after her antics, my anxiety was gone. Did she do that on purpose…?
Nah. Don't overthink it. She probably just touched it casually…
She let go and instead wrapped her arms gently around me. For some reason… being held by her felt safe. Like she wanted to be close — even though she knew I was unreliable.
Her breath tickled the side of my neck. My skin tingled.
Why… did things escalate so fast?!
And just like that… I spent my first night on the Going Merry in Nami's arms.
The next morning at Baratie, Sanji rushed to greet me the moment he saw me.
"Good morning, Kiana-chan! Please, take this seat."
"Morning, Sanji. Get me something to eat?"
"At once! I'll prepare a lovingly handcrafted bento just for you! Please look forward to it!"
He dashed into the kitchen. I sighed helplessly.
"…He really is good with women."
Gentle and considerate — that's Sanji in a nutshell. But that kindness often comes with consequences…
It was early. Baratie wasn't busy yet — the customers usually flooded in around noon. So Luffy was sitting nearby… lazily digging for treasure in his nose.
When will Krieg show up…? I gazed out at the distant waves. I'd been waiting for days.
A few days later — as Sanji poured red wine for me and Nami — the restaurant was packed. Ships were docking near Baratie one after another.
"Kiana-chan, this is our finest red wine," Sanji announced proudly.
"Wouldn't that be expensive? We can't afford that," Nami said loudly — too loudly.
"Of course it's on the house! Free for you, Nami-swaaaan!"
He practically transformed into a heart-shaped cloud of lust.
"…"
I sighed internally. I didn't want to dine for free off Sanji's charm — that's not my style. So after meals, I'd secretly give the payment to Zeff. That's how it had always been.
Eventually, Nami had her fill and stood up.
"Then eat slowly, Kiana. I'll head back to the Merry first."
"Mm-hm."
Ten minutes later — someone near the window gasped.
"H-hey… that flag…!"
A guest fell to the floor in fear.
Sanji set down his glass and looked out toward the sea.
A massive ship was sailing toward Baratie. Its scale was enormous — almost twice the size of the restaurant itself. Even from afar, its presence was overwhelming.
And the pirate flag flying from the mast… sent chills through the entire room.
"That's… that's the Don Krieg Pirates! Admiral Don Krieg is here! We're finished!"
"…Finally."
My pulse quickened. About time. I'd been waiting for this. Excitement tingled through my veins.
But everyone else? Their faces pale — bodies trembling — like the world was ending.
Luffy stood at the window, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Whoa, that's awesome! It's huge! I want a ship like that!"
…Fear? Luffy didn't know the meaning of the word.
"There's something… off about that ship," Sanji murmured. It was too far to make out clearly — but something felt wrong.
"Hey, Sanji! You think Gin came back to repay his debt?"
"Are you stupid? No way," Sanji replied sternly, eyes fixed on the incoming vessel.
Soon, the ship docked beside Baratie — and we finally saw it up close.
Massive, but battered. Rather than intimidating… it looked more like it had already died at sea.
Torn sails, splintered hull… barely afloat. No signs of life. A ghost ship drifting home.
On the Going Merry, Zoro and the others had seen it too — and their expressions hardened.
"Johnny, Joseph. Watch the ship. I'm going to check it out," Zoro said.
"Got it, Big Bro Zoro! We'll guard the Merry!"