Bab 28: Having Fun Together on Vacation
Sitting on appropriately sized rocks, we were fishing. Nearby, Lucci looked bored, holding a fishing rod just like me.
A little further away, some of our group who weren't interested in fishing were playing, and Pochi was preparing for the barbecue. Since I could trust Pochi with cooking, I decided to leisurely enjoy my vacation.
"... Lucci."
"Yes?"
"It's a waste to let moments of boredom put your thoughts on hold. Even during these relaxed times, you can use them effectively."
"Hmm... Like how?"
"The reason our fishing results are quite different is due to something beyond skill; it's about presence and awareness."
While this aspect was present in the original work, Lucci tended to dislike moments of boredom. However, when I observed him during times when he was taking care of Hattori, he seemed rather relaxed and laid back. So, I thought of giving him some advice to help him control his boredom during our infiltration at Galley-La Company.
"In the natural world, living creatures are more sensitive to presence than humans. Even if it's no problem with humans, animals often become aware of our presence."
"What should I do then?"
"The way to suppress your presence varies, but the trick is to have some kind of image in mind. In my case, I create a thin film on my skin, imagining that I'm not emitting any presence outwardly."
"Like this?"
Lucci, being a genius, had an exceptional sense. Thus, even with simple advice, he could immediately make it his own. As soon as he followed my advice, the slight presence that leaked out disappeared. He then caught a fish on his fishing rod and looked at me with a faint smile.
"Not bad. The next step is to be able to do it naturally, without conscious effort."
"I see. There's something to learn even from seemingly leisurely activities..."
"It all depends on your mindset. Even if there's nothing to learn, there's always the anticipation of the future... In your case, it's about killing. You can consider it an appetizer to enjoy. Instead of dismissing moments of boredom with a single word and halting your thoughts, this way might be more beneficial, don't you think?"
"Well, that makes sense... The appetizer is just a bit unsatisfying, but... I see, thinking that way makes me look forward to the next mission."
With our improved relationship, unlike in the original work, I had a feeling that Lucci would be able to handle the infiltration into Galley-La without feeling too bored.
***
While Spandam and the others were fishing, Jabra and Fizz, who weren't interested in fishing, were engrossed in a board game they brought.
"You know, Jabra... Come on, when are you going to confess to Gatherine? I mean, even if you know the result, why don't you just get it over with?"
"What, idiot! Confessing is all about timing and atmosphere, you know..."
"Hah, you've been saying that for years. Just say it already, since you're going to get rejected anyway."
"What? You dare say that I'll get rejected? Unlike you, there's still a possibility for me! Right, Kaku? You think the same, don't you?"
"I don't know. Don't involve me, I'm not interested."
"Ah, come on! What's with that attitude?"
"...What's the problem?"
Fizz, who had already confessed and been rejected, seemed to be enjoying watching Jabra and Kaku, who was reluctantly dragged into the conversation, as they exchanged glares.
While observing the three, Chelsea, who was preparing for the barbecue, whispered to Kalifa.
"...But, if I remember correctly, didn't Gatherine say that she liked Lucci?"
"That girl is easily swayed by appearances. Anyway, there's probably no chance for Jabra."
"True... Oh, Kalifa-san, let me show you how to prepare this ingredient..."
"I see, you're still good at cooking as ever. Since this is a barbecue, there might not be much to teach you... Oh, do you want to make foil-grilled dishes? I'll show you the basic method first, and then I'll teach you how to adjust it to the Captain's taste!"
"...Um, can we just stick to the basic method... You see, I'm a beginner, so let's start with the basics."
For Kalifa, Chelsea was like a close friend. She always maintained a polite and cheerful demeanor even when speaking to her younger subordinate, and as there were few female members in the group, they had plenty of opportunities to talk.
However, while she genuinely thought of Chelsea as a wonderful person and the best friend she could ask for, there was one flaw. Chelsea's overwhelming loyalty and affection for Spandam, whom she called "Captain," was a bit of a problem.
Whenever a topic related to Spandam came up, Chelsea would get excited, and if she gave a vague response, she would continue talking about Spandam for hours. So, they had to be careful not to pick up any Spandam-related topics. They had to gently and firmly convey that they didn't want to discuss it right now.
"...I think it's about time. Shall we call the Captains?"
"Yes, I'll keep an eye on the fire."
"Thank you. Well then, I'll go and call them."
Watching Chelsea with a smile, her hair swaying like a dog's tail, as she headed towards Spandam, Kalifa couldn't help but smile herself.
Although she was supposed to be older, Chelsea's youthful appearance made her look oddly younger, and Kalifa thought about it in such a way...
***
With the preparations complete, Chelsea quickly handled the fish that Spandam and Lucci caught. As planned, the barbecue began, and everyone enjoyed themselves in their own way.
With the simple yet wonderful entertainment of eating delicious meat and drinking tasty drinks, the high-spirited members cheered and laughed together.
"...Alright! You've had enough, Blueno!"
"Ugh..."
For some unknown reason, a arm wrestling match started, and after a fierce battle, Jabura emerged victorious over Blueno, celebrating with a victory pose.
"Now, who's next? Anyone can take me on!"
"Then, I'll go next..."
"Hey, wait, Kalifa? Do you really think you can beat me in arm wrestling?"
"It will be difficult, indeed. That's why I'll have a proxy."
"A proxy?"
With a daring smile, Kalifa appeared and made a provocative statement. However, the smile quickly disappeared from Jabra's face, and he turned pale.
"Alright, leave it to me, Jabra."
"Yes! So, my next opponent is you, Jabra-san!"
"Wait, wait, wait! Stop it, you fool! Are you kidding, Kalifa? You can't do that!! Are you planning to break my arm?!"
Seeing Chelsea roll up her sleeves with a smile, Jabra was clearly shaken. It was well-known among all CP9 members that Chelsea possessed incredible strength far beyond that of an average person, especially in terms of her muscle power, thanks to the physical modifications she had undergone under Spandam's guidance.
"You're lucky, Jabra. You have a challenging opponent."
"Hey, Fizz, are you an idiot? How can I arm wrestle with a woman who has superhuman strength, capable of lifting rock mountains with one hand? I refuse-- Ahh!"
Knowing he was likely to lose, and fearing his arm might break, Jabra tried to get up from his chair to escape, but before he could, three of his teammates—Blueno, Fukuro, and Kumadori—placed their hands on his shoulders, surrounding him.
"Jabra, running away now would be unmanly. Naturally, you must accept, right?"
"Chapapapa, she's on a winning streak!"
"Ah, if you're a man, if you're a man, you can't turn your back on a challenge."
"Y-You guys, st-stop it! You know how absurdly strong this woman is! And Lucci, why are you laughing too?! Wait... stop it! I still don't want to die! I don't want to diiiee!!"
Jabra's screams echoed through the uninhabited island as he was forcibly thrown into the arena—the place of their showdown.
***
Like ants trampled by an elephant, Jabra, nursing his arm, was approached by Fizz, who had two bottles of alcohol in hand.
"Hey, good thing your arm is still attached."
"...Damn it, that superhuman woman... I seriously thought it was going to tear off. She's like a Devil Fruit user or something..."
Jabra accepted the offered bottle from Fizz and opened it, taking a sip as he spoke. Fizz sat down next to him with a wry smile, pointing in a certain direction.
"But hey, look over there. That superhuman woman you're talking about is our boss, who doesn't even flinch when she puts all her strength into both hands. She's so composed that she can read a book with her free hand."
"Just by watching that scene alone, Chelsea looks weak, but it's abnormal, right?"
In the direction they were looking, the final round of the arm wrestling match—more like playful banter—was taking place. Chelsea was putting all her strength, blushing in the face, and everyone around her was joining in, trying to match her power. However, Spandam, seemingly idle, was reading a book without budging an inch.
Seeing that peaceful scene, Jabra and Fizz exchanged glances, both wearing smiles, and almost simultaneously, they emptied the bottles of alcohol they were holding.
"Alright, let's join in too!"
"Yeah, let's at least make the boss's hand move a little!"
With that, the two of them joined in, turning the arm wrestling match into CP9 members versus Spandam. Watching this spirited group, Spandam smiled wryly, and his expression seemed a bit gentler than usual.
...However, in the end, his hand didn't move even by a millimeter.
***
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