In the end, it was only under everyone's gentle persuasion that I managed to crawl out from under the table.

Blushing, I sat next to Ace.

I took the ice water he handed me and drank it all in one gulp.

Only then did I feel the heat on my face fade a little.

"Ah, right … Ace!"

After my brain cooled down,

Then I remembered something more important.

I hurriedly took out the Hüdra dagger from my bag and handed it back to Ace.

"This, I kept it before.

I said I would return it to you when you joined … I almost forgot. "

Ace looked at the dagger and was stunned for a moment before he came to his senses.

He immediately broke into laughter.

"What?

Leah, you took it. "He put the dagger away.

"I thought I lost it in the previous battle. I was disappointed for a while."

"How is it? Is this dagger useful?" I supported my cheek with one hand and looked at him curiously.

"Yeah, thanks to you. It saved me a few times." Ace smiled. "Thanks, Leah."

"Hehe." I scratched my cheek.

I laughed embarrassedly.

"It's good that it's useful."

"Here ~ The scallop sandwiches and clam pizza you ordered ~" Ashley put down two drinks.

She gave me a playful wink.

"These two drinks are made from fruit juice from the bottom of the sea.

Madam Shirley said it was free ~ "

"Wow … Help me thank Madam Shirley. I really like mermaid juice!"

"It's okay. Leah -xiaojie is Madam Shirley's savior. She's also our savior!"

Ashley hugged me with a smile and intimately rubbed her face against mine.

When her gaze swept over me and Ace, the mermaid girl once again showed that flirtatious smile that made people blush.

"Then have fun with this little brother. We won't disturb you anymore ~"

The heat that had gone down with great difficulty climbed back up a little. I angrily turned around and buried my face in my arms, trying to hide my red face that was about to start smoking.

"Annoying!

I'm ignoring you!

Ashley is so bad! "

The mermaid let out a peal of laughter that sounded like silver bells. While she was at it, she stroked my hair and apologized a few times without much sincerity before she went to entertain the other guests.

I was left sitting next to Ace, blushing and not daring to raise my head.

"Ahem, Leah …" Ace cleared his throat and hesitated for a while before he gently placed his hand on my head. "The Whitebeard Pirates seem to be very popular here."

"Yes, that's right."

When it came to this topic, I finally wasn't so shy anymore. "The members of the Whitebeard Pirates are very popular on the Fishman Island because my father and the Mermaid King Neptune are good friends."

"Little Leah is too modest."

Merlot sat next to us and said with a smile, "At the beginning of the Great Age of Pirates, many pirates and slave traders broke into the island to capture mermaids and murlocs to sell. It was hell then. Just when everyone thought it was over, White Beard appeared like a hero!

'This island will be my, White Beard's, territory from now on!'

Thanks to his words, the Fishmen Island with the White Beard Pirate Flag has never been harassed by pirates again. "

"That's right."

Beulah, who was passing by, nodded. He looked at us with a gentle gaze. "The Whitebeard Pirates are the heroes of Fishmen Island.

They have been protecting us for twenty years. Even a year ago, The Whitebeard Pirates saved Mrs. Shirley when some ignorant pirates took her away. Leah was the one who saved Mrs. Shirley back then!

Mrs. Shirley told us several times that Leah was like a hero at that time. She defeated them all in a few moves! "

"Okay, okay. Stop talking about it!"

I stole a glance at Ace and saw that his expression suddenly became gloomy when Merlot mentioned the beginning of the Great Age of Pirates. It was only when Beulah mentioned that I had saved Mrs. Shirley that his expression eased a little.

Hearing my dissuasion, he looked up at the two mermaid sisters and smiled as if nothing had happened.

"Hey?

Is Leah that powerful? "

"Yes, yes. Little Leah is super powerful."

Merlot held his chin with one hand and looked fascinated. "I heard from the guests who came here before that Little Leah boarded the Moby Dick as soon as she went out to sea. Her first battle was to challenge Captain Sács. And she won!

If it weren't for her introverted personality and fear of strangers, she might have been the captain of the Fourth Division. "

Ace smiled and said, "That's right. This guy can't be a captain. She is very afraid of talking to strangers. It's okay for her to fight, but she will be scared to death if you ask her to socialize."

"Yes."

Beulah joined in with a smile. "Leah is not good at socializing with people, although this is also very cute."

Ashley had just finished delivering food to another table. At this time, she also leaned on my back and began to join in the fun.

"But Miss Leah is very good at fighting.

In the past year, I don't know how many pirates she has helped us fight off. It is said that the task of patrolling White Beard's islands is also done by her. Thanks to her, whether it is people trafficking or illegal drugs, these guys have all disappeared from these islands … This is what the guests told us.

Ah, speaking of which, last time Miss Leah defeated a super famous pirate group, right?

Your bounty has increased again. It is now 200 million! "

"… It's fine no matter what, please don't say anymore …"

I covered my face with both hands and my whole body was red with shame.

No, I can't!

No matter if it was the dark history of my chuunibyou syndrome being bragged about, or the good deeds that I have done in front of my childhood sweetheart, I felt so ashamed that I wanted to explode!!!

Especially when Ace was still over there saying "Eh", "Really?", "Very good" … Enough, what kind of execution was this?!

Although I wasn't unhappy about being bragged about … I just wanted to be alone and enjoy it secretly!

I didn't want to be bragged about in front of acquaintances like this!

This was like someone bragging about how many prizes you won in an essay competition in front of your relatives, or what kind of novel you wrote … The cancer of embarrassment was about to act up!!!

"Okay, don't you have a job?"

The person who saved me from this predicament was Mrs. Shirley. She reached out her hand to me and said something that was no different from the sound of nature.

"Leah, come here for a while. I have something to tell you."

"Okay!"

I practically jumped up on the spot and dove into Mrs. Shirley's embrace. I ignored Ace's interested question behind me and asked, "And then?", "Anything else?", and the mermaid mermaid.

I blushed as I allowed Lady Shali to bring me to the back room and sit down on a soft seashell chair. "Hmm … Hmm … Hmm … Hmm … Hmm …"

"Although I'm not sure if I should tell you."

Mrs. Shirley smoked a hookah. Her eyes seemed a little melancholy as the bubbles floated up. "But, Leah, if you continue to be with that person, you will …"

"Shh."

I put my index finger to my lips and gently closed one eye.

After a long while, I smiled at Mrs. Shirley as usual.

Even though she knew that I might be resented, she still wanted me to avoid an unfortunate future.

This was the good intentions of the seer Mrs. Shirley.

No matter if it was because I was indebted to her or because we were friends, I was grateful for this.

So, at least, I didn't want to lie to her.

"Thank you, Shirley." I smiled and shook my head. "But there's no need for that … I understand."

Yes, I understand.

More than anyone else.

More than anyone else.

"Are you also …"

Lady Charly revealed a surprised expression.

I looked at her and shook my head with a smile.

"Ace is still waiting for me outside. I'll take my leave first."

I reached out and hugged the Blue Shark mermaid gently. "I'm very happy and blessed now … So, it's definitely not a mistake.

I definitely won't regret it in the future.

I'm sure of that.

So … that's enough. "

So, don't say anything, my dear seer friend.

… … …

When we left the Mermaid Café, Ace was still smiling naughtily. He reached out and pressed down on my head.

"Leah is really amazing," he said with a smile.

He smiled and said, "However, I won't lose either. Just watch, I'll surpass you very soon!"

"Yes, yes, yes." I dragged my voice. "You have the Flame-Flame Fruit now.

The Logia fruit is really amazing.

Isn't it natural for you to surpass me? "

"Hey …" Ace didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Why do you sound so sour?"

"I want it too, the Logia fruit."

I puffed up my cheeks angrily. "It's immune to all physical attacks except for Armament Haki. Who doesn't want such a useful ability?

Knowing that you ate the Flame-Flame Fruit, I'm super jealous, okay? "

"Is that why you refused to fight with me after I got on the boat?"

Ace shook his head and said helplessly, "Really … I want to know how strong you are now, Leah."

"Only a fool would fight with a Logia."

I made a face at Ace and then pushed his back forward. "Okay, stop here and don't move, okay?"

"You can't walk again?"

Ace squatted down and waved his hands behind him. "Okay, okay, don't make a sudden attack. What if I subconsciously elementalize and throw you down … Come on, I'll carry you."

Player [Portcas D. Ace] launched a direct ball attack against player [Gloria]!

Player [Gloria] was defeated!

I lay on Ace's back obediently and let him carry me on his back. The young man's strong arms supported my legs. I could even feel his body temperature that was higher than ordinary people due to his Flaming Fruit superpower.

Probably affected by the temperature, I buried my burning face in the back of his neck, and it took me a while to find my tongue again.

"That, Ace … How did you know I was going to jump on your back?"

"Didn't you like to play like this?

Every time we went down the mountain, you would suddenly jump on my back and ask me to carry you. There was one time when you missed and fell and scraped your knee. Have you forgotten? "

Ace carried me up a little and slowed down. He walked steadily. "Don't try to sneak up on me in the future. Just tell me if you can't walk or if you don't want to. I'll carry you."

"Okay …" My voice weakened. Even I was surprised that I could speak in such a weak voice. "Ace, why are you suddenly so nice to me?"

"Hmm?" Ace laughed. "Do you still need to ask? Because Leah, you are a girl."

"That's so touching," the AI said in my head. "He can actually recognize that you are a girl.

As expected, a favorable impression of 150 is different. "

… Shut up, you bastard!

…

Just like that, Ace became the captain of the second division three months after joining The Whitebeard Pirates.

This kind of advancement speed was not surprising.

Strong combat power, excellent leadership, and Ace's innate talent for communication (after all, who wouldn't like Ace?).

This made almost everyone in The Whitebeard Pirates approve of him.

He was the captain of the second division. In a sense, it was expected of him.

The second division used to go on missions with the Fourth Division.

After Ace became the captain, Marco and the other captains intentionally or unintentionally played matchmaker, so the two divisions went on missions together more often.

"After joining The Whitebeard Pirates, I have actually been thinking about a question."

When I went on a mission with Ace again, I leaned against the side of the ship and aimed Cuchulin's rifle at the pirate ship that was trying to escape in the distance. At the same time, I complained to Ace.

"What?"

Ace used his Flaming Fist to knock down the surrounding pirates. Then, he turned around to look at me.

"Are we pirates or vigilantes?"

I sighed and threw the red spear at the pirate ship.

With a loud bang, the pirate ship was blown to pieces. The rifle quickly turned back from the sea. I stretched out my arm to catch it, and used a few moves to offset the impact of inertia.

After doing all this, I looked at the pirates under my feet who came to rob the islanders and let out a long sigh.

"Since joining the Whitebeard Pirates, we have been dealing with pirates who are harassing the island, and we have been cleaning up the bullies who are causing trouble."

I looked deeply into the distance, "Sometimes I even have the illusion that the peace of the sea is protected by us … Is it an illusion?"

"Hahahaha!

Isn't that good? "

Ace laughed, "You can't do bad things even if I asked you to. Leah, you would even pay for a meal and dash. You should be happy now."

"… That's true."

I thought about it and laughed. I patted Ace heavily and switched to Mata Hari's card, "I'll leave the rest to you, Captain Ace.

I just saw the Navy's ship, I'll go and stop them. "

Strictly speaking, the island this time can't be considered White Beard's territorial waters. It's only because one of the pirates was born here. Although he was just a small soldier and didn't have any status, after he said that his hometown was being robbed by pirates, The Whitebeard Pirates decided to come here to clean up the dregs.

However, The Whitebeard Pirates suddenly appeared outside their territorial waters, so it's not surprising that the Navy would come.

In the future, White Beard's flag will probably be planted here.

I secretly thought as I glanced at the islanders who were rushing over.

There was no other way, their faces were overflowing with gratitude.

I patted Ace's shoulder again, indicating that the islanders should be left to him. After that, I quickly jumped onto my ship and rushed out.

What a joke!

Who wants to stay and accept the gratitude of the islanders!

This is simply a death by a thousand cuts for a girl with social phobia!!!

Speaking of this, I hated it. Before Ace came, those bastards on the ship all used the reason that "you're a girl, so you're better at dealing with this kind of thing" and threw the task of returning the islanders' gifts to me … I say, where did that gender stereotype come from?!

What's more, I have social phobia!!!

… Those days were really unbearable to look back on.

I was counting my fingers in anticipation of Ace's arrival. After Ace came, I quickly threw the blame to him.

No problem!

Bring tape!

I'll say it again — — Ace is the man who conquered 14 captains and 48 pirate groups under White Beard!

He'll definitely be fine!

A real man with big boobs!!!

As usual, I ignored Ace's exasperated "Leah, you bastard" and commanded the AI to steer the boat towards the Navy's warship.

… As for whether Ace was willing or not, that's not important at all!

When the boat with the White Beard's flag dodged the warship's gunfire and agilely rushed to a distance where we could see each other, I couldn't help but exclaim "Wow".

The reason was simple, the other side was an old acquaintance.

"Long time no see, Mr. Adjutant."

I gently pulled my veil to my lips and revealed a charming smile.

The moment they saw the smile, there was an uproar on the deck.

"The vice-captain of The Whitebeard Pirates' Fourth Division!"

— — Hey, hey, hey, who said I'm the vice-captain?

I'm just a main DPS, okay?

"The [Yang Eye's Daughter] Gloria with a bounty of 290 million!"

— — Uh, when did my bounty go up again?

Also, what kind of nickname is the [Yang Eye's Daughter]? You can't give me such a nickname just because I use Mata Hari's Noble Artifact every time I see the Navy?

"Wow, she's really beautiful!

Is this the feeling of being moved?

Did she use her ability on me?

I feel like I've been charmed by her!!! "

— — No, I didn't use my ability on you at all, I think it's your own problem.

"Miss Gloria."

The adjutant's face had a few more scars compared to a year ago, which added a sense of vicissitudes to him. "Please put down your weapon and surrender."

I chuckled. Under the influence of Mata Hari's personality, I couldn't help but use some rather disgusting words.

"Sorry, I still have to refuse you.

Speaking of which, Mr. Adjutant clearly can't resist my charms, but you're always able to put on a serious face like you have victory in your grasp. "

"… I won't be charmed by you anymore."

The adjutant's tone was firm. I tilted my head and wanted to remind him, "That's what you said last time." But then I saw him reach into the pocket of his suit and take out … something that made my expression change instantly.

"Under the watch of Admiral Akainu, I definitely won't repeat my past mistakes!"

— — That's a f * cking photo of Akainu?!!!

The AI jumped onto my shoulder and spoke in an awe-inspiring tone.

"Mr. Adjutant's charm resistance has increased by 100%. If you use charm on him now, it will definitely fail."

"I was careless."

My expression also became serious.

Who would have thought!

The adjutant actually thought of using Admiral Akainu's photo to resist his daughter's charm!

And Akainu's photo can actually increase charm resistance by 100%!

This is a full moon gem?!!!

"I'll say it again, please surrender, Miss Gloria." The adjutant's expression was very serious, "I don't want to do anything to you."

"I'll say it again, I refuse."

I raised my hand and instantly switched to the Master's Suit of Chaldea. I put my index finger and middle finger together and made a shooting gesture to the adjutant.

"Sorry, I can't help it … Gandr!"

Gandr, the Nordic magic of Rune.

A curse that reduces the target's physical mobility.

If the magic density is high enough, the power is comparable to a bullet.

In other words, the effect of this trick is equivalent to …