#357 - Chapter 357 Lab, I'm back

Twin Cape.

The sea breeze gently blows, and seabirds circle in the sky.

Crocus stood in front of the lighthouse, squinting his eyes into the distance.

The fan in his hand gently swayed, emitting a faint coolness.

He thought it would be a peaceful day until that warship appeared in his sight in the distance.

As the warship approached, Crocus raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of doubt and curiosity surfacing in his heart.

The warship docked at the shore, and Jin An stepped steadily down from the deck.

His steps were firm and powerful, with a faint smile on his face.

Crocus put down the fan in his hand, straightened his body, and stared at Jin An.

After a moment, he finally spoke, his voice low and slightly surprised:

"Jin An, I didn't expect you to come here."

Jin An walked to Crocus's side, his eyes filled with kindness, and his tone revealed a hint of teasing:

"I'm accompanying a friend, and it just so happens I can catch up with you."

Crocus smiled, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, his tone carrying a hint of banter:

"I don't have anything in common with you, but I'm still happy to see you again."

Speaking of this, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his heart. After all, he had pulled this man back from the brink of death, a memory that made him feel gratified.

Hearing Crocus's answer, Jin An pretended to be hurt, coughed lightly, then slightly turned his body, revealing Brook standing behind him:

"Too sad. Since there's nothing to talk about with me, then I'll leave him to you."

As Jin An stepped aside, Brook's figure gradually appeared.

It was a skeleton with a full set of bones, but he was wearing neat clothes, and still holding the cane sword that had accompanied him for many years.

His eye sockets were pitch black, but that was the symbol of his life, and it also carried his endless memories and emotions.

Brook slowly raised his head and met Crocus's gaze. The moment their eyes met, time seemed to stand still.

A trace of astonishment and emotion flashed in Crocus's eyes, and waves of emotion surged in his heart.

The partner he hadn't seen for many years appeared in front of him again. Although Brook's appearance had changed long ago, Crocus could still feel that familiar aura.

Brook bowed slightly, his voice carrying a trace of uncertainty and hesitation:

"Crocus, is that really you?"

Crocus looked at Brook and nodded slowly, the sour feeling in his heart slowly spreading.

He had once watched those pirates embark on their journey on the Grand Line. Now that he saw this former partner again, his heart was filled with emotion and nostalgia.

"Brook, it really is you."

Crocus's voice was slightly low, but it revealed endless warmth and care.

He walked closer to Brook and patted him on the shoulder. Although it was just cold bones, he seemed to be able to feel the fiery emotion deep in Brook's heart.

The soul fire in Brook's eyes flickered more violently, and his throat choked up, almost unable to speak.

After years of wandering, he thought he had lost all his companions. He didn't expect to meet a partner he once had contact with here. The long-lost warmth in his heart instantly surged into his heart.

"Crocus, I..."

Brook choked up and opened his mouth, but couldn't find the right words to express his emotions for a moment.

He knew that this reunion was not only a memory of the past, but also a new beginning.

Crocus looked at Brook's slightly trembling body and smiled gently:

"No need to say anything, Brook. The important thing is that you are still alive."

The two people's eyes met again. At that moment, there was no need for words, everything was self-evident.

The emotions in their hearts had already surpassed language, only understanding and tacit understanding between each other.

Jin An stood quietly aside, smiling as he watched this scene.

For him, all of this was part of his plan, but seeing Brook and Crocus reunite, his heart also felt a trace of satisfaction and comfort.

"Okay, now that you've reunited, then catch up."

Jin An said softly, then turned and walked towards the ship's side, leaving them enough space.

Brook and Crocus smiled at each other. Although the past years could not be recovered, they could still find that long-lost friendship at this moment.

In the quiet Twin Cape, Brook and Crocus were sharing their experiences and feelings over the years, and a long-lost warmth filled the air.

Just as their conversation was gradually deepening.

Suddenly, a faint wave came from under the sea, and then, a huge black head slowly emerged from the water.

The huge creature had smooth black skin, and its huge eyes flickered with gentle and familiar light. It was the whale that Brook and his companions had said goodbye to—Laboon.

Laboon's appearance suddenly changed the atmosphere on the sea.

Its huge head slowly raised and let out a low and long whale song. The sound penetrated the sea breeze, as if carrying thousands of words, telling of its waiting and concern over the years.

The whale song gradually became cheerful from the initial low pitch. Laboon waved its huge tail excitedly, and the splashed water turned into crystal rainbows in the sunlight.

Its body slowly rotated on the water, and its huge body seemed to be expressing the joy and excitement in its heart.

It finally waited for that familiar melody, the music that had accompanied it through countless lonely nights.

Brook looked at Laboon's huge and warm eyes, and an indescribable emotion of emotion and relief surged in his heart.

He slowly took out the violin that had accompanied him for decades from his arms, and his fingers gently stroked the strings, as if feeling that familiar melody.

He smiled slightly, his eyes gentle, and then gently placed the bow on the strings. As his fingers danced, a beautiful and melodious melody floated in the air.

The sound of the piano flowed like water, with deep emotion and nostalgia, as if telling the unforgettable past between him and Laboon.

Laboon seemed to be touched by this familiar melody, and its huge body swayed gently in the water with the sound of the piano.

The whale song it made became more cheerful, forming a harmonious movement with Brook's performance.

Tears flickered in Laboon's eyes, and its huge body rotated in the water, expressing the excitement and joy in its heart.

Crocus stood aside, silently watching this scene, and his heart was also filled with waves.

Brook's piano music brought him back to those distant memories, those days when he fought side by side with his companions.

Now, although most of them are gone, this melody tightly connects their souls together.

The sound of the piano echoed over Twin Cape, as if to fix this moment forever in the long river of time.

Brook's performance became more and more affectionate, and every note jumping on the strings was full of affection and longing.

He closed his eyes, as if returning to that ship full of laughter and hope, sailing with his companions on the boundless sea.

Laboon's chanting intertwined with Brook's piano music, and the sound of the wind on the sea seemed to be accompanying them.

It was an indescribable harmony and beauty, as if time stood still at this moment, and the whole world was only left with this whale, this musician, and the deep affection between them.

When the last note dissipated in the air, Brook slowly put down his violin and opened his eyes.

He looked at Laboon in front of him, his eyes full of warmth and gratitude.

"Laboon, I'm back."

Brook said softly, his voice with a hint of choking, but more of a firmness and promise.

...