"Thank you so much for your guidance over these past three days, Teacher Crocus!" Erza bowed and sincerely expressed her gratitude.
"No, no, please—'teacher' is too much. With my half-baked skills, the fact that you managed to get started is all thanks to your own talent, Miss Erza!" Crocus quickly waved his hands.
It was true.
Regarding Crocus's Haki expertise, Sullivan had his doubts. Even though he was the doctor of the Pirate King's crew, Crocus had only joined halfway and stayed for two years. Compared to top-tier Haki masters like Rayleigh or Roger, he was far from their level.
And come to think of it, not everyone in the Pirate King's crew had mastered both types of Haki. Even so, Erza had managed to grasp the basics of Haki in just three days—A proof of her exceptional combat instincts.
As for Nami, Juvia, and Mirajane…They were like slackers sitting in the back of the classroom, just going through the motions.
Especially Juvia. She kept clinging to Sullivan whenever she could.
Not that it mattered much to her. She was a water-element mage with powerful hydro-magic that naturally countered most ability users.
Erza, on the other hand, was more of a sword-fighter. Learning Haki would significantly enhance her combat power.
As for Sullivan himself?
He never even considered training in Haki.
His Lightning Dragon Slayer magic and Logia-like elemental powers were already top-tier. Lightning, in particular, was known for its devastating offense and effectiveness against most elements.
Besides…
Strong fighters in this world rarely used seastone weapons—But Sullivan could, and he would.
And most importantly—His power scaled with the growth of his guild.
Who knows? Maybe one day when the guild leveled up, it'd grant him Haki directly. Why suffer through bitter training when you could get it as a skill?
Might as well chill and cuddle with the girls!
"Ah! Master!" After thanking Crocus, Erza suddenly cried out as if she had just remembered something.
"What is it?" Sullivan lazily asked, lounging beneath a sun umbrella with Juvia on his left and Mirajane on his right.
"I just realized—usually, you don't collect a reward from a client until after the request is completed. But we accepted the payment before finishing this one. What if we fail…"
"There's no what if," Sullivan smiled confidently. "Relax, Erza. We'll definitely fulfill this request."
He stood up and walked to the giant whale, Laboon.
"Laboon, this is my promise to you. Within a year, I will bring back the Rumbar Pirates. So until I return, you have to take care of your body. Don't keep ramming into the Red Line for no reason, okay?"
"Giao! Giao! Giao!" Laboon cried out three times in agreement.
"Hmm… now that you mention it, I am feeling a bit competitive," Sullivan joked, cupping his hand to his ear dramatically. "Oh? Did I just hear someone talking behind my back?"
"I-I didn't say anything!" Nami quickly denied, biting her lip with a blush.
She felt a strange pressure. A thorn-like tingling as she caught Juvia secretly watching from behind.
When Nami inherited Lucy's Celestial Spirit magic, she also unintentionally inherited the curse of being Juvia's romantic rival.
"Hahaha! Ladies, prepare to set sail!" Sullivan shouted as he waved his hand.
Fairy Tail was on the move once again.
"Laboon… I have a feeling—this time, something good might actually happen," Crocus murmured emotionally.
Not long after leaving Twin Capes...
"Master, let's sunbathe together again~!"Juvia cheered joyfully, fully letting herself go.
While they were at Twin Capes, she'd behaved, if only a little, because Crocus was there.
But now? Back on the open sea, she wasted no time.
With a flick of her wrist, her dress came off, revealing a tight, provocative blue swimsuit that showcased her stunning figure as she shamelessly clung to Sullivan.
The sight made Nami flush red, her heart racing.
"Master, can you help Juvia apply sunscreen? All over, please~"Juvia requested sweetly.
"Alright, alright…" Sullivan shook his head with a smile, taking the sunscreen.
But just before he could begin…
BOOM!
Thunder rumbled in the sky. What had been a clear blue dome turned black with storm clouds.
Juvia's plan to get a full-body rubdown while sunbathing was instantly ruined.
"Whaaat?! Why is it suddenly raining?! Juvia didn't wish for this at all!" She cried in disbelief, confused and disappointed.
"I know this isn't your doing, Juvia," Sullivan said. "This is just how the Grand Line is—weather here changes on a dime."
As if on cue, the torrential rain stopped abruptly.
Then came a snowstorm.
Then violent winds.
Then a massive hailstorm.
Within just a few minutes, the weather cycled through four chaotic states.
But for Sullivan and his team, it wasn't a big deal.
No matter the ice or storms—It was all blown away by his protective lightning barrier.
"Alright, let's get inside. Don't catch a cold," Sullivan said as he picked up Juvia bridal-style and carried her into the ship.
"Yes~"Juvia beamed, wrapping her arms around his neck with a dreamy smile.
"Master, Juvia's body is all wet…Can you help dry me off?" She whispered seductively.
"This kind of thing… no need to bother the Master," Erza interjected with a smile, taking Juvia from his arms.
"Hup!" Erza twirled her with force—
Juvia spun like a human washing machine in midair.
"Is that enough? Need another spin?"
"Heeeeyah!"
"No no no! That's enough!!"
Laughter filled the ship.
"How do you like it, Nami? This is Fairy Tail. It'll only get livelier from here." Sullivan said with a grin.
"I'm looking forward to it," Nami replied with a soft smile.
"Well then, I'm counting on you for the sailing!"
"Leave it to me!"
Two days later.
Fairy Tail made landfall at the first island of the Grand Line.
Whiskey Peak, here we come!