"I came to talk to you. After all, I'm your only friend. If I don't visit, who will play with you?"
Caesar smiled slyly, his words kind yet filled with teasing.
"So it's Master Caesar. Please come in."
The butler seemed to like Caesar and warmly invited him.
"Did you upset the history teacher again today?" Caesar asked gleefully.
"I heard the old man was so mad he almost jumped up. Hahaha, I can imagine how funny it was. You did great. I've never liked that guy."
Caesar laughed, then abruptly stopped, as if he'd never laughed.
"I just asked an interesting question." Vegapunk still didn't understand why the teacher was upset.
"No one knows you better than me. You always manage to unintentionally hit people's nerves. But your nonsense doesn't affect me, because I know you best. Hahaha!"
Caesar raised a finger, smiling arrogantly.
"Caesar, your laugh sounds like a donkey's bray."
Vegapunk said sharply.
Bang!
Caesar's self-esteem shattered.
"What did you say? A donkey's bray! You called my elegant laughter a donkey's bray!"
Caesar shouted wildly, then suddenly calmed.
"Um... what's a donkey?"
Caesar asked Vegapunk slyly.
"Like a horse, but smaller, with cute ears."
Vegapunk explained calmly.
"Ah! How terrifying!" Caesar exaggeratedly held his face, then pointed seriously.
"Vegapunk, remember, you're the only one who can't laugh at me. Everyone else can."
"Uh-huh?"
Vegapunk nodded.
"Is that why you came here?" he continued.
"Not entirely." Caesar waved his hand and took out a package.
"Here." He opened it and handed the contents to Vegapunk.
"What is this?" Vegapunk asked.
"The most delicious thing in the world!" Caesar said, giving a thumbs up, his usual smile brighter.
"This looks like fruit, but it's strange." Vegapunk examined it.
It resembled an apple but had a strange pattern on the skin.
It was a Devil Fruit, though neither knew it yet.
"Try it. I stole it from my dad's lab. He hides snacks, and this is even more precious. It must be delicious, so I took it for you."
Caesar said proudly, as if he were a hero.
Vegapunk didn't want to eat it; he was more curious about the fruit.
"Hey! I'm leaving. Aren't you going to thank me?" Caesar said arrogantly.
"Yeah, you're welcome." Vegapunk replied calmly.
"You should thank me, not the other way around..." Caesar stopped mid-sentence, regaining his calm.
"Forget it, I'm the only one who tolerates you."
Vegapunk, uninterested, continued examining the fruit.
"Hello!" He greeted the fruit, fascinated.
...
The next day, Kaizen was awakened by the morning sun and stood up from under the stone pillar.
Watching the town wake in the soft light, he felt a familiar sting of nostalgia.
Like being on his original island for a moment.
"Really, last night's drunkenness hasn't faded? Feeling this nostalgic."
Kaizen patted his head, trying to rid himself of it.
The streets filled with people, signs of life returning.
Kaizen walked along with the sun.
He reached the beach, walking alone by the coast. His shadow swayed with the morning light.
Seagulls flew low, their cries sharp.
Kaizen stopped, gazing at the sea and sky, recalling last night.
"Vegapunk? Meeting him here. He's a huge genius. How to guide him?" Kaizen mused.
"Tch! Who do you think you are? It's ridiculous to think you can influence others."
Finally, Kaizen smiled self-deprecatingly, turned from the sun, and left the warming coast.
When night fell again.
Kaizen held his wine glass, walking the deserted street.
Drinking too much lately, not a good habit. Yet he took another sip.
Reaching the meeting place early, dusk lingered on the horizon.
The night wind was biting but just right for Kaizen.
A couple passed by, speaking of love. At first, Kaizen drowned it out with wine.
But as the bottle emptied, their words became unavoidable.
"Trouble, I chose this place first. If you want privacy, find another spot."
Kaizen said politely.
The couple glanced at him, then left, muttering "Single dog."
When the moon rose, Vegapunk appeared.
He looked excited, as if he owned the world.
"Friend, I didn't expect you to wait. Sorry for being late." Vegapunk said respectfully.
His apology felt sincere.
"Look, what is this?" Vegapunk pulled something from his pocket.
"Devil Fruit!" Kaizen blurted out.