[~1200 Words]
<<--⚡ ⚓ 💄 ⚓🍑⚓🍷⚓⚡ —>>
It was true what they said—It can be said that the right clothes can make a beautiful woman even more alluring.
Moda now wore a delicate milk-patterned bandana atop her head, framing her golden hair as it spilled softly across her back like strands of sunlight.
A neat white long-sleeved blouse hugged her upper body, pristine and refined, while the fitted black skirt cinched around her hips in a way that effortlessly drew the eye.
To complete it all, sleek black stockings graced her legs, leading down to glossy high heels that clicked softly with every step.
If someone were to describe her in just one word…
Perfect would be the only answer.
And in James's eyes, naturally—there was not a single impure thought in his mind toward such an innocent girl.
…Sure. Absolutely. If anyone even believed that.
Instead, what he felt was pure tenderness… and an overwhelming urge to spoil her endlessly.
With a casual wave of his hand, he summoned her into his embrace.
Moda squeaked in surprise, her body tipping forward as he caught her effortlessly. Their conversation continued naturally from there—talking about future outfits, what she liked, what suited her, the adorable flush on her cheeks growing deeper with each passing minute.
Not long after, more Divine Concubines—having sensed or heard of his return—arrived one by one at the palace pool.
The moment they saw him, the air filled with voices, greetings, and melodious laughter. Warm, heartfelt hugs followed as they eagerly surrounded him, both in the water and around its edge, until James found himself wrapped in a symphony of affection.
He leaned back slightly, soaking it in with a satisfied smile.
This was exactly the life he wanted.
To be adored, surrounded, desired—at the center of a world ruled by beauty and devotion.
But still—
Not enough.
Never enough.
After Robin, he wanted Nami.
After Nami, Shirahoshi.
Now Hancock. And so many more…
His hunger—for strength, for influence, for radiant women—was bottomless.
Each women he gained made him stronger.
Each surge in power made him want more.
And every time he proclaimed himself God, it was not just arrogance—
it was a promise he made to himself.
A reminder that he was not done climbing yet.
The Next Day
The atmosphere at lunch was warm and peaceful. Moda, now officially part of the Divine Palace family, sat beside James at the table, shy at first but softening quickly under the welcoming energy of the other women.
Between light conversations and shared food, Nico Robin gracefully brought a piece of fruit to James's lips with her fingers.
"By the way," she said calmly, "did Nami tell you? We found the Little Sky Island—Weatheria—in nearby skies."
James's eyebrow lifted. "Oh? And Nami actually discovered it herself?"
Robin nodded. "The moment she confirmed the location, she ordered Divine Officials to purchase books and gather research. They even secured a means to contact the scholars there."
"Good," James said approvingly. "That means when Nami and Vivi continue developing their Devil Fruits, they'll have proper data to work with."
Everyone knew Nami's dream—to chart a complete world map.
From above the clouds, using her own sky-manipulating abilities from her Cloud-Cloud fruit, she explored tirelessly while the officials handled the risky searches below, retrieving Devil Fruits, artifacts, and gold on her orders.
Their most notable finds so far?
The Bird-Bird Fruit: Vulture Model, alongside a generous haul of treasure.
Still, Devil Fruits were rare by nature. Stealing them from other users remained far more efficient.
Nami leaned forward smugly. "Hehe~ And I even found another island two days ago, but we haven't sent anyone to scout it yet!"
From her impossibly deep storage—her cleavage—she retrieved a folded paper.
James already knew better than to question where she kept things.
The paper revealed a treasure map, depicting three priceless jewels hidden somewhere on a distant island.
"Found this back when I was… fundraising in the East Blue," Nami said proudly. Husband, let's go treasure hunting together!"
James skimmed the details, interest sharpening in his eyes.
Asuka Island…?
The resting place of the cursed sword, Shichiseiken?
And wasn't there a certain beautiful shrine maiden 'Maya' there too…?
"You don't even care about money anymore," he teased. "And yet you're still obsessed with treasure."
"Hmph! I'm not obsessed, I'm appreciative. And there's no such thing as too much Belly!"
The eager sparkle in her eyes was impossible to refuse. With a long sigh and a fond pat to her hair, he relented:
"Fine. We'll go. Ask the others if they want in."
"Yes!" Nami launched herself at him, peppering his face with triumphant kisses before he could dodge.
He eventually pried her off, wiping his cheek with mock exasperation.
"You've soaked me again. Aren't you scared Robin and Kaya will tease you?"
"Hmph! Let them laugh," she retorted smugly. "I'll get them back later!"
As if summoned, Robin chuckled softly. "I'd like to go as well. Asuka Island is rich in ancient beliefs. The historical value alone is worth the trip."
She explained smoothly:
"Every one hundred years, Asuka witnesses a crimson full moon believed to bring calamity. The people worship the Seven Stellar Gods, who bestowed upon their king three sacred jewels—the 'shield' Nami seeks—and the legendary sword, the Shichiseiken, the 'spear.'"
Nami leaned back dramatically. "See!? This is why I rely on Sister Robin. So dependable~"
But the moment Robin smirked at her, Nami's face turned pink and she leapt away—only to be intercepted by Carina who hugged her from behind, began groping and teasing her Nami's breasts.
Chaos ensued. Laughter, splashing, and playful retaliation followed.
Despite having Haki mastery, Nami could not escape Carina's attack—even in cloud form.
James shook his head fondly, then noticed Moda beside him, giggling softly, her happiness written plainly in her crescent-shaped eyes.
"Right," he said, wrapping an arm around her. "Have Shura and the others returned with Moda's parents yet?"
Robin nodded. "They arrived this morning. They're waiting in Upper Yard."
James grinned, sweeping Moda into his arms with deliberate ease.
"Then it's time our little milk flower reunites with her family, hm?"
"Mm!" Moda nodded vigorously, emotion shimmering in her eyes.
Words failed her, so she did the only thing she could—
closed her eyes, lifted her chin, and offered her lips to him in sincere gratitude.
James chuckled softly as he accepted.
She had been with him barely a day, yet her trust was complete. Her affection innocent, clingy in all the sweetest ways—not overwhelming, just endearing.
And to James…
She was already impossible to let go.
<<--⚡ ⚓ 💄 ⚓🍑⚓🍷⚓⚡ —>>