Palace

Shakky, who had been observing them in silence, felt an inexplicable tug at her heart. There was something about the sight of Jack with his family that softened the hard edges of her wariness. Seeing him as a father, she realized there was so much more to him than the reckless fighter.

"Daddy, can we go there?" Aria's hopeful voice cut through Shakky's thoughts, bringing her back to reality.

"Sure, princess," Jack replied, nodding. "But remember, we need to behave and respect the rules. This is their home."

Aria gave a vigorous nod of understanding, her face serious. "I promise, Daddy."

A sigh escaped Shakky's lips, her gaze softening as she observed the childlike exuberance radiating from Aria. The little girl, who'd just leaped into the broad arms of the man who had thrown the world into chaos, wore an innocent smile that was wholly disarming. Shakky couldn't help but let a small smile grace her face, her hardened exterior melting at the sight. Her eyes traveled from Aria to the two-year-old Robin, who, oblivious to the complexities of their current situation, echoed the older girl's excited sentiments with childlike enthusiasm.

"How about you come to the city with us?" Shakky offered, her eyes reflecting the sincerity of her proposal. Her voice was gentle, almost motherly, a stark contrast to her usually stern and assertive tone.

Aria turned her bright eyes towards Shakky, only now seeming to register her existence. A small gasp escaped her lips, "Pretty!" she murmured, her voice soft with wonder.

"Pretty! Pretty!" Robin echoed, her little hands clapping together in joy. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. The sight was so adorable that it prompted a small giggle from Shakky. She reached out to ruffle their hair, her fingers running through their soft locks.

"Can Daddy come too?" Aria asked, her wide eyes turning towards Shakky, her hopeful gaze mirroring her yearning.

The unexpected question caught Shakky off guard. She didn't know how to reject the innocent request without sounding harsh. Her gaze flickered towards Jack, her eyes silently seeking help.

Taking the cue, Jack stepped forward, his icy-blue eyes, normally as stormy as the sea, softened as he looked down at his daughter. He lowered himself to her level and gently cupped her face. "This island is special, princess," he began, his voice tender. "Only women can enter. Sadly, Daddy has to wait here."

Aria's eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded, accepting his words without argument. She was clearly disappointed, but she trusted her father's words, knowing that he wouldn't lie to her. This trust warmed Jack's heart, a tiny smile gracing his usually stern features.

"Okay, Daddy," she replied, her voice small but full of understanding. Jack ruffled her hair affectionately before standing up and turning back to Shakky, his icy-blue eyes hardening back to their usual stoic demeanor.

Shakky couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the little girl. She was too young to fully comprehend the complexities of their situation, yet she was so quick to accept and adapt. It was a testament to the strength and resilience that seemed to be a trait inherent in Jack's family.

Shakky was taken aback when Jack suddenly turned towards her, his icy-blue gaze bore into hers. "Take care of them," he instructed, his voice firm. Shakky blinked, momentarily taken aback by his words. She had expected him to agree to the arrangement reluctantly or even protest, but instead, he had willingly entrusted his family to her care.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Shakky nodded. "Of course," she replied, her voice firm, "You have my word."

With that, Jack turned back towards the other women, his demeanor back to the cold indifference that he usually wore like a cloak. The subtle shift in his demeanor had not gone unnoticed, and Shakky found herself intrigued by this complex man.

"I promise I won't cause any trouble," he reassured the other women, his voice devoid of its previous warmth. His eyes briefly met each woman's gaze before they all nodded, accepting his words.

As the band of Kuja pirates, led by Shakky, escorted the nine women and girls towards the city, Jack was left behind on the silent shore. The usually turbulent sea of the Calm Belt lay perfectly still, its glassy surface an eerie mirror image of the sky above. Jack sighed deeply, his icy-blue eyes scanning the tranquil horizon one last time before he brought his attention to the bead.

As his focus shifted to the small object, his body flickered momentarily before disappearing entirely. In the next moment, he was standing in a dense forest, surrounded by the echoing roars of unseen beasts. A smirk pulled at the corners of his lips as he muttered under his breath, "Let's see if the World Noble feel welcomed."

Meanwhile, within the city, the royal palace was buzzing with anticipation. The throne room was decked out in grandeur, and the rich aroma of exotic dishes wafted from the kitchen. Shakky, the Captain of the Kuja pirates and the Queen of Amazon Lily, had ordered a feast to welcome their guests.

As the women settled into the palace, Shakky turned her attention to Jack's family. Aria, with her innocent wide eyes, was the image of youthful curiosity. Robin, still so young, imitated the older girl's expressions, adding her own sense of wonder.

"Are you hungry, girls?" Shakky asked, trying to engage them in conversation. "We're preparing a big feast for you."

Aria's face lit up at the prospect of food. "Really? Will there be cake?" She asked excitedly, her small hand reaching out to clutch Shakky's.

Shakky couldn't help but laugh at the little girl's enthusiasm. "Yes, there will be cake. Lots of cake."

Aria beamed with excitement, while Robin echoed, "Cake! Cake!" Her tiny hands clapping together again. This incited another round of laughter from Shakky and the others present.

Turning her attention to the older women, Shakky started a conversation about their journey and their life with Jack. Amelia, Luna, Liana, Isabella, Sophie, and Titi all shared their experiences, weaving a complex tapestry of tales about the intriguing man. Shakky found herself more fascinated by Jack as she listened to their narratives.

Ponis, the newest addition to the family, still held an air of awe and excitement as she joined in the conversation. The thrill of new islands, new experiences was fresh in her mind, and her enthusiasm was infectious.

As the night progressed, the atmosphere within the palace became lighter. The women and children were drawn into Shakky's warm hospitality, and despite their circumstances, they found themselves feeling at ease.

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