The festive atmosphere buzzed around Shirayama, with girls casting shy, hopeful glances his way, wishing for even a fleeting acknowledgment.
To them, having someone as powerful as Shirayama stay on the island would mean lasting peace—a safeguard against future pirate attacks.
Yet Shirayama remained oblivious, his focus fixed solely on his conversation with T-Bone. Disappointment rippled through the group of admirers, some even stomping their feet in frustration.
In contrast, Aki felt a quiet joy. She didn't know why, but the thought that Shirayama ignored the others filled her with warmth. Without realizing it, Shirayama had already taken root in her heart.
After several rounds of drinks, T-Bone set his cup down and leaned in.
"Shirayama, have you ever thought about joining the Navy? With your talent and strength, you'd rise quickly through the ranks."
Shirayama laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "T-Bone, spare me! I'm too used to living freely. Rules and regulations just aren't my style."
He paused, then added with a playful smirk, "But who knows? Maybe someday I'll have a change of heart and enlist myself."
He left the door open, a glimmer of hope for T-Bone. After all, the future was unpredictable.
"Fair enough," T-Bone nodded. "If that day comes, let me know. With the merit you've earned today, I could easily secure you a rank of Ensign to start."
He grinned. "At your pace, you'd catch up to me in two or three years."
Despite Shirayama's casual demeanor, T-Bone earnestly hoped he'd join the Navy. Someone of HShirayama's caliber could either become a formidable ally—or a dangerous threat like Red-Haired Shanks. T-Bone believed in Shirayama's potential.
"By the way," T-Bone added, "you wouldn't mind if I report your deeds, right?"
"Go ahead," Shirayama shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just a minor skirmish. My record's clean anyway."
Shirayama's indifference was genuine. He wasn't drawn to the grand treasures or the grueling life of piracy. His philosophy was simple: enjoy life to its fullest—eat, drink, and have fun.
The thought of solitude was his only dread. Even with a second chance at life, the fear of loneliness remained deeply rooted.
"That's a relief," T-Bone sighed, reassured by Shirayama's answer.
The celebration lasted all night. By the time Shirayama awoke the next morning, the Navy had already departed.
To his surprise, Aki lay beside him, her face serene, a soft smile gracing her lips as she slept.
Shirayama smirked, carefully slipping out without waking her.
The path of strength required constant effort, and Shirayama knew this world's dangers all too well. Complacency could be deadly.
While his power might dominate the first half of the Grand Line, he was acutely aware that in the New World, he'd barely measure up.
Determined, Shirayama set his sights on what lay ahead.
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