Love Lesson

After bidding farewell to Conis and the people of Skypiea, Imai and Nico began their journey back to the open sea.

Conis, ever gracious, had showered them with gifts before their departure: pumpkin-shaped bowls and cups, which Nico eagerly accepted despite Imai's protests. She had also gifted them a supply of tea, said to have restorative properties that would help them sleep better and recover energy faster.

As the angels waved goodbye, many shared heartfelt thanks for freeing them from Enel's tyranny. Their gratitude was profound; under Enel's rule, they had suffered greatly, forced to work without food or water until they collapsed. The memories of lost loved ones weighed heavily on them, but for the first time in years, they felt hope.

Imai and Nico set sail once again, leaving the white seas of Skypiea behind and returning to the vast, blue expanse of the Grand Line.

"Well, that was quite the adventure," Nico said, sipping tea from a pumpkin cup as she leaned comfortably against the ship's railing.

Imai glanced over, shaking her head with an amused smile. "I still can't get over the sight of you drinking tea out of that thing."

Nico smirked. "You don't like it? I think it's cute."

"It's cute, sure," Imai admitted, "but it's not my style."

Nico arched an eyebrow. "And what is your style?"

Imai grinned mischievously. "If a cup had a picture of your face on it, I'd carry it everywhere."

Nico chuckled, her laugh soft and melodic. "Your attempts at flirting are doomed to fail. I suggest you give up now."

Imai pouted dramatically. "At least pretend to be flustered so I feel better."

The playful exchange between the two had become a common dynamic in their partnership. Though their camaraderie was rooted in trust and mutual respect, Imai's lighthearted teasing often clashed with Nico's composed demeanor.

As the waves lapped gently against the hull, a more serious air settled between them.

"Hey, Nico," Imai began, her tone shifting.

"What is it?" Nico replied, setting her cup down.

"What are your thoughts on love?"

Nico gave her a curious look. "What brought this on? Are you in love with someone?"

Imai laughed, leaning against the railing. "No, nothing like that. I'm just curious. Do you think you'll ever find someone? You know, someone meant for you?"

"Hmm…" Nico gazed out at the horizon, her expression contemplative. "Love is complicated."

"How so?"

"It's not just about feeling something for someone. Love requires trust, commitment, and effort. You have to be willing to give your all to the other person, and they have to be willing to do the same for you. It's a partnership, but it's also a risk."

Imai nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like a lot of trouble. Maybe it's better to avoid romance altogether."

Nico shook her head. "It's not that simple. Before you fall in love, you usually build a friendship first. You learn about each other, build trust, and grow closer naturally. The rest depends on commitment and, perhaps, a bit of luck."

Imai glanced at her with a playful smirk. "You seem to know a lot about love. Have you ever been in love?"

Nico's laugh was tinged with bittersweet amusement. "Not really. My past makes it hard to trust people, let alone love them. But I've learned to trust you—and the others."

"Guess it's better if you stay single forever," Imai teased, earning a mock glare from Nico.

"Don't say it like that! You make it sound like a punishment!" Nico exclaimed, lightly pinching Imai's cheek.

"Ow, ow! I was just joking!" Imai laughed, rubbing her cheek. "I get it. You're single because you want to be. I respect that."

"I'm glad you understand."

Imai's expression turned serious. "Do you think I'll ever meet someone meant for me?"

Nico tilted her head. "Do you want to fall in love?"

"I mean… yeah," Imai admitted, gazing up at the sky. "Isn't that part of being human? To want to love and be loved? But… I guess I'm not really human anymore."

Nico's gaze hardened. "You're still human, Imai."

Startled by her stern tone, Imai relented. "Alright, I'm human. But yeah, I want to experience it—the kind of love where you'd protect someone with your life, where they mean everything to you."

"You will," Nico said reassuringly. "You're young. There's plenty of time to find the right person."

Imai slumped against the railing, looking dejected. "All the women I've met run away from me. They think I'm just a killer."

Nico wrapped her arms around Imai in a rare gesture of affection, stroking her head gently. "They don't see the real you. But I do."

Imai glanced up, her lips twitching into a sly grin. "You sure? You're probably thinking I am a killer."

Nico chuckled softly. "Well, you are a killer, but you're more than that. You just need to find someone who sees what I see."

"Maybe," Imai said, leaning into the hug.

Their tender moment was abruptly interrupted as the ship began to rock violently.

"What the—?" Imai sprang to her feet, scanning the surroundings.

The calm sea had turned turbulent, waves crashing against the ship. Nico clutched the railing as the deck tilted beneath them.

"Imai, look!" Nico shouted, pointing toward the water.

Bursting through the waves was a massive sea serpent, its sleek, scaled body shimmering in the light. Its fanged maw opened wide, letting out a guttural roar that echoed across the ocean.

"WOAH! There's a big snake!" Imai yelled, excitement and adrenaline surging through her.

Nico's gaze narrowed. "Not just a snake. That's a sea king."

The serpent lunged toward the ship, its jaws snapping shut mere feet from the deck. Imai grabbed her katana, lightning crackling along the blade as her body began to surge with energy.

"Guess we've got our next adventure," she said, her grin returning as the air around her charged with power.

Nico smirked, pulling out her daggers. "Let's hope the tea doesn't spill."

The battle was on.