Bang!
In the tavern, a burly man with a thick chest of hair slammed a barrel of ale onto the table.
"So what if it's the Donquixote Family? I'll rob them anyway!"
"Scared? What kind of pirate are you if you're scared of everything? Go home and suck your mother's milk!"
The burly man's mocking words drew dark looks from many across from him. Several hot-tempered individuals even reached for their weapons, ready to teach the bastard a lesson.
"Bullshit! Who's afraid?"
"Insolent brat! I'm talking to your captain. What right do you have to bark at me?"
"Fuck! I'll..."
"Shut up and get back in line!"
The speaker was a man in a tight green combat suit, a western-style sword strapped to his waist—an odd sight indeed.
With the captain's command, even the most humiliated crew members had no choice but to swallow their pride.
"Black Bear Miles, you sent word about a major deal, which is why I brought my men here. But instead, you're planning to seize the Donquixote Family's smuggling ship. Regardless of success or failure, have you considered the consequences?"
"Ha! What consequences? It's just a fight to the death. The Donquixote Family? I've hated those bastards for ages! I used to think Silverlight Sword Lawrence was someone to respect, but after seeing him today—heh—he's just a coward. If you're too scared to act, then the Giant Bear Pirates will take over. But let me make one thing clear: if the Hundred Swords Pirates try to interfere, don't blame me for showing no mercy."
These words were like a dagger to the heart.
The Hundred Swords Pirates were filled with righteous fury, their eyes blazing with anger. Even Silverlight Sword Lawrence wore a dark expression, his face radiating murderous intent.
"If you, you stupid bear, are so eager to die, I'll gladly send you on your way right now!"
After being insulted so directly, Lawrence knew he had to react or lose all credibility as captain.
"You? A coward who trembles at the mere mention of the Donquixote Family? Hahahaha!"
Black Bear Miles roared with laughter, his crew joining in, their bodies shaking with mirth.
Lawrence knew Miles was deliberately provoking him, trying to goad him into a fight, but he couldn't endure such humiliation.
In the next instant, silver light flashed!
Lawrence's rapier pierced Miles's chest.
The title "Silverlight Sword" was widely known for the dazzling spectacle of his strikes.
But to Lawrence's horror, his blade sank only half an inch into Miles's flesh before meeting resistance.
He looked up to see Miles grinning savagely, then transforming into a colossal, five-meter-tall black bear!
That thick fur was the perfect defense.
"Is that all you've got? Are you trying to tickle me?"
Miles raised his massive bear paw and slammed it down with tremendous force.
With a deafening crash, the sturdy solid wood table shattered into splinters.
Lawrence, however, lived up to his reputation. At the critical moment, he swiftly retreated, narrowly avoiding injury.
Yet his expression turned grave.
"A Devil Fruit user?"
"Indeed. It seems you have some knowledge after all."
Black Bear Miles stood proudly, revealing himself as a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user of the Black Bear Fruit.
Transformed into a black bear, his strength and defense were massively amplified. Crushing skulls with a single swipe was child's play.
He was also a rising power in the North Blue, with a bounty of 33 million Beri.
Silverlight Sword Lawrence, having debuted earlier and boasting a more extensive "battle record," commanded a higher bounty than his opponent—a staggering 35 million Beri.
However, judging by their earlier clash, Lawrence might not necessarily hold the advantage.
Ultimately, only a full-fledged battle would determine the victor.
"Again!"
Lawrence charged forward, sword raised, while Miles met him head-on, his massive bear paws swinging with brutal force.
In moments, the pitiful tavern was reduced to rubble.
As their captains clashed, the crew members grew restless.
Though they couldn't interfere in the captains' duel, the sheer number of opponents before them, combined with their pent-up resentment, was proving too much to bear.
Yet, just as the captains seemed poised for a life-or-death struggle, they abruptly ceased fighting in perfect unison.
This sudden halt stunned everyone.
Why did they stop?
The answer was simple: neither wanted a mutually destructive outcome.
On one hand, Black Bear Miles possessed formidable defense and overwhelming strength, yet struggled to catch the more agile Lawrence.
On the other hand, Lawrence's lightning-fast sword strikes proved ineffective at inflicting lethal damage. He could only evade attacks while searching for vulnerable spots like the eyes or vital organs.
In the short term, neither combatant could gain the upper hand.
In a no-retreat, all-out battle, Black Bear Miles undoubtedly held the advantage.
He could withstand numerous attacks, while a single mistake from Lawrence would leave him severely wounded.
Moreover, Miles, having consumed a Zoan-type Devil Fruit, completely outmatched Lawrence in stamina.
Yet Lawrence wasn't entirely without a chance, given his proven strength.
It was precisely because both knew the fight would escalate beyond control that they tacitly agreed to cease hostilities.
"You're strong," Lawrence said, offering Miles a face-saving gesture after having been on the defensive earlier. "No wonder you dared target the Donquixote Family's smuggling ship."
Miles didn't press his advantage. He reverted to his human form, laughing heartily. "You're no slouch either. We've been fighting for ages, and I haven't landed a single hit!"
If you did, would I even be alive? Lawrence thought inwardly, but outwardly he replied, "I'm now more interested in your earlier proposal. Shall we discuss it in a more private setting?"
Miles' face lit up. "Absolutely! With us working together, even if the ship is guarded by their executives, they won't stand a chance!"
Collaboration required equal footing in strength and status. Partnering with a weak ally would only lead to disaster.
Thus, the fight had served its purpose: both sides had gauged each other's capabilities.
It was a case of "no fight, no friendship." The earlier tension had vanished completely.
____
Meanwhile, Abel remained unaware that two pirate crews had already set their sights on the wealth and supplies aboard the Donquixote Family's smuggling ship and had joined forces to launch their operation.
At that moment, he was focused on the System.
Three days had passed, granting him another search attempt.
He hesitated, unsure whether to use it immediately. If he waited until they set sail, supplies would only become scarcer.
Moreover, he couldn't guarantee the success of their upcoming plans.
Completing a new order quickly might yield rewards he could use right away.
With that thought, he decided to take the plunge!
Even if he encountered an impossible order, he still had the Four-Star Good Review Card as a safety net.