NOVEL NEXT Chapter 73: 73
Night had fallen, and the sky was a serene shade of deep blue, adorned with countless stars that twinkled and shimmered like scattered jewels.
Shakky had just returned from buying groceries on the Sabaody Archipelago when she heard lively voices coming from her bar.
A warm smile spread across her face—she knew Tony was back.
Quickening her pace, she made her way to the bar.
"Ding-a-ling!"
The bell on the door jingled as she pushed it open. Inside, she saw a familiar figure, laughing and drinking heartily with the old man, Rayleigh.
Hearing the sound, Tony instinctively turned his head. His eyes lit up as he saw a familiar face, unchanged from a year ago.
"Sister Shakky, long time no see!"
Like an excited child, Tony put down his drink and ran over, throwing himself into Shakky's arms and hugging her tightly.
It was pure affection. Tony felt genuine happiness, recalling how, when he first arrived in this world without any strength or direction, Shakky had taken him in.
She had provided him with a home and cared for him for years. In this world, Shakky was his family.
Shakky looked at Tony with a face full of gratitude and gently pinched his cheek, teasing him with a smile.
"Haha, it's been a year, and little Tony seems to have matured quite a bit."
Their closeness did not go unnoticed by the three women seated at the table.
Robin, ever composed, sipped her tea elegantly, hiding her emotions behind a calm demeanor.
Nami, on the other hand, pouted slightly and grabbed Tony's drink, downing it in one gulp.
Vivi chewed on her chopsticks, her eyes fixed on the dishes in front of her, looking a little forlorn.
But these subtle reactions didn't escape Shakky's sharp eyes. As a woman herself, she noticed that all three had dressed up meticulously, their gazes occasionally flicking toward her as if to assess the situation.
It was obvious—these three shared an unusual relationship with Tony.
Shakky released Tony and, feigning seriousness, tugged on his ear. She raised her voice intentionally, ensuring everyone could hear.
"You little rascal, you've outdone yourself. Better than your master back in the day! Coming back with three daughters-in-law for me, huh?"
"Pfft!"
Nami spat out her drink like a fountain, spraying Rayleigh. The sight of him drenched was comically absurd.
Flustered, Nami apologized profusely, grabbing tissues to wipe Rayleigh's face as she fumbled awkwardly.
"I'm so sorry! Really, Uncle Rayleigh, I didn't mean to!"
Meanwhile, Vivi lowered her head, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Robin remained composed, though a faint blush crept onto her cheeks, betraying her otherwise calm demeanor.
Shakky's teasing words had clearly left all three women flustered, unsure of how to respond.
Yet none of them refuted her words—a subtle but telling acknowledgment.
Tony gave Shakky a silent thumbs-up, appreciating her playful assist. This move was nothing short of masterful.
In Tony's mind, silence was as good as agreement. From now on, it seemed everything was progressing according to his plan, filling him with exhilaration.
Shakky eventually joined the table, where Nami, Robin, and Vivi quickly warmed up to her. The four women chatted like old friends, the room buzzing with laughter and lively conversation.
Despite meeting for the first time, they seemed to have endless topics to discuss.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh and Tony took a bucket of wine and a couple of dishes and tactfully stepped outside, settling on the grassy lawn in front of the bar.
The master and apprentice duo sat under the vast expanse of the starlit sky, gazing at the mesmerizing nightscape.
In unison, they both spoke.
"Master."
"Tony."
Their eyes met, and they burst into laughter at the perfect coincidence.
"Haha, you go first, Master," Tony said, taking a sip of wine with a grin.
Rayleigh chuckled, shaking his head slightly. Having watched Tony grow over the years, he felt immense pride. He had placed his faith in the right person.
"Heh heh, Tony, your master hasn't properly congratulated you yet. Your progress has far exceeded my expectations."
"In just a single year, I can clearly see the growth in your physical strength and mastery of Haki."
"And your three crewmates—impressive. It's clear that they all trust you deeply."
Tony scratched his head sheepishly, grinning.
"Haha, Master, I'll accept your praise... barely. But honestly, the three of them are even more extraordinary than you think."
"Oh?" Rayleigh took another sip of his drink, his interest piqued.
Tony, wearing a cheeky grin, continued enthusiastically.
"Nami, for starters, is a genius navigator and meteorologist. She can sense weather changes and will be invaluable in guiding us through the New World—more precise than any radar."
"Robin is an archaeologist from the legendary Ohara. She's incredibly intelligent and can decipher any ancient texts or Poneglyphs we come across."
"And Vivi... she was once the princess of Alabasta, but she's left that title behind. Now, she's a proud member of my crew."
"I'm sure you've already noticed, Master, but Vivi's innate talent in swordsmanship is extraordinary. Her potential is boundless."
Tony's expression grew earnest as he pressed his palms together in a gesture of request.
"So, Master, I have a favor to ask. I'd like you to train Vivi personally for the next two years. Teach her everything you know about swordsmanship."
Tony knew that while natural talent was essential, the guidance of the right mentor was equally crucial. A diamond needed a master craftsman to shine at its brightest.
And Rayleigh was the perfect choice—the one person who could mold Vivi into a world-class swordsman. Or, more accurately, a swordswoman.
Rayleigh let out a hearty laugh, shaking his head in mock exasperation.
"Hah, you're a sly one, always putting your master to work."
Despite his grumbling, Rayleigh's warm smile showed his willingness to take on the task.
"Heh heh, fine. I'll do it. But don't think you're getting off easy!"
Tony clapped his hands together in excitement, grinning.
"Thank you, Master! I'll thank you on Vivi's behalf right now!"
He glanced through the window at Vivi, his mind already painting a picture of her standing tall, radiating confidence as a master swordswoman.
"Vivi! Come here for a second! I've got something important to discuss with you!"
Tony couldn't wait to share this incredible news with her.
But things didn't unfold as smoothly as he had imagined.
The two walked side by side across the grassy field not far from the bar. A gentle breeze played with Vivi's hair, sending it dancing in the moonlight.
Over the past year, Vivi's once-youthful face had matured significantly, exuding a refined elegance.
Under closer scrutiny, she seemed almost otherworldly—her delicate features were flawless, her azure locks swayed softly in the breeze, and her long lashes fluttered like wings. Her eyes shone with an ethereal glow, and her rosy lips glistened like polished gems.
Her porcelain-like complexion and sculpted beauty left no doubt that she was a princess worthy of her title.
The rigorous training she had undergone had also given her a captivating figure, accentuating her grace and strength.
Tony prided himself on being a confident and resolute man. Back in his previous life, he had encountered his fair share of beautiful women.
But someone like Vivi? She was in a league of her own, and for a brief moment, he felt his composure waver.
"Ahem!"
Tony cleared his throat twice, steadying his emotions before addressing her.
"Vivi, Master Rayleigh has agreed to train you personally in swordsmanship. For the next two years, you'll stay here and dedicate yourself to becoming stronger."
Hearing his words, Vivi froze as if struck by lightning.
Her stunningly beautiful eyes brimmed with tears, and within moments, she burst into sobs.
"Waaaah! Tony, are you abandoning me?!"
"I've been trying so hard... and yet you're still planning to leave me behind?!"
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