In the crumbling ruins, a massive bonfire blazed with intensity.
Roasting over the flames, chunks of meat from unknown animals sizzled as golden fat dripped and crackled. The Maillard reaction worked its magic, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma.
The members of the Beasts Pirates stood frozen, mouths twitching uncontrollably as they stared at their boss, who was now warmly throwing an arm around that black-haired young man.
Wait—weren't you two just beating each other to a pulp a few minutes ago? You nearly leveled all of Onigashima!
And now you're acting all chummy?
Your faces and bodies are still covered in fresh wounds that haven't even started to scab over!
How is this even remotely reasonable?
"This is perfectly reasonable!"
The chubby man in overalls rubbed the stubble on his soft chin while spinning a barbecue fork skewered with a chicken wing, speaking with conviction.
"Kaidou-sama has always been bold and straightforward. Even if someone's a mortal enemy, as long as they earn his respect, he'll set aside grudges and treat them with sincerity."
He suddenly grinned.
"Back when Kaidou-sama was founding the Beasts Pirates, everything was in its early stages. He desperately needed powerful, talented individuals with unique gifts."
"So he searched far and wide across the seas until he found me—the 'world's greatest scientist'—and earnestly invited me to join!"
At that, the other pirates' eyes lit up, their gazes filled with awe as they looked at Queen.
"Really!?"
"That's amazing!"
"I had no idea something like that happened!"
"Queen-sama really is incredible!"
"..."
Basking in the praise, Queen lit a cigar, placed his hands proudly on his hips, puffed out his round belly, and laughed smugly.
"Unfortunately, I was one of the heads of MADS, the world's top scientific team. My future couldn't have been brighter. How could I throw away all that glory and status just to become a pirate?"
"So I turned him down on the spot, no hesitation!"
Off to the side, King—still eyeing Daren warily—coldly interjected,
"The truth is, MADS had already been forcibly disbanded by the World Government, and you were wanted by both them and the Marines. Kaidou-san saved you when you were being hunted by CP agents."
Queen's face froze, then he quickly grew agitated,
"How is that any different from what I said!?"
"Just admit it—Kaidou-san tried to recruit me, and I said no, didn't I!?"
King replied flatly,
"That was because Kaidou-san's bounty was way higher than yours, and the hunt for him was even more intense. You were just afraid of getting dragged into it."
Queen's plump face turned beet red as he fired back,
"With my strength, why would I be worried about that?"
"When Kaidou-san came to recruit me, we fought for hours before I barely lost…"
"Of course, I didn't admit defeat, but in the end, I was moved by Kaidou-san's spirit and his vast generosity. That's why I joined the Beasts Pirates—for his sake."
At this point, the pirates were completely stunned, staring at the man in suspenders like they couldn't believe what they were hearing.
Queen-sama actually fought Kaidou-sama for hours?
That's insane!
"Is that so? I clearly remember Kaidou-san taking you out instantly with a single Raimei Hakke."
King sneered.
Queen: "..."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Everyone toppled over backward.
...
In front of the bonfire.
Kaidou was completely oblivious to the little incident involving Queen and was instead enthusiastically hugging Daren's shoulder, breathing heavily with the stench of alcohol on his breath.
"Worororo, Daren, why do you have to be my enemy?"
His rough, flushed face was full of alcohol and regret.
"In today's world, no one can defeat me. I am already the 'strongest' of this era!"
"Only you, who have also cultivated the 'Indestructible Body'... are worthy to stand on equal ground with me, 'Kaidou of the Beasts'!"
Daren took a sip of wine and smiled.
"Kaidou, if I wanted to accept your offer, I would've done it a year ago when you captured me. There's no reason to wait until now."
Kaidou shook his head and spoke in a deep, muffled voice.
"No, back then you were a Marine. It's understandable that you refused, even swore to fight to the death."
"You and I were on opposing sides, but I respected your conviction."
"But now it's different, isn't it? Daren, you've already seen the darkness of the World Government, and the Marines you served have completely betrayed you... There's no reason for you to keep resisting."
He spread his arms wide, revealing his scarred, broad chest, and let out a booming laugh like thunder.
"The free sea is right in front of you!"
"And more importantly..."
Kaidou grinned boldly and extended a hand toward Daren.
"This time, it's not about recruitment. It's an alliance!"
"You want to overthrow the World Government, don't you? So do I!"
"If we join forces, bringing this world to its knees would be a walk in the park!"
Daren looked at Kaidou's large, rough hand and smiled as he shook his head.
"I refuse."
Kaidou froze for a moment, then glared angrily.
"Why!?"
"We have a common enemy!"
"You felt it in that battle in the North Blue! With your power alone, there's no way you can take on those five old bastards!"
Daren lit a cigar and replied calmly.
"No particular reason. Just a matter of principle."
Kaidou's eyes widened, nearly blurting out.
"You have principles?"
Daren rolled his eyes.
"I don't have many lines I won't cross, and my reputation's a mess, but I do have principles."
He slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, and in the depths of his eyes, a vision of a purple-haired figure flickered briefly.
If he had to give a reason... it was probably that he didn't want to disappoint that old man.
"Damn it!!"
Kaidou seemed to sense Daren's firm resolve and let out a furious roar.
"I don't get it!"
"If you won't agree, I'll have no choice but to kill you!"
"What a damn shame!"
He slammed his fist hard into the ground, causing the earth to quake, then suddenly threw his head back and began bawling.
"Even if I don't kill you, those five old bastards will wipe you out sooner or later! Wah wah wah wah wah…"
"Just think—if we teamed up, no one in this world could stand against us!"
Kaidou cried his heart out, tears and snot running down his face.
Daren twitched at the corners of his eyes, a thick shadow of exasperation hanging over his head.
He'd long known Kaidou was a hopeless drunk, but this scene was way beyond what he'd expected.