Last night, Eust picked up a “young lady” who caused quite a commotion, but he couldn’t convince her to give up her somewhat unrealistic ideas. In the end, he had to go to sleep, feeling a bit frustrated. Luckily, the cabin was spacious enough for two people and a cat to rest comfortably.
The surrounding sea was calm, and as long as they didn’t encounter a storm, even a small boat like theirs was unlikely to sink. Eust still wondered how Lila’s boat had managed to sink.
The next morning, Eust woke up to find an additional presence in the cabin, momentarily surprised before remembering it was Lila, whom he had “rescued” last night. Having someone else in the cabin was a new experience for him.
Eust didn’t dislike Lila; in fact, he found the girl quite likable. However, as he had told her, the sea was full of dangers. Without a certain level of preparedness, it was not advisable to venture out.
Eust himself didn’t dare to travel far and only roamed nearby waters. The only pirates he had encountered were those who had fled in panic after a defeat, indicating that the area was relatively safe.
Eust was prepared to risk his life, preferring a bold adventure over obscurity. But he wasn’t reckless; he knew when to avoid danger and when to run if necessary.
From Lila’s story, Eust knew she had nowhere else to go. He didn’t know whether she had the same level of preparedness and willingness to care for her companions. If she did, keeping her around wouldn’t be a problem.
Watching the sleeping Lila, Eust couldn’t help but ponder these thoughts before waking her up.
“Eust, it’s still early. Let me rest a bit longer,” Lila groaned.
“It’s not early anymore. Get up, have breakfast, and we’ll set sail.”
“Oh, right. Let me show you my cooking skills. I’m very good at household chores.”
“No need. Because of the limited space and time, I prepared ready-to-eat supplies. Cooking on the boat isn’t convenient.”
“Ugh, your boat isn’t even as good as mine. It doesn’t even have a kitchen.”
“Lila, boats of this size don’t have much space. Having a kitchen would be strange, don’t you think?”
“It’s just that you don’t know how to set up a kitchen. With proper planning, even the deck could work.”
“Wait, Lila, your boat didn’t sink because you modified it, did it?”
“Eust, shut up. I don’t want to hear you talk.”
“Lila, is that how you treat someone who saved you, gave you food and clothes, and is offering to take you to another island? Don’t you think you should be more reasonable?”
“Sorry, Eust. I spoke without thinking. I feel relaxed around you, and you seem very kind, so I said something rude,” Lila said, blushing with embarrassment.
“Uh, it’s fine. I wasn’t trying to blame you. But modifying a boat without proper knowledge can indeed damage it.”
“Oh, I understand.”
After breakfast, Eust set sail towards Lighting Island, keeping an eye on the wind and sea conditions. Lila and Sunny got along well, chatting leisurely now and then.
Eust thought about quickly recruiting crew members. Having the captain do everything wasn’t ideal, and he wondered how he might “exploit” his future crew.
They reached Lighting Island before lunch, docked the boat, and paid the fees. With the receipt in hand, Eust, Lila, and Sunny set foot on the island.
Lighting Island was much more bustling than Quiz Island, as evidenced by the busy dock and the lively street vendors in the town.
They found a restaurant for lunch, hoping to hear some news. They were also considering whether to leave Lila on this island. Even a short time together could change many things.
After lunch, Eust felt happier and decided to stroll around the island with Lila and Sunny, tasting the local specialty fruits and snacks, and maintaining their reputation as “big eaters.”
Lila also bought some clothes, showing a different kind of charm in her new attire.
After some wandering, seeing Lila’s happiness, Eust decided it was time for a serious talk about her situation.
In their short time together, Eust and Sunny had already accepted Lila. Sometimes mutual acceptance was simple, while other times, it was impossible to get along with certain people.
Deciding whether to invite Lila needed a quick resolution. She wanted to follow Eust, and delaying this would only hurt them more.
They left the town for a secluded beach where Eust decided to have the conversation.
“Lila, Sunny and I are strong, but we can’t guarantee safety at sea. You must understand the dangers out there.”
“Eust, I know the sea is dangerous, but I won’t settle down here. I chose to go to sea and won’t turn back. Even if you don’t let me follow, I’ll find a way to change my fate and search for food and treasure.”
“Do you have the resolve to face death, Lila?”
“Of course. My experiences have hardened me. I’m not a naive child. I’ve already prepared myself for death.”
“Will you care for your companions?”
“Of course. I’ll protect those I recognize as my companions, like you and Sunny.”
“Lila, my goal is to adventure freely and seek the legendary One Piece treasure, but I’m not interested in becoming the Pirate King. Will you follow a captain with such ideals?”
“That’s fine. Maybe following such a crazy captain is the way to change my fate.”
“Then, as Captain Ryder-Eust, I now invite you, Carter-Lila, to join me and Sunny. Will you join and follow the captain’s orders?”
“I, Carter-Lila, am willing to join and follow Captain Ryder-Eust’s orders.”
“Great. Sunny, welcome Lila to the team. Lila is skilled in cooking and other tasks, so she’ll handle our logistics.”
“Meow, welcome, Lila.”
“Wow, Sunny can talk? Amazing!”
“Meow, is it strange for me to speak human language? If Eust hadn’t restricted me and our tribe’s customs, I would’ve greeted you long ago. I like you, Lila. Meow!”
“Oh, why can Sunny talk?”
“Meow, I’m from the strategist cat tribe. We naturally speak after reaching adulthood. I also gained the ability early from eating a Devil Fruit.”
“Sunny, what’s a Devil Fruit?”
“Lila, haven’t you heard? Devil Fruits are treasures of the sea, granting unique abilities to those who eat them,” Eust explained.
Eust and Sunny then explained the strategist cat tribe and Devil Fruits to the curious Lila, shifting the topic to Sunny’s Devil Fruit powers.
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