"We're here. This area's reserved for the officers," Dirk explained as he pointed ahead.
"Right now, only Lord King and Big Brother Bullfart live here.
Now that you three are joining, that makes five in total."
Not far ahead stood a row of two-story villas, each with its own small yard. The walls were old and worn, scarred with bullet holes and cannon impacts.
"New World islands change hands all the time, so no one really bothers maintaining these houses.
But don't worry—they're clean inside."
Seeing the girls' curious glances, Dirk added the extra explanation himself. Their fine, elegant clothes made it obvious they weren't used to pirate accommodations.
"Most of us regular members have dorms, but we usually stay aboard the ships.
Only officers live near the main base—it's easier when Boss Kaido calls for meetings."
He pointed toward a massive structure further away.
"That's Boss Kaido's place. Most of the crew meetings are held there."
The building matched the villas' rough design, but its walls and roof were riddled with patches—some fresh, some old. Clearly, Kaido wasn't one to bother with front doors.
"And that long building over there is the mess hall. They'll ring the big bell before each meal.
Three meals a day, and you can eat as much as you like."
Dirk gestured toward a row of long, sausage-like barracks near the foot of the hill. Smoke was already rising from the chimneys, meaning preparations for the next meal were underway.
"Alright, that's the important stuff. Here's the key to your villa."
He took a silver key from his belt and handed it to Ra.
"If you need anything, just call me with a Den-Den Mushi—here's my number.
Someone will bring you a phone and supplies shortly."
With that, Dirk waved and turned to leave, giving the three a chance to settle in.
"Didn't think a big, rough guy like you would be so considerate, Uncle Dirk~" Ossi said with a grin. She was clearly impressed, even dropping her usual teasing nicknames.
"Haha, it's nothing, really."
The compliment actually made Dirk blush. Despite his burly appearance, the man was rather shy by nature.
Just as he was about to head off to arrange for their supplies, a towering figure—nearly four meters tall, with a pair of bull-like horns and the gills of a fishman—strode toward them.
"Hey, Dirk! Who're these brats? Look like a bunch of soft-skinned nobles you nabbed off a slaver ship?"
"Brother Bullfart! You're back! How'd the fight with Captain John's lot go?" Dirk asked in surprise, then hurried to explain: "This is Miss Ra, newly appointed officer by Boss Kaido. Those two are her sisters."
"Huh? An officer? Not some kidnapped noble girl?"
The fishman—Bullfart—looked the three up and down, then raised a brow. "Oi, brats, don't tell me you're Boss Kaido's daughters!"
"We have no blood relation with Captain Kaido," Ra replied politely. "We joined the Beasts Pirates at his invitation, Mister Bullfart."
"Yeah," Obelisk added, less politely. "Where'd you even get that idea? You think we look like that horn-headed guy?"
"Well, true enough. Boss Kaido only respects strength. Even if you were his daughters, he wouldn't treat you any differently." Bullfart nodded in agreement, then squinted at Ra.
"So tell me, kid—what strength do you have that made Boss Kaido take notice?
Let me make one thing clear: this isn't some pirate playhouse. Without real power, you'll die out here."
Ra could tell from his tone that he wasn't being hostile—just blunt and straightforward.
[A cold face but a warm heart,] she thought, mentally labeling him.
"Oh, oh, oh! Is this it? The classic 'new-map face-slapping' moment? Ra-sis, Ra-sis, can I take this one?!" Ossi's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"This Mister Bullfart is only trying to look out for us. Don't be rude," Ra said gently, giving Ossi a light pat on the head.
"Fine, fine~" Ossi rubbed her head, then turned to Bullfart again. "So, uh, Bull-something-uncle, are you a minotaur? You've got horns just like Kaido!"
"I'm a fishman—a fighting-fish fishman—the strongest kind! Not some damn cow-head!" Bullfart barked, visibly annoyed by her casual tone.
[Guess I'll have to teach these brats a little lesson…]
[Tch, why'd Boss Kaido bring back kids this young anyway? The pirate life's too rough for them.]
Resigned, Bullfart decided to give Ossi a small wake-up call.
"So, brat, you sounded eager for a fight just now. Want to test yourself against me?"
"Uh… maybe not? Ra-sis told me not to," Ossi said half-heartedly.
"She might not let you—but I do.
Come on, show me what you've got."
Without another word, Bullfart swung a massive fist toward her.
It wasn't a heavy or fast punch, but for an ordinary eight- or nine-year-old, it would've been impossible to dodge—a guaranteed lump on the head.
Ossi merely tilted her head slightly, and the blow whooshed past harmlessly.
"Hoh? Not bad."
Bullfart threw another punch, this one faster—nearing the limits of human reflexes.
Ossi leaned aside again, effortlessly avoiding it.
"Ra-sis, he started it. I can hit back now, right~?" she said cheerfully.
Ra nodded. "Alright. Just don't overdo it—Mister Bullfart means no harm."
She could tell he was just testing them, not trying to bully anyone.
"Relax, I'll hold back~" Ossi patted her small, flat chest proudly.
"Oh? So the red-haired brat's getting serious now?"
After two failed jabs, Bullfart realized this wasn't an ordinary child. He stepped in for a third strike—this time at full speed.
Ossi met him head-on, their fists colliding with a heavy crack that echoed through the yard.
[What strength—this kid's punch is insane!]
At first contact, Bullfart felt his right arm go numb.
Fishmen already had several times the strength of humans, and as a Fighting-Fish fishman, he was among the strongest of his kind—yet her power was comparable.
Before he could recover, Ossi's follow-up blows came in a blur.
Fists flashed, leaving afterimages. Because of her small stature, Bullfart was forced into an awkward defensive crouch, struggling to block each hit.
Her punches landed one after another, solid and relentless, driving him back step by step.
[This won't do!]
After retreating several dozen steps, Bullfart finally coated his leg with Armament Haki and kicked, knocking Ossi's fist aside.
He right away followed with a punch that landed square on Ossi's face.