The next day, Shanks and Benn Beckman headed back to the bar. Noelle was there as usual, and she smiled when she saw them enter. She then said, "Shanks-san, Benn-san, you have once again returned."
Shanks smiled back and said, "Of course, there is no better place than this bar."
Noelle smiled and said, "That's good to hear." She then added, "Benn-san, are you feeling better? Shanks said you didn't come yesterday because you were a bit under the weather."
Benn smiled and said, "Yes, I'm better now. It's just that this place is very cold."
Noelle nodded thoughtfully and said, "Indeed it is. It doesn't affect us residents because we are used to it." Benn and Shanks nodded.
Noelle then said, "Do you want the usual?"
Shanks smiled and said, "Just 2 beers and some information please."
Noelle looked at him with interest and said, "I see. Give me a minute."
She then headed to the back room.
A minute later, she came out with 2 jugs of beer, placed them down next to Benn and Shanks, then put a hand on her chin and said, "Well, what is it you want to know, Shanks-san?"
Shanks smiled back and said, "Noelle-chan, I want information on Sterling."
Noelle looked at Shanks thoughtfully, and angrily and said, "Why do you want information on Sterling-kun?"
Shanks waved his hands and smiled. "Don't worry, Noelle-chan, it's not for anything bad."
Noelle stared at him, then said, "Does it have anything to do with what you two were discussing last night?"
Shanks said, "Yes."
Noelle asked, "What is it?"
Benn responded, "We are trying to recruit Sterling into our Pirate Crew."
Noelle's face darkened. She then said, "Shanks-san, Benn-san… are you trying to take Sterling-kun away from us?"
Shanks smiled and said, "Noelle-chan, this is what Sterling himself wants, but obviously something is holding him back. We want to know what that is."
Noelle looked at them and said, "I cannot help you, sorry."
Shanks said, "Noelle-chan, are you really going to stand in the way of Sterling's dreams? Even if it's something he really wants?"
Noelle thought for a bit, then gritted her teeth and stomped the floor. "Fine," she said as she folded her arms. She then added, "The only thing I can think of is probably his mother."
Shanks and Benn looked at her in surprise.
Shanks then said, "Relative connection, of course. He probably doesn't want to leave his mother behind."
Benn said, "That makes sense. Why didn't we think about it?"
Noelle looked at them and sighed, then cried a little dramatically, saying, "Oh, Sterling-kun… he's about to leave us, really."
Shanks laughed and said, "Why don't you join us as well, Noelle-chan? We could use a chatterbox in the crew."
Noelle looked at Shanks and said, "Oh please, Shanks, I can't even fight Bellé-mer. Just imagine me being a Pirate."
Shanks said, "Don't say that, Noelle-chan. You'd be an amazing Pirate."
Noelle laughed and said, "I'd beg to differ."
Benn chimed in, "Well then, Noelle, care to show us where Sterling's mother lives? I believe if we can convince her, we can convince Sterling."
Noelle said, "Wait a minute. I'll just get changed then take you there."
Shanks smiled and said, "Thank you, Noelle-chan."
---
A few minutes later, a small, cozy-looking house came into view as Noelle, Shanks, and Benn Beckman walked toward it. Outside, a woman was hanging clothes on a washing line. When Kushina noticed the three approaching, she looked confused at the two unfamiliar men, but the moment she recognized Noelle, her face lit up with a warm smile.
Kushina stopped what she was doing. "Noelle-chan, you haven't visited me in a while. How have you been?"
Noelle walked forward and hugged her. "Mrs. Kushina, you know it's always busy at the bar. I barely get time to leave."
Kushina smiled gently. "Of course I understand. How is your grandmother?"
Noelle replied with a small laugh. "She's doing good, still as disrespectful as ever."
Kushina immediately shifted into a gentle lecturing tone. "Noelle-chan, you shouldn't say your grandmother is disrespectful, you know."
"I know, I know," Noelle sighed.
Kushina then turned her attention to Shanks and Benn. "And who are these two handsome boys?"
Shanks stepped forward with a polite smile and extended his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Kushina. My name is Shanks."
"Oh, how polite," Kushina said, amused. "You must be a lady killer."
Shanks chuckled awkwardly. "That's not the case at all."
Kushina smirked playfully. "Liar."
She then shifted her gaze to Benn, who also stepped forward and offered his hand. "My name is Benn Beckman. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Kushina."
Kushina chuckled again. "Two very handsome and polite boys… Noelle-chan, have you really given up on my boy?"
Noelle's face instantly turned bright red. "Mrs. Kushina, don't talk about such things so suddenly!"
Kushina playfully covered her mouth. "Oops, I'm sorry."
Pouting, Noelle said, "I can help you with the washing, Mrs. Kushina."
Kushina waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that for now, Noelle-chan. I'm more interested in what the three of you came here for. I'm sure it isn't just to greet me."
Shanks smiled. "How observant, Mrs. Kushina. You truly are a godsend."
"Such compliments…" Kushina said with amusement. "Whatever you want to speak about must be important. But I fail to see what it is you could want from me."
Shanks answered calmly. "That was truly a standalone compliment, but there is something you can help us with."
"I see," Kushina replied.
Noelle stepped forward slightly. "Mrs. Kushina, where is Sterling?"
"I have no idea," Kushina said. "He left earlier this morning with Bellé-mer."
Noelle's expression instantly darkened at the mention of Bellé-mer. Kushina noticed and chuckled.
"Don't worry, Noelle-chan. Bellé-mer is leaving this year. Then you can have your chance once more."
Noelle mumbled quietly, "But Sterling might be leaving as well…"
"What was that, Noelle-chan?" Kushina asked.
"No–nothing," Noelle quickly replied.
Kushina studied her face for a moment, then nodded. "I see. Well then, why don't we go inside? I'll even make you my very special tea"
---
Elsewhere, near the pier, Sterling was diligently practicing his swordsmanship. His father had left him detailed swordsmanship notes to study from. Everything Sterling knew about the blade came from those pages.
Bellé-mer sat nearby, watching. She suddenly let out a dramatic sigh. "Sterling. Why can't I get as good in swordsmanship as you?"
Sterling paused and looked at her. "I don't know… maybe it's talent."
Bellé-mer nodded thoughtfully. "That very well might be the case."
Sterling was about to resume training when something flickered into range of his Observation Haki. Two pirate ships… each packed with men. Over 170 pirates, by his quick estimation.
Then his eyes narrowed.
Standing at the beak of the front ship was a man he recognized. The very same pirate captain Sterling had once scared away as a child using his Conqueror's Haki.
Sterling's expression hardened.
Is he here for revenge?
How troublesome.