Ace hurried to catch up with Yamato, calling out, "Yamato, why are you walking so fast?"
But Yamato didn't slow down. She quickened her pace even more, moving with a determination Ace had never seen before.
He frowned, puzzled. He hadn't spent much time with her, but he knew Yamato was always straightforward. Now, though, there was a trace of resentment in her step, like a child sulking because she couldn't have a treasured toy.
"Yamato, hey! Wait for me!" Ace called again.
After the Onigashima war, Yamato had approached Rolan with her desire to become Wano Country's new General. Rolan had already considered the idea, so he approved it. As for Momonosuke, more than a year later? He might not become Pirate King, but Yamato would ensure the stability of Wano herself.
As the soon-to-be General of Wano, Yamato's first duty would be to tour the country. Her demonic horns alone would make her presence a spectacle, and though many didn't know her identity, she would never receive unanimous approval. Rolan had also noticed that Yamato treated Ace differently from others. He knew there was something special between them. For both reasons, he assigned Ace as her escort during the tour. Ace agreed, thinking it made sense, expecting the familiar lighthearted chatter.
Yet this Yamato was different.
With a swift "Soru," Ace appeared in front of her, hands gripping her shoulders to steady her. The height difference made him look almost comical, but he was serious.
"Hey! Yamato, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"
Yamato finally stopped, her expression calm and deliberate. She replied leisurely, "You should set sail quickly. There are many powerful Pirates at sea now. If you delay, your Old Man Whitebeard won't become the Pirate King."
Ace furrowed his brow. Her tone lacked its usual straightforwardness, a subtle tension underlying her words.
"Yamato, what's wrong? Did I upset you somehow?" Ace asked cautiously.
Yamato pulled her hands from his shoulders, a faint pout on her lips. "Are you here because you're worried about me, or because your master asked you to be?"
Ace hesitated. His instinct was to answer honestly, but then he recalled Rolan's advice: women are like children; coax, don't scold. "Of course… I'm worried about you."
Yamato's lips curved slightly, a soft pink glow appearing in her eyes. She stepped around him, continuing her path without another word, but the blush on her cheeks was unmistakable. Ace froze. This wasn't what Rolan had suggested. He shook his head, realizing that a woman's thoughts were impossible to predict.
"Why are you still standing there? Aren't you supposed to be my guard?" Yamato's voice called from ahead.
"Oh, coming, coming," Ace replied quickly, catching up to her side. He scanned the surroundings, vigilant for any potential threats.
"What are you doing?" Yamato asked, curious at his exaggerated caution.
"A guard must remain alert for scoundrels plotting against Princess Yamato," Ace explained, continuing his watchful pace.
Pfft.
Yamato couldn't help but laugh, the sound bright and musical. Ace looked up, stunned. Her smile was radiant, like spring bursting across Wano Country, turning the streets into a dreamscape. He had never seen anything so dazzling.
It felt like a key unlocking his heart, a spoonful of honey, intoxicating and sweet.
Clang!
Ace stepped on a fallen apple, tumbling forward face-first.
"Hahaha! What are you doing?" Yamato covered her mouth, trying not to laugh aloud.
Ace's face turned crimson. "I… I..." he sputtered, embarrassed.
Yamato knew why he had fallen—his eyes had been locked on her. She felt a quiet thrill at the thought.
When they first met, she had only considered Ace a brother. She had listened to his tales of the outside world, yearning to see it herself after years of confinement in Wano. Ryuo had freed her from her chains, but Kaido's strength meant Ace had to leave, preventing her from venturing out with him.
Over time, her longing for the outside world and her desire to sail with Ace evolved into something deeper. She had come to understand it as romantic love, inspired by seeing the bond between Rolan and Hancock and other couples.
Now, with Ace back, she refused to bury her feelings. Her actions were a test of his heart, and the answer was clear: she was happy.
Yamato extended her hand toward him.
Ace blinked, puzzled. "Wh-what is it, Yamato?"
"My hand is sore. As my guard, shouldn't you help me up?"
He reached for her hand immediately, his actions careful and deliberate. His hand trembled slightly, despite her strength, as her skin was soft and warm, more delicate than any woman's he had encountered. It burned in his palm like coals, and his whole body felt a strange heat.
His face flushed bright red, and a tingling sensation spread through him, leaving him uncomfortably aware of the sudden, unfamiliar feelings for her.
In that moment, he realized just how different everything had become.
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