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Shirahoshi, her eyes brimming with tears, looked at Noir and whispered, "Thank you, Mr. Noir."
Noir smiled back and addressed Neptune. "Well then, Your Majesty, I'll be taking my leave."
Neptune nodded and escorted Noir out of the palace.
The Ark Maxim was already prepared for departure. As Noir boarded, he waved goodbye to Neptune and Shirahoshi. Ace, standing below, called out, waving enthusiastically, "Noir, I'll see you in the New World once I'm healed!"
Noir grinned. "We'll see about that!"
Ace has already met Jinbe. He might even join Whitebeard's crew early. If that happens, he’ll be safe.
Ark Maxim sailed through the massive gates of Fish-Man Island, the bow tilting upwards as it ascended into the open sea. The crew waved goodbye to the underwater kingdom.
This was probably their shortest stay on any island, but Noir and Reha were pressed for time.
Ace, sitting in his wheelchair, sighed. "It was so short... I barely got to see Noir again."
"It's all because of this injury…"
Deuce, pushing the wheelchair, replied impassively, "But you helped Mr. Noir, didn't you?"
Ace leaned back, a smile touching his lips. "That's true."
Deuce watched the receding Ark Maxim, analyzing the situation. "Mr. Noir is on bad terms with the World Government. He probably didn't want to put you in danger, Captain."
Ace nodded, his expression clouding over. "Honestly, I still don't trust the World Government…"
Jinbe, approaching from behind, overheard Ace's remark and recalled some recent intel he'd gathered.
The rookie pirate "Fire Fist" Ace, though initially overshadowed by Devil Noir, was gaining recognition for his formidable strength.
Ace possessed immense potential but, unlike Noir, lacked maturity…
Jinbe looked thoughtfully at Ace, then sat down beside him. "Captain Ace, may I have a word with you?"
Ace glanced at the large fish-man, surprised. "Uh, sure."
Jinbe asked, "Do you have any specific goals once you enter the New World?"
Ace hesitated, then scratched his head. "Just… more adventures, I guess."
Just as I thought. Jinbe smiled. "With your strength, Captain Ace, you could join a powerful crew."
Ace's eyes narrowed. "No, thanks. I'm strong enough on my own."
Indeed, among the current generation of pirates, perhaps only Noir surpassed Ace's power. And he was a friend, not a rival.
Jinbe understood the mindset of a rookie like Ace. He continued, his smile widening, "This particular crew is led by a man stronger than Admirals, a man said to be the world's strongest!"
Ace straightened up, intrigued. "Who's that? I'd like to meet him."
Jinbe pointed towards a pirate flag flying high above the palace. "The pirate who protects Fish-Man Island, Edward Newgate, known as Whitebeard!"
Ace's gaze sharpened as he looked at the flag, a dismissive smile playing on his lips.
Every legend has its sunset. Now is our time, mine and Noir's.
…
"Ow!"
Noir jerked his head back, rubbing his nose. "Damn it, that must be Nami yelling at me again!"
Robin patted his head, curious. "You mentioned having two sisters. Is one of them named Nami?"
Reha, standing like a loyal retainer behind Noir, couldn't help but ask, "The Captain's sisters? Are they your adoptive mother's daughters?"
Noir shook his head, explaining his family situation to his crew for the first time. "Nami, Nojiko, and I were orphans wandering the battlefield. Bell-mère adopted us, and we became siblings."
Reha listened intently, then exclaimed, "Then Noitem owes a debt to Lady Bell-mère for raising such an exceptional individual!"
Enel, sitting nearby, scoffed. "More like raising a first-class pain in the ass…"
"..."
Wyper and Lucci, in perfect synchronization, picked up their chairs and moved further away from Enel.
Fujitora, lounging in a deck chair, sipped his tea, a serene expression on his face, the picture of tranquility.
The peaceful scene was shattered by a sudden commotion on the deck of the Ark Maxim. A cloud of dust erupted as the sounds of a scuffle filled the air.
Noir casually dusted off his hands as the crew watched Enel, sprawled on the deck, face down and defeated. They gulped nervously.
Noir spread a nautical chart on the table. "This is the island of Abrulet. We'll be landing shortly."
After a long underwater voyage, as soon as the Ark Maxim had surfaced from Fish-Man Island, Noir had Enel generate electricity to propel the ship forward at high speed.
After hours of flight, they were nearing their destination.
Noir handed the chart back to Reha, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "Reha, are you sure the people of Noitem won't reject me?"
Reha looked puzzled. "Why would they reject Your Highness?"
Noir hesitated, unsure how to explain. "Noitem failed to protect them, leaving them stateless, so…"
After twenty years of wandering, how many would still remember the kingdom of Noitem?
Reha smiled. "The people of Noitem would never betray the former King."
"Because… it was the former King who sheltered us from the World Government's persecution."
Noir's eyes widened. The Government is involved again?
After hearing Reha's explanation, Noir finally understood their unwavering loyalty and their relentless search for the First Prince's heir.
Years ago, nations that weren't affiliated with the World Government faced constant threats of destruction, whether by pirates or the Government itself.
For reasons unknown, the former King of Noitem had adopted orphans and protected the citizens of fallen nations whenever possible.
Though he'd only helped a small number, he'd earned their undying loyalty.
When Noitem fell, its people scattered, few of the original inhabitants remaining.
But this small group, refusing to accept the destruction of their home, had hidden on Abrulet Island, waiting for the First Prince's heir.
That's why Reha was so certain they would accept Noir.
Relieved, Noir finally let go of his worries.
Just then, the outline of Abrulet Island appeared on the horizon.
...
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