Chapter 121: Introducing to Island
From his vantage point, Jack watched the events unfold. His calm blue eyes never wavered, absorbing everything with detached interest. He took another sip from his flask, savoring the warmth that flowed down his throat. Whitebeard was a pirate, but today, he had dispensed justice, and that was something Jack could respect—up to a point.
He didn't join the others as they began to celebrate their hard-fought victory. Pirates, fish-men, and merfolk mingled, sharing drinks and tales. He was not one to fraternize easily, especially not with pirates, no matter how noble their actions appeared.
Only when the battle ended did Otohime realize she was clutching Jack's shirt, her head pressed against his chest. Jack's arm was around her, more a protective shield than an embrace. Feeling his arm, Otohime's cheeks flushed a delicate pink.
Jack felt her shift and released his arm, looking down briefly to meet her eyes. "Let's go," he said softly, the words carrying a depth that belied their simplicity.
Still blushing, Otohime nodded and took a step back to allow him to lead the way. They walked through the square, the sounds of celebration fading as they distanced themselves from the crowd. Otohime could feel her heartbeat slow to a more manageable pace; she was still adjusting to the abrupt shift from chaos to calm.
They reached the inn where Otohime worked. As they walked inside, the noise and laughter of the patrons welcomed them. Jack caught the eye of the innkeeper and gave a subtle nod, receiving one in return.
"Would you like a drink?" Otohime asked, her voice tinged with a hopeful note.
Jack glanced at the bottle in her hand, then back at her. "Sure," he said, taking a seat at one of the more secluded tables.
She poured them each a glass, the liquid amber glowing softly in the dim light. Setting the bottle down, she finally allowed herself to sit, letting out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding.
Jack picked up his glass and took a slow sip. The warmth spread through him, a pleasant contrast to the cool atmosphere of the inn. He noticed Otohime stealing glances at him from across the table. "Something on your mind?"
Otohime hesitated, her eyes flicking down to her glass. "Just...thank you. For being there. For all of us."
He looked at her, his eyes steady. "I did what was necessary."
She smiled softly, touched by his reserved sincerity. "Still, thank you."
Jack nodded, allowing a momentary smirk to cross his lips. "You're welcome."
Neither spoke after that, each lost in their own thoughts, comforted by the silence that fell between them. Jack took another sip of his drink, his mind drifting to his daughters.
Finally, he stood, catching Otohime's attention. "I should go."
Otohime looked hesitant but then spoke, her fingers softly gripping his sleeve. "Jack."
"Hmm?" He turned his eyes to her.
"Can I—Can I visit your island, please?" Otohime's voice was tinged with curiosity. Jack had mentioned an island where his family resided but had kept the details vague.
Jack paused, considering. But he had grown fond of Otohime; she had been helpful on several occasions. With a nod, he agreed. "Alright."
Otohime's cheeks flushed deeper as he took her hand, and together they walked towards his room. When they arrived, he motioned for her to sit on the bed. She complied, her blush intensifying, her thoughts racing into territory she hadn't anticipated. Her heart raced as she sat, wondering what intimate act this setting might lead to. Jack, oblivious to her inner conflict, lightly touched her shoulder.
In the blink of an eye, they found themselves in a different realm. They stood in a lush garden, facing a grand mansion on an isolated island—a slice of paradise tucked away in Jack's Bead's Pocket Space.
As they materialized in the garden, the grand mansion before them radiated a sense of peace and tranquility, standing tall against the backdrop of lush greenery and beautiful skies. Otohime looked around, her eyes widening with wonder. The island was like a hidden paradise, untouched by the chaos and struggle that marred so many other places.
His family was on the garden in front of the mansion on the island. Aria spotted him first. Her face lit up, and she rushed toward him with enthusiasm, her legs carrying her as fast as they could. "Daddy!" she exclaimed as she reached him.
Jack bent down, picking Aria up and lifting her into the air for a moment before setting her back down. "Hey, Princess. Miss me?"
Aria giggled. "Always!"
Just a few steps behind Aria was Robin. Her tiny legs brought her to Jack as she articulated, "Daddy, you're back!"
Jack smiled at her, a softer expression that he reserved only for his family. "I am, Little One," he replied, gently patting Robin's head.
Otohime stood there, taking it all in. It was a simple yet profoundly intimate moment, one that showed her a different side of Jack. The others in the garden began to approach, each face reflecting the bonds of a shared life.
Aria and Robin, having received their moments with Jack, turned their attention toward Otohime. Aria, ever the brave one, quickly took Otohime's hand, leading her toward a beautiful patch of flowers. "Look, they blossomed recently!" Aria chirped, pointing to a colorful cluster of blooms.
Robin, now more articulate, followed along, her eyes wide with wonder. "Flow'rs pretty," she declared, her vocabulary still simple but her meaning clear.
Jack's eyes followed them, the calm blue tint deepening just a bit. "Princess, don't pull Otohime too much, she must be tired after a long day." He had to remind as Otohime was a mermaid, and Aria's pulling could cause her to lose her balance.
Aria looked back, her young face showing a flash of understanding. "Okay, Daddy," she responded before gently leading Otohime to the table where the family was seated.
The rest of the family had been watching from a distance, eyes filled with curiosity as Jack approached with Otohime. Though they had met her before, the setting made the occasion unique, and it elicited more than a few raised eyebrows.
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