Chapter 184: Farewell Kisses and Freefall Thrills
One day later, Ross and his crew prepared to set sail from Skypiea. It was time to leave the floating island behind.
"You all board first," Ross said, glancing at Conis, who stood before him with a wistful expression, seeing him off.
Moira pursed her lips and tugged Stella toward the ship. They had no intention of lingering here—the elites in the Jaygarcia District could handle things just fine. With Conis, a local, keeping watch, those subordinates wouldn't dare step out of line.
"You lost the bet," Sora whispered to Gion with a chuckle.
"He's really changed. He didn't actually devour Conis."
Gion arched an eyebrow, still half-disbelieving. The real kicker? She'd wagered with Sora on it—and lost big.
"Don't forget to pay up," Sora added, rising on her tiptoes to pat Gion's shoulder. She shot a sly grin at Gion's crestfallen face before hopping aboard.
The stakes weren't steep. Next sparring session, Sora would give Gion an extra nudge toward Ross, letting her train to her heart's content.
"I'll get you next time," Gion muttered, shooting Ross a glare before striding up the gangplank with her long legs.
Ross caught their antics and just smiled. He was the one reaping the rewards, after all. As long as Sora and Gion got along, the rest was harmless fun.
Now, only Ross and Conis remained on the deck.
"Lord Ross," she murmured, her voice soft and trembling faintly with reluctance.
He hadn't stayed long, but these days had felt like a whirlwind dream to her. Sometimes, it only took a single spark to capture a woman's heart—and for Conis, there had been countless such sparks.
The moment death loomed and Ross flicked his finger, halting a bullet mid-flight.
The instant, amid overwhelming foes, when he'd snapped his fingers and wiped them out.
The second the "god" knelt, and Ross swung his halberd, sending Enel plummeting into the abyss.
The quiet beat when Ross played the piano, his brow relaxed, eyes softly downcast.
These fragments had woven into the rhythm of her pulse. Ross had stormed into her world, etching himself indelibly on her soul. If only it could last forever.
"Lord Ross, I'll come find you!" On the surface, Conis steadied herself. "Until then, I'll safeguard Skypiea for you."
"The Levely isn't far off. Wait for me in the Holy Land Mary Geoise," Ross replied with a smile. He drew her close, tilting her chin up for a gentle kiss on her flushed lips.
They lingered like that for what felt like ages before parting.
"Let's shove off!" Ross called, waving as he boarded, leaving Conis with his receding silhouette.
"Lord Ross..." She watched him go, heart still racing, cheeks warm, lost in the moment.
Only after the ship vanished into the clouds did Conis tear her gaze away and head home.
"Lord Ross, next time, I'll show you a transformed Skypiea!"
Taking a deep breath, she pulled out a Den Den Mushi and dialed Zane.
"Ms. Zane, please teach me the skills to govern a special district," Conis said earnestly.
"Eh?" Zane's voice cracked with surprise and exhaustion.
"Please!" Conis pleaded, lips pressed tight.
Zane sighed. "Fine, if it's you and His Highness's wish."
What choice did she have? One student or two—it was all the same hassle. Why did she always draw the short straw while the troublemakers lounged?
"Ms. Zane, thank you! You're a lifesaver!"
---
"Are we really diving straight down?" Moira asked, voice shaky.
She'd nearly fainted on the ascent. The idea of plummeting back had her paling already.
No one humored her. With her strength, she'd be fine aboard ship—panicking was the worst she'd face.
"Is Reiju okay?" Stella fretted.
Gion and Zephyr shot concerned looks her way from across the deck. They could shield Reiju, but the stomach-dropping freefall was unavoidable.
"His Highness will keep her safe," Sora said calmly. It wasn't indifference; she'd already hashed out backups with Ross.
"For something more thrilling, I could spice it up," Ross teased.
"How?" Gion perked up, eyes gleaming.
"I'll take Reiju down personally. You haul the ship and fly it."
Gion rolled her eyes. "Nice try. Swap roles? Forget it—that's suicide."
Not a stamina issue. The hull's seastone lining meant she couldn't grip it without shattering the vessel, dooming everyone.
"I could manage," Zephyr mused. It had been ages since he'd pushed himself fully—last time was racing to South Blue to rescue Rouge. Rust waited for no one.
"Perfect. Zephyr handles the ship, Gion backs him up if needed, and I'll escort Reiju," Ross decided, seeing Zephyr's interest.
He and Gion could both fly via Geppo, ready to swoop in.
"Wait—you're serious? Jumping from 10,000 meters? Zephyr's got no Devil Fruit!" Moira's face twisted in terror.
"Have faith," Stella said, clapping a hand over Moira's mouth with a grin.
These wild escapades made sea voyages legendary. And with Ross calling the shots? She'd leap into the void itself.
"You're all nuts!" Moira's eyes screamed, even muffled.
"Here we go!" Ross barked.
Boom!
"Aaah!" Moira shrieked as the ship nosedived from the White Sea, hurtling toward the Blue Sea below.
Zephyr vaulted beneath the hull, palms shoving up against its hundred-meter length. He Geppo-ed steadily, braking their descent with controlled bursts.
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