Zala: "So all you have to do is give him your body and you get power? How convenient. Still, Arton doesn't let just anyone aboard—earning his permission can't be that easy."
Mikita: "Honestly, we may never even cross paths with him at sea. With strength like his, I bet he could reach the Grand Line without climbing Reverse Mountain—he might sail straight through the Calm Belt into the New World for all we know."
Vivi: "O great Queen Lili of Alabasta, please let me meet Arton. I beg you—only then can I save my father's life and protect Alabasta!"
In fact, the diary-copy holders aren't wrong. Ever since Arton and Tashigi became a couple, his subconscious urge to photograph her has spiked.
He hasn't posted bedroom scenes, but in daily life and training he now records Tashigi far more often. That flood of images has earned her a mountain of points, letting her trigger super study time.
During that span, any practice or theory she works on brings double results—so she mastered Water Breathing and Transparent World in mere days.
She's also growing slick with the Tier template: as long as she isn't in a fierce fight, she can enter Tier Mode and hold it for a good stretch.
Arton: "That's enough for now, Tashigi. Since you've nailed Water Breathing and Transparent World, take a short break. I know you want power, but you need rest too. From here you can train on your own with the memories Tier gives you. Besides, we'll reach Reverse Mountain soon—let's relax while we can."
Tashigi stopped after her final slash and turned, face calm as still water—she was still using Transparent World. Yet when she met Arton's eyes, a blush spread across her cheeks.
"What's wrong—feeling unwell?" Arton asked.
"N-no, I'm fine." Her gaze drifted—unconsciously—toward his trousers.
Arton followed her line of sight and chuckled. "Ah, Transparent World let you see through my pants, huh? We're practically an old married couple—no need to be shy."
He stepped close, brushed a finger over her sternum, and her composure shattered; her blush deepened.
Arton smiling and arm around her shoulders whispered. "I helped you master Water Breathing and Transparent World… shouldn't you thank me properly?"
Tashigi bowed her head. "A-Arton, are you… suggesting that?"
"What do you think? After gruelling training, don't you want to unwind? Too tired? Fine—you just lie back, I'll handle the exercise." He flashed a thumbs-up.
Tashigi whispered, "Please don't tease me," but nodded all the same.
Arton didn't wait for her to dress; he swept her up, gathered her clothes, and carried her straight to her cabin.
…
On the way back, Tashigi was a bundle of nerves, terrified they might run into Nami, Nojiko, or the others. Fortunately, they made it to her cabin without encountering anyone.
"Arton, lie down. This time, let me take the lead," she said, cheeks rosy as her hand rested on his shoulder.
"Well now—how unexpected. Getting proactive all of a sudden? Have you come to like that sort of thing?" Arton chuckled.
"I… I only want to thank you," she murmured. "You helped me master Tier's power and refined swordsmanship. I want to show my gratitude."
"Gratitude, is it? Perfect. In that case, how about something a little special?" He reclined just as she'd asked.
Special? Her mind raced—did he mean with my mouth… or perhaps using my bre— Her face flamed scarlet.
Arton noticed the deepening blush. "What's wrong? Feeling unwell?"
"N-no, Captain. I just need a moment." Hand over her heart, she drew several steadying breaths, then leaned toward him, lips slightly parted.
He smiled. "Take your time. That training drained a lot of stamina. Once you've caught your breath, switch to Tier Mode—bronzed skin, arrancar markings… I've been curious what up-close contact with that form feels like."
She froze; her lips were mere centimeters from a rather sensitive spot. Had she misunderstood entirely?
"Tashigi, what are you trying to do?" Arton asked, opening his eyes in mild surprise.
She stiffened, mortified at being caught in so embarrassing a pose.
"So that was your idea of thanks," he teased. "Didn't know you'd picked up that move. Even someone as pure as you must have read a thing or two. Care to tell me where you learned it?"
Tashigi's gaze turned reproachful—where else but from your own stories?
...
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