Ben saw the papers of the restaurant. It was named within Izaya, however there was a condition that it would be transferred to Maya. This would ensure they would get the place and be off the World Government radar for now. Ben thought, it's better to be safe than sorry. He still has not reached the stage where he could face any admirals or yonko yet. Their crews' power was vast for him and his crew. However, with time, they will be there. He could see his crew improving however they still had much more to achieve.
"What are you think about my love?" Alvida asked.
"Nothing, just my thoughts. We still have a lot to explore and see and face," Ben replied.
"We do but together we can do it," Alvida said. Ben looked at Alvida. He saw her pretty face, her red lips. Her eyes had determination and love.
Ben smiled. "I am lucky to have you, all of you," Ben replied.
Alvida smiled and held his hand. They both looked at each other and smiled.
"Are you already cheating on my granddaughter," Izaya shouted.
Ben and Alvida looked at Izaya and smiled. "My love loves us all equally and there are rules which he must follow," Alvida replied.
"Maya is a sweet person, I will take care of her," Ben added.
"You better be," Izaya replied. She added, "Everything has been set-up, it's time for the opening."
"That was quick," Ben replied. He thought it had been like an hour or so.
"We work quickly," Izaya replied.
"My love, Maya, has also worked very hard," Alvida added.
Ben smiled. "She is a hard working girl," Ben remarked. He thought of giving her a gift.
They all nodded and headed to the restaurant. Ben saw the outside had not changed much and walked inside. He noted there was a crowd of people waiting to go inside. "This seems popular," Ben commented.
"Well, once everyone found out the saviours of the island were holding a small special shop, they all came," Izaya said.
Ben smiled. They walked in. He saw the place was busy. There were 4 people he did not recognise working at the restaurant. They seems to be all female
"Who are they all?" Ben asked.
"My love, when Maya spoke about us opening a restaurant last night, they volunteered to help, they said something about Vivi`s speech," Alvida responded.
"She always has a fan club," Ben joked. He saw Mikita in the kitchen. "I will go and see Mikita," Ben added.
"Okay, my love, I will see how HQ is getting along with the final permit," Alvida replied.
Ben nodded as she saw Alvida leave. He approached Mikita in the kitchen. She was covered in flour. Her apron was all white. She wore a cute chef hat. Her hands were busy mixing ingredients. "How's the cake coming along, Mikita?" Ben asked, peering into the bowl.
Mikita looked up with a smile as Ben came closer. She started to laugh, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "It is coming together," Mikita replied.
Ben approached her and touched her hair and moved it to the side. His palm touched her face. "I know whatever you make it will taste good," Ben responded.
Mikita smiled. "Thank you," she replied. Her heartbeat quickened. Mikita snapped out of it. "You are distracting me," Mikita said with a smile.
"Am I?" Ben joked as he moved his hand towards her chin.
"Yes, you are now shuuu," Mikita said with a large smile on his face.
"Okay, I will be wanting to try your cake," Ben said.
"You will," Mikita said.
Ben smiled. "Love you," Ben said as he left.
Mikita`s heart melted. She mumbled to herself as she watched him leave.
Ben walked back into the main restaurant and found Conis serving customers at the restaurant. She moved with ease, balancing trays and taking orders with a smile. He walked up to Conis who ended up bumping into Ben. She was about to fall over when Ben caught her.
"Got you," Ben said.
Conis smiled warmly. "Thank you Captain," Conis replied. She went slightly red as Ben had her caught.
He helped her up. Ben saw she was slightly blushing and smiled. "How are you doing?" Ben asked.
"It's quite fun, actually, a nice change of pace," Conis replied.
"Better than the pirating life?" Ben teased.
"No," Conis responded. She saw Ben was pulling her leg. She added, "It is different." She looked a little nervous.
Ben smiled. "Whatever you think it's best for you. I will support you," Ben stated.
"I like being with you Ben," she quietly said, looking down.
"I do too," Ben replied.
"Conis, the tea is ready," a voice shouted out.
"I need to go Captain," Conis said as she went away.
"Sure," Ben responded as she waved away.
Ben then spotted Raki, who was busy clearing a table. She seemed to be enjoying herself.
"Hi Raki, how are you getting along?" Ben asked.
Raki beamed. "Surprisingly satisfying," Raki responded.
"How so?" Ben questioned.
"I dont know, there is something peaceful about this but," Raki replied.
"But?"
"I want an adventure with you," Raki replied.
"Something for retirement?" Ben joked.
"That is a long way but not a bad idea," Raki replied. She added, "Now stop distracting, I have a mission to do for you."
Ben smiled and put a hand on her shoulder. "I value it," he added.
Raki went to help one of the women. Ben saw Zala was behind the counter, handling the cash register. Ben approached her and she looked up and smiled.
"Everything is running smoothly, Zala?" Ben asked.
Zala gave a satisfied nod. "So far, so good. I think we're doing well," she replied. She added, "We will be shifting roles and rotation around besides Nojiko and Marianne," Zala said.
"Where is Nojiko?" Ben asked.
"Over there," Zala pointed out.
"She wore it just for you," Zala teased.
"Then I should see her," Ben replied.
"You should," Zala said, waving him off.
Ben's eyes widened as he saw Nojiko in her cat girl outfit. She wore a short, frilly dress with cat ears on her head and a tail attached to the back. Her stockings were striped, and she wore cute little paw gloves.
"Nojiko, you look adorable," Ben commented. He looked at her and she was breathtaking.
Nojiko blushed but grinned. "Thanks, Captain. It feels a bit silly, but the kids love it," she replied.
"I love it as well," Ben added.
She leaned forward and touched his chest with his cat paw glove. "Does he like it?" she teased.
"There are kids here," Ben whispered back.
"Maybe we can go somewhere else?" Nojiko teased back. Ben thought she was being bold.
"Shall we?" Ben said, grabbing her hand.
Nojiko blushed. He took the bait. "Onee-sama," a group of children called.
"I have to go," Nojiko said as she left his hand and went to the children. Ben thought where did get that outfit.
He looked to see Marianne painting indoors. He could see the outline of the girls in the restaurant. "Hi Marianne, that looks incredible," Ben said, admiring her work.
Marianne turned, smiling softly. "Thank you, Ben but it's not finished," she replied.
"I can't wait to see the finished piece," Ben said.
Marianne smiled. Ben stayed at the restaurant the entire day. Robin came in later and drank tea in the corner. Kaya, Vivi and Saphir helped around. Vivi looked natural talking and serving. Saphir was a bit clumsy. Kaya looked sweet helping Mikita out. Honey went to sit with Marianne.