"Then... well, where are you taking me?"
As the Grandine left the Devil's Triangle, Perona, who hadn't seen the sun in ages, finally stepped back into the light.
Clutching a small puppet, Perona, now without her usual zombie bear, looked nervously at Kahn and his crew.
Kahn had recruited Gekko Moria, convincing him to make the "Moonlight Pirates" a subordinate group of the "Cross Family" in exchange for a spot in the upcoming big battle.
He didn't linger at Thriller Bark but took Perona with him.
That day, they left the Devil's Triangle.
Kahn taking Perona as his personal maid was part of the deal. Gekko Moria, understanding exactly what this meant, did not refuse.
Determined to avenge his fallen comrades, even at the cost of his life, Gekko Moria wasn't afraid to die for revenge.
But he didn't want to endanger Perona, who was like a daughter to him, having raised her since childhood.
Unlike Absalom and Hogback, who had only joined in the last couple of years, Perona was different. Absalom had already been killed by Kahn, and Gekko Moria, driven by his need for revenge against Kaido, was willing to sacrifice his dignity.
Only Perona remained as a reminder of Gekko Moria's past passion.
She had been with him since she was a child, long before Absalom and Hogback came along.
That's why Gekko Moria didn't want to drag Perona into the dangerous path he was on.
He knew it would be safer for Perona to go with Kahn rather than stay by his side.
So, with Gekko Moria's silent consent, the young Perona had no choice in the matter and was taken away by Kahn.
As a witness to all this, he knew Kahn's strength and status far surpassed Perona's, leaving him in awe of Kahn.
"Don't be afraid. We mean you no harm," Kahn said, noticing Perona's fear. Using his height to his advantage, he gently patted Perona, who was just 1.4 meters tall and smiled. "Moria is off gathering forces for the next big battle.
"The Moonlight Pirates will be rapidly expanding, and aside from men and special fighters, there won't be many women around."
"That kind of crew isn't suitable for a girl like you, so Moria has entrusted you to the Cross Family."
"From now on, you're my personal maid, part of my family, and the link between the Cross Family and the Moonlight Pirates."
"I... I understand."
Whether it was because she believed Kahn had no bad intentions or because she felt the kindness he exuded, Perona relaxed slightly and nodded obediently.
But it was clear that Perona's fear of Kahn and his crew hadn't completely vanished.
Because Perona's true nature wasn't this obedient, but being cherished by Moria and feared by Absalom and Hogback, she had been pampered like a princess.
Yet, it must be said that Moria was deeply devoted to his crew.
Perona, who had joined the Moonlight Pirates as a young girl, was still an innocent child, clearly well-protected.
Especially since Gekko Moria had only recently recruited Hogback and moved into the Devil's Triangle, he hadn't yet begun capturing shadows to build his zombie army.
Perona, who has never harmed outsiders, is like a blank canvas.
Kahn, with his vast experience, knew exactly how to handle such a pure-hearted girl.
He was confident it wouldn't take long to colour Perona's blank canvas with his own influence, making her willingly become his personal maid.
But before that, Kahn needed to dispel Perona's fear and wariness towards him.
Kahn's approach to winning over someone was always through sincerity.
For a little girl with a pure heart, acting cold would only heighten her fear and caution. Instead, a warm and gentle approach could quickly earn her trust.
This is why, in many stories, male protagonists with a warm and kind demeanour are often surrounded by many loyal companions.
Being cold might attract admirers, but warmth wins over hearts.
To gain Perona's favour, Kahn took the initiative to introduce her and Kuina to all the entertainment at the Grandine.
When they reached the arena, Kahn personally participated in a three-on-one match against Monet, Perona, and Kuina.
Kahn and Monet worked seamlessly together.
Kahn would consistently set up the plays while Monet explained the rules to Perona as they played.
Kuina, having played these games before, was already familiar with them.
However, Kuina preferred the shooting range over volleyball.
Archery had become one of Kuina's hobbies.
After returning to the New World with her master, Kuina planned to learn the archery skills of the Kuja from Mary and others whom she contacted through the Den Den Mushi.
As Monet finished teaching, Kahn subtly guided Perona into the game, setting her up for success.
Even though Perona had never been involved in sports and was more inclined to her ghostly powers, she found herself reluctantly engaging in the game.
With Kahn and Monet expertly managing the field, Perona quickly began to enjoy herself, forgetting her fears and reservations as she immersed herself in the fun of the game.
Even Kuina, who rarely participated in team games, got caught up in the excitement.
Especially after Kahn subtly allowed Perona to score a point by adjusting the flow of the game, Perona, now sweating from the exercise, cheered with joy.
Sports, especially team games that require cooperation, are one of the quickest ways to build bonds and friendships, no matter what world you're in.
Through this friendly game, Perona, who had grown up alongside Gekko Moria and had no peers her age—let alone a female friend to play with—quickly developed a fondness for her new companions.
In the warm and lively atmosphere of the Grandine, so different from the gloomy Thriller Bark, Perona soon found herself charmed by Kahn's kindness, Monet's warmth, and the friendship of her peer, Kuina.
Her blank canvas was swiftly filled with colours representing Kahn.
In less than two days, Perona, like the simple-hearted Kuina, naturally started calling Kahn "Master."
At this rate, it wouldn't be long before Perona's heart was completely shaped by Kahn.
When Gekko Moria finished gathering his forces and reunited with Perona, though her feelings for him wouldn't change, Perona would undoubtedly choose to stay by Kahn's side, enjoying the warmth and companionship, rather than returning to the dreary life on Thriller Bark where she had no one to play with.
The time soon reached October 1510 in the Sea Circle Calendar.
Kahn had taken Kuina and Perona on adventures from the first half of the Grand Line to the New World.
During this time, they visited "Grandine Paradise," where Kahn introduced Kuina and Perona to Sonia, who was stationed there. Kahn made sure to inform Sonia that he wouldn't be returning to Amazon Lily immediately but would head to the "Grandine New World" first.
"I'll take Mary away tomorrow, and you'll control the sailing range of the 'Grandine New World' to keep it close to Amazon Lily, preparing for the upcoming battle," Kahn instructed on the night they arrived.
After giving out rations to Hancock, Robin, and Monet, Kahn, with Hancock and Robin by his side and Monet resting on his chest, suddenly said, "I'm going to seize the Ancient Weapon."
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