Abel felt a pang of dissatisfaction. He couldn't shake the feeling that this skill should be more than just this.
But the current situation wasn't ideal for experimentation.
Meanwhile, the chaotic battle at the harbor was finally nearing its conclusion.
Thud!
Black Bear Miles' massive frame crashed heavily to the ground once more.
This time, he couldn't endure any longer. His vision went black, and he collapsed unconscious, his body reverting from bear form to human. He was completely out of the fight.
Silverlight Sword Lawrence looked even worse.
Minutes earlier, Mr. Pink's Cat-Ear Fist had sent him flying, spitting blood, his face disfigured.
Before the battle, neither captain could have imagined such a humiliating defeat.
Not only had they been utterly crushed in a two-on-one fight, but they couldn't even find a shred of excuse for their loss.
The man named Senor Pink had truly defeated them fair and square, leaving them no room for denial.
With their captains defeated, the remaining pirates scattered in terror, no longer a threat.
After watching the spectacle for ages, the native soldiers finally moved in to clean up the mess.
Nearly all the troublemaking pirates were either captured or killed, with not a single one spared.
If they could have, they would have arrested the Donquixote Family members as well.
But considering the potential retaliation from the Donquixote Family, they couldn't afford to take the risk and reluctantly chose to let them go.
Pfft...
Amidst the cheers and flattery of the remaining crew, Mr. Pink lit another cigarette, gazing wistfully at the sky, lost in thought.
This series of actions should have been cool and captivating.
But his current appearance was anything but cool.
His left cheek was swollen like he had a steamed bun stuffed in his mouth.
His sunglasses had been shattered, leaving only the frame.
Worst of all was his suit, now reduced to rags, hanging in strips and revealing far too much.
But that was just his nature.
Even though he could have easily ambushed his enemies using his Devil Fruit Ability, he preferred to face them head-on in a fair fight.
This guy had definitely eaten the wrong Devil Fruit.
"Hey, you're the Executive the Donquixote Family sent this time, right?"
An official, protected by soldiers, stood before Mr. Pink, his chin raised.
"Señor Pink."
"Hmm? What?"
"You can call me by my name, or Mr. Pink. Impolite men are so unromantic."
Is this guy an idiot?!
The official's face darkened instantly. If these bastards hadn't caused trouble here, why would he be forced to deal with a filthy pirate?
"Then... Mr. Pink, my king demands an explanation and accountability for what has happened here."
"Don't forget, we've already purchased a large quantity of 'goods' from the Donquixote Family as agreed. No matter the reason, today's incident should never have occurred. Wouldn't you agree?"
Señor Pink continued smoking silently, his expression melancholy.
A few minutes later, the official pinched his nose in disgust and left.
Before departing, he had the unconscious Silverlight Sword Lawrence bound and taken away.
This man was the explanation and accountability Pink had provided.
The 35 million bounty was more than enough to cover the port's reconstruction costs, leaving no room for complaint.
As for the remaining Black Bear Miles and the two pirate ships, Pink planned to bring them back to Captain Doflamingo as his explanation and report.
This was simply Pink's nature. Had any other member of the Donquixote Family been present, they wouldn't have bothered with explanations or reports. They would have slaughtered everyone—the soldiers and that clueless official—and considered themselves merciful for not wiping out the entire country.
A crew member hesitantly approached Peak.
"Mr. Pink, during the battle, we used some of the goods we were supposed to trade..."
"I already know. Don't worry, it's not your fault. When we get back, just blame everything on me."
"Mr. Pink..."
The crew members' faces filled with gratitude and guilt at his words.
As always, Pink remained the most trustworthy and respected figure among them.
This was something they could never experience under the other Executives.
Night fell over the outskirts of town.
Abel, who had returned with his Zero-Yen Purchase, was feasting heartily with Law, casually recounting the fierce battle that had erupted at the harbor earlier that day.
Law listened intently, his hand movements slowing unconsciously.
"Is the Donquixote Family really that powerful? Just one Executive defeated the combined forces of two Pirate Crews!"
"You've never heard of the Donquixote Family?" Abel asked, surprised.
Law shook his head. "No one at home was interested in such things. But I know about Germa 66."
"Huh?"
"I saw them in a comic book once! Hero 'Sky' led the Dream Fusion Robot to defeat the Evil Legion Germa 66!"
"..."
Abel was speechless.
This was likely another propaganda stunt by the World Government and Marines, designed to brainwash children into believing in the Marines' strength and righteousness.
Even Law unconsciously frowned and showed disgust when he mentioned "Germa 66," proving just how effective this tactic was!
"Abel..."
"Hmm?"
"I want to join that Donquixote Family you mentioned."
Abel paused, then asked, "Are you serious?"
"I've thought it through. Just the two of us can barely manage to eat every day, let alone accomplish anything."
"Our lives are only a few years long. I don't want to waste them like this anymore!"
"Since we can't achieve anything on our own, let's descend into depravity! Let's actively join those villains and use their power to indulge in destruction and slaughter!"
The madness in Law's eyes at that moment even shocked Abel.
But once he calmed down, Abel could understand Law's feelings.
If he hadn't possessed the Golden Finger, which granted him the means to extend his life, he might have become just as hysterical and reckless as Law.
Yet, setting all that aside, Abel was fundamentally different from Law.
So now, he began to seriously consider Law's proposal to join the Donquixote Family.
What benefits and assistance could it offer him?
If there were none, then perhaps this was where he and Law would part ways.