"Your ship," Xiao Yan remarked as he stepped onto the larger vessel's deck, "is quite impressive." He spoke with genuine interest, noting the well-maintained woodwork and the practiced efficiency of the crew.
"Impressive?" Shanks grinned, gesturing at Xiaojin who was still circling the crow's nest. "Not as impressive as a phoenix that sets things on fire for fun!"
Several crew members were indeed watching Xiaojin with a mixture of awe and concern, particularly after the phoenix decided to perform an aerial display that left small scorch marks on the sails.
"Xiaojin," Xiao Yan called softly, "perhaps we could avoid property damage in the first five minutes?"
The phoenix landed on his shoulder with an indignant huff, though its eyes kept darting to Shanks' red hair with obvious fascination.
"And this big fellow," Shanks continued, leaning over the railing to look at Xiaolong, who was swimming alongside the ship, "I've seen sea kings smaller than him!"
Xiaolong preened at the praise, accidentally releasing a small lightning bolt that made nearby fish float to the surface.
"Don't encourage him," Xiao Yan sighed. "His ego is substantial enough already."
A loud crash from behind made everyone turn. Xiao Gui had somehow managed to climb aboard and was now attempting to eat what appeared to be a very expensive navigation tool.
"Xiao Gui," Xiao Yan said with practiced patience, "what did we discuss about eating other people's property?"
The turtle looked up at him, blinked slowly, and took another deliberate bite of the instrument.
"SHAHAHAHAHA!" Shanks' laughter boomed across the deck. "Benn! Get over here! You've got to meet these guys!"
A tall man with dark hair approached, carrying a rifle and wearing an expression of amused resignation. "Captain, is this why you're not concerned about our navigation equipment being eaten?"
"Just look at them, Benn! When was the last time we saw anything this interesting?"
"The last time you said that," Benn Beckman noted dryly, "we ended up in a three-day battle with a Marine fleet."
"But wasn't it fun?"
Before Benn could respond, a melodious voice rang out from above: "Father! Is it true there's a phoenix on board?"
Xiao Yan looked up to see a young girl with striking pink and white hair peering down from the upper deck. Her eyes widened with delight when she spotted Xiaojin.
"Uta!" Shanks called out proudly. "Come meet our guests! Just try not to sing right away – we don't want to overwhelm them."
"Sing?" Xiao Yan asked, but before anyone could explain, Uta had practically bounced down to the main deck.
Xiaojin, surprisingly, showed immediate interest in the newcomer. The phoenix tilted its head, studying Uta with unusual focus.
"It's beautiful!" Uta exclaimed, approaching carefully. "Can I...?"
Xiao Yan nodded, and to everyone's surprise, Xiaojin allowed Uta to gently stroke its feathers. The phoenix even managed to look modest, which Xiao Yan hadn't thought possible.
"I think your bird likes my daughter," Shanks grinned. "Better watch out – Uta has a way of charming everyone she meets."
"Indeed," Xiao Yan agreed, watching as Xiaolong now attempted to get Uta's attention by performing increasingly elaborate flips in the water. "My companions seem quite taken."
"Speaking of taken," Benn interjected, "someone should probably stop your turtle before it devours our entire navigation station."
Xiao Gui had indeed made significant progress on the equipment, looking extraordinarily pleased with itself.
"Perhaps," Xiao Yan suggested, "we should discuss proper guest etiquette over that drink you mentioned?"
"SHAHAHAHAHA! Lucky Roux! Break out the good sake! We've got some stories to hear!"
As the crew bustled about preparing for what promised to be an interesting gathering, Xiao Yan watched Uta chatting animatedly with his companions. Xiaojin was showing off its flames, carefully keeping them small enough not to cause damage, while Xiaolong provided a lightning display from the water.
"Your crew," Shanks said more quietly, coming to stand beside him, "they're not just ordinary creatures, are they?"
"No more than you're an ordinary pirate," Xiao Yan replied with a slight smile.
Shanks grinned. "I think we're going to get along just fine."
The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the deck, as the Red Hair Pirates prepared to hear what promised to be some very interesting tales.