"What? Daughter Country?" Tesoro raised an eyebrow. He had only ever heard of Daughter Island, Amazon Lily.
Could this Daughter Country be connected to that place?
Kuro noticed the surprise on Tesoro's face at once.
"This is Nine Serpent Island," Kuro said calmly. "It originally lay within the Calm Belt."
"Nani?!"
Tesoro, Mr. Tanaka, and Baccarat all exclaimed at the same time.
Nine Serpent Island was supposed to be in the Calm Belt, in the first half of the Grand Line. How could it possibly appear in the New World?
Tesoro carefully observed the island again. It matched every description he had ever read of Nine Serpent Island. The terrain, the structure, even the layout were identical.
The only difference was that the island was no longer surrounded by the sea on all sides. It had been seamlessly joined to the main island.
"This… this really is Nine Serpent Island?" Tesoro asked slowly.
Kuro nodded. "Yes, it is."
Tesoro was momentarily at a loss for words. "Was it… moved here entirely?"
As he spoke, he pulled a map from his coat. According to the map, this region once consisted of five scattered islands, irregularly positioned and isolated from one another. Due to the violent climate and unstable weather, they were unsuitable for human habitation and had never fallen under the control of any Yonko.
Yet now, these islands clearly formed the outer ring of Peach Garden.
The climate was gentle, the air stable, and ordinary people could live here without issue.
A bold conclusion formed in Tesoro's mind.
This main island had been relocated from elsewhere.
The once brutal climate had been forcibly altered by Ion Tempest.
It was nothing short of a miracle.
Kuro did not explain further. Even to him, these changes still felt unreal at times. Ever since he joined Ion Tempest, one impossible event after another had shattered his understanding of the world.
Every member of the crew possessed abilities that defied common sense. Their actions were never constrained by convention.
If gathered together, Kuro was certain they could overturn the world of One Piece itself.
He remembered Rolan's words clearly.
"My strength alone can shake the world, but changing it requires everyone."
Tesoro did not ask any further questions. What he had seen already was enough to haunt him for the rest of his life. His desire to meet the man known as the world's strongest only grew stronger.
…
Alabasta.
Rolan gently ruffled Vivi's hair. "I didn't expect you to be so mischievous as a child."
Vivi leaned closer to him without hesitation.
After the banquet ended, the two walked beneath the moonlight together. The palace grounds were quiet, bathed in silver light.
Vivi rested her head against Rolan's shoulder and spoke endlessly. She talked about her childhood, her small adventures, the animals she met, the scenery she loved.
Falling in love made people want to share everything, no matter how trivial.
Rolan listened without interrupting.
Eventually, he spoke. "Get some rest. We leave for the New World tomorrow."
Vivi lifted her head. The moon reflected in her eyes, clear and bright. Her already delicate features appeared even more captivating under the soft glow. Her lips glistened faintly.
Rolan swallowed, his Adam's apple shifting.
Vivi slowly closed her eyes, her face warming as her heartbeat quickened. Her breathing grew shallow.
Rolan leaned down.
Their faces drew closer, his breath brushing against her skin. Heat rushed to her cheeks.
Their lips met gently.
For Vivi, it felt like an electric current ran through her body. Her strength vanished, leaving her unable to move. As the seconds passed, she slowly adapted, her hesitation melting as she responded.
When they finally separated, Vivi's face was flushed, her gaze drifting away in embarrassment.
Rolan flicked her nose lightly. "Relax. I sealed the area with an electromagnetic barrier. No one saw."
Vivi buried her face against his chest again, shy and relieved.
Rolan held her close, his hand moving slowly along her back. Vivi trembled slightly, her breath hot against his chest. Her body softened in his arms.
Only when his hand wandered too far did she grasp his wrist.
"It's… not convenient right now," she whispered.
She quickly stepped back, flustered. "Lord Rolan, I… I should rest. Good night."
She fled down the corridor, her steps hurried.
Rolan watched her go, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
He exhaled slowly and looked up at the moon.
In his previous life, he had lived shut away from the world. Romance had existed only in fantasies. Now, reality had surpassed imagination.
He accepted it without sentimentality.
…
From behind a wall, Cobra quietly watched Vivi return to her room and released a breath he did not realize he was holding.
As her father, her happiness mattered more to him than anything.
Vivi had followed Rolan's every piece of news obsessively. Her room was filled with his wanted posters and photographs.
Cobra had known for a long time.
Earlier that afternoon, he had spoken privately with Rolan. The answer he received had put his mind at ease.
He chose to trust him.
…
Morning light streamed across a large bed.
"I can't take it anymore. Go find Vivi," Nami said weakly, her breathing unsteady.
She had already experienced Rolan's overwhelming stamina and knew her limits.
Rolan did not reply immediately. His hand rested against her chest, calm and unhurried. "Nami, do you think I'm a playboy?"
Nami caught his wrist, her voice soft and unfocused. "Why ask that now?"
"I care for you," Rolan said evenly. "And I care for Robin, Hancock, Lina, and Vivi. None of you are replaceable."
Nami shook her head faintly. "We don't care about numbers."
Rolan kissed her briefly and pulled her into his arms.
Nami pressed against him, clearly feeling his response.
She hesitated, then whispered, "Then… should I use my mouth?"
…