A pair of eyes after another turned toward him, and Leno's heart tightened instinctively. A flicker of guilt flashed in his eyes.
But he quickly steadied himself. It was just 'scrubbing,' nothing more. And since it came out of Yamato's mouth, it sounded even less like an issue.
Meeting those probing gazes head-on, he maintained a calm expression, as if entirely unbothered.
Still, the looks sweeping up and down his body made it obvious the others weren't buying it. They had all caught that split-second of guilty panic. Clearly, this guy had done something behind everyone's backs. Combined with Yamato's earlier comment…
Things suddenly became interesting. Reiju, who had been quietly watching from the sidelines, shot him a teasing look.
Even Kuina — who had just sheathed her blade with a sweet, blissful smile — somehow had her hand resting on the hilt again, her eyes dark and focused on him.
Even Nojiko, usually gentle and indulgent with Leno, was looking at him with disapproval. And the reason, of course, was Yamato.
If he'd fooled around with someone else, none of them would have complained much. Everyone knew this guy was a hopeless pervert.
But Yamato? She was a complete innocent in matters between men and women.
If Leno had tricked her into doing something she didn't understand… that was a different story entirely.
With danger rising all around him, even Leno — who had weathered countless storms — felt sweat forming in his palms.
He was just considering whether he should say something to ease the mood when Yamato suddenly spoke again.
"Leno, are you agreeing or not?"
"Huh? Why is your arm covered in sweat? Are you actually tired?"
"Ahem... yes, I am indeed quite tired!"
His train of thought shattered by Yamato's sudden question, Leno nearly choked on his own saliva as he hurried to agree.
But before he could continue, a cold snort sounded beside him.
"You really are tired, aren't you? So tired that your heart is fluttering with guilt!"
"Kuina, w-what are you talking about? Why would I feel guilty?"
Seeing her poised as if ready to draw her sword again, Leno subtly shuffled half a step back.
This girl... she'd been acting like a blissful little wife just moments ago, yet now she was ready to cut him down again.
"Hmph!"
Kuina shot him a fierce glare, lifted her blade, and turned away. This time, she was genuinely angry.
Nojiko and Reiju exchanged a look before hurrying after her.
Watching their backs as they stormed off, Leno scratched his nose awkwardly. This had gotten… complicated.
His gaze darkened as he looked at Yamato. That girl's mouth really had no filter.
And the culprit behind all this chaos was still pestering him for a sparring match, completely unaware she'd just pushed him straight into the cold palace.
Just as he was wondering how to convince Yamato to give up the idea, something in the distance caught his attention.
Moments later, a towering figure appeared — the same man he'd sent flying earlier: Urouge.
Spotting a ready-made punching bag, Leno lowered his head, smiling slyly at Yamato.
"Look, Yamato. Your opponent is here."
"Huh?"
Following his gaze, Yamato's eyes widened the moment she saw Urouge — now more than twice his previous size.
"What happened? How did he get so big? He's almost a giant!"
"That's his Devil Fruit ability. The more damage he takes, the bigger he becomes. And he can convert the damage dealt to him into his own attacks."
It sounded overpowered, but Leno suspected there had to be an upper limit to how much damage he could absorb. The only question was what determined that limit.
Still, with a body like that… if Urouge trained properly and mastered Haki, he would become a terrifying powerhouse.
"Interesting. So interesting!"
As expected, the moment Yamato heard the explanation, her enthusiasm skyrocketed.
Attacking someone only for that same attack to be directed back at herself — wasn't that basically fighting another version of herself? What a fascinating power.
Would it turn into a brawl between two Yamatos? The thought made her visibly excited.
While they waited for Urouge to approach, Chopper — who had been hiding anxiously to the side — finally gathered enough courage to speak.
"L-Leno… is the trial over now?"
His voice trembled. He had no idea what the situation even was anymore.
The atmosphere had become so tense earlier that he didn't dare make a sound and had stayed perfectly still like an invisible little reindeer.
Now most people were gone. Only he, Yamato, and Hancock remained — but Leno was about to make Yamato fight that massive guy.
Then what about him and Hancock? There was no way the two of them were going to fight that monster together, right?
It looked like Leno wasn't planning to continue the trial, but he hadn't said anything yet. Chopper couldn't just leave without asking.
"Huh? You're still here, Chopper?"
"I've been here the whole time, you jerk!"
Chopper puffed up in frustration.
So he'd been panicking for nothing — Leno hadn't even noticed him! He'd worried himself sick for absolutely no reason.
"Are you staying here to watch, or heading back to the ship?"
If Chopper hadn't spoken, Leno really wouldn't have noticed the little guy at his feet.
How did he make zero noise? Did he crawl out of the ground? His antlers could crack rocks underground, after all.
"Great! It's finally over!"
Hearing the trial was finished, Chopper let out a huge sigh of relief, instantly becoming cheerful.
Even though he hadn't taken any direct hits during the trial, everyone else's battle shockwaves had nearly knocked him around.
Now that he was free, he needed to escape immediately before he got caught in another blast.
While backing away step by step, he said,
"I won't watch! I still have herbs to dry, so I'm heading back!"
Before Leno could reply, Chopper spun around and bolted away, his movements smooth as water.
Anyone watching would think a Sea King was chasing him.
Leno glanced at Hancock — who had once again latched onto his arm — and gently pulled her into his embrace.
"Hancock… did your Devil Fruit ability awaken?"