Saint Falt Island.
The stone platform of the Sea Train station still retained residual warmth from the rails. With a loud clang, the doors slid open, and a crowd surged out like a tide. Among them was Ryan, dressed in a beige short-sleeved cotton shirt with an open collar and deep khaki shorts rolled casually above his knees, revealing his well-proportioned calves.
Most striking was the uniquely designed Seven Star Sword hanging at his waist, creating an intriguing contrast with his relaxed attire—a mix of vacation-like ease and undeniable sharpness.
Porche wore a knee-length, sunflower-patterned dress in pale yellow. Without her signature eyepatch, her almond-shaped eyes glistened, slightly upturned at the corners. When she smiled, a shallow dimple appeared on her right cheek, trading mystery for a radiant charm that even passing vendors couldn't help but glance at twice.
Mikita, on the other hand, had chosen a wine-red strapless dress with a slit up to her thigh, revealing glimpses of fair skin as she walked. Her golden hair was loosely tied back, with a few stray strands framing her slender neck.
Though the neckline wasn't particularly low, it accentuated her voluptuous figure perfectly, each step carrying a lazy, swaying allure.
The two women flanked Ryan, each holding one of his arms as they strolled leisurely.
"This island looks so lively," Porche said, tilting her head toward Ryan, her voice laced with her usual coquettish lilt. "Way better than that damp Misty Island!"
Ryan nodded in agreement. Eight days had passed since finalizing the shipbuilding details with Galley-La Company. After spending the first two days exploring Water 7, he had left Daz Bones and the others to oversee the progress while he took Mikita and Porche on a tour of nearby islands using Sea Train passes.
Their first stop was Long Ring Long Land, an island shaped like a chain of twelve smaller islets, known for its bizarre geography and elongated flora, fauna, and even the drawn-out speech of its residents.
Next was Saint Poplar, dubbed the "Town of the Spring Queen," followed by Misty Island, and now, Saint Falt Island.
"Looks like we're just in time—there's a ball tonight," Mikita suddenly tugged at Ryan's arm, pointing with a lazy anticipation in her voice.
Ryan followed her gaze to a colorful poster fluttering at the street corner, its edges stamped with the words "Masquerade Ball Tonight."
A masquerade—exactly what they had come for.
"Let's find an inn first," Ryan said, wrapping an arm around each woman's waist and pulling them closer. "We'll join the fun tonight."
Porche and Mikita nestled against him as they followed the crowd out of the station. Suddenly, a crisp "bling-bling" sound rang out from Mikita's bag.
"It's Daz Bones."
Mikita released Ryan's arm and pulled out a palm-sized Den Den Mushi from her wine-red handbag. Pressing the receiver, the snail immediately puffed its cheeks, mimicking Daz Bones' flat tone.
"Captain."
Ryan listened, idly running his fingers along the ribbon in Porche's hair before responding with a hum. "What is it?"
"The Straw Hat Pirates have arrived in Water 7."
Ryan's steps faltered for half a second, his brow quirking. "So they're here. Doesn't concern us."
Given the timeline, it wasn't surprising that the Straw Hat Kid and his crew had reached Water 7. But it had nothing to do with him—otherwise, he wouldn't have taken Mikita and Porche on this trip.
"There's more," Daz Bones continued, his voice still devoid of inflection. "Rumors say they attacked Galley-La's Iceberg last night. Details are unclear—Galley-La's keeping it tight. The news only leaked this morning."
"Oh?" Ryan's brows rose higher.
"And," Daz added, "reliable intel says the Straw Hats have already headed to Enies Lobby."
"Enies Lobby?" Ryan chuckled lowly, his eyes gleaming with sudden interest.
This was a plotline he knew well. The attack on Iceberg had been orchestrated by CP9 to seize the blueprints for Pluton. Meanwhile, Nico Robin would be taken by CP9, prompting the Straw Hats to storm the World Government's stronghold to rescue her.
"Got it," Ryan said into the Den Den Mushi. "Stay out of it. Just keep an eye on the ship's progress."
Hanging up, Ryan swept his gaze over the bustling crowd before glancing at the distant masquerade poster fluttering beneath a windmill. A smirk curled his lips. "You two find a place to stay."
Mikita tucked the Den Den Mushi back into her bag and looked up at Ryan. "Captain, are you going to Water 7?"
"I'm off to join a different kind of fun," Ryan said, patting Porche's shoulder and pinching Mikita's chin, his tone brimming with barely contained excitement.
The Enies Lobby arc—now that was interesting.
Since he'd stumbled upon it, wouldn't it be a shame not to join the chaos?
"Different fun?" Porche blinked, grabbing Ryan's coat with a pout. "Ugh, the masquerade sounds way more exciting! We haven't even picked out masks yet..."
"Relax, you two enjoy yourselves. I'll be back soon," Ryan said with a laugh, his eyes alight with mischief. He gave Porche's lower back a playful squeeze before releasing both women and turning toward the station.
"Ugh, so annoying!" Porche stared after Ryan, momentarily stunned before stomping her foot and spinning in place, her ribbon fluttering. "The captain's the worst! Just leaving like that—no fun at all!"
"That's just how the captain is," Mikita said, gently pulling Porche along. After months by Ryan's side, she knew all too well his impulsive nature—acting on whims without hesitation.
"But he didn't have to leave right now..." Porche's puffed cheeks slowly deflated as she grumbled.
"Come on, don't sulk," Mikita said, tugging Porche toward a stall lined with masks. The hem of her wine-red dress brushed against the cobblestones with a soft rustle. "With the captain gone, we can explore the town on our own—no one rushing us to buy whatever we want."
"Oh!" Porche's eyes lit up instantly, her earlier irritation vanishing. She clasped Mikita's hand tightly, her pale yellow dress swaying with each lively step. "Let's go!"
After ten days of constant companionship, they were no longer just colleagues but had forged a rich camaraderie—genuine, inseparable friends.