{ Cain's POV }
"Oi, Cain. What are you gonna do in the future?"
Taken aback, I glanced at him, only to see the usual sight—him doing what he does best. Skinning animals alive.
I shook my head at the grotesque scene before me. This all started after he fought a gorilla in a cage as punishment. Since then, this habit of his had only grown worse. Disgusting and evil.
Not that I care, but I don't appreciate the noise. Seeing it makes me sick.
"Don't worry about that," I said, dismissing the thought. "But you're definitely not coming with me if you keep this up. It's disturbing."
Silver instantly stopped what he was doing, his hands frozen mid-air as the bloody, skinned monkey dropped to the ground with a sickening thud. His expression twisted into one of pure betrayal as he turned to face me.
"What do you mean I'm not coming?"
I shook my head in disappointment, unwilling to entertain his question. He knew exactly what I meant and why.
It's been two and a half years since that blonde fucker arrived. And while I don't particularly like him, I respect him as a fighter. He's strong. That much is undeniable.
During this time, Enzo had taken Silver under his wing, training him personally. Meanwhile, Raian and I had been left to fend for ourselves, battling beasts and Sea Kings without assistance. If I think about it, it's hardly fair. But then again, it's not fair for Silver either.
After all, who enjoys getting beaten and thrown into a cage every time they disappoint Enzo?
I chuckled at the memory. My brother had spent so much time in that damn cage, it was a miracle he hadn't lost his mind. Enzo was never pleased with him, and I knew exactly why—his damn sadistic habit.
Enzo once told me that during a fight, that crazy bastard tried to stab his eyes out multiple times with his sharpened nails. I wish I had been there to see it.
Snapping back to reality, I pondered once again about my future after I defeat Raian in our upcoming duel. I had no doubt in my mind that I would win, and with that certainty, I didn't feel the need to dwell on it too much. It was only a matter of months now.
I wonder if I'm the strongest contestant at the moment? Or is there someone out there even stronger? I can't wait to meet them.
I had already decided my path since I was a baby. I will create a powerful group—one that will stand at the very top. Everyone in my crew will know how to fight. There will be no room for weaklings or burdens.
The only problem is… the name.
It has to be something intimidating. Something that strikes fear into the hearts of those who hear it. It must sound ominous.
The Warriors? The Doom?
No, those sound too weak. I'll figure it out once I gather my crew.
First, I need to find a suitable member for vice-captain. Someone reliable, someone with leadership qualities.
Which immediately rules out Silver and Raian.
Those two are unreliable little shits.
Suddenly, my sharpened senses picked up the sound of slow, heavy footsteps approaching. I turned and smirked as Enzo emerged from the shadows.
No matter how many times I fought this man, I still couldn't beat him. But that didn't mean I wasn't satisfied with injuring him every time we fought. He deserved it.
I don't care if I'm being petty.
"There isn't really much we can do here. When are we heading to the Kure Clan?"
Raian had told me countless things about his clan and their fighting techniques. I had witnessed his skills firsthand, and I couldn't help but be intrigued. I want to learn their techniques.
Though, I have no interest in joining their family—unless they have strong kunoichi my age or older.
After all, this time, I want a family.
"We leave tomorrow. Pack your things," Enzo replied. Then, with a smug grin, he added, "By the way, Chisato is staying with me. Apparently, she's drawn to my strength and doesn't want to leave."
He tapped his bicep proudly, grinning like a fool.
"Good to know. However, we're not keeping her."
Seeing my serious expression, he nodded in understanding. He knew there was no room for weaklings in our group.
"Why are you so heartless, though? You've been with her since you were a baby. You don't feel anything?"
"What about you?" I countered. "Aren't you heartless?"
"Nah, don't try to turn this around on me." Enzo chuckled, shaking his head. "But whatever. I guess I am heartless. It is what it is, right?"
He threw his head back and laughed.
I shook my head again.
I'm starting to think I'm the only normal one in this damn family.
Enzo, with his kidnapping habit and endless chatter.
Silver, with his sadistic tendencies and fake innocence.
Raian, with his provocative attitude and rebellious streak.
Oh god.
I am the normal one.
________________
{ General POV }
Enzo eventually stopped laughing and turned his gaze toward Silver, who had just finished skinning the animal.
Like Cain, he shook his head. He already knew what had happened.
"Silver, go get Raian. We're heading to his home," Enzo ordered.
Silver raised a bloodied hand and gave a thumbs-up before dashing off to complete his task.
Over the past two years, Enzo had fought Cain, Raian, and Silver countless times. Among the three, Silver was undoubtedly the weakest.
But that didn't mean he was weak.
Not anymore.
His Devil Fruit abilities had evolved significantly, to the point where he could dodge attacks even in his sleep. Despite being physically weaker, Cain and Raian never took him lightly. In fact, they barely managed to land hits on him, and both had even lost to him a couple of times.
However, his Armament Haki was still appalling. And, disappointingly, he lacked Conqueror's Haki—something Enzo had hoped he would awaken.
Not that it mattered.
Aside from Enzo and Raian, none of them had Conqueror's Haki yet. But it was still too early to tell. Strength wasn't solely dependent on possessing it. Many powerful individuals thrived without it.
Cain and Raian, on the other hand, were almost evenly matched. Enzo had fought both and couldn't determine who would win in their upcoming duel. Neither had gone all out in training yet.
However, if the fight were to take place under the full moon, there was no question—Raian would lose.
Enzo still remembered his battle against Cain's Sulong form.
That fight left him with more injuries than he cared to admit.
And it pissed him off.
Not because of the wounds, but because he hadn't improved as much as he wanted to. He had spent too much time screwing around with Chisato and training the kids, neglecting his own progress.
But that would change soon.
After Cain and Raian fight, he would focus on himself again.
———————
Silver finally arrived at a small shimmering lake.
He didn't stop to admire it—he couldn't see, after all.
Sensing Raian emerging from the water, he walked toward him without hesitation, indifferent to his nakedness.
"Yo, we're finally heading to your homeland!"
Raian scowled, clearly annoyed.
"Piss off! I'm fucking changing!" he snapped.
"Change then. I can't see anyway," Silver replied, his tone calm as he pointed at his blind eyes.
"It doesn't matter! Fuck off!"
Raian's fist suddenly shot toward Silver's head.
Silver effortlessly dodged to the right, staring at Raian's extended arm.
But he didn't retaliate.
"Calm down. No need to go wild. That's not your thing." Silver smirked.
"That's Cain~."