Technically, Stella was "commanding" the crew, but in reality, all she had to do was give a simple order. The slaves were well-practiced at handling the ship, and it wasn't long before they noticed Perona and Robin approaching.
Seeing Perona's scowling face and the bright red marks on her cheeks, Stella chuckled and patted her head.
"You little troublemaker, did you get His Excellency upset again?"
Perona pouted, crossing her arms.
"Not at all! That big meanie is the one who bullied me!"
Stella laughed at her stormy little expression and offered some comforting words. Perona, childlike and easily distracted, quickly calmed down.
Not forgetting the quiet Robin, Stella noticed her hesitating, as if she wanted to ask something.
"Robin, what is it?" she asked kindly.
Robin glanced at Perona, then hesitated before speaking.
"Perona and Lord Black… isn't this a little… unusual? I heard that Celestial Dragons are usually very…"
She trailed off, but the meaning was clear.
Stella smiled and took Robin's hand, leading her toward the ship's railing.
"It's okay. His Excellency can be a bit overbearing, but he's very easygoing once you get to know him," Stella explained gently.
Robin still looked unconvinced, so Stella continued, recounting her own experience.
When Robin learned that Stella had been purchased as a slave by Black himself, her eyes widened in surprise.
"To be honest, I was scared at first, but His Excellency has always treated us well. I've never seen him truly angry with us."
Stella's description, though comforting, was not entirely accurate.
For beautiful women, especially those notable in the original world, Black always had extra patience. For men like Aramaki, discipline was certain if rules were broken.
In short, Black had double standards.
Yes, Black was, without a doubt, a double-standard master.
While Stella unconsciously helped Black shape Robin's perception, he had already called Aramaki over.
"Aramaki, your current strength ranks among the elite in the seas. I need your help with a few tasks."
"Your Excellency, please command," Aramaki replied respectfully.
Black pulled out a sheet of paper depicting a bright orange-red fruit, shaped remarkably like a dragon fruit.
Handing it to Aramaki, he spoke slowly, emphasizing each word.
"There's a secluded island near the main shipping routes of the East Sea," he began.
"The surrounding waters have unique currents that pull objects toward the island, creating an invisible prison at sea."
"Very few people ever leave once they arrive."
"The beaches are white, the island is full of coconut trees, but there's no other food. Resources are scarce."
He detailed the uncharted island in one breath, then instructed,
"I need you to find this island and bring back this fruit."
Aramaki examined the sheet depicting the Blaze Blaze Fruit. He hesitated for a moment but did not question Black. Instead, he nodded.
"Yes, Your Excellency!"
Black noticed Aramaki's hesitation and realized the man had never seen a Devil Fruit before due to his humble origins. There was no need for explanation. He simply added:
"Keep this discreet. I don't want many people knowing about it."
"I understand, Your Excellency," Aramaki replied, bowing before turning away.
He would need to find a small boat, leave the fleet, and travel from the West Sea to the East Sea.
Once Aramaki was gone, Black reclined again.
This was a test.
If Aramaki could complete the task efficiently and discreetly, he would prove himself a reliable subordinate. If he failed or took too long, it would hardly be a loss after all, it was just a Blaze Blaze Fruit. Black could always report success and improvise a story to satisfy the Five Elders.
Of course, this also meant Black would need to nurture talent from his current crew, which could slightly slow his own training progress.
"Let's hope he doesn't disappoint me," Black murmured, watching Aramaki's small boat disappear into the horizon.
The month's card draws had ended, and perhaps because of the mention of the Blaze Blaze Fruit, Black had received a promising new card.
Portgas D. Ace (Young)
This was Ace at the peak of his youth. Even during the original timeline's Marineford War, he had barely crossed twenty.
Black, now far beyond that stage, could suppress even a young Admiral like Borsalino without much difficulty. Facing Ace in the card simulation would not be a problem; it would at least provide a challenging training scenario.
In the card simulation, Black wielded a Japanese long sword nearly as long as its hilt, Dark Red Haki coursing along the blade. The system's new feature allowed him access to a variety of weapons after learning swordsmanship.
Opposite him, a lifelike AI Ace stood expressionless, Haki radiating in tense opposition to Black's.
"Can't we make a deal? You can't beat me anyway. Just unleash the ability card already," Black quipped.
AI Ace ignored him and activated his skill.
Thanks to Black's advanced Future Sight Observation Haki, he easily dodged.
"Fine. Looks like I really have to beat you," he said, eyes sharp. The intensity of his Haki surged, temporarily suppressing Ace's own.
The simulation was incredibly realistic. With Ace's Haki suppressed, his movements slowed just enough for Black to capitalize.
Attaching Armament Haki to his blade, Black struck.
Though he had not yet mastered the swordsman's pinnacle techniques like aerial slashes this training consumed no stamina or risk.
Ace, strong enough to challenge him without overwhelming him, provided the perfect sparring partner. Even under the influence of Haki, Ace met Black's strikes head-on.
"Divine Flame: Unknown Fire!"
Ace's hands became flames, forming a fiery spear that collided with Black's blade with a shower of sparks and ringing clangs.
Black refrained from using his strongest close-combat techniques, even holding back his predictive Observation Haki. The duel became a true test of skill.
Black's style was simple, raw slashes, while Ace's attacks were flashy and varied:
"Flaming Pillar!"
"Firefly Daruma!"
"Flame Ring: Fire Column!"
"Great Flame Ring: Flame Emperor!"
Even with flashy names, the vast difference in power remained clear.
Black's strength, though not unparalleled, rivaled Vice Admirals and top-tier Shichibukai. Against an opponent like Ace, victory was well within reach.