---

When he was in Mariejois, he had planned to find someone to give it to if he met someone he could chat with.

However, he didn't expect that they would start leaving Mariejois almost as soon as they arrived.

This was something no one anticipated, but Mariejois's attitude completely crushed their motivation to join the World Government.

At least their gains this time were considerable. Although they took some risks, the rewards were well worth it.

It's estimated that if Carlos's gold, silver, and jewellery were unloaded, the ship might not have enough space to hold them all.

Anos put everything into his own storage space, and no one but Daiki was even aware of it.

About half an hour later, Abona came out of the shower. When he reappeared in the dining area, wearing the clothes Daiki had provided, everyone looked at him in surprise.

Even Anos, sitting at the head of the table, had to admit that attire can make a difference.

Abona left his hair loose, combing it back over his shoulders. Although his face was still a bit gaunt, he exuded the powerful charm of a mature man.

Dressed in a handsome suit, he looked nothing like the slave rescued from beneath the Red Line.

Those who had just met him could hardly believe he was the same person.

"Your Majesty," Abona greeted Anos respectfully as he walked into the dining area.

"Sit down. Today, we celebrate your new life and welcome you to our family in the Tru Kingdom. From now on, leave behind your past identity and let go of any old grudges or burdens."

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"Yes, Your Majesty," Abona replied.

"Hello, my name is Suzu. I'm the King's secretary, and I look forward to working together," Suzu said, standing and smiling at Abona.

"My name is Barlow, navigator. We'll be shipmates from now on, so relax," Barlow said, with a friendly grin.

One by one, the others introduced themselves warmly to Abona.

Though they knew nothing about Abona's past, they didn't dwell on it; he was now one of them, and his history didn't matter.

The camaraderie touched Abona. It reminded him of past banquets with friends, sitting around a table piled with food, without worries or ambitions, just wanting to sail the seas together. But now, only he remained to carry on.

With a grateful heart, he bowed and introduced himself, "My name is Abona, and I am a swordsman. Thank you for the warm welcome."

"Abona, you're a swordsman?" Suzu asked, surprised.

"Yes, why?"

"His Majesty is also a swordsman. How coincidental!" Suzu said, smiling.

"Come, sit! The food will get cold," Anos said, motioning to the table.

Though hungry, Abona tried to maintain his composure.

But as Daiki urged him, he finally relaxed and started eating, showing an appetite that surprised everyone.

His appetite was impressive, finishing almost all the food on the table. His belly swelled as if he'd eaten for days.

Then, as everyone watched, he took a deep breath, and his bulging stomach visibly deflated.

"Is this...?" Daiki asked, surprised.

"What's so surprising? That's one of the Marine's Six Powers techniques. Train harder, and you'll master it, too," Anos said with a smirk.

"Your Majesty, how do you know the Six Powers?" Abona asked, astonished.

"You'll learn more soon," Daiki replied with a smile.

"Come, Abona, let's talk on the deck," Anos called out.

Once on the deck, Anos asked directly, "So, you're a swordsman?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Interesting," Anos mused.

"I heard you're also a swordsman. May I see your skills?" Abona requested.

Anos, who had initially just wanted to talk, decided to indulge him.

Life on the sea could be tedious, so sparring would be a good way to pass the time.

Just as he was about to stand up, Abona suddenly grew tense. "Your Majesty, someone is approaching fast!"

Anos activated his Haki, sensing an incoming presence.

But before he could react further, a figure appeared on the ship's bow.

In a flash of golden light, a man in his forties stood on the deck, wearing a yellow-striped suit and a red tie.

Despite his elegant appearance, his smug expression was unmistakable.

"Why, hello! I wonder what brings Admiral Kizaru to the Tempest," Anos greeted with only mild surprise.

Though the arrival of the Marine Headquarters Admiral Kizaru was unexpected, in these circumstances, it wasn't completely out of the question.

---

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