Although Miller was known as the "Guardian" of both villages, not everyone liked him.
Village Chief Farmer was one of those people.
As previously mentioned, Miller was a retired Marine Captain who specialized in hand-to-hand combat and had a decent amount of strength. In his younger days, he had clashed with pirates and carried some facial scars he proudly displayed as his badges of honor.
While Miller's strength wasn't enough to free the villagers from Anderson's control, most villagers still believed that it was thanks to Miller that the villages had managed to survive without being massacred.
In both East and West Villages, there was a custom: if a man was strong enough, people would scramble to marry their daughters to him. Riding on this social norm, and being something of a womanizer, Miller, despite being nearly forty and unmarried, had relations with more women than anyone could count.
He also loved to boast to villagers, always saying things like "Back in my day…", something Farmer detested.
To Farmer, Miller was just all talk and no results. If he had any real ability, he would've already defeated or driven off Anderson. Then villagers wouldn't be forced to pay humiliating tribute to the "Evil Wolf Pirates" every month.
In truth, Farmer didn't believe Miller cared about the villagers at all. He thought Miller used his limited strength just to gain fame and sleep with women.
That's why Farmer had secretly hired three warriors from another island to deal with Anderson.
One was known for brute strength, one for speed, and the third claimed to be undefeated on his home island.
To avoid implicating the village, Farmer paid them handsomely and instructed them to provoke Anderson themselves when he came to collect the tribute. That way, Anderson wouldn't suspect someone had hired them and retaliate against the villagers.
But the moment one of the warriors witnessed Anderson's overwhelming power, he ran away in terror. The remaining two were killed in less than three minutes.
After that, no one dared challenge Anderson again. In the minds of the people, Anderson had become an untouchable force.
So when they heard that an outsider named Kurou had killed Anderlin, the villagers were thrown into an uproar.
Even the three-year-old children in the village knew Anderson was far more terrifying than his younger brother. Killing Anderlin wouldn't prevent disaster, instead, it would bring one upon them.
This was what they called: failing to control one's strength invites misfortune.
Thus, the villagers begged Miller to defeat Kurou and hand him over to Anderson to avoid a massacre.
Miller was all too eager. He wanted to see just how powerful this brat who defeated Anderlin really was.
One day, Kurou was on his way to train in the back mountains of East Village when he was suddenly stopped by Miller and a crowd.
Seeing all of them, Kurou said, "What's the meaning of this?"
"Kid, word is you're real tough. But you killed Anderlin and acted all flashy without thinking of the consequences. Do you realize the trouble you've brought us?" Miller barked.
"Yeah, yeah! Do you know what kind of disaster you've dragged us into?" the villagers echoed behind him.
Kurou said lazily, "I already told your chief, I'm not leaving until I defeat Anderson."
The villagers were stunned for a moment before bursting out in laughter.
"This brat… he said he's going to defeat Anderson?"
"Hilarious!"
"Just because you beat Anderlin doesn't mean you can beat Anderson. The two aren't even close in strength!"
"What a clueless little punk…"
They jeered from all directions, their words full of contempt.
Kurou ignored them and kept walking. But Miller rushed forward and blocked his path.
"What do you want?" Kurou asked coldly.
Miller sneered, "You heard everyone, right? No one here believes in you. A little brat like you, dreaming of beating Anderson? Ridiculous!"
Kurou responded with equal disdain, "You've got a mouth, say whatever you like. But I made a promise to the village chief, not to you. Whether you believe me or not has nothing to do with me."
"Then I'll just have to kill you and hand you over to Anderson!" Miller snarled, striking a combat stance.
Kurou narrowed his eyes. "If you think you can, go ahead and try."
"He's too arrogant! Teach him a lesson!"
"Let's take him down!"
"Give him a good beating!"
The villagers cheered for Miller.
"Die, brat!"
Miller raised a leg and launched a side kick at Kurou. But Kurou calmly channeled chakra into his left arm and blocked it.
Though it seemed like a simple kick, Miller was a seasoned Marine Captain, and was rumored to know the Six Powers (Rokushiki). This wasn't just a casual strike.
In truth, the kick was just a test. Miller wanted to gauge Kurou's strength, but to his surprise, it was easily neutralized.
Miller's eyes narrowed. Time to get serious.
"Six Powers, Finger Gun!"
He lunged forward, thrusting his index finger straight at Kurou's heart.
Clang!
The impact sounded like metal colliding. Miller's finger struck Kurou's chest, only to stop cold, unable to penetrate even half a millimeter.
Kurou had focused chakra around his heart at the last moment, forming an invisible armor that blocked the attack.
Seeing this guy aim for a fatal spot, Kurou decided not to hold back either.
"Lightning Release, Chi, "
"Enough!"
Just as Kurou was about to unleash Chidori, an elderly voice called out from nearby.
It was Village Chief Farmer.
He rushed over and shouted, "What are you two doing?!"
Miller immediately acted innocent. "Chief, this brat got all smug after beating Anderlin. I was just teaching him some manners!"
"Who are you calling a brat? Try saying that again!" Kurou was furious. Chakra surged through his body as he prepared to pummel Miller.
Miller sneered, "You arrogant little punk, I said, "
"Both of you, shut up!" Farmer roared, cutting them off.
Miller went silent immediately.
For all his bravado, even Miller didn't dare disobey someone with Farmer's authority.
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150 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter