To be honest, there was something quite satisfying about sitting back and watching two factions tear each other apart in a hail of bullets.
Vale D. Drake and Bernice stood in the distance, watching the fierce battle between the two sides.
Among them were several familiar figures Drake recognized: the weapon woman, the fat man who could increase his weight, and the old fitness fanatic.
They were all officers of the Donquixote Family. Although only a few had come, dealing with the Dark Clan was already proving difficult.
As the battle grew increasingly intense, the Dark Clan gradually fell into a disadvantageous position. Only one massive fat man remained, holding the line by himself.
"That's the leader of the Dark Clan, York!"
After receiving Bernice's confirmation, Drake nodded.
To be honest, York was truly hard on the eyes.
Being average-looking would have been one thing, but this guy was downright unbearable to look at.
His nose didn't look like a nose, his eyes didn't look like eyes, and worst of all, he seemed completely unaware of how ugly he was. Even during battle, he kept smoothing back his flashy hairstyle.
Was this guy seriously mentally challenged?
The thought appeared in Drake's mind, and he unconsciously glanced at Bernice beside him.
This was what people meant by heaven and earth apart. Looking like that was one thing, but expecting a beauty to genuinely fall in love with him?
Thinking about it, it wasn't entirely unreasonable. The real issue was... was forcing it like this really okay?
Where was his self-awareness?
As the sounds of battle gradually diminished, Drake and the others were finally able to hear the conversations on the battlefield.
"G!"
Doflamingo's officer, Lao G, struck powerful poses while unleashing fierce attacks.
The Donquixote Family truly was filled with talented individuals. Before long, all of the Dark Clan's officers had fallen, leaving only York standing.
"Lao! Is this Doflamingo's order?!"
York's round body heaved with heavy breaths. His entire body looked like a mass of rotten mud.
"That's right~"
Lao G showed no mercy whatsoever. After fooling around for a moment, he launched another attack toward York.
"Damn it!"
York's face twisted with rage.
Originally, he had planned to use this shipment of weapons as a stepping stone to expand his influence throughout the surrounding area.
Now, forget ambition. Whether he could even survive had become the question.
His gaze slowly swept across the battlefield.
Without realizing it, fewer and fewer of his people remained. The enemy wasn't much better off, but this was everything he had.
Everything.
If it was all gone, then he would truly have nothing left.
"Ah, in that case, I can't just let you leave like this."
York's body suddenly began to expand.
The flesh covering his enormous frame dissolved into a pool of foul mud that emitted an unbearable stench.
What the hell kind of ability is that?
Drake and the others immediately covered their noses and mouths. The smell was absolutely overwhelming.
"York ate the Mud Stench Fruit. His entire body can emit the foul odor of sludge and possesses tremendous stickiness. He's a Logia user, and that's what makes him troublesome."
As Bernice explained, she put on a gas mask.
She also handed one to Drake.
After accepting the mask, Drake felt as though he had narrowly escaped disaster.
However, a strange idea suddenly occurred to him.
York's ability might be a huge headache for everyone else.
But for Drake, it really wouldn't have any effect at all.
The battle continued for another hour.
At that point, only York and Lao G remained on the battlefield, continuously clashing with each other.
Both were covered in blood, though York appeared to have suffered considerably heavier injuries.
Drake knew Lao G.
Two years later, this guy would defeat Chinjao. His strength was definitely not to be underestimated.
Looking at it that way, York's strength was actually quite respectable.
"Boss, let's move!"
One of Bernice's subordinates called out as they all stood up.
Both sides had suffered heavy losses. This was the perfect opportunity to strike.
"Mm."
Bernice waved her jade-like hand.
Immediately, large groups of people emerged from every direction.
"Attack!"
Drake watched with great interest from the side.
Meanwhile, Shit and Little Fatty stood behind him without daring to utter a word.
They knew the Dark Clan was finished.
No, more accurately, York was finished.
With Bernice around, the Dark Clan's influence would likely continue to exist.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Countless cannons fired toward the center of the battlefield.
In only moments, the area became a sea of flames.
The few remaining minor fighters were instantly annihilated.
The bombardment continued relentlessly, and from time to time, York's and Lao G's furious curses could still be heard.
Before long, Bernice's forces subdued them all.
Both Lao G and York were placed in handcuffs and tightly bound.
"It's you! Bernice!"
York stared at the cold-faced woman in combat attire with utter disbelief.
"You planned all of this?!"
He wasn't stupid. A little thought was enough to piece together what had happened.
Bernice merely glanced at him indifferently before looking away.
Her gaze settled on Lao G.
"You're that young girl who stayed by York's side, aren't you?"
Lao G also recognized Bernice.
The Dark Clan was fairly well-known in these waters.
At least among the underworld forces.
After figuring everything out, Lao G smiled.
"Let us go. I'll recommend you to Young Master. It's not impossible for you to continue leading the Dark Clan here."
He seemed completely confident that Bernice would accept.
And honestly, his confidence wasn't baseless.
To her, the Donquixote Family was a colossal existence.
Any underworld force that wished to survive in this region had to consider the Donquixote Family's attitude.
"Really?"
A slight smile appeared at the corner of Bernice's lips.
In the past, she might actually have agreed.
If the Dark Clan wanted to advance any further, it needed the support of the Donquixote Family.
Their influence was simply too vast.
Expecting her to lead the Dark Clan against one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Doflamingo, had always been impossible.
But now...
She had changed her mind.
Ignoring the astonished looks around her, Bernice walked directly to Drake.
Then, she suddenly dropped to one knee and performed a subordinate's salute.
Under Drake's surprised gaze, she slowly said:
"Captain, please accept the Dark Clan under the Dragon Flag Pirates. From this day forward, all 1,500 members of the Dark Clan will be at your disposal."
"Boss!"
Everyone was stunned.
None of them understood what was happening.
The Dragon Flag Pirates!
Some turned pale with shock.
Others looked completely confused.
"Bernice, there's no need for this. We—"
Drake suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
"No. Please don't concern yourself with Bell's matter. We are siblings, but right and wrong must still be distinguished. Please accept us."
"This..."
Drake clasped his hands behind his back, maintaining a calm expression.
"I accept."
In reality, his attention had been captured by the system.
Just moments ago, it had suddenly issued a mission requiring him to take in the Dark Clan.
"Yes!"
A captivating smile blossomed across Bernice's face.
"Then how should we deal with them?"
Naturally, she was referring to Lao G and York.
Now that they had joined the Dragon Flag Pirates, they would follow Drake's decision.
"As for them..."
Drake glanced at the pair before falling into thought.
Suddenly, Lao G and York's eyes widened.
"Y-You... You're Vale D. Drake, one of the Legendary Four Brothers?! What are you doing here?!"
Both Lao G and York had finally recognized him.
Their faces were filled with disbelief.