Arashi's sudden display of dominance left Perona completely stunned.
Although she had only been aboard the Traveler for a few days, and Arashi usually acted like a laid-back older brother chatting casually with them, she had already sensed back in Constantine City that he was incredibly strong.
But that had only been a vague first impression.
Now, seeing him silently release his Conqueror's Haki to shield them, and then overwhelm Chinjao—a legendary figure who had dominated the seas decades ago—her perception was completely overturned.
Every movement radiated authority.
Every word carried invisible majesty.
That calm, effortless smile—like everything was under control—
It all struck deeply into her young heart.
At this moment, Perona's eyes were filled with pure admiration.
The way she looked at Arashi was no different from a starstruck fangirl, her gaze sparkling.
Compared to Perona's admiration, Robin was overwhelmed by a mix of emotion and shock.
Her vision blurred instantly.
As the "Devil of Ohara," hunted since the age of eight, she had survived in the West Blue through betrayal—or by betraying others.
Over time, she had long forgotten the words that giant told her when she fled Ohara all those years ago.
She no longer believed that companions who would protect her could exist.
She no longer believed the world could treat her with warmth.
Because her very existence was a crime.
So she had lowered her expectations—just wanting to live one more day in this dark world.
When she met Arashi, and felt his subtle, unspoken protection, she thought it was just a faint glimmer of hope—perhaps nothing more than wishful thinking.
Being able to stay by his side was already more than enough.
As long as she didn't become a burden—that was her greatest wish.
She never dared to ask for more.
But now—
This wasn't wishful thinking.
Nor was it just a fleeting glimmer.
This young traveler, who had suddenly entered her world…
Was actually willing to stand against the leader of the Happo Navy for her sake—
even to the point of opposing the entire Kano Country.
How could she not be moved?
How could she not be shaken?
Chinjao said nothing, staring intently at Arashi.
Though their clash had only been a collision of Conqueror's Haki, that alone was enough for him to judge—
This young man was truly powerful.
More importantly, Chinjao could tell—
Arashi hadn't come here to cause trouble.
The fact that he had withdrawn his Haki at the right moment proved it: he really was just traveling.
After a moment of thought, Chinjao walked back and sat down.
"Well… although your threat displeases me, we were in the wrong first."
As he spoke, he lifted the bowl of wine before him.
"I know quite well what happened at Ohara. Personally, I bear no ill will toward Robin. If I did, I would have acted the moment you entered."
"No more words. Drink this, and you three remain honored guests of the Happo Navy."
"Chief Chinjao is truly straightforward."
Arashi smiled, raising his cup and clinking it with Chinjao's.
After downing the drink, the two exchanged glances—then burst into laughter.
Arashi hadn't expected Chinjao to settle things so quickly, but since the old man had lowered his stance, there was nothing more to say.
Just drink.
"Arashi! Arashi!"
Perona floated over excitedly.
"I want some too! I want to drink!"
"What are you, a kid, doing drinking?!"
Before Arashi could respond, Chinjao roared,
"Hurry up and wake those useless brats of mine first!"
"Hey! Cone-head, don't yell at me!!"
Perona jumped onto the table, hands on her hips, glaring.
"Believe it or not, I'll make you depressed too!"
"Hahaha! Make me depressed?"
Chinjao laughed heartily.
"Your Devil Fruit is indeed strange, but to me, it's just child's play—"
Thud!!!
Before he could finish—
A ghost passed straight through him.
The next second, Chinjao dropped to his knees, face dark with despair.
"I'm sorry… I'm not worthy to drink with you… please, step on me to death…"
Seeing Chinjao kneeling, Perona burst into laughter.
"Told you! Now you know how amazing I am! Hehehe—eh?"
She tilted her head, staring at him.
"Arashi, why does his head look so weird?"
"I'm sorry… my head shouldn't exist… please crush it…"
Arashi couldn't help but chuckle.
"Alright, Perona. That's enough."
He then glanced at Robin, who was standing quietly to the side, eyes shimmering with tears.
Without making a fuss, he called out,
"Robin, come pour me some wine."
"Huh?"
Still dazed from everything that had just happened, Robin blinked and looked at him.
Seeing him about to pour it himself, she hurried over.
"Mr. Arashi, let me."
"Brat!!!"
As soon as Perona withdrew her ability, Chinjao sprang back up, instantly regaining his bluster.
"How dare you treat me so disrespectfully!"
"Hmph, didn't you say my power couldn't affect you?"
Perona shot him a smug look, then turned to Arashi with a sweet smile.
"Arashi, I'm awesome, right?"
"Very impressive."
Arashi nodded with a smile.
Chinjao had no way to deal with this little girl.
Of course, it wasn't that he truly had no counter—he just couldn't bring himself to argue with a child.
If word got out that the leader of the Happo Navy was bullying a little girl, where would his dignity go?
"Alright, alright—drink, drink!"
Unable to win, Chinjao decisively changed the subject, raising his cup again.
And just like that—
The tension dissolved into laughter and clinking cups once more.
Extra chapters are already prepared… waiting to be unleashed.
Get early access on Patreon:
patreon.com/c/DreamWriterStudios
Want more chapters? You decide the pace:
✨ 10 Reviews = 1 Bonus Chapter
🔥 200 Power Stones = Another Release
Your support fuels the journey.
The stronger your backing… the faster the story unfolds.