Chapter 487: Debrief Session

Kaya, Alvida, Mikita, Honey, Nojiko, Vivi, Marianne, Zala, Saphir, Conis, Raki, Maya, Robin, Kalifa, Hina, Tashigi, and Ben made their way back to the Miss Love Duck, leaning on each other for support. 

As they trudged through the fading light, NT and HQ appeared, meeting them halfway. The pair had worried expressions but saw they were okay. Together, they reached the ship just as the last traces of sunlight dipped below the horizon.

As they boarded, the weariness in their steps was undeniable. Their clothes were torn and tattered, riddled with cuts and stains. Blood marked some of their fabric.

Ben surveyed the group. "We should head to the Medical Room," he said firmly. 

Alvida spoke up, "My love, we would like to have the debrief together first." The others nodded in agreement.

"We don't want to miss it," Vivi added. 

Ben hesitated, sensing something unusual in their insistence. "We can have it later," he suggested, glancing at their battered forms. "There's no rush right now," he added. 

"The debrief helps us relax together," Nojiko explained. 

Robin's voice joined hers, her calm, knowing smile resting on Ben. "It may seem strange, but being together with you is what we need right now," she remarked. 

Ben sighed, running a hand through his hair. He didn't want to deny their request if it truly mattered to them. "Alright," he conceded after a moment, "but Kaya, do you agree? Are they in good enough condition?" he asked. 

"Their injuries have healed well. There are no open wounds, and even the worst marks are starting to fade," Kaa replied. She paused, looking at Hina and Tashigi. "However, I'd recommend a Heal Drink for Hina and Tashigi, just to ensure a full recovery," she added. 

"Alright," Ben said. "Let's head to the meeting room then. But after that, everyone rests and takes Heal Drinks or whatever Kaya recommends," he added. Hina and Tashigi took the Heal Drink and drank it. 

They all nodded and headed to the Dining Room and sat around. "Okay, we are around the table," Ben said. 

"It feels good to be back on the Miss Love Duck," Honey remarked. 

"Our sanctuary," Maya added with a small smile. 

"It's not just a ship, it's home. Cozy and safe," Honey commented. 

"And always ready to shield us from whatever comes our way," Marianne said softly.

"She's a part of us, a protector, a companion," Vivi added. 

"You are right there, she is a little shy," Ben remarked.

"Anyone would be shy next to you my love," Alvida teased as she winked at Ben. 

Ben cleared his throat. He thought maybe walking without his clothes might have not helped. "Well, anyway. We did it. We beat Phantasm Mihawk," he said.

There was a brief silence before Alvida broke into a wide grin, gripping Seraphina tightly. "We did it, my love together we did," Alvida responded. "He was tough for sure and him knowing Haki made it difficult but together we beat him," she added. Alvida thought she needed to train harder and learn the six powers as well as Haki. 

Mikita smiled, her shoulders sagged with exhaustion. "I knew we could do it like Alvida said, but that guy was a nightmare," she remarked. She thought if she had Iron Body, it would have been easier. 

"No kidding," Nojiko added. "That haki he used caught us off guard," Nojiko said. She thought she had gotten a little comfortable with being invisible. She thought she had to be careful.

"Yes, the haki was annoying," Honey added. She thought it was a wake up call for her and she had to be careful. 

Vivi clasped her hands together, a warm smile spreading across her face. "It was a tough fight, but we worked as one," Vivi said. 

"Well those two things you summoned were very helpful," Zala said. 

"Yes they were beautiful as well, beautiful and strong," Marianne added. 

"You don't think they were scary," Vivi said. 

"No, they were cool," Marianne said. Honey nodded. 

"It gives us the advantage by keeping him immobilized," Raki said. She thought those Demons were relentless. She looked at Vivi and thought she had power. 

"Do you have them of Cynthia and Elizabeth?" Maya asked. She thought that might have happened while she was with her Grandmother. 

"I do, they allowed me to as well," Vivi responded. 

"They are the two girls working in the restaurant?" Ben asked. 

"Yes," they all responded together. Ben thought that was strange. 

"They are part of Vivi`s fan club," Nojiko teased. 

"It keeps growing," Kaya said as she smiled at Vivi. 

"She is the Princess after all," Robin remarked. They all giggled. 

"Should we include them in our crew my love officially?" Alvida asked. 

"Officially?" Ben question. 

"Well, they are already unofficially part of the crew via Vivi," Zala responded. 

"But they will be loyal to you," Vivi quickly said. She did not want Ben to think she had an ulterior motive. They all smiled. 

"Well, like I said, I trust your decision making so if they want to join they can but they seem happy working at the restaurant," Ben said.

"They can be useful to help us without being associated with us directly," Kalifa said, touching her glasses. 

"Speaking of other girls, we can call over Ivy and Cherry," Mikita said. "Even Emeraude and Rubis now," she added. 

"That is a good idea," Zala agreed. 

"We can use the extra firepower," Ben muttered thinking about Emeraude and Rubis. Emeraude had a healing ability. 

"Ivy and Cherry and help collect nearby," Conis said. She thought collecting various items would be helpful. 

"We can give her a devil fruit to protect herself as well," Ben said. He thought that was a good idea.

"Good idea Conis," Mikita said. 

"Ben, I can go and get them," Saphir volunteered. 

"So can I," Vivi added. 

"Okay remember if they are in any trouble, call for us," Ben said. They all nodded. 

"Do you think teleportation will work given where we are?" Robin asked.

 [It will.]

Ben smiled. He thought Sweetie was the best. "Sweetie said it will work," Ben responded. 

"Speaking of good ideas, Raki, you used Storm Leg in your beast form," Alvida remarked. 

Kalifa adjusted her glasses. "Yes, that is impressive using it like that so soon," Kalifa said. She thought all the girls have been getting good with these techniques which would take months to master. She thought they were all talented. 

"It was nothing," Raki said. She thought her powers were useless against him. She needed to get stronger. 

"It was impressive," Ben remarked. "You are amazing," he added, looking at her. 

Raki smiled back. She thought a compliment was something she did not care about but hearing it from Ben sounded nice. 

"Maybe you should give her a reward my love," Alvida said. 

"Mikita also did well so she should get the reward," Zala added. 

"Zala," Mikita said back, smiling at her. 

"Well that is decided then," Alvida said. 

Ben thought he had no say on this once again. He thought this is life.