Chapter 7: Family Is About Mutual Understanding
"These past few days haven't been too bad, right?"
The journey to the Sabaody Archipelago wasn't extremely far, but it wasn't close either—it required at least half a day of high-speed flight. Naturally, some idle time needed to be filled.
Ross had quietly observed how Sakazuki had been spending his time—trying to build relationships with his children and getting to know the other orphans on the ship. He was clearly making an effort to play the role of a "big brother." But Ross wanted him to understand that the burden of responsibility didn't need to be shouldered so hastily.
"It's been good. But, Master, I really think you should discipline Mona a bit more. Her behavior is far too dangerous!"
Sakazuki, for once, was talking a lot—like he'd dropped a weight off his chest. He seemed genuinely relaxed around Ross.
"She actually used bombs to attack Sea Kings along the way! And she even made faces at them to provoke them! The worst part? She did it on the ship! On the ship, Master!"
His voice was getting agitated, as if he were unloading everything at once—like a child complaining to a parent, or perhaps just seeking comfort.
Ross smiled slightly and asked in return:
"Sakazuki, if you had my level of power, would these things still bother you?"
The question left Sakazuki momentarily stunned. He lowered his head, eyes drifting toward the vast ocean below.
They were flying hundreds of meters above the sea, gliding like a train on invisible tracks. The cloud beneath them was their carriage, moving steadily forward. The scenery constantly changed—just like Sakazuki's inner thoughts.
The deep blue sea rolled with endless waves. Scattered islands dotted the ocean's surface like strokes on a canvas. Each one unique, each one like a flicker of emotion or passing thought. But the ocean itself—unchanging. Forever calm, forever vast. It might throw a tantrum now and then, but peace always returned afterward.
"Sakazuki," Ross said, facing the wind. "Family is about mutual understanding. Besides, I have the strength to back it up."
"Yes, Mona is more than a handful. But that's her nature. She can't help it—and I won't force her to go against who she is. As her father, as her family, my job is to respect that, to understand her, and gently guide her—not to control or scold her right away."
He reached out and gently ruffled Sakazuki's hair.
His words were idealistic, maybe even a bit naive, but they carried weight—because Ross had the strength and the peace of mind to say them. And they left a lasting impression on Sakazuki.
"I understand, Master. But… what should I do? I don't have your strength. And I don't want to disappoint Mona—or any of them."
Though Sakazuki had earlier sworn to never accept Mona's "adventure invitations" again, he knew deep down that if she pouted and begged, he'd probably give in. Because more than anything, he didn't want to see disappointment in their eyes. Not again.
He looked down, his voice softer now. He hated feeling powerless. He hated the weak version of himself.
"Just be yourself, Sakazuki," Ross said. "I know the loss of your family left you desperate for both strength and affection. But the moment you stepped onto this ship, you became part of our family."
He saw through Sakazuki's struggles. People always wanted back what they'd lost—especially when it came to love.
"There's no need to take on so much at once. Family is built on understanding. I understand you. And they will too. So try to open your heart."
Ross's guidance brought some calm to Sakazuki's storm. For the first time, he began to understand what Ross meant.
Mutual understanding, huh?
Ross didn't say anything more. He just placed a reassuring hand on Sakazuki's shoulder.
For all his talent, Sakazuki was still a child. His mind might be mature beyond his years, but it was still trapped in a rigid world of black and white.
And the world—they both knew—was full of warped personalities and twisted logic. Most of it born from childhood trauma.
The girl who couldn't say no.
The boy who took joy in bloodshed.
The little sniper who couldn't stop lying.
Sakazuki thought back to two days ago—the first time Mona had invited him on one of her "adventures."
He remembered it clearly. He had just finished a grueling training session and was still drenched in sweat when Mona came running up to him, her face full of excitement.
"Big Brother Sakazuki! Come adventure with me! All the other brothers are busy, but you're free right now, right? Please? Pleeease?"
She had no filter—like all young children. She only came to him because no one else was available, and yet… it made Sakazuki inexplicably happy. Not just because she called him "Big Brother," but because for a moment, he felt like something had settled onto his shoulders—something warm, something meaningful.
Was it familial love?
No… it was responsibility.
But responsibility doesn't always bring joy. More often, it's heavy. Complicated.
After happily agreeing, everything that followed had left Sakazuki bewildered.
For some reason, Big Brother Moxxi came along with them. He didn't say anything—just quietly followed them to the edge of the ship.
And then—boom. Mona hurled a custom-made bomb at a Sea King that had surfaced nearby.
Sakazuki was dumbfounded. She threw it with ease—like tossing a ball. Two, three hundred meters. No problem.
"BOOM!"
The Sea King went berserk. Mona laughed with glee—laughed. She even taunted the creature, dancing around and making faces.
When it surged toward the ship in rage, Moxxi punched it unconscious and flung it away like trash.
In just a few seconds, Sakazuki's emotions had skyrocketed and crashed—and the cycle kept repeating until he was numb.
By the time evening came, Mona was laughing beside him, her voice full of innocent joy.
"Thanks, Big Brother Sakazuki! Stuff like this is way more fun with someone watching! Today was amazing. Those stinky brothers only ever get in the way. But you—you really get it. You appreciated the art!"
The pride in her voice was pure and radiant, like an artist who'd finally received the praise they'd longed for.
That childish innocence… that surreal pride…
Looking back, Sakazuki realized—why had he said those things to Ross earlier?
Because of responsibility—and because he didn't understand.
But now, it was starting to make sense. Maybe it was okay. Maybe all he had to do was be the audience. Watch the artist's performance. Appreciate it. Encourage her. Offer advice afterward.
Yeah… Master and Moxxi were always there. So why rush to shoulder it all alone? Especially when he couldn't even carry it yet?
In the end, it all came back to one thing:
Power.
He still needed more power.
"That's good," Ross said quietly. "If you've figured it out, then just focus on being yourself. Right now, your responsibilities aren't that heavy. You don't need to worry so much. Just don't give yourself a reason to regret anything later."
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