Chapter 40: Reason
"What about Boa Hancock and Nico Robin? Aren't you going to wait for them?" Uta asked curiously, leaning slightly over the ship's railing.
Imai shook her head, gazing at the horizon. "I'm not sure about Boa Hancock. She'll likely return to her island or make her way to the New World. As for Nico, she'll rejoin her crew."
"Huh? I thought Nico was going to join your crew. Did something happen between you two?" Uta tilted her head, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Imai chuckled softly. "Nothing happened. We never agreed on anything. She got what she wanted, and I got what I wanted. I learned how to read the Poneglyphs, and I gave her the history she was searching for."
Uta's brow furrowed. "So, it was just… transactional? Were you two just business partners?"
"Haha, it might sound like that," Imai admitted with a small laugh. "But I'd say we were more than friends—though definitely not lovers. There were no romantic feelings between us. Besides, there's the age gap to consider."
Uta blinked, then smiled playfully. "But doesn't everyone say age is just a number? If it's true love, anything should be fine, right?"
Imai froze, her expression turning serious. "No, no, no, Uta! That's completely wrong! Only date people one or two years older than you—at most! Whoever told you otherwise is weird, and you shouldn't listen to them."
"Okay, okay, I get it!" Uta laughed as she pried Imai's hands off her shoulders. Then her expression grew thoughtful. "So, what's this about forming your own pirate crew?"
Imai leaned back against the railing, her smile returning. "The Seven Apostles. I've always wanted to be a captain. Back then, though, I preferred being on my own. People tended to get in my way."
"Getting in your way? How?"
"If they're too weak, they'll hold me back," Imai explained bluntly.
Uta blinked. "But… doesn't that mean I'm too weak? I can't swing a sword like you or take down hundreds of enemies in seconds."
"Not at all," Imai replied firmly. "You're balanced in every aspect, Uta. You're skilled with a rapier, you know how to use a shield, and your armor protects you well. You're fast, physically strong, and your control over your Devil Fruit is exceptional—better than mine, even."
Uta blushed deeply at the string of compliments, quickly turning her face away. Her heart raced faster than she expected, and she muttered, "A-anyway! Do you already have people in mind for the crew? You're not just going to recruit random strangers, are you?"
"I won't. I already have someone in mind," Imai said with a knowing smile.
"Someone strong?" Uta asked, intrigued.
"Very. She's one of the strongest people I know and one of the few I call a friend," Imai replied warmly.
"Do you think she'll join you?"
"She doesn't have a choice," Imai said with a grin that sent chills down Uta's spine. "If I can't have her, then no one can."
Uta sighed, exasperated. "There you go again with your crazy personality. Also, what am I supposed to do as your vice commander?"
Imai shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm figuring things out too. For now, just assist me in decision-making and battles."
"Got it. Do you have any goals for the Seven Apostles? And are you sure people will want to join? You're… kind of scary."
Imai laughed, though her gaze turned intense. "Our goal is simple: to create a new age of pirates and change the world. We'll become an unbreakable pillar, one that controls everything."
Uta shivered at Imai's strange smile. It wasn't like the ones she'd seen during battle or in moments of joy. This one was… unsettling.
"Control the world? Don't you think that's impossible? There are so many strong people who'd oppose you."
Imai gently patted Uta's head. "Ah, you're so innocent. But I'll show you it's possible. Any more questions?"
Uta hesitated, then asked, "Why did you bring me into your crew? I can tell you don't need my strength, so what's the real reason?"
Imai raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You're sharper than you seem," she said, then sighed. "Honestly? I want to show you the world."
"The world?" Uta repeated, confused.
"All your life, you've been trapped in one place—a place that caused you so much suffering. I have the power to change that. I want to show you what true happiness feels like. Look."
Imai pointed to the sky, where the sun was rising. The light reflected off the ocean, creating a breathtaking view. Uta's eyes widened in awe.
"But… why?" Uta whispered.
"Does it need a reason?" Imai asked with a soft chuckle. "Can't I just do something kind for someone I like?"
Uta blinked, flustered. "You… like me?"
"I do," Imai admitted, her tone steady. "Not just as a friend, but in a romantic way. Though I don't fully understand these feelings myself. You're the second person to make me feel this way."
Uta's heart sank at the mention of someone else, and strange, possessive thoughts flitted through her mind. She shook them off. "I… don't know how to respond."
"You don't need to," Imai said, smiling gently. "A relationship wouldn't work right now. We have too much to do."
Uta nodded, though her emotions were a tangled mess.
Suddenly, a newspaper landed between them, breaking the tension. Imai picked it up, her eyes widening at the headline.
[ Uta ]
[ Bounty - 1,300,000,000 ]
[ Imai Ryujin ]
[ Bounty - 5,900,000,000 ]
They stared at the paper, then at each other.
"Looks like we're officially in the big leagues," Imai said with a grin.
Uta could only nod, a mixture of pride and apprehension filling her chest.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone