Arion isn't exactly destitute now, but he only has the thirty-six million Belly that Hina gave him after tax deductions.
But the cost of legally going to sea is a hundred million Belly, almost three times that thirty-six million Belly.
Clearly, going to sea legally isn't an option.
So illegal going to sea it is.
Rather than suffering kidney deficiency, going to sea as a Pirate is preferable.
It's just that the Marines are chasing him down…
That's Arion's headache: there are too many strong Marines; without enough power, fighting the Marines isn't wise.
Hina sees Arion still clinging to that stubborn look and presses on: "Besides paying one hundred million Belly, there are legal ways to go to sea."
"What methods?"
"With a Marine's recommendation, or with the branch's approval, you could become a Pirate Hunter."
Arion's eyes light up: "Then…"
"But your relationship with me isn't deep," Hina's mature voice carries a meaningful touch, "to get my recommendation, you'll have to offer something in return, right?"
If, this morning, Arion's date invitation to Hina hinted at his desire, what Hina is doing now is undoubtedly a direct signal.
If you can't even read this, you deserve to go hungry forever.
It reminded Arion of a discussion he'd once seen online about why a certain emperor kept a beggar past.
Among the myriad online responses, one stood out.
In truth, what he called three years of begging was really selling himself.
To survive in times of famine and scarcity, you must pay a price.
And the world's most base form of commerce is selling oneself.
Of course, this is a sensational, rumor-driven backstory—a myth, perhaps—but the idea resonates with Arion now.
This paltry thirty-six million Belly is nothing to Marines Captain Hina, and yet it is not nothing either.
What he has is this tall, handsome frame, after all.
If he wants Hina's recommendation, and has little to offer, the only option is to deepen their relationship.
"Captain Hina is implying that our relationship is still shallow," Arion sits confidently beside Hina, wraps an arm around her slim waist.
"How about we talk after dinner to deepen our bond?"
Before Hina can reply, Arion grips her chin and kisses her, taking control of her lips and tongue.
The sudden kiss catches Hina off guard, and after a few seconds she recovers, satisfied by his understanding and responds with a hesitant, unsure kiss of her own.
Meanwhile, a glimpse is directed at 2B across the table, blindfolded, a chillingly aloof guardian with no expression.
"Knock knock~"
"Captain Hina, dinner is ready."
Hina pushes Arion away with a smile, their kiss breaking; her cheeks flushed. After fixing her clothes, she says, "Bring it in."
"Yes!"
The door opens, Marines soldiers roll in a meat cart with exquisitely prepared dishes, and wine is poured for them at the table.
"Leave," Hina says, "no entry without my order."
"Yes."
The Marines salute and exit. Hina approaches, locking the door behind them. "Your kissing skills aren't bad; it seems you've done some practice."
"Hina, your kissing skills are a bit rusty; not as mature as your looks suggest," Arion lifts a glass of wine, comparing it to Hina's crimson lips, "So is this your first kiss, Hina? Then I must be lucky to have stolen your first kiss."
"A wall that hasn't been breached is a good wall."
"Right, but I don't know if your wall can withstand my battering ram."
Hina doesn't respond further, goes to pull out a chair, sits, unbuttons a few buttons of her shirt, and lets her white flesh spill out, breathing in the fresh air.
"Nice," Arion compliments, "but rather than forcing yourself to endure, why not change into something more comfortable?"
"Recently I've grown a bit; the clothes that fit before are stretched," Hina replies, "When I return to Marine Headquarters, I'll go shopping for better-fitting clothes."
"Marine Headquarters on the Grand Line?"
"Yep, I'm a Captain directly under Marine Headquarters; this trip to East Blue is for official business."
Arion nods; he doesn't pry further about the business. He raises his glass to toast Hina and also to 2B, then enjoys the fine dinner.
Midway through eating, Hina sets down her cutlery. "Take your time; I'll be right back. Don't touch my things."
Arion nods, watching as Hina leaves to the bathroom, fetches a striped slip dress and underwear from the wardrobe, and heads in.
Hina seems eager.
After all, she's in her thirties, a seasoned woman with strong desires.
Especially after that intense kiss just now, she has little appetite for the meal.
When Hina leaves, the quiet 2B asks, "Should I retreat later?"
"Why?" Arion pours her a refreshing glass of red wine; he notices 2B loves drinking, whether barley juice in taverns or wine now, she drinks a lot.
Perhaps the alcohol's energy boost?
Or just the flavor?
Regardless, 2B seems to be on a path toward becoming a wine-loving swordswoman.
"Privacy," 2B takes a big sip of red wine, "Assistant told me that Humans don't like others watching when they reproduce."
"True, but there are exceptions—watchers who are also one of us, or who have a motive."
"A bit conflicting."
"Then here's my plan," Arion strokes 2B's face, his thumb caressing the beauty mark at the left corner of her lips, gently pressing her lower lip.
"If you're into it, you can join in."
2B nibbles Arion's thumb, the tongue lightly brushing, then nods.
Satisfied, Arion leans in and kisses her soft lips again.
"There's plenty of food left on the table; eat more. The tavern's meals can't compare to this."
"Okay," 2B takes the bottle, pouring the remaining red wine into her cup.
Arion, not fond of drinking, pushes his own cup toward her.
Arion doesn't like drinks; alcohol can raise uric acid and harm kidneys, which could affect his abilities—especially with tonight's seafood-heavy menu.