An hour had passed since Gojo had set sail again, embarking on a two-day journey back to his territory. Despite his sociable nature, he had refrained from being too friendly, aware of the rivalries among emperors. However, Smoothie and he had promised to meet again, sealing their farewell with a handshake and a knowing smile. When Gojo let out a mocking "Ahh," she gripped his hand so tightly it felt like she could crush his bones, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
*****
The next day, as their ship cut through the waves, Chozo was engaged in what seemed to be a heated conversation through the snail phone, although his consistently monotonous tone betrayed no emotion.
"You must return to your island. These journeys must stop," he declared in his dragging voice.
"Just a little longer! I am far from matching the other shamans, and it's not like it's urgent," protested his interlocutor.
This voice belonged to Maki, granddaughter of the fearsome demon of the seas Naobito, youngest and last heir of the shamans. A member of Gojo's crew, she far surpassed her peers, as evidenced by her initial bounty of 106,000,000 Berrys.
"Oh, by the way... Pass me the captain," she suddenly said.
Chozo went to fetch Gojo, informing him that Maki wished to speak with him. Recalling their last conversation, the captain straightened up, a radiant smile lighting up his face.
"Maki-chan! It's been a while. Where are you?" he exclaimed enthusiastically.
"In the East Blue," she replied, prompting Gojo's surprise at her presence in that famously peaceful sea. "By the way, has Yuki shown you what I sent her three days ago? I think you'll find it interesting."
Intrigued, Gojo turned to his crewmate. "Hey, Yuki-chan, apparently you have something to show me from Maki?"
Yuki's eyes widened before a look of understanding crossed them. She quickly pulled out a wanted poster from her jacket.
"Forgive me, I completely forgot about it!" she apologized with a contrite expression.
While Chozo scolded her for this two-day forgetfulness, Gojo examined the poster, his smile gradually widening.
"The kid Shanks told me about... This family is truly extraordinary!" he exclaimed with excitement.
"He defeated the most fearsome pirates in the East Blue," continued Maki in a calm voice. "And guess what, I crossed paths with him in Loguetown. You'll never guess..."
"Tell me everything, Maki-chan," Gojo encouraged, consumed by curiosity.
"Facing execution, this fearless boy declared he would become the Pirate King, smiling all the while! HAHAHA!" she recounted with laughter. "It was spectacular! This kid has undeniable potential. Who knows, maybe he'll come to challenge you one day. I have to go now, see you soon!"
"This promises to be fascinating..." Gojo murmured, an enigmatic smile on his lips, gazing out at the vast blue expanse.
The Stella continued its majestic journey through the New World, while Gojo let himself be carried away by thoughts of future adventures. Chozo, unperturbed as always, scanned the horizon where the silhouette of a ship was taking shape, undisturbed by anything that could disrupt his legendary serenity.