At this time, Smoothie was only seventeen or eighteen years old—right in the prime of her youth, like a flower just beginning to bloom, brimming with vitality and spirit.
Though her beautiful face still carried a hint of youthful innocence, her features were refined and striking, and her long, slender legs were especially eye-catching. Among Big Mom's many daughters, her beauty stood out clearly above the rest.
Shiro's decision to choose Smoothie wasn't based on looks alone—though that certainly helped.
More importantly, her strength was undeniable.
After all, she was destined to become one of the Big Mom Pirates' future Sweet Commanders, possessing both a powerful Devil Fruit ability and outstanding combat skill. If Smoothie could join the Virtue Pirates, she would undoubtedly become a formidable combatant and a major asset to the crew's future growth.
"…This…"
The moment Big Mom realized that Shiro had chosen Smoothie, the smile on her face froze.
Her brows knitted slightly, and a trace of reluctance and hesitation flickered in her eyes. Clearly, she wasn't keen on letting Smoothie leave with the Virtue Pirates.
Smoothie had always been one of her most cherished daughters—exceptional in both strength and potential. Big Mom had originally intended to keep her close, grooming her to help manage the affairs of the Big Mom Pirates.
Just as Big Mom hesitated, about to object—
Smoothie stepped forward of her own accord.
She bowed respectfully to Big Mom, then spoke with firm resolve:
"Mother, please let me go. I want to sail the seas with the Virtue Pirates and see the outside world."
"…Smoothie. You really want to go?"
Big Mom looked genuinely surprised.
She studied her daughter closely, her voice low and serious, clearly trying to confirm Smoothie's true feelings.
"Yes, Mother. I truly do."
Smoothie nodded earnestly, then added with a small smile:
"And besides, on the Virtue Pirates' ship, I'll get to eat Chef Zeff's cooking regularly. I think that's a wonderful thing—much better than staying home and eating sweets every single day."
As she spoke, she gently tugged at Charlotte Linlin's thick hand, her tone tinged with soft, almost childlike pleading. Her eyes shone with anticipation.
Big Mom looked into those eyes—full of longing—and remembered that Shiro's proposal truly did benefit both sides.
In the end, her heart softened.
She took a deep breath and slapped the table decisively.
"Fine. If you want to go that badly, I won't stop you."
Her voice was firm.
"Go with Shiro and his crew. But remember this—no matter what happens, you are still my daughter, Charlotte Linlin's daughter. If anyone in the Virtue Pirates gives you trouble, you can come home anytime!"
Seeing Big Mom finally agree, Shiro let out a long breath of relief. The weight hanging over his heart at last fell away.
He gave Big Mom a slight nod in thanks.
For a time after that, the Big Mom Pirates and the Virtue Pirates truly seemed like one big family.
They sat together, eating the dishes Zeff continued to prepare, drinking, chatting, and laughing. Brook even took out his instrument, and soon music filled the hall as everyone sang and danced together.
The earlier tension surrounding the marriage proposal vanished without a trace.
The lively tea party didn't end until evening.
When it was over, Shiro brought Smoothie before Big Mom to formally say their goodbyes.
Soon after, Smoothie boarded the Virtue, setting sail with Shiro and the Virtue Pirates toward a new sea.
Once aboard, Smoothie's calm, dignified personality quickly helped her bond with Yamato and Robin.
As the crew's dependable "big sister," she treated the energetic Yamato and the elegant Robin like younger siblings she genuinely cherished. Whenever she had time, she would suggest training together.
Sometimes she focused on close-quarters combat, correcting subtle flaws in their stance and force application.
Other times, she simulated real battle scenarios, teaching them how to read a fight, judge the situation quickly, and find openings.
On top of that, Smoothie loved using her Wring-Wring Fruit ability to make fresh juice for her two "little sisters."
At first, the sweet, refreshing drinks were a huge hit. Whether during breaks in training or in moments of leisure, Robin and Yamato could often be seen holding cups of juice, enjoying the unique sweetness with relaxed smiles.
That enthusiasm, however, vanished completely after one particular incident.
One day, Robin happened to pass by a quiet corner of the deck—and witnessed Smoothie casually grab a fairly large sea beast with her bare hands.
Her fingers glowed with the power of the Wring-Wring Fruit.
In the blink of an eye, the sea beast was compressed… into a single cup of strangely colored "juice."
From that day on, no matter how enthusiastically Smoothie offered them drinks, Robin and Yamato waved their hands in polite refusal.
They never dared take another sip.
Months passed in the blink of an eye.
One morning, the Virtue cut through heavy waves and entered a deep, ominous region of the New World.
As the ship anchored near an uncharted island, the experienced Zeff volunteered to go ashore to restock fresh food and water.
But the moment he reached the island's entrance, he was stopped by multiple layers of defenses.
Outsiders were strictly forbidden from entering.
Zeff returned to the ship, puzzled, and reported everything to Shiro.
Shiro was visibly surprised when he heard this.
"Our Virtue Pirates are already fairly well-known in the New World," he said, raising his voice.
"And someone still dares to bar us from landing?"
A spark of curiosity—and battle intent—flashed in his eyes.
He waved his hand decisively.
"Come on. Everyone with me. Let's see what's really going on."
Soon, the group arrived at the island's port.
From a distance, rows upon rows of cannons lined the shoreline, all aimed toward the sea. Armed pirates carrying blades and firearms patrolled constantly, their expressions tense and vigilant.
Seeing this, Shiro raised an eyebrow and muttered:
"Now this is serious security… interesting."
His gaze swept across the harbor, and soon he spotted a conspicuous sign standing tall in plain view.
Written in bold, heavy letters were three words:
BEEHIVE ISLAND
"…Beehive Island?"
A look of realization—and intrigue—flashed through Shiro's eyes.
"So this is Hachinosu… the old stronghold of the Rocks Pirates."
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