Dragon Seawater Hot Spring Resort was the most famous on Montrostat Island, boasting over 500 public hot spring pools and more than 100 luxurious private ones.

These seawater hot springs were not only rich in minerals beneficial to the body but also customizable in private pools with ingredients like tea bags, fish therapy, liquor, medicinal herbs, milk, and flowers.

Rosen had rented out a section nestled between artificial hills and trees, and had all the pools refreshed. He preferred the tea-infused hot spring. The warm jets hit his body as the scent of tea lingered pleasantly in the air.

The only downside was his still-weak resistance to seawater, despite having highly developed powers. It didn't render him helpless, but it did sap his energy.

If someone were to ambush him now, they might actually succeed. But they had disguised themselves somewhat during the trip, and this area was under their control. Since it was meant to be a vacation, Rosen didn't see the need for constant vigilance.

Of course, he'd taken some safety measures. Still, he felt a little uncomfortable being the only man in the hot spring.

Bones and Mr. 5 had gone off drinking, while other crew members were gambling, drinking, or seeking other entertainment.

Apparently, none of the male crew members enjoyed hot springs, which Rosen found surprising. Did pirates only think of drinking and gambling when vacationing?

He didn't press the issue, though. Personally, he didn't enjoy drinking. Leisure activities like this reminded him of vacations from his past life, which he appreciated more.

They had rented dozens of private pools, so he could hop between them as he liked. Warm seawater lapped at his chest as two maids waited nearby—until Rosen waved them off. Everyone was here to relax, after all.

A low table beside the pool held snacks and drinks for guests. Soaking in the warm water, Rosen began to feel drowsy. He trusted that Bones and the others would take care of any needed supplies while they were out drinking.

"Uncle!" Natalie, wearing a swimsuit, suddenly leapt from a distant pool and landed with a splash into Rosen's tea bath. Water sprayed toward him, but Rosen, still lounging lazily, sent a burst of wind to push the water back, soaking Natalie instead.

Public pools didn't separate men and women—like a typical swimming pool, people usually avoided sharing a small hot spring unless they had other motives, like flirting.

"Don't you like fish? Didn't you enjoy the fish therapy pool?" Rosen asked groggily. Content originally comes from novel(ꜰ)ire.net

"I like eating fish! But those little fish tried to nibble my toes—it was super ticklish and not fun at all. Your pool is way better, warmer too! Hey, you promised to take me out to sea. Does that still count?" Natalie buried herself in the tea-colored water, her lively eyes fixed on him.

"Ah… oh. Nope, doesn't count anymore," Rosen muttered half-heartedly. What would a kid do as a pirate anyway? If she could live a normal life now, there was no need to be out there killing and fighting.

"Hmph." Natalie pouted but didn't give up.

"Isn't life now good enough? Catch some fish, enjoy the sun—it's not bad," Rosen suggested.

"What's so great about sunbathing? Oh right, Uncle, let's visit the marketplace later! I heard it gets really busy and there's a fireworks and food festival tonight!"

"Sure, whatever." Rosen didn't mind. He had nothing urgent to do, and Robin was treating them this time.

"Oh my, Boss—and little miss—you're together?" Robin appeared, dripping wet, clearly just out of another pool, looking for her next stop.

After all, they had rented all these pools—trying different ones was part of the experience. It wasn't cheap, though: five million Berries per night, including lodging.

As far as vacations go, it was extravagantly luxurious. A ten-day stay would cost a fortune. Still, so far, it had been worth it.

"Hm? Robin, are you on meds or something?" Rosen opened his eyes and noticed that her formerly tan skin had lightened significantly. She looked stunning.

Recently, the Grand Line had been mostly cold and snowy, so everyone had been bundled up. He hadn't seen her in light clothing for a while. Hot springs were perfect in this kind of weather.

"Meds?" Robin looked confused.

"You've been getting paler fast," Rosen commented. She was indeed becoming more fair and beautiful, evolving toward what she'd look like two years later.

"Oh? Boss, you actually notice things like that?" Robin smiled, her elegant figure causing a ripple in Rosen's calm. Still, he now took more pleasure in strength than beauty.

That said, he still enjoyed admiring beautiful things.

"It's nothing. You know what they say—pale skin hides all flaws," he said lazily, eyes half-shut again.

"So you thought I was ugly before?" Robin quipped as she entered the pool and leaned back into a submerged lounge chair designed for comfort.

"Tea?" she asked after sliding into the water. She recognized the scent—thankfully, she liked tea, especially black tea.

As Robin joined him, Rosen noticed a faint floral fragrance. Whether it was from her powers or her personally, he couldn't tell.

Fortunately, the pool was large enough—probably designed with larger sea races in mind.

"Relax while you can. We might not get time like this again," Rosen said suddenly.

Robin, who wasn't strong in seawater due to her limited ability development, lounged in the water with no ability to fight. She took a sip of the coffee placed on the edge of the pool and looked at Rosen curiously. "Do we have plans coming up?"

"For now, we'll head to Skypiea. Replenish funds, look for some historical texts. As for the long-term plan… I'll explain it after the vacation. The crew deserves to know what we're aiming for."

"What we're aiming for?" Robin didn't quite get it, but Rosen clearly had something in mind.

"Yeah. Later tonight, let's stroll around the market. While we're at it, gather intel on Flower Basket Island and the current political situation. The Marines and World Government won't let this slide easily."

"Understood. But Boss—your scar is gone. And you had some pretty serious injuries just days ago. There's not even a trace left. Have your powers improved again?" Robin looked at the increasingly youthful Rosen in surprise.

He no longer looked like a fierce villain. Instead, there was a kind of cool charisma about him. Not quite fitting for his age, maybe—but undeniably appealing.

"Yeah," Rosen replied. He was well aware it was due to increased bodily vitality. Old wounds, internal injuries—they were all fading. His physical strength was steadily improving.

"Hm? Who's that beauty?" Rosen suddenly noticed someone nearby staring at him intently—so much so that his Haki picked it up immediately.

He could swear he'd never seen such a beautiful woman before. If the world-renowned beauty, the Empress, scored an eight, this woman was a perfect ten.

Her beauty struck him so deeply that he instinctively blurted out the word "beauty."

(End of Chapter)