"You, are you really a ghost?!"
"Damn it, get out, get out here!"
Makoto Itou waved his chain in fear, attempting to keep Brook away from him.
Brook, regretful, shook his head and then leaped off the boat, traversing the water before landing on an old, dilapidated pirate ship that exuded an eerie aura.
"G-Ghost...ship?!"
"And he ran on the sea!"
"Damn it, do ghosts actually exist in this world!?"
"What are you all waiting for? Hurry and set sail, let's get out of here!"
Itou shouted at his crew, who acted in haste. The entire crew was gripped by fear of Brook's presence.
After more than ten minutes of hard sailing, the crew finally managed to reach a piece of "land."
"This should be safe."
Itou heaved a sigh of relief.
However, he was oblivious to the fact that a translucent figure had silently boarded his ship and was standing on the deck behind him.
As Itou relaxed his guard, a heavy blow struck him from behind, causing him to collapse on the deck of the pirate ship, unconscious.
Meanwhile, the live broadcast room that was showcasing his actions was also plunged into darkness.
Makoto Itou's live broadcast room saw a rapid decline in viewers.
In a short time, there were only a few Green Pheasant viewers and some official representatives of the Green Pheasant country still following Makoto Itou's live broadcast.
Time passed.
In the consultation room of the Black Pearl Pirates, Nojiko had already left, leaving only Ayane and Rifan behind.
"Can the Clone-Clone Fruit record and use the bodies and abilities of other Devil Fruit users upon awakening?"
"As expected, the awakened Devil Fruit is an incredibly powerful ability."
"It seems you've acquired quite a few items that can awaken Devil Fruits."
"Rifan, the awakened abilities in your pirate group must be quite potent."
While Ayane squeezed fresh milk into a container and observed Rifan, she couldn't help but feel somewhat awkward.
Especially at this moment, Rifan was still in a state where Nojiko's use of Bonney's ability was working.
It made Ayane feel as though she had taken care of a child.
"Awakened Devil Fruit abilities are indeed quite powerful. However, the typical Devil Fruit awakening relies on the user's ability and will to reach their peak."
"Even an awakened devil fruit user through props cannot match the power of a user who has undergone the natural process of awakening."
"But they are not to be underestimated."
Rifan sipped on the freshly squeezed drink Ayane had just prepared and commented, "It tastes good! Ayane, remember to stock up on these for you me."
Seeing this scene, even the cruel Ayane couldn't help but twitch her lips.
Thinking that she had promised Rifan to provide her milk permanently in order to understand Buggy's identity, Ayane sighed deeply again.
'My practice is far from enough, and I accidentally agreed to this guy because the massage was too comfortable.'
Ayane thought to herself.
She knows herself well enough.
Although Buggy's status is special, but if it is in the usual state.
She will not agree to Rifan's proposal.
The reason she agreed was not only because of Buggy's identity, more significantly, Rifan's massage skills, which had momentarily left her with little control over her will.
"However, I didn't think Buggy was a member of the Roger Pirates."
"And Red-Hair Shanks, currently one of the Four Emperors, is his best friend!"
"But his behaviour is completely at odds with his identity."
Ayane shook her head, sighing softly.
"So, if you continue to accompany Buggy, you might get caught up in a massive whirlwind."
"Ayane, this doesn't align with your idea of low-key development."
Rifan, using his Float devil fruit ability, levitated in front of Ayane and looked at her seriously.
According to the original storyline, Buggy would make an appearance at the Summit War. Before that, he even visited Impel Down.
If Ayane remained by Buggy's side continuously, whether she followed him to Impel Down or accompanied him to the Summit War, it would be quite dangerous for her.
Rifan didn't want to put Ayane, an old acquaintance who occasionally provided benefits, in harm's way.
"Are you concerned about my safety, Rifan?"
Ayane watched Rifan's petite figure and his serious expression and couldn't help but smile.
Afterward, she set down the container in her hand, extended her arms, and embraced Rifan, treating him as if he were a real child.
Then, Ayane gently stroked Rifan's hair as if she were holding a genuine child, her thoughts wandering.
"Rifan, you really are a mystery."
Rifan, who returned to Ayane's embrace, made a move on her.
In an instant, a strong pull enveloped Ayane, causing her to experience an electrifying sensation.
Surprised, Ayane quickly raised her arms and turned Rifan 180 degrees, allowing him to sit with his back against her.
"Such a shame."
Rifan smacked his lips and turned to look at Ayane behind him.
"I do worry about your safety. You still have two more Devil Fruits to give me, you know."
"And if you can't give the remaining two Devil Fruits within the specified time..."
"You'll belong to me."
"At that point, I'll have the right to worry about you, won't I?"
Upon hearing this, Ayane smiled and shook her head.
"Even if I were to sign a slavery contract with you and become your servant, you wouldn't make a move on me unless you completely abandon your principles."
Ayane knew Rifan well. She believed that, even if she were in such a situation, Rifan would not act against her unless he had given up on his principles.
Seeing Rifan again, Ayane has a deeper understanding of Rifan.
The current Rifan is much stronger than when they parted.
There are many more beauties around him.
It can be said that if Rifan wanted it, he can sleep with many beauties together.
But even so, Rifan did not do this.
This is why Ayane thinks that Rifan has not changed.
"It's really not a very pleasant thing to be easily seen through."
Rifan sighed, leaning his head up against two soft cushions.
"But sometimes there are benefits to being recognized as a man of principle."
"It's like how you can rest in my arms now."
"If it were someone else, maybe I wouldn't compromise even if I died."
After Ayane sighed, she continued:
"Rifan, thank you for your reminder."
"But I've been with the Buggy Pirates for far too long."
"If it is another pirate group, I may not be able to stay so happily."
"But Buggy is weird, but he is not difficult to get along with."
"If it were someone else, my situation would not necessarily be better."
"In addition, the identity of Buggy may also have some beneficial effects on me in the future."
"However, I still have to thank you."
"I believe in the strength you helped me gain earlier."
"I should be able to handle a lot of problems."
Ayane put her hands on Rifan's abdomen and said with her chin resting on Rifan's head.
"Although you said that, you were injured by the Marine guerrillas not long ago, didn't you?"
Rifan shook his head and continued:
"Forget it, I already knew you wouldn't leave the Buggy Pirates."
"It's because you agreed to my request so simply this time and gave me benefits.
"I'll give you a bonus too."
Hearing this, Ayane raised her eyebrows:
"Rifan, what do you mean..."
Before Ayane could finish her sentence, she saw Rifan in her arms take out a syringe filled with lavender liquid from somewhere and stick it on her thigh.