The morning light spilled across the inn's dining hall. Xefer and the girls had eaten well, their bodies healed thanks to their devil fruits, but he knew healing powers alone were not enough. They needed someone trained in medicine, someone who could tend to wounds properly.
After breakfast, Xefer leaned back, his grin mischievous. "Go shopping. Clothes, supplies, whatever you want. You're healed, but we still need a nurse. I'll stay here and… talk to the system."
Keala laughed, flames flickering faintly. "Finally, you admit we deserve a shopping trip."
Keeva smirked. "I'll buy something that makes you stare, Xefer."
Kunai's crimson eyes glowed faintly, her demonic aura shimmering. "I'll make sure they don't waste all the gold."
They kissed him — cheek, cheek, forehead — and left, their laughter fading into the streets.
Xefer closed his eyes, his voice calm. "System. I need a ship. Not just any ship. A large, self‑controlled vessel. Facilities for training, cooking, bathing. Soft beds. A ship worthy of the Grand Line."
The system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Request acknowledged. You have one spin for a Luck Reward.]
[Spin initiated. Potential reward: Advanced vessel with multiple facilities, AI‑like defense system.]
Xefer grinned. "Perfect."
The spin began, a wheel of possibilities flashing in his mind. He watched as it turned, his anticipation rising.
But then, a sound broke through his focus. Laughter. Loud, mocking, cruel. It came from outside the inn, echoing through the streets.
Xefer's eyes narrowed. He rose, his storm stirring faintly, and walked to the window.
In the street below, a crowd had gathered. They were laughing at someone — a figure standing alone, their clothes neat but clearly washed, their hair damp from cleaning, their hands clutching a washed book about medicine.
Xefer's eyes widened. He recognized the figure instantly.
Kiruko.
She stood firm despite the laughter, her eyes sharp, her grip tight on the book. The townsfolk mocked her, jeering at her obsession with medicine, calling her useless, but she did not flinch.
Xefer's grin returned, sharp and cold. "So… fate brings us Kiruko."
The spin continued in his mind, the promise of a ship waiting. But outside, laughter echoed, and Kiruko stood alone.