Chapter 30: New Faces

As Ryo landed on his ship, he put Hina on the ground. The rest of the crew gathered around, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. Yamato rushed forward, throwing herself into Ryo's arms and planting a fierce kiss on his lips. The other women watched with amusement, their smiles tinged with affection for their captain.

"I'm glad you're okay," Yamato said, her voice filled with emotion as she pulled away from Ryo's embrace. She knew he would be fine, but seeing him safe and sound brought her a sense of relief nonetheless.

Yamato's loving smile faded, as she turned her attention to Hina, who stood awkwardly nearby. Yamato's gaze was wary, her hesitation evident as she sized up the unfamiliar woman.

Hina introduced herself, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. The revelation that she was a Marine captain sent a ripple of tension through the crew. They had faced Marines before, but having one on their ship was a different story.

Ryo, however, remained calm and composed, his hand moving to unlock Hina's handcuffs. "She's not a threat," he reassured them, his tone firm yet gentle. "She's my guest and I trust her."

As the tension eased, Yamato looked to Ryo for reassurance. His words carried weight with her, and she trusted his judgment implicitly. If he said Hina was alright, then she was willing to believe him.

With a nod of acceptance, Yamato extended a hand to Hina, her expression softening. "Welcome aboard," she said, her voice warm with genuine hospitality. "It's wierd to have a marine on the ship, but if he trusts you, I do too."

Hina hesitated for a moment before accepting Yamato's hand, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Despite the circumstances, there was a sense of acceptance in the air, a shared understanding that they had all something in common that united them, regardless their allegiance, Ryo.

As the crew began to settle back into their routines, Ryo's gaze lingered on Yamato, his eyes expressing his thankfulness. But his eyes shifted next to her, catching a new presece on his ship.

As Ryo approached her, he couldn't help but notice the change in her demeanor. Where once there was confidence, now there was a hint of flustered nervousness. He couldn't deny the effect his presence seemed to have on her, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement at her sudden shyness.

"What lovely Lady picked my crew up on their shopping tour?" Ryo said, his tone playful as he teased her gently.

Alvida's response was hesitant, her words stumbling over each other as she tried to explain. She recounted their previous encounter a few weeks ago, emphasizing how much she had changed since then, both in appearance and in character. She attributed her transformation to Yamato's words and the mysterious devil fruit she had consumed in the forest.

As she introduced herself as Alvida, Ryo's surprise was evident. He hadn't expected to encounter her again. When he dealt with Buggy back then, he just remebered Yamato's sudden outburst. But he listened intently to her words, his expression thoughtful as he considered her story.

In the end, Ryo decided to trust Yamato's judgment. If she believed that Alvida was a changed person, then he was willing to give her a chance. After all, everyone deserved a chance at redemption, and if Alvida truly had turned over a new leaf, then she was welcome aboard the Vibro Pirates.

With a warm smile, Ryo extended a hand to Alvida, a gesture of acceptance and camaraderie. "Welcome to the crew, Alvida," he said, his voice sincere. "We're all in this together now, and I'm glad to have you with us."

With the new people introduced he decided to speak to all, his usual playfulness in his voice. "Ladies, we are now on our way to the Grand Line," he began, his voice carrying a sense of anticipation. "With us six and Hina as our unofficial guest and official hostage, we will make a quite lovely crew, don't you think?"

Nami nodded, already plotting their course to the Grand Line, while Nojiko eagerly offered to prepare a celebratory meal for the evening's party. Alvida and Yamato offered their assistance, their enthusiasm evident as they eagerly began to make preparations.

Once the others had left the room, leaving only Ryo, Hina, and Zoe, Ryo's demeanor shifted, his expression becoming more serious as he approached the two girls. He took Hina's hand gently and guided her to a nearby couch before beginning to speak.

"Hina, this is Zoe," he said, introducing the figure beside him. "She is someone really special. She is the reason I am still alive."

With a solemn expression, Ryo recounted the harrowing tale of his death at the hands of Kaido and Zoe's intervention, bringing him back from the brink of oblivion. He explained how Zoe had once been a mortal woman, but had become trapped in her role as Lady Death, cursed to wander the realms of the dead for eternity.

Hina listened intently, her expression shifting from curiosity to empathy as she absorbed the weight of Ryo's words. She understood now the depth of his connection to Zoe and the significance of her role in his life.

As Ryo continued to speak, detailing Zoe's tragic past and the injustices she had suffered at the hands of the World Government, Hina's resolve strengthened. She may have been a Marine, sworn to uphold justice and order, but she couldn't deny the injustices she now knew existed within the system.

In that moment, Hina realized the complexity of their situation. She knew that the world needed organizations like the Marines to maintain order and protect the innocent, but she also understood Ryo's desire to challenge the corrupt forces that governed the seas. Her organization needed change and she needed to make it happen.

But for now, she would enjoy the closeness she shared with Ryo, knowing that their time together was limited. When they reached the next island, she would have to part ways with him, her duty as a Marine calling her back to her responsibilities.

But first and foremost she was happy to have such nice and friendly people around her. "Hey, is it okay if I go to the girls and help with the food? My mother always told me that I would make a fine cook." As Ryo saw her smile he just chuckled and let her go. Leaving only him and Zoe alone in the room. She was giving him a look he was used enough from Yamato.