Wholesome

The evacuation went smoothly, thanks to the cooperation of the island's residents. They took only what they needed, soaring through the sky for their first taste of freedom.

Imai stood at the cliff's edge, watching them vanish into the horizon. A small smile graced her lips as she absorbed the happiness radiating from the liberated people. Yet, deep down, she knew this was only the beginning. Shiki's death might have ended his reign, but the remnants of his actions would linger.

"To truly erase his sins, I'll have to dig deeper," Imai murmured to herself, glancing down at the lifeless body of the Golden Lion.

She had already entrusted the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi to Rei for safekeeping, but Shiki's corpse posed another question. What should she do with it? Display it publicly as a warning? Hand it over to the Marines? The possibilities swirled in her mind as she sighed, finally grabbing the body by its collar and dragging it toward the ship, where a blazing blue flame flickered in the distance.

"Captain!" Rei called out as Imai approached. "Is it over? The evacuation went well."

Imai nodded. "The people are safe and free. Now, we just need to decide what to do with this." She motioned to Shiki's corpse.

Rei wrinkled her nose, pinching it shut. "Yuck, it stinks. Where are we taking him? And where did Uta go?"

"We're heading to Loguetown," Imai replied without hesitation. "The place where Gol D. Roger was executed. As for Uta, she'll be back soon."

Rei's eyes widened in disbelief. "Loguetown?! Captain, do you realize how recognizable we are? They'll have every Marine in East Blue chasing us down the moment we set foot there!"

Imai smirked, her expression calm. "They won't care about us once they see Shiki's body. That will command all their attention—and buy us time."

Rei sighed, knowing there was no point arguing. "Fine, fine. Whatever you say, Captain."

Thud.

"Speak of the devil," Uta announced, hopping off Kuu the bird, who promptly took off into the sky. "What are we talking about?"

"Loguetown," Rei grumbled. "The captain's dragging us there with this smelly corpse in tow. It's absurd, but there's no reasoning with her."

Uta nodded sagely. "She's as stubborn as ever."

Imai's eyebrow twitched, a vein pulsing on her forehead. "You two must really want to die. Was the training too easy for you? Should I make it even harder?"

Both Rei and Uta paled, bowing quickly. "We're sorry!"

"Good."

With no further complaints, the three of them prepared to set sail.

Onboard the ship, the air was filled with groans of exhaustion. Rei and Uta struggled through the grueling training session Imai had imposed on them after their earlier remarks.

"Is that all you've got?" Imai barked, her twin blades gleaming as she demonstrated a flurry of strikes. "If you can't handle this, you don't deserve to be part of the Apostles."

Rei stumbled, panting. "This is unfair, Captain! Last time, you only used one sword!"

Imai's icy glare silenced her. "Nothing is fair in battle. Prepare yourselves."

"Damn it," Uta muttered, her arms trembling as she parried a strike. "This is all your fault, Rei."

After what felt like an eternity, the training session ended. Uta leaned against the railing, stealing glances at Imai.

"What's on your mind, Captain?" she asked, wiping sweat from her brow.

Imai raised an eyebrow. "Adult matters. I doubt you could handle it."

Uta rolled her eyes. "I'm a year younger than you, and I've seen plenty. Try me."

Chuckling, Imai leaned back, gazing at the stars. "Fair enough. I was just thinking about our responsibilities as pirates. No matter how strong we are, we're still human. We have weaknesses, emotions, and obligations."

Uta nodded, encouraging her to continue.

"As your captain," Imai admitted, "I feel responsible for protecting you two. I want to keep you out of danger."

"You sound like a mother," Uta teased, laughing softly.

"Shut up," Imai grumbled, though her lips twitched upward. "I mean it. Going to Loguetown is a risk, especially with the bounties on our heads. But I won't let anything happen to you."

Uta's laughter softened, her expression turning serious. "You don't need to worry about us, Captain. We're strong, thanks to you—the one and only Empress of the Blade."

Imai's eyebrow twitched, though she couldn't hide the warmth that Uta's words brought. "Then prove it. Stay out of trouble."

"Trouble follows us wherever we go," Uta countered with a smirk. "And we're not leaving your side."

"Not that I'd let you," Imai said, her voice carrying a hint of affection.

"Good," Uta teased. "Besides, if I leave, who else would kiss you when you're moody?"

Heat rushed to Imai's cheeks, and she quickly turned away.

"Eh? What's going on?" Rei's groggy voice interrupted, drawing their attention.

"You're awake!" Uta exclaimed, rushing over to help her.

Rei yawned, rubbing her eyes. "I'm starving. Captain, can you make something to eat?"

"Me too!" Uta chimed in.

Imai glanced at the moon. "It's past midnight… but fine."

"Thank you, Captain," Rei mumbled, barely awake.

"Thanks!" Uta added. "Rei! Don't fall asleep again!"

As the two bickered playfully, Imai shook her head, a soft smile gracing her lips. Watching them filled her with a quiet sense of contentment.

"With just two of them, it's already so lively," she mused, stirring the pot. "What will it be like when the crew is complete?"

She chuckled softly to herself. "I really am like a mother to these two."

And despite her complaints, she wouldn't have it any other way.