It was not just Robin who asked that question. Everyone else had the same curious look on their faces.
Except for Luffy and Franky, everyone present had already noticed Yamato's feelings for Ace. Even O-Tama had picked up on it.
Rolan's decision to assign Ace as Yamato's guard was not without intention. He had clearly been trying to push the two closer together.
In the original story, Yamato had always acted like a tomboy, with barely any feminine traits. There was never any mention of a romantic connection between Yamato and Ace.
But things were different now.
Ace had survived the Marineford War and returned to Wano, fulfilling his promise. And this time, when they reunited, Rolan immediately noticed something had changed in Yamato.
It was obvious.
She liked him.
Ace tried to pull his hand away, but Yamato held on tightly, refusing to let go.
Everyone watching had a knowing smile on their faces.
Ace's face turned completely red, all the way down to his neck.
Then Yamato raised their joined hands and said plainly, "Can't you tell? We're together."
Luffy instantly spat out the water he had just drunk, his eyes wide in shock.
Even someone as dense as him understood what that meant.
He pointed at them, stunned. "You… you two?"
Franky also sprayed out his cola, staring back and forth between them in disbelief.
O-Tama jumped up excitedly. "Older Brother Luffy, see? I told you. Older Brother Ace and Older Sister Yamato are definitely dating."
Her small face was filled with pride, like a child waiting for praise.
Yamato looked smug and confident, while Ace lowered his head, completely flustered.
"Ace… did Yamato…" Franky started, leaving the rest unsaid.
The meaning was obvious.
Ace waved his hands repeatedly, clearly embarrassed.
"Cough, cough, nothing like that. Nothing like that."
Everyone found his reaction hilarious.
The same Ace who was feared across the seas now looked completely shy.
Luffy stepped forward and placed a hand on Ace's forehead.
"Hey! Ace, you're burning up! Did your brain go soft? Did you forget your dream?"
He still remembered the promise they made as kids. If Ace got tied down by emotions, wouldn't that stop him from achieving his goal?
Even if it meant one less rival for the Pirate King, Luffy did not want that.
He had already made up his mind. He only cared about finding the One Piece and becoming Pirate King. Romance had no place in his plans.
Ace felt like everyone was staring at him, like he was making a fool of himself.
He wanted to disappear.
"No. General Yamato just said her hand was tired. I was helping her, that's all."
He hurried to explain, afraid things would spiral further.
Yamato looked at him, her expression shifting.
"Ace, you don't want to be with me? You don't like me?"
Ace froze.
What was going on? Since when did Yamato talk like this?
Was this really happening?
Everyone else was just as stunned.
Yamato continued, her voice steady.
"Ace, you don't want to be with me?"
Ace finally snapped out of it. He gathered his courage and looked up at her.
"I… I want to sail. I'm a pirate, and you're the general of Wano. We're not meant to…"
Before he could finish, Yamato let go of his hand and turned away, walking back toward Wano.
"Yamato…"
Ace called out, but stopped himself.
Maybe this was for the best.
He was a pirate. His life was uncertain, always walking the line between life and death. Staying with him would only hold her back.
If she hated him, then so be it.
At least she would move on.
Rolan had been watching the whole thing, and his patience finally ran out.
Without warning, he kicked Ace.
"Ouch!"
Ace flew forward and landed right in front of Yamato.
Rolan's voice followed immediately.
"You idiot. Do I have to kick you for everything? Follow your heart. Do you want to chase the Pirate King while carrying regrets?"
Ace did not even bother reacting to the pain.
He looked up at Yamato.
Her eyes were red, tears gathering inside them.
Each tear felt like a blade cutting into his chest.
At that moment, everything became clear.
He already knew the answer.
Spending time with her had changed him. He had fallen for her without realizing it.
If he walked away now, both of them would carry that pain forever.
In that instant, becoming Pirate King no longer felt as important.
Because he had already found something more valuable.
Someone worth protecting for the rest of his life.
He stood up and pulled Yamato into his arms.
"Yamato… I like you."
Behind them, Rolan and the others watched with satisfied expressions.
Rolan folded his arms, his tone calm.
"Good. At least you didn't disappoint me."
…
In a quiet corner of a lively street in Peach Garden, Cobra and Neptune sat by the window of a tavern.
Cobra took a sip of his drink and smiled.
"Not bad, right? I come here often when I have time."
Neptune looked around.
The tavern was not luxurious, but everything was well arranged. It was clean, quiet, and comfortable. No loud shouting, just soft conversations.
Then he looked outside the window.
The street was crowded, but what stood out was that most of the people were women.
It was the perfect spot to sit and watch.
Neptune nodded. "This place really is nice."
Cobra smirked and pointed outside.
"Look at that one."
Neptune followed his gaze and nodded again.
"Beautiful."
"And that one over there."
"Not bad at all."
"And those legs…"
"Impressive."
The two of them continued quietly, completely focused.
After Alabasta joined Peach Garden, everything had changed. The climate improved, there were no wars, and the kingdom developed steadily.
Cobra had far less work now.
That was how he discovered this place.
A quiet paradise.
Here, status meant nothing. People did not recognize them as kings.
Neptune leaned back, clearly enjoying himself.
Just then, the tavern owner approached them with a grin.
"Gentlemen, my tavern has a great location, right?"
"It really does," Neptune replied.
The owner leaned in slightly, his eyes fixed outside.
"That one over there… amazing."
Neptune glanced at him and noticed the man was just as absorbed as they were.
Cobra chuckled. "His name is Ramos. One of us."
Neptune gave a knowing nod.
Soon, the three of them sat together, quietly enjoying the view and commenting from time to time.