Inside the castle's kitchen, most of the food had already spoiled.
This was a clear sign that Mihawk had been away for quite some time.
Food might spoil, but there's one thing that, when properly stored, only gets better with age.
Yes, what Takumi had found was Mihawk's private wine cellar.
The cellar was filled with Mihawk's favorite red wines.
Takumi, without any hesitation, grabbed a bottle, opened it with a wine opener, and took a sip straight from the bottle. The taste was different from what he expected. It wasn't as strong, more robust than fruit wine but still enjoyable.
All in all, not bad.
After grabbing a few more bottles, Takumi left the cellar and found a relatively clean and spacious room to settle down in for the time being.
He wasn't sure when Mihawk would return, so all he could do was wait.
Sitting by the window at a round table, Takumi pulled out a bunch of food from his system storage, laid it on the table, and started eating, drinking, and reading a book to pass the time.
An hour later, the sound of distant crashes echoed from the forest outside.
Takumi put down his book and glanced out the window. Since he had nothing better to do, he extended his Observation Haki and discovered that Enel and Kaku were fighting the human imitators in the forest.
Although the imitators hadn't fully mastered Mihawk's swordsmanship, they had picked up the basics. Kaku, dealing with a group of baboons, was definitely having a tough time.
As for Enel, he could easily wipe out the baboons with his Devil Fruit abilities.
But what surprised Takumi was that the usually arrogant and lazy Enel wasn't using his powers.
It seemed like he was finally taking things seriously.
Kaku was another story. After all, he was a spy. Takumi had known this when Kaku agreed to join the crew.
As for Enel, ever since leaving Skypiea, his attitude had shifted. Despite still being a bit annoying at times, he was slowly becoming someone Takumi could trust.
If Enel could grow stronger without relying solely on his Devil Fruit, that would only benefit Takumi.
Thinking about this, Takumi poured himself another glass of red wine, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.
By evening, both Kaku and Enel returned to the castle to find Takumi. They were both injured.
Kaku's injuries were mild.
Enel, however, looked terrible, with bruises all over and several broken bones.
"Uh… are you alright?" Kaku asked, barely recognizing Enel.
"Stop staring!" Enel snapped. "I tripped, you idiot. Don't get the wrong idea, long nose!"
Kaku couldn't help but laugh, "You were fighting baboons, so why lie? I won't make fun of you…"
"Hey!" Enel raised his fist toward Kaku. "Say one more word, and I'll hit you!"
"Fine, fine, you tripped, happy now?" Kaku chuckled. "Let me patch you up. With injuries like those, you'll need a few days before you can train again."
Enel grunted in frustration and dragged his injured body into the castle. Using his Observation Haki, he quickly located Takumi's room.
Kaku followed him in.
Takumi had sensed them the moment they entered the castle, so their appearance wasn't a surprise.
"This island is boring," Enel complained the moment he saw Takumi. "No people, just baboons everywhere, and the paths are terrible…"
Kaku chuckled awkwardly, "Captain Takumi, don't mind him. How long are we staying on this island?"
Takumi glanced at them and replied calmly, "Could be a few days, could be a few months."
"Such a vague answer?" Enel grumbled. "Once we wipe out the baboons, let's leave."
"Yeah, right," Kaku laughed. "There are so many baboons on this island that it'd take us months to deal with them all, especially since we're not using our powers."
"Tch, you're underestimating yourself, long nose," Enel scoffed. "When the Thunder God makes a decision, it doesn't change easily!"
Kaku sighed, "And if Captain Takumi decides to leave? You'd stay behind to fight the baboons alone?"
Enel twitched, glancing at Takumi. "Uh… well, maybe give me a little face…"
Takumi, looking at Enel's bruised and battered face, couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright."
"Huh? You're really agreeing?" Enel was shocked.
Kaku was also surprised.
Takumi shrugged. "Yes, I agreed."
"Yahahahaha!" Enel burst into laughter. "See? I told you! Takumi's way of thinking is different from normal people. You can't predict what he'll do! Haha—ouch…"
His laughter triggered the pain in his body, and Enel winced, furrowing his brow in pain.
Seeing Takumi flex his fingers, Enel thought he had annoyed him. Quickly, he pleaded, "Don't hit me! I'm already covered in injuries, and I've broken several bones. Don't make it worse…"
"Come here," Takumi said in a calm voice.
Enel hesitated, taking a step back. "Do I have to? I'm already hurt. You're not going to make me walk over there just to get hit, are you?"
"Three, two…" Takumi hadn't even finished counting.
Enel sighed and reluctantly walked over.
Takumi raised his hand.
Enel shut his eyes, bracing for the hit.
But the expected pain never came. Instead, he felt a warm, tingling sensation, like his wounds were healing.
Enel cautiously opened one eye, only to see a soft green glow radiating from Takumi's hand, flowing into his body.
Enel was stunned.
Kaku, who had been watching from the doorway, was equally astonished.
He didn't know exactly what Takumi was doing, but it was clear that Enel was being healed—and the results were nothing short of miraculous!
What kind of power was this? Was Takumi a Devil Fruit user?
Kaku wasn't sure.
"Are you… healing me?" Enel asked, still in shock.
Takumi's voice remained indifferent, "Obviously."
"Incredible!" Enel exclaimed, watching his wounds heal at a speed visible to the naked eye. Even his broken bones were slowly mending. "I had no idea you had such powerful healing abilities. No wonder you've earned my respect, Takumi! You're amazing!"
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