There was no change in Kizaru's expression, and with his sunglasses covering his eyes, no one could tell where he was looking.
"A certain type of person? Hehe, is Lloyd talking about this?"
He lifted a finger, and a cross-shaped burst of golden light shimmered at the tip. The flash stung the eyes of several diners who had turned to see what was happening, forcing them to shut their eyes on instinct.
Akainu crossed his arms, his voice deep and sharp. "Borsalino, put your ability away."
The light vanished instantly. Kizaru rose, clasped his hands politely, and bowed toward the diners.
"Oh dear, I'm really sorry everyone, I got a little excited."
When he sat back down, he casually filtered out the scattered noise around him, and as he glanced at Lloyd again, he froze.
Lloyd's pupils had shifted, swirling like twin whirlpools. A faint pulling force emanated from them, subtle yet unnatural.
Kizaru felt an instinctive discomfort. He looked away immediately, refusing to stare any further.
Akainu also noticed the strange change in Lloyd's eyes, though it didn't affect him.
Lloyd's gaze returned to normal, his expression calm and unreadable. He spoke with a faint smile that did not reach his eyes, "That was Senior Borsalino's ability, wasn't it? A very beautiful technique."
Kizaru didn't take the compliment and instead asked casually, "Lloyd, you seem to be a Devil Fruit user too. That ability is terrifying. Mind telling me what it is?"
"For now, that's a secret. We'll meet again soon, Senior, so let me keep a bit of mystery."
"Haha, of course."
To Kizaru, the less people knew about Devil Fruit abilities, the better. And since Lloyd hadn't revealed anything either, he didn't feel as though he had lost anything.
What he would never have imagined was that Lloyd wasn't just a newcomer, but a transmigrator who already knew more about him and Akainu than either of them could guess.
The group moved past the subject and began chatting. Under Lloyd's subtle guidance, the atmosphere grew unexpectedly warm. Even Akainu, normally silent and intense, offered several comments.
Once Kizaru's order arrived, both tables began sharing dishes. Akainu reluctantly even gave one of his two large bowls of rice to Kuma.
Not long after, Ginny's bottomless appetite sparked Akainu's competitive streak. Though she completely ignored him, Akainu's pride couldn't tolerate the idea of being out-eaten by a girl half his size.
He seemed to forget his earlier warning not to overeat, and started devouring meat like a starving soldier.
When he finished his last plate, he glanced sideways at Ginny… and froze.
Her plates were stacked like a mountain, and she was still chewing on another large slice of meat.
Lloyd remained calm, continuing to grill more pieces for her. Kuma had begun reading his Bible, used to this sight.
Akainu stared at his own swollen stomach, then silently lowered his head, accepting his defeat.
Watching Ginny eat with glowing satisfaction, a rare laugh escaped him. The absurdity of competing with a girl somehow made him feel lighter.
For someone who had lived under strict training and Kizaru's chaotic influence, this strange little moment felt unexpectedly refreshing.
After who-knows-how-many plates, Ginny finally wiped her mouth with a napkin. When she looked up, she found everyone staring at her with amusement.
Her cheeks flushed bright pink. She leaned closer to Lloyd and whispered, "Why are you all looking at me like that? The food here is so much better than Sorbet Kingdom's. I just… ate a little more…"
Lloyd lightly pinched her nose, his tone dry but teasing, "If you like it, then eat. You'll have plenty of chances."
Kizaru raised a hand and said shamelessly, "Just so you know, Zephyr Sensei is strict. Sakazuki and I haven't gone out in two months. You'd better prepare yourself."
"What? How could he be like that…"
Ginny slumped, suddenly imagining a dark future.
Before Lloyd could say anything, she perked up again. "It's fine! We have Kuma-chan. We can sneak out whenever we want!"
Kuma, ever loyal, lifted his padded palm as a sign of readiness.
Kizaru and Akainu both spotted the pads. The two exchanged looks, and Kizaru muttered, "Another Devil Fruit user… newcomers these days are terrifying."
When it came time to pay, Lloyd calmly placed a thick stack of Berries on the counter.
"I'll pay for both tables. Keep the extra as a tip."
Saint Garling had always provided Lloyd with more pocket money than he needed, amounts unimaginable to any normal Marine trainee.
Even Kizaru, imagining future Admiral salaries, calculated that even working a century wouldn't amount to what Lloyd casually spent.
Sakazuki suddenly said, "Lloyd, no need to cover our table. Borsalino said he would treat today."
"Sakazuki," Kizaru said weakly, "you're talking too much today. I preferred the quiet version of you."
"?"
Kizaru wanted to kick him. He forced a smile and reached for his wallet — only for Lloyd to stop him.
"I've already paid," Lloyd said. His tone remained calm and firm. "It was a pleasure meeting both Seniors. Accept it."
Kizaru's wallet slipped back into his pocket immediately. "Oh dear, Lloyd, no need to be so polite. Forget Senior this or Senior that. Just call us by our names from now on! Right, Sakazuki?"
Akainu turned his head, pretending not to know this shameless man.
After saying their farewells, the two future Admirals returned to their dormitory.
They had barely sat down when a knock came at the door.
"Borsalino, Zephyr Sensei wants you in his office."