Stussy had always had a clear plan for her life.

Joining the White Wolf Pirates was just step one.

When she first saw Magnus at sixteen, her idea was simple: lure him in, and once he died, inherit his wealth.

But after these two years and seeing Magnus' increasingly terrifying feats… her plans changed.

If he could force even the World Government to bow, what if he lived a few more years? What if he dethroned the Celestial Dragons… what if he became the King of the World?

That thought alone made her breath quicken.

After all…

Rumors said Magnus had found the mythical pure gold. Even if not, he'd clearly found something similar.

Just look at him now.

By age he should have been seventy-three—including his year spent time traveling.

But did he look like any seventy-three-year-old?

His wild, silver mane gleamed under the light, his strong, balanced frame exuding the quiet confidence of a predator.

Handsome men drew women too—and to a young girl like Stussy, his maturity was deadly poison.

Even Ripley had let slip: Magnus' current lifespan rivaled that of a giant.

"Captain Magnus… is there anything you'd like me to do now that I've joined?"

Her expectant gaze and the way she hugged her ample chest made her intentions obvious.

Too bad.

The one who pushes too hard always loses the upper hand.

So Magnus chose to ignore it.

"For now, we're setting out to sea soon. Prepare the ship's medicine stocks. Beyond that, do as you like."

"Huh? Already?"

"Haha. Surprised?"

Compared to previous voyages, this one to Fishman Island wasn't about clashing with the World Government. It was more like a vacation—perfect for a newbie like Stussy.

"But as ship's doctor, while I don't expect you to be a fighter, you do need to know how to keep yourself alive in a battle. So training is mandatory."

"And you should go see Kureha. Learn some toxicology from her."

"Trust me, you'll need it."

Even back then, no one dared mess with Kureha, despite her low combat strength—because a ship's doctor with a mastery of poisons was terrifying.

Now though… Magnus doubted anything in this world could poison his hyperactive body.

Still, seeing her signals go ignored, Stussy grew annoyed—until his words snapped her attention back.

The White Wolf Pirates were sailing again!

In this world, no pirate crew stayed ashore for long. Chasing adventure and treasure was in their blood.

The White Wolf Pirates were no different.

"I understand."

Patience. If Magnus had been the kind to leap at her first flirt, she'd have worried he only wanted a fling.

But her confidence in herself remained.

"Whew…"

After she finally left, Magnus couldn't help but sigh.

Men, no matter their age, still loved pretty young things.

Especially a girl like Stussy—so mature in body yet with both innocence and seduction. Even he had almost lost his composure.

One word from him earlier and she'd have given herself to him.

But he couldn't.

The moment he invited her aboard, she became more than just a woman—she was a comrade, an important part of the crew.

He wanted her to grow.

And winning her trust was his responsibility.

If he could handle Rocks's ambition, what was there to fear in Stussy's schemes?

"Alright, you can all stop hiding. I noticed you the moment you showed up."

News of him inviting Stussy wasn't exactly a secret—by now half of Sphinx had heard.

After all… what could a man want with a young pretty girl?

So Ripley and the others had abandoned their shopping to watch him chat with Stussy from the shadows.

"Ah, so that's Magnus-san's type?"

"Stussy's stamina is probably awful. She'd collapse in minutes. Don't underestimate a Zoan user's endurance!"

"Young girls like Ripley can handle him… old ladies like me don't interest him anymore…"

"…!"

The lewd conversation between Lily and Ripley left Lady Toki blushing furiously.

"How can you two talk like that in front of Linlin?!"

But even she had heard Zoan users had incredible stamina.

And now she couldn't stop thinking about it—ahhh, what am I thinking?!

Linlin, meanwhile, just licked her cotton candy, oblivious.

Once Magnus called them out, Lily and Ripley grinned as they emerged with Toki and Linlin in tow.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

"Did you seal the deal?"

"More or less. Stussy's officially the new ship's doctor, with Kureha's blessing."

"Kureha agreed to another doctor? No, wait—you know that's not what I meant. That girl's eyes say it all."

"Ahem. Lily, young people often mistake admiration for love. We adults should be patient with them."

"Pft…"

Seeing his shameless expression, Lily exchanged a knowing look with Ripley.

Sure. Let's see how long you can keep it professional.

"Whatever. In any case, it's her choice. I'm coming on this voyage too. Don't want the so-called 'strongest crew' getting eaten by fish."

Half the original crew had eaten fruits, half hadn't. Magnus didn't even know what most fruits did, and usually just let his people pick at random.

Hence why most fruits on the market weren't very valuable—unless you knew exactly what it did, and that it had once made a great power.

Those sold for astronomical sums.

Magnus already had three fruits set aside:

The Gura Gura no Mi (Tremor Tremor Fruit) for Newgate.

The Horm Horm Fruit was originally meant for Kureha—but she refused.

"Brat, I'm long past chasing adventure. Give it to someone who still has a future."

Only Kureha could call him "brat" and get away with it.

She even recommended Stussy.

"Better guide her while you can. She's got potential—don't let her go astray."

That was why Magnus had finally agreed.

Of course, Stussy was still just an apprentice like Rocks and Newgate.

If she didn't prove herself, he wouldn't hand over something as precious as a Devil Fruit.

"Hmm, so he agreed, eh?"

Watching her beam with excitement, Kureha chuckled and took a swig of her bottle.

"But don't get cocky. Magnus expects a lot. You think no one's ever left? You think all those years at sea left no scars?"

She sighed wistfully. Staying behind had been the right call.

Everyone still here was already blessed.

"Well? Want me to teach you some handy shipboard remedies?"

"…What kind of remedies?"

"Contraceptives, obviously!"

Kureha slapped Stussy's shoulder and roared with laughter.

"You don't want to get pregnant on your first voyage, do you?"

"…!"

Her cheeks burned scarlet as she shouted: "I'm not even that close to Magnus yet!"

"Ha! So you plan to be, eh?"

Even if I do, don't just blurt it out like that!

The pharmacy rang with Kureha's laughter and Stussy's flustered protests.

"KURE-HA!!"

(End of Chapter)

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