Chapter 094: A Very Kind and Gentle Girl, Makino Makes Her Official Appearance!

"Even Ollete, your father knows you're not a reckless person, and he also knows that if you're saying these words, you must have already prepared yourself."

King Riku stroked his beard, speaking with utmost seriousness: "As your father, I don't recommend you attempt this, because this matter definitely won't be as smooth as you say. However, even if I stop you, I'm sure you'll still go to Dressrosa."

"Since that's the case, then do as you see fit."

King Riku looked at Viola, speaking earnestly: "No matter whether this succeeds or fails, protecting yourself is the most important thing. Do you understand?"

Viola nodded solemnly, her eyes filled with determination, and a sweet, gentle smile bloomed on her face.

"Father, don't worry. Your daughter isn't foolish—I'll protect myself well."

Rebecca looked at Viola, furrowing her delicate brows slightly before shaking her head with a bitter smile. "Auntie, honestly, I don't want you to do this."

"But since Grandpa has already said so, I won't say much to stop you."

"However, when you make contact later, you must be extremely, extremely careful. You absolutely cannot be discovered."

Viola rolled her eyes at her, teasingly saying, "You're acting like a child now—of course I'll be careful. I won't be discovered at all."

"Alright, I shouldn't stay too long, lest Doflamingo's men notice. I'll head back now."

After saying this, she quickly stood up and walked gracefully toward the door.

After she left, Rebecca turned to King Riku, her beautiful face filled with concern. "Grandpa, is this really okay?"

"Wouldn't Auntie be in great danger like this?"

King Riku sighed, his aged face showing helplessness as he smiled bitterly. "Of course Grandpa knows."

"But once your aunt makes a decision, she won't change it."

"Your aunt may seem cheerful on the surface, but deep down, she's suffering. She buries everything inside, not wanting us to know."

King Riku leaned back in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling, his expression filled with sorrow. "Our country has been taken over, and we're forced to live underground like this."

"The pressure here… it's not something that can be put into words. Sigh—"

"It's all my fault. Not only could I not protect the people, but even my own family has to suffer because of me. It's all my fault!"

Seeing King Riku so full of self-blame, Rebecca quickly stood up and walked to his side, gently kneeling beside him.

She took his weathered hands in hers, speaking with deep concern: "Grandpa, don't think like that. None of this is your fault."

"All of this is because of Doflamingo. He's the one who brought this upon us."

"Besides, you must believe that a villain like Doflamingo will surely face retribution."

Rebecca shook his hands lightly, her eyes filled with hope as she spoke softly: "Grandpa, I want to go outside and see the flower fields. Will you come with me?"

Hearing his granddaughter's words, King Riku pushed his worries aside and smiled kindly. "Of course. If my granddaughter wants to go out, how could I refuse?"

"Let's go. It'll be good to get some fresh air. Staying underground all the time, never seeing the sun, makes the heart grow dark."

Rebecca nodded firmly, humming in agreement, her eyes sparkling as a sweet smile graced her face—radiant and beautiful.

Then, the old and the young walked hand in hand toward the door.

The scene was heartwarming and beautiful.

Four Days Later.

On the Kabas, at sea.

"Damn it, only Law and Bepo are the most relaxed, always knowing how to enjoy fishing."

Jesus Burgess had just finished training, leaning back in his chair with a look of frustration. "We've searched for four days and haven't found a damn thing. So annoying!"

Perona floated above the deck, her smile as eerie as ever. "I don't know about the rest, but now that four days have passed, there are only twenty-six left."

"I can already see the position of Vice Captain waving at me. Yohohoho~"

Hawkins sat to the side, playing with his cards as he glanced at Perona, speaking in his usual lifeless tone: "Though four days have passed, the position of Vice Captain hasn't been decided yet."

Trafalgar Law rested his cursed sword Kikoku on his shoulder, as cold as ever. "The position of Vice Captain undoubtedly belongs to Lafitte. There's no need to discuss it."

"That's not necessarily true."

Van Augur adjusted his gun with a blank expression. "After listening to the Captain's teachings, I'm very confident in my training of Observation and Armament Haki."

"In these twenty-six days, I will definitely master Armament Haki. By then, the position of Vice Captain will undoubtedly be mine."

"Such is fate~"

Killer swung his scythe-like blades, diligently training his Haki, coldly adding: "Don't forget about me."

Lafitte placed his hands together, smiling faintly, his tone sinister. "Though I'd love to step down, my strength simply won't allow it."

"I truly hope a new member can appear and take my place."

"However, since setting sail, I've never tasted defeat. I'd love to experience the bitterness of losing—it must be quite thrilling!"

Suddenly—

Boom!

A loud report echoed from outside.

"Enemy ships spotted ahead—one merchant ship, one pirate ship! Enemy ships spotted ahead!"

Hearing the urgent report, the crew members were momentarily stunned before excitement lit up their faces.

Kalifa adjusted her glasses, her beautiful eyes gleaming as she said with a smile: "How rare. We've been sailing for so long and have only encountered enemies a few times."

Perona, floating in the air, giggled. "Exactly! Our ship rarely runs into pirates or Marines. It's been so boring just drifting on the sea."

Nami blinked her big eyes, her smile pure and lovely. "The East Blue is the weakest sea. There aren't many pirates here, so of course we don't encounter them often."

Nojiko nodded, smiling gently. "Originally, there weren't many pirates. But after Chris's bounty was announced, there must be more now."

At this moment, Bakkar looked at the busy man on deck and said with a smile: "Chris, our luck has struck again."

"Is it that mysterious ship?"

The Queen of Hearts glanced at Bakkar, her beautiful eyes shining with excitement.

Bonney brushed aside her golden-blonde hair, elegant and composed. "Didn't they say it's a merchant ship and a pirate ship? How could it be that mysterious one?"

"Let's go."

Chris set down the barbell without hesitation and strode toward the deck.

The women quickly stood up, their stunning faces filled with curiosity, eager to find out what this stroke of luck would bring this time…

On the Merchant Ship.

In a small cabin near the stern, a young woman stood by the window.

She had chestnut-brown hair tied with a golden headscarf—none other than the bar owner from Windmill Village, Makino!

"As expected, it's good to go out and relax once in a while. Otherwise, life would be too dull."

Makino placed a hand above her eyes, shielding them from the bright sunlight as she gazed at the blue sky, white clouds, and the endless, rippling sea.

Her mood was light and carefree.

Her fair, delicate face unconsciously broke into a gentle, charming smile—so beautiful it was dazzling.

What a kind and lovely girl!

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T/N:

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