Although surprised, Vivi still stepped aside to let Reiju choose first—after all, there had to be an order to things.
Besides, Leno had already said that both Devil Fruits were excellent, so it didn't really matter which one was chosen.
Reiju didn't stand on ceremony. She walked up and began examining the Devil Fruits on the table.
After a moment, she picked up the Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit.
Just as everyone thought she was about to eat it on the spot, she suddenly turned and stuffed the fruit into Vivi's hands instead.
"You eat this one. Mythical Zoans give the strongest boost to physical ability—it suits you perfectly."
"Eh? Oh, thank you, Sister Reiju!"
Vivi stared blankly at the Devil Fruit in her hands. She hadn't expected Reiju to be choosing for her.
Seeing this, Leno was a little surprised. He hadn't thought Reiju would be so considerate.
Given the current situation of the whole crew, Vivi was the weakest no matter how you looked at it. Giving her the Mythical Zoan really was the best choice.
Now that the fruits were decided, there was nothing left to wait for. Leno fixed the two of them with an eager gaze and urged,
"Alright, stop wasting time. Eat them now!"
"You big jerk, you're really awful. You didn't even warn them."
Seeing the schadenfreude all over Leno's face, Nami knew this bastard just wanted to watch them suffer.
"You should prepare yourselves. Devil Fruits taste really, really awful!"
"???"
Vivi looked around in confusion and saw Robin and Nojiko nodding seriously at her, confirming Nami's words.
Her heart immediately leapt into her throat. Just what kind of taste made everyone so wary?
At that moment, Carmen walked over with two glasses of juice and handed one to each of them.
Nojiko also stuffed candies into their hands and carefully instructed them,
"Finish it quickly, then keep the juice and candy in your mouth. It'll feel a bit better."
"I mean, it's just eating a Devil Fruit. Is it really that serious?"
Watching everyone's elaborate preparations, Leno couldn't hold it in anymore.
What was all this? It was just a moment of suffering. Just a day of tasteless food. What was the big deal?
He absolutely refused to admit he was jealous. Yes, they were just being dramatic.
A moment later, under everyone's expectant gazes…
Vivi and Reiju, like warriors heading to the battlefield, began their fruit-eating ordeal with a do-or-die expression!
After seeing them choke so badly their eyes nearly teared up, Leno turned and walked away in complete satisfaction.
"Hancock, come over and help me scrub my back!"
"Yes!"
Hearing Leno's call, Hancock immediately beamed with joy and hurried after him toward the bathroom.
The noise drew the attention of everyone surrounding Vivi and Reiju, and they all turned to look.
Their gazes toward Leno carried shyness, irritation, and a hint of indescribable longing.
"That damn idiot… is he really being this blatant now?"
Nami cursed under her breath in annoyance. Back then, that bastard at least knew how to restrain himself. Now he wasn't even pretending anymore.
Beside her, Carmen, Kaya, and the others exchanged glances before quickly looking away, their faces flushed red.
After reaching the bathroom, Hancock bustled about, and in no time had everything prepared.
"Leno-sama, the water is ready. Allow me to help you undress~"
Seeing Hancock approach with flushed cheeks and shy eyes, Leno spread his arms and let her do as she pleased.
After a while, worried that kneeling would be too hard on her, Leno spoke up.
As his words fell, the sound of splashing water quickly filled the bathroom.
No one knew how much time passed before the bathroom door suddenly opened, making Hancock—who was leaning against the edge of the tub—let out a startled cry.
"Eh? Count me in!"
Yamato had promised Leno she would help scrub his back, but he had vanished in the blink of an eye, making her search for a long time. Looking at the intruding Yamato, Leno's face was covered in black lines.
This girl was truly reckless! Did she have any idea that a sudden fright could affect one's performance? If it were anyone else, a scare like that might have left them unable to "rise" for the rest of their life!
While speaking, Yamato quickly shed her clothes. Leno, who had been somewhat annoyed, felt all his anger vanish the moment he saw the lustrous, white, and tender body revealed before him.
"Are you sure you want to join?"
The water in the bath immediately overflowed onto the floor. The battlefield of this chaotic skirmish was so vast that the small bathroom could barely contain their fighting forms. Because the ensuing scenes were too intense for broadcast, the author watched them on your behalf.
The flames of war gradually subsided, and even the steam in the air could not hide the lingering smell of "gunpowder."
Although it was Hancock and Yamato's first time working together, they were unexpectedly in sync. Alternating attacks and covering for each other, they ultimately perished together with Leno, all three collapsing at once.
Time passed slowly. By the time they reappeared in the living room, it was already night. The three, exhausted from the day, went to the dining room for a hasty dinner before Yamato and Hancock returned to their rooms.
Leno wasn't particularly sleepy. With his current stamina, staying awake for three days and nights wouldn't affect him at all. He walked out onto the deck and looked up to find Urouge keeping watch on the lookout post. Normally, they didn't need a night watch, but since he wanted to contribute, Leno let him be. To prevent any possible accidents, Leno slowly raised the ship into the air. It had become a habit to do this at night when everyone was resting.
Having finished this, Leno turned back to the cabin. Considering everything that happened today, Leno thought he should go find Kuina to give her some "physical comfort." He hadn't had a chance to be alone with her earlier; now was the perfect time to go exchange some "thoughts" with her.
With that in mind, Leno's footsteps took a turn.