"Back on the normal ocean," Kaya remarked, her voice tinged with relief as she gazed at the familiar expanse of blue stretching out before them.
"Well, as normal as normal gets for us," Saphir quipped.
Conis looked around, her eyes wide with wonder. "This is incredible," she breathed, taking in the vast, glittering expanse. "It's so different from anything I've seen," she added.
"Very different," Raki agreed, nodding thoughtfully. The sea stretched out in all directions.
"This is just the beginning," Ben said. "The ocean holds countless wonders and adventures. You'll see things you never imagined possible," he added.
Just then, the sound of footsteps drew their attention. Alvida, Mikita, Honey, and Zala emerged from below deck, their expressions a mix of curiosity and eagerness. They all looked flushed and had a glow on their face.
"Finally, some fresh air," Alvida said, stretching her arms above her head and taking a deep breath. She added, "We are finally back on the Grand Line."
Mikita, her eyes sparkling with energy, looked around. "What did we miss? I heard something about a giant octopus?" she asked.
"Conis called it," Kaya replied with a grin. "You should have seen it. The octopus saved us from a free fall," she added.
"Sounds like quite the spectacle," Zala remarked, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth.
Honey's eyes were wide with interest as she joined the group. "We are back," she added.
Ben nodded, watching as the crew settled into the new rhythm of the sea. "There's a lot more to come," he assured them.
"So what will we do today?" Robin asked.
"We have had some big battles back to back, we should get some rest and then train," Ben replied.
"A bikini party my love," Alvida said.
"Pervert," Kaya remarked.
"The sun is out, we can get a nice tan," Zala remarked.
"Okay, let's go," Mikita added.
They started to head in. "I don't think I have the right clothes," Raki commented.
"You can use mine," Robin offered. "I have a spare," she added.
Ben sighed. He was not going to complain. He headed to his room and rummaged through his wardrobe and pulled out a pair of summer shorts. As he slipped them on, he opted for a lightweight shirt, leaving it unbuttoned.
He headed to the kitchen first and saw Alvida and Mikita sitting on the table. They were wearing their previous bikinis. He thought they did not have any time to shop as usual. It is always busy. Alvida was wearing a white bikini top with two straps on her upper stomach. She wore a thong style bikini bottom that covered most of her ass however her ass cheeks could be seen.
Mikita wore a yellow bra wrapped in a yellow design. It showed some cleavage. She also wore a pair of hipster bottoms with a low-rise waist. It was blue and had oranges as a pattern.
"You both look stunning," Ben commented.
Alvida and Mikita looked at Ben`s open shirt. They could see his large chest. His strong core and abs. They licked their lips. "You do as my love," Alvida replied.
"You do indeed," Mikita agreed.
Ben sat down. "Here, my love, try this," Alvida said warmly, holding the spoon to his lips.
Ben opened his mouth and accepted the bite, savoring the flavor. "Mmm, delicious," he commented.
Not wanting to be left out, Mikita quickly followed suit. She scooped a generous spoonful from her own bowl and held it up to Ben. "Now try mine," she said playfully, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Ben chuckled and leaned in to take the bite. "You're spoiling me," he said
"We love you," Alvida replied.
"How are you both feeling?" Ben asked, looking over at Alvida and Mikita.
"A bit sore," Mikita admitted with a faint smile.
"But it's the kind of sore that makes you feel alive," Alvida added, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction.
"Let's just enjoy the moment and not jinx it," Mikita cautioned, giving Ben a playful look.
"I won't," Ben chucked. He was going to ask or make a remark to slow down however they would backfire. He knew they wouldn't accept it.
"Everyone is outside or on the Bridge," Mikita commented.
"All waiting in the bikinis," Alvida teased.
"I will go talk to all of them," Ben replied. "However you two are first," Ben added as he held the girls by their waist and brought them closer to him.
"Bold," Mikita commented.
"Should I let you?" Ben teased.
"Don't you dare," Mikita firmly said.
"I wanted to ask you both about your dreams," Ben said.
"Dreams my love?" Alvida asked.
"Where did this come from?" Mikita asked.
"I asked everyone before but not you too, I will ask everyone again, I know it won't change but I want to keep them alive," Ben stated.
Alvida and Mikita smiled. Their hearts skipped a beat.
"My dream is simple," Alvida started, her voice steady.
"If it's for me to be the Pirate Harem King and you to be with everyone, then I know," Ben interjected with a teasing grin.
Alvida giggled, "You already knew, my love."
"I had a hunch," Ben replied. He knew this dream resonated with many of his crew and girls. "But I want to know your dream, your passion," he pressed, genuinely curious.
Mikita leaned in, her interest piqued. "Tell us, Alvida. We want to know," she remarked.
Alvida took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Before I joined you, before I fell in love, I wanted to be beautiful," she began. Her eyes flickered with memories of a different time.
Mikita's gaze softened. "But you are gorgeous," she said.
Alvida gave a small nod. "My Devil Fruit helped with that," she acknowledged. "It transformed me, shed the weight. But looking back, that dream feels so shallow now," she explained.
Ben reached out, taking her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
Alvida continued, her voice growing stronger. "Now, I want something deeper. I want us to live together, to protect everyone we care about. I want to be the strongest mace user in the world, so I can smash anyone who threatens us," she declared, her eyes blazing with determination.
Ben felt a surge of pride. "I will help with that," Ben stated. He thought it was still about him but Alvida wanted to be strong. That was unlike her original self however he liked it. He will protect her however he knows the world is dangerous so if they can defend themself as well it will help.
"Thank you my love," Alvida replied. She leaned in and kissed Ben on the lips. They felt the raw emotion between them as they kissed. Their lips locked for a minute until they let go.
Mikita watched. She did not want to disturb them but she wanted a kiss as well. Ben looked over to see Mikita watching them. "I am sorry," Ben apologised.
"Don't apologise," Mikita said. She added, "It was beautiful."
"Mikita, what is your dream?" Alvida asked.
"My dream?" Mikta replied. She thought for a second. "I want to be a Konditor making chocolate cakes," Mikita said. "I also want to have a lemon themed wedding with all my sisters," she added looking down slightly embarrassed.
"The first dream is wonderful. I would love to eat your chocolate cakes," Ben replied, his eyes twinkling with affection.
Alvida giggled, a playful sparkle in her eyes. "Thanks to my Slip-Slip Fruit, I never have to worry about the calories. I can eat as much as I want and still stay in shape," she said with a delighted grin.
Ben nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and contemplation. "I'll give you the biggest wedding, with all the lemons in the world," he promised. Even as he said it, he was aware that marriage might be a bit premature. But he loved all his girls deeply and knew that one day he wanted to make a commitment to them. Perhaps it was time to start thinking about rings.
"For a wedding, you need a groom," Alvida teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I wonder who that lucky man will be," Ben played along, a teasing tone in his voice.
"You, of course!" Mikita blurted out, her voice full of certainty and affection.
Ben laughed, touched by her straightforwardness. "Well, I guess that settles it then," he said with a smile as he leaned in and kissed her, their lips meeting in a soft, tender kiss. They kissed for a minute, enjoying the moment until they let go.
"Thank you for listening," Mikita said.
"I am all ears, I love you," Ben replied.
"I love you too," Mikita responded.
"Now, it is time to see the others, they are eagerly waiting for you, my love," Alvida said.
"I guess so," Ben replied. He kissed them both once more and left. They both continued to eat and chat together. Ben walked out of the dining room and entered the deck.