Makino came in with a tray, carrying the freshly mixed drinks she'd just finished.
"Mmm, this is really good. Smooth and mellow, the mouthfeel is fantastic."
After a small sip, Amon nodded in approval.
Then he tipped back the wine and finished it in one go. He had to admit, Makino's bartending skills were the real deal. Even someone like Amon, who drank often, found it excellent.
"Mr. Amon, really? You really think it tastes good? That's wonderful!"
Getting Amon's approval made Makino beam.
"Of course. To be honest, Miss Makino, this is one of the best wines I've had in my life. Keep it up, you're definitely on your way to becoming a master brewer."
"Thank you, Mr. Amon. I'll work hard to become a true master brewer."
Makino's eyes were resolute.
Amon raised his glass. "Hahaha, alright then, I'll drink to you becoming a master brewer soon." He drained it again.
Seeing that, Makino also lifted her glass and answered with a toast of her own.
After a few rounds, a blush rose on Makino's cheeks, and she gradually loosened up.
You had to admit, alcohol really was the perfect social spark. Even a pretty, reserved girl like Makino started talking more after a few drinks.
They drank more and more, and the conversation flowed with it.
Amon's knowledge ran wide. After all, he'd seen every saga there was to see in this world of pirates: an elephant larger than a nation, a whale with a belly big enough to shelter people, a land of tiny folk small as a palm...
Makino had lived in Foosha Village since birth. It was the first time she realized the world outside could be that fun.
Chin in her palm, she listened intently to Amon's stories, gasping in wonder at the exciting parts or frowning in puzzlement when something didn't add up.
Whenever Makino had questions, Amon did his best to answer them one by one.
...
Three days later, Amon set off in his little boat toward his next destination, Shimotsuki Village.
There was plenty of good wine aboard, all gifted by Makino.
He opened a bottle and tasted it slowly.
Sipping alone on the sea brought Makino back to mind.
He remembered how reluctant she'd been to see him off at the dock, and he remembered the gentleness they had shared that night.
Amon had originally wanted to take her with him, but Makino refused.
In her words, this was her homeland. Compared to the endless ocean, she preferred the place that had given her life and raised her, this little village called Foosha.
Seeing that, Amon could only leave with a touch of regret.
...
Boom!
Just as Amon was lost in those memories, the ship suddenly lurched hard, snapping him out of it.
He stepped out and saw that his ship had been attacked by someone.
Out on the water not far away, a large ship was barreling straight toward him. A few people stood on its deck.
One of them, a man in a face mask, was holding a shell launcher.
Seeing that the last shot hadn't sunk the little ship, the masked man scowled.
"What a piece of junk. How is it this tough? One shot and it still won't break? What a buzzkill."
"You, bring me the custom shells I just bought. I don't believe I can't sink that shabby ship today."
He barked the order at a Marine standing in front of him.
"But, my lord, it looks like there's someone on that boat," the soldier said after a glance, clearly troubled.
"What? You dare defy me? It's just a lowborn. If he dies, he dies. He shouldn't have blocked my ship."
The masked man grabbed the Marine with one hand.
Then he tossed him straight into the sea.
"What are you standing around for? Go get my cannon shells. Or do you want to go swimming like him?"
"Yes, sir!"
The Marines hadn't expected the masked man to be so vicious, but after seeing their comrade's fate, none of them dared refuse.
"Hmph, that's more like it. It's just a shabby ship and a lowborn."
On the ship's deck, Amon's face darkened.
He hadn't expected to be attacked for a reason as petty as this.
As expected, the Celestial Dragons were a pack of worthless tyrants.
Boom!
As Amon weighed whether to act, another shell from the Noble screamed across the waves.
A chill flashed in Amon's eyes. He hadn't wanted trouble, since the Celestial Dragons hid behind the World Government, but if they insisted on pushing him, he didn't mind teaching them a lesson.
Besides, it was a good chance to test his sword technique.
Swish!
Amon swept his arm. Several blades of flying slash burst from his hand.
Boom!
They were blisteringly fast and razor sharp. In an instant, they split the large ship cleanly in two.
"What!"
No one on the deck had expected Amon to be this strong. With a single flick of his arm, he had cleaved a vessel that size in half. Eyes bulged. Jaws dropped. Their terror was written across their faces.