Pirates gathered in droves to watch the spectacle, unaware of the battle's gravity.
Haiduo taunted, "A mere woman like you—I didn't want to bully you. Apologize and be my captain's wife, and I'll forgive you." Tina replied coldly, "Who in the world would apologize to a dog that speaks human words, let alone be its wife? Enough talk. All of you, come at me. I need to finish this and get back to him." Enraged, Haiduo snarled, "You reject my mercy? After I catch you, I'll have my fun, then let my crew have theirs." The pirates cheered excitedly.
Haiduo shouted, "Ten of you, take her down!" Ten lackeys charged. The first aimed a punch at Tina's chest, expecting softness, but she countered with an uppercut, shattering his jaw. He flew back, lifeless. Without pause, she unleashed rapid punches and kicks, dropping the other nine. Dusting her hands, she said, "All of you, come at once. Don't waste my time. I need to be with him."
Haiduo, stunned by her strength, realized even his Devil Fruit transformation might not match her. He'd hit a wall. As he schemed, a lackey he'd scared off earlier whispered, "Captain, she's got a kid. She mentioned 'him'—probably the boy. Grab him to threaten her, and she's ours. Heh heh." Haiduo slapped his head. "Why didn't you say so sooner? Take some men and grab the kid. I'll stall her. Hurry!" Three lackeys slipped into the inn.
To buy time, Haiduo said, "Not bad, little lady. You took out my men in seconds. Join my crew as vice-captain. What do you say?" Tina sneered, "Your dog face is disgusting enough. Be your vice-captain? I'd rather die. I'm the woman of the future Pirate King. You think you'll survive offending me?"
The crowd roared with laughter, mocking her audacity. Tina ignored them, thinking, Laugh now. When my husband makes his name, you'll believe. Haiduo, furious, shouted, "Arm yourselves, surround her, and kill this delusional woman!" To stall Tina, he ordered a surround attack, uncaring of his crew's losses.
Meanwhile, I reached the critical phase of cultivating the Demonic Body. Dark energy enveloped me, every cell pulsing as my meridians, flesh, and bones restructured. My new body was forming. My mind was clear, and I understood why the Demonic Desire Scripture prioritized mental strength first. The pain of reconstruction felt like millions of ants tearing at me, and fainting would mean death. It was worse than the Demon Sect's worst punishment—thousand cuts. One thought kept me going: I haven't conquered the pirate beauties. I can't fall now.
Outside my room, the three lackeys prepared to enter but were stopped by a voice. "You can't go in. I was entrusted to protect him, and I won't break my word." The receptionist spoke calmly. Startled, the lackeys turned, relieved to see the inn's manager. "Mind your business and get lost. We just want the boy," one said. She replied coolly, "No." An impatient lackey swung at her, but his hand was encased in thick snow, spreading to cover his body, leaving only his face. The three, terrified, stammered, "Ability user!" She smiled, "Correct. Your prize: becoming snowmen." Snow crept up the others' feet, encasing them similarly, faces exposed.
The receptionist said, "Don't bother struggling. This snow's ten times harder than normal. You can't break it. Wait for that woman to deal with you." Outside, Tina had reduced Haiduo's crew to about twenty men plus their captain.
A sudden, earth-shaking "Ah!" erupted from the room, dark energy surging skyward. The crowd flinched. Tina's heart raced, thinking, Baby, please be okay! Pirates saw her vanish in a flash. The receptionist, closest to the room, was thrown against the railing by the energy, covering her ears against the scream. The three lackeys were killed instantly by the sound and dark force. As the scream faded, Tina reached the corridor, glaring at the receptionist. Terrified, the receptionist said, "I didn't let anyone disturb him! I've been guarding. I don't know what happened!" Tina replied coldly, "If anything's wrong with him, you'll join him in death. Don't worry—I'll follow." She entered the room.
Thick dark energy obscured everything, unyielding to her attempts to clear it. Slowly, it gathered into my back, forming a pattern. As it dissipated, Tina saw a sight she'd never forget, hauntingly captivating.
"Naked, with infant-like skin, slightly longer silver hair, a perfect physique, arms spread, back turned, and a black demon tattoo radiating dominance and menace—an irresistible allure for any woman." Tina's heart swelled. The receptionist, witnessing it too, was mesmerized by my silhouette. I haven't seen his face, but I'm already in love with that back.
I turned, smirking evilly. "I'm back." Tina walked over, embracing me deeply. "Welcome back, husband." I lifted her chin, teasing, "Has your husband gotten handsomer? Thought you might not recognize me." She replied tenderly, "You're always the handsomest in my heart. No matter how you change, I'd know you. Your essence is locked in my soul." Her heartfelt words ignited me. I kissed her tender lips fiercely, savoring her sweetness. Tina matched my passion, our tongues entwining like lovers inseparable.
When she could barely breathe, I reluctantly pulled back, licking my lips. "Tina's lips are like candy—so sweet." Blushing, she buried her face in my chest, cooing, "Husband, you always tease me. I won't let you!" Her girlish pout made me laugh heartily.
The receptionist watched, longing to be the woman in my arms.
First update of the day. Thank you to my supportive readers. I'll keep writing. Let's build the perfect harem pirate crew together!