Chapter 31 only this bad? Just a roadside stall!
Zoro drew his three swords from his waist, bit the Wado Ichimonji in his mouth, and walked up to Viktor with a disgruntled expression.
"Ugh, this is so troublesome. That bastard Luffy, there's only one path, yet he still manages to go the wrong way."
He assumed a three-sword style stance, his sharp eyes fixed on the two oddly dressed pirates blocking his way—the cat-man brothers, Boogie and Sam.
"Hey, Viktor. Leave these two little kittens blocking the way to me."
Just then.
"Waaaaah—!!"
Suddenly, Luffy's incredibly powerful shout came from behind.
Everyone turned to look and saw that the two large trees on the high place had been stretched to their limit.
Luffy was hanging in the middle when his hands suddenly let go.
"Rubber-slingshot!!"
"call out--!!"
Luffy flew straight down the steep slope like a cannonball, at an astonishing speed.
"Bang!!!"
With a loud bang, Luffy crashed into the pirate group that had been arrayed behind him like a meteorite.
The immense impact instantly overturned a large group of pirates, and screams of agony filled the air.
Zango, who had just woken up and was swaying as he stood up while clutching his head, hadn't even figured out what was happening when he saw a red figure rapidly enlarging in front of him.
"Huh?"
"Thump!"
Luffy's knee struck Django's face precisely.
"Lord Zangao!!!"
Poor Zango rolled his eyes again, was knocked away like a rag doll, foamed at the mouth and completely fainted once more.
"It's not that red-eyed demon!"
"Damn it! Kill that straw hat kid!!"
Although the cat-men in front were agile, they barely managed to dodge the blast from Luffy's "human cannonball".
The two men looked at the mess behind them and broke out in a cold sweat.
"What kind of monsters are these people?!"
Fat Cat Sam gritted his teeth and glared fiercely at Zoro in front of him. "Never mind what's behind us, that green-haired swordsman is here, let's teach him a lesson first!"
"Who are you calling the green-haired swordsman?!"
The veins on Zoro's forehead bulged, and his eyes instantly became terrifying.
Before he finished speaking, the two swords in his hands were already rushing towards them with a strong wind.
...
The chaotic battlefield did not affect Viktor.
His gaze swept over the chaotic fighting crowd, guided by the flickering torchlight around him.
They precisely locked onto the gloomy-faced figure at the bow of the pirate ship below—Kro.
On the bow of the ship, Kro seemed to have noticed the gaze as well. He raised his head and stared fiercely into those eyes that emitted an eerie red light.
Their eyes met, and a murderous intent filled the air.
Viktor's lips curled into a smile as he murmured to himself:
"Then I'll just have to catch the king first."
The next moment.
He took a deep breath, and his chakra surged throughout his body, causing his leg muscles to tense.
"collapse!"
The ground beneath his feet cracked instantly, and Victor transformed into a bolt of black lightning.
Ignoring everyone around him, he rushed downwards at high speed.
"Tch, another one coming to die..."
Sam, the fat cat who was preparing to ambush Zoro, keenly sensed Viktor's presence and instinctively tried to stop him.
"Watch me tear it to shreds..."
However, he hadn't finished speaking.
Viktor's swift figure had already reached him like a ghost.
Sam's pupils contracted sharply, and his eyes widened.
How could it be so fast?!
Before he could react...
Victor didn't even glance at him, but instead raised his foot and stomped hard on that disgusting cat face!
"Bang!"
Sam's entire face was instantly deformed as he was stomped into the ground by the immense force.
His hands rose limply, then fell quickly, and he remained silent.
"Sam!!" Butch exclaimed in shock.
Using the force of that stomp, Victor's speed increased instead of decreasing, and he passed him and continued rushing forward.
"Stop him! Stop him!!"
The few pirates who were lucky enough to escape Luffy's attack watched as the red-eyed boy charged towards them like a god of death, and tremblingly raised their swords in an attempt to block him.
"It's in the way."
Viktor's eyes were cold, and he flicked his wrist.
"Whoosh!"
Two kunai flew out with a whooshing sound, instantly piercing the throats of the two men.
Immediately afterwards, he ducked to avoid a knife, and then delivered a whip kick that sent a man flying backward, his sternum caved in.
Using the momentum of the rotation, he thrust his longsword forward, piercing the heart of the person next to him without any resistance.
The last pirate blocking the way watched his companion die a horrible death, and trembled with fear, his legs giving way and he collapsed to his knees.
"Please... don't, don't kill me..."
"puff."
With a flash of sword light, Victor finished off the body without looking back.
It's just a roadside stall, not worth mentioning.
The entire battle ended in just a few seconds.
By this time, Victor had already reached the shore.
"Kill this straw hat kid."
"Damn it! What kind of ability is this?!"
"Hehehe! Rubber-machine gun!"
Most of the pirates on the beach below were so engrossed in the chaos Luffy had created that no one noticed the impending arrival of death.
Victor looked at Crowe, who was standing at the bow of the ship clutching his severed arm, and his smile widened.
"Kroo, this time you won't get away."
He stomped on the head of a pirate charging towards him, using it as a springboard to leap high into the air.
He held his sword in both hands in mid-air, his body like a fully drawn bow, and slashed fiercely at Kuro on the pirate ship!
This strike was powerful and heavy, accompanied by a tremendous sound of wind breaking.
If the shot hits, the severely wounded Clod will undoubtedly die.
"No! You're underestimating me!!!"
Kro looked at the figure in the air and roared in fury.
As a highly intelligent pirate, how could he have ever been so looked down upon and driven to such a desperate situation by a mere brat!
But he was, after all, a master of strategy, and he didn't let anger cloud his judgment and try to take the blow head-on.
"As long as we get past this..."
As Kro was about to dodge, he subconsciously looked up at Victor.
In that instant, he met those scarlet eyes, those eyes that swirled with magatama.
"Illusion Technique: Naraku's Eye Technique (Weakened Version)".
Kro's body froze instantly, as if countless invisible nails had pinned his limbs, rendering him unable to move.
"What...what kind of sorcery is this?!"
But his survival instinct reacted incredibly quickly.
"puff!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Kro used his remaining right hand to slam his fist into the still unhealed knife wound on his chest.
"ah!!"
The intense pain instantly jolted his nerves back to reality, snapping him out of the illusion's daze.
"spoon!!"
Just as the sword was about to touch the top of his head, Kro activated the high-speed movement technique of Silent Step.
"Whoosh!"
His figure vanished into thin air, narrowly escaping this deadly slash.
"boom!"
Victor's longsword struck the deck, sending splinters flying.
"Die!!"
Having narrowly escaped death, Kro appeared instantly behind and to the side of Victor, his eyes filled with madness.
He swung the sharp, five-bladed cat claw on his right hand and slashed fiercely at Victor, whose strength had been exhausted.
However.
Viktor, who possesses the Sharingan, had already seen through his movements.
"when!!"
Viktor turned around, his longsword precisely blocking the fierce attack.
Their faces were inches apart.
Viktor exerted force with his arm, unleashing a burst of chakra, easily forcing Kuro, who now only had one arm, back several steps.
He casually flicked his knife, smiling as he looked at the panting Kro, his gaze fixed on the man's only remaining right hand.
"Wow, that's a quick reaction."
Viktor's tone, though seemingly smiling, sent chills down one's spine.
"It seems... I'll have to cut off this hand of yours too!"Chapter 32 A Desperate Struggle! The End!
Upon hearing Viktor's arrogant remarks, the veins on Crowe's forehead bulged, and his face twisted like a demon.
"You damn..."
But Victor clearly had no interest in listening to his wailing.
"Instantaneous Movement Technique".
The air vibrated, and Victor's figure vanished instantly, reappearing face-to-face with Kro.
Kro's eyes widened instantly.
It's that same old trick again!
Fortunately, he was prepared. With his remaining right hand, he swung his sharp five-bladed cat claw, tearing through the air, and slashed down toward Victor's head.
"Die!!"
Faced with this fatal blow, Viktor merely revealed a mocking smile.
"How dare you, with only one arm, confront me head-on?"
"when!"
Viktor easily parried Chloe's cat claws with a single swing of his longsword.
Then, he flipped his wrist, unleashed a burst of chakra, and suddenly increased the force by pushing outwards.
"What?!"
Having lost his left arm and become unsteady, Kro felt an immense force strike him instantly.
His only remaining right hand was violently swung away, leaving his entire body wide open!
Viktor's eyes were cold, his right leg muscles tense, seizing this fleeting opportunity.
Then, a vicious kick landed squarely on the still unhealed knife wound in Kro's chest.
"Bang!!"
"ah!!!"
Kro let out a shrill scream, his mouth wide open, his eyes bulging, and he spat out a mouthful of acidic water mixed with blood.
The immense impact rendered him unable to stand on the deck.
He was thrown out like a rag doll, flying over the ship's side and crashing heavily onto the beach below.
"Bang!"
Dust and sand flew everywhere.
"captain!!"
"Captain Crowe!!"
Upon seeing this, the pirates who had been entangled with Luffy nearby immediately panicked and surrounded Kuro, helping him up.
Then they looked up and glared angrily at Victor, who was standing at the bow of the ship looking down at them.
"You bastard! Why did you treat our captain so cruelly?!"
"You demon!!"
Hearing these words of rebuke that sounded like those of a victim, Viktor tilted his head slightly, a look of confusion on his face.
"Huh? What does it matter to you if I kill you!"
巳－未－申－亥－午－寅.
Before he finished speaking, Viktor did not stop. Instead, his hands moved rapidly, completing the hand seals.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!!"
"call--!!"
Victor showed no mercy.
A massive fireball, accompanied by surging heat, erupted from his mouth once more, relentlessly bombarding Kuro and the other pirates who were huddled together below.
"No!!"
"ah!!"
The firelight reflected in the pirates' terrified eyes.
Just then, Kro, who was in the very center and had been on the verge of death, suddenly made a move.
He stared at the massive fireball hurtling towards him, a chilling glint of venom flashing in his eyes.
"Come here!!"
Kuro suddenly exerted force with his right hand, pulling the nearest pirate to stand firmly in front of him.
"The... the captain?!" The pirate turned around in disbelief.
"Bang!!!"
The enormous fireball crashed to the ground, impacting the beach, and everyone was instantly engulfed by the raging flames.
The heatwave rolled in, and the embers scattered.
A moment later, the flames died down.
The pirate who was used as a human shield had his back charred black and lay on Kuro, his life hanging in the balance.
As for Kro, who was hiding behind him, perhaps because he was at the bottom and had the crowd around him attacking from all sides.
In addition, the meat shield blocked most of the flames, and miraculously only suffered some superficial burns.
"Get out of my way!"
Kro pushed away the man on top of him whose skin was burned and torn open.
He staggered to his feet, reached down and took off the cracked glasses from his nose, threw them on the ground, and stomped on them until they were smashed to pieces!
"Click".
With the glasses shattered, the last shred of reason in Chloe's mind completely collapsed.
He lowered his head, his body swayed eerily, and he let out a chilling laugh.
"Hehe...hehehe...die, all of you..."
"spoon!!"
Kro once again unleashed his ultimate move.
This time, however, he no longer controlled the direction; his entire being transformed into an invisible afterimage, and he began to move and attack indiscriminately at high speed on the beach.
"Swish! Swish! Swish!"
The sound of sharp blades slicing through flesh rang out one after another.
"ah!!"
"Captain?! What are you doing?!"
"No! I am your loyal subordinate!!"
The nearby Black Cat Pirates members were instantly killed, their lives cruelly taken by their own captain, their blood staining the beach red.
"Wow!"
Even Luffy, who was standing not far away, was slashed by the invisible attack, but he reacted quickly and immediately jumped back to dodge.
"Ouch! What's wrong with that guy? He's so fast!" Luffy cried out, clutching his wound.
"Ha, has the kitten gone mad?"
Victor stood indifferently at the bow of the ship, watching Kro below as he frantically reaped the lives of his men, and chuckled softly.
"How ugly. Well then, let me end your suffering."
What appears to others as a "spoon" disappearing in the blink of an eye is, in Viktor's eyes, a single-tomoe Sharingan, where the trajectory is clearly visible despite its speed.
"call."
Viktor leaped into the air and plunged straight into the carnage below.
"die!!"
When Kro saw Victor, who was in a frenzied state, the red light in his eyes intensified.
Its speed suddenly exploded again, and its movements became even more brutal as it charged straight at Victor.
At this moment, Viktor felt as if he were in a "knife room" surrounded by sharp blades on all sides.
But no matter where Kro's attack came from, whether it was a sneak attack from behind or a sweeping attack from the side.
"Too slow."
Is this your limit?
Viktor moved with the ease of a stroll, each time parrying with his sword at just the right moment, or dodging the deadly cat claws by sidestepping.
"Ding! Ding! Ding!"
Sparks continued to bloom in the darkness.
"Why! Why can't I hit it!!"
Kro's attacks became more brutal and chaotic, each swing of his sword stained with his own blood, like a dying beast.
"Because you are too weak."
"Victor said coldly."
The next second, he seized the opportunity and swung his sword forcefully, deflecting Kro's attack and causing him to lose his balance completely.
"it's over."
Viktor grinned menacingly, raised his longsword high, and then, without hesitation, slashed at Crowe's remaining right hand.
"Pfft!"
A crisp sound of bones breaking.
Kro's right hand, along with his proud cat paw, flew high into the air and landed on the beach.
"Uh...ah..."
Having lost both arms, Kro collapsed to his knees, dazed and powerless.
He looked up at Victor, and the madness in his eyes had vanished, leaving only endless fear and emptiness.
"Who...who are you...?"
"Whoosh."
Viktor did not answer him.
With a flick of his wrist, a flash of cold light appeared.
One stroke and he was beheaded.
Kro's head rolled to the ground, his eyes still wide open.
"call..."
Viktor flicked the blood off his sword; a few drops of warm blood stained his face, but he didn't wipe them away.
The red light in his eyes gradually faded, leaving only indifference.
He knew perfectly well that in this cruel world of pirates, being merciful to the enemy was being cruel to oneself.
If he were the loser today, Kroo's methods would be a hundred or a thousand times more ruthless.
By comparison, giving him a quick death was actually quite merciful.
Yes, I'm such a kind person.
Thinking this, Viktor's smiling face reappeared.
Not far away.
Zango, who had just struggled to wake up from his coma, opened his eyes to see his invincible captain being beheaded.
He stood frozen in place, his eyes glazed over.
He murmured:
"No...no...this is impossible..."
He fainted again.
Just then, a pleasant notification sound rang in Viktor's mind.
[Ding! Congratulations, host, for altering the plot and defeating the Black Cat Pirates and their captain, Kuro.]
[Combat Rating: S (Smooth and decisive, ruthless and efficient)]
[Reward: 2000 Ninja Points.]
[Reward: Physical fitness slightly improvedChapter 33 Pirate Methods and Ingratitude
The first rays of morning sunlight pierced the darkness of the sea.
"Click".
Victor slowly sheathed his longsword without expression.
At the same time, he casually flicked his other hand, and a kunai transformed into a black streak of light, instantly piercing through the body of Zango, who was trying to get up and run away in the distance.
The hypnotist collapsed onto the beach before he could even scream.
At this moment, Zoro finally dealt with the "little cat" and, wielding the Wado Ichimonji, descended to the beach below.
He looked down at the beach littered with corpses and couldn't help but click his tongue.
"Hey, Luffy! It's all your fault for leading me the wrong way! I missed the best part!"
Zoro turned to Luffy beside him and complained.
Luffy scratched his head innocently, blinking his big eyes:
"But Zoro, it was you who showed me the way. You said there was a sound over there."
"I was talking about the direction of the sound! Who told you to jump straight off the cliff!" Zoro said angrily.
"Pfft, hahaha!"
Viktor couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight, and his previously cold killing intent dissipated considerably.
"How dishonest of you, you directionally challenged swordsman. You're the one who can't even tell left from right, aren't you?"
"What did you say?! You want to fight, you red-eyed bastard!" Zoro's forehead veins bulged.
"Ah!! My treasure!!"
Just then, a piercing scream interrupted the argument.
Nami finally arrived at the scene with a panting Usopp.
She looked at the scattered treasures and her expression was one of deep sorrow.
"These bastards! How dare they defile my Pele!"
Nami instantly transformed into a blur, swiftly traversing the battlefield, skillfully cleaning up the mess and picking up the scattered gold coins one by one.
Luffy picked up a jewel-encrusted golden crown from a bag on the ground, casually put it on his straw hat, and asked with a grin:
"This is really beautiful. Viktor, am I handsome?"
"That's awesome, Captain." Victor gave a perfunctory thumbs up.
"Hahaha! We're really too strong! This is the power of the great pirate Captain Usopp!"
Usopp finally recovered by then.
He looked at the enemies scattered on the ground, and although he couldn't stop trembling, he still proudly gave himself a thumbs up, and his nose seemed to grow even longer.
"See that? This is my domineering aura! With just a flick of my wrist, they all fell down!"
"Huh? This has nothing to do with you!"
Nami, who was frantically stuffing money into her pocket, retorted without turning her head, "Weren't you hiding behind the rock trembling the whole time?"
"Uh…" Usopp's face stiffened, then he forced an explanation.
"This is your chance to show off! After all, if I make a move, my 80 million men will rush out, and then the situation will be out of control!"
"Wow, that's amazing! As expected of Usopp!" Luffy's eyes lit up with admiration once again.
"Bang!"
Nami, unable to bear it any longer, punched Luffy hard on the head, knocking his crown askew.
"Luffy! Are you an idiot? You actually believe this nonsense!"
Victor ignored their antics.
He walked over to Nami, pointed to the huge Black Cat Pirates ship docked on the shore, and said with a smile:
"Nami, don't just stare at this spot on the ground."
"That ship is the Black Cat Pirates' headquarters; there might be even more good stuff hidden inside. Let's go and loot it all."
Upon hearing "more good stuff," Nami's eyes instantly transformed into the shape of Belial.
"Roger that! First mate! I'm on my way!"
Nami instantly forgot her earlier fatigue, picked up the empty bag, and ran quickly towards the Black Cat Pirates' ship like a gust of wind.
By this time, the sun had fully risen above the sea, and golden sunlight bathed the earth, dispelling the bloodshed and gloom of the previous night.
Viktor smiled broadly.
"Well, the battle is over anyway. Let's go talk to Butler Merry so the villagers can rest assured."
Everyone naturally nodded in agreement.
"Hey, if I 'accidentally' say anything about Captain Usopp's heroic battles, don't expose me."
Usopp said in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, Luffy immediately burst into laughter, clutching his stomach.
"Hehehe! Usopp, you really like to brag!"
Usopp's face turned bright red, and he retorted with a stiff neck:
"Ha! I just defeated several pirates! It's just... I embellished it a little!"
"Ah... I'm hungry! I want to eat meat!"
At the end of the line.
Zoro deliberately lagged behind by two steps, walked to Viktor's side, and bumped Viktor's back with his shoulder.
"Hello."
Viktor paused, turning his head to ask, "What are you doing?"
Zoro slung his sword over his shoulder, looked at Luffy's retreating figure, and muttered:
"Hey, next time, don't try to be a hero all by yourself. Even though you're really strong, we're a team."
Although Victor's solo charge into the enemy ranks had a positive outcome, it still displeased Zoro.
Viktor paused for a moment, a warm feeling welling up inside him.
But he quickly masked it, a mocking smile playing on his lips, and said disdainfully:
"It's all because you're too weak and have no sense of direction. By the time you get here, it'll be too late, you stupid green algae head."
"ha?!"
Zoro's forehead veins bulged instantly, his face darkened, and he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Fight me! You red-eyed bastard! I'm going to chop you up!"
...
Soon after, amidst the commotion, the group returned to the village along the road.
The village was completely silent at this moment, appearing exceptionally still.
The doors of every house were wide open, and the interiors were in a mess. It was clear that Butler Merry had organized people to urgently take everyone to higher ground while they were fighting.
The group continued upwards and soon reached the high ground where the villa was located.
Sure enough, the square in front of the villa was packed with villagers seeking refuge.
When Butler Merry, who was standing at the front, saw that the group had returned safely and were unharmed despite the bloodstains on their bodies, he breathed a sigh of relief and his legs went weak, almost causing him to kneel down.
He nervously stepped forward and asked:
"Excuse me... about those pirates..."
"Hehehe! We've taken care of them all!" Luffy raised his hands and shouted happily.
Upon hearing this, Merry breathed a sigh of relief, her face beaming with the joy of surviving a close call.
Upon hearing the news of the pirates' defeat, the residents in the rear quickly became lively, and the tense atmosphere instantly dissipated.
But soon, several discordant voices arose from the crowd.
"Hey, Butler Merry, if these kids can handle pirates, what kind of powerful pirates could they be?"
"Exactly! They even went to great lengths to kick us out of our homes and bring us here to stand in the cold wind!"
"It made me forget to lock my doors at home. What if something gets stolen?"
"We could easily handle pirates like this with just hoes! It's really unnecessary!"
The murmurs grew louder, filled with complaints about Merry's overreaction and disdain for Luffy and his crew's strength.
"Hey!! What are you talking about?!"
Upon hearing these words, Usopp trembled with rage and shouted angrily:
"We risked our lives to save you! That's the Black Cat Pirates! They're terrifying!"
Luffy casually pressed down on his hat, seemingly unconcerned.
Seeing this, Merry was somewhat at a loss and hurriedly waved her hands to explain:
"Uh... everyone, please calm down... they are our benefactors, if it weren't for them..."
"Benefactor? I think it's all an act," a fat, greasy villager said disdainfully.
Viktor watched this scene indifferently, a hint of disgust flashing in his eyes.
Sure enough, no matter where you are, these foolish and arrogant humans are all the same.
In that case, the solution is quite simple.
That is... to solve it the way pirates do.
"Thump!"
Viktor suddenly sprang into action, and without a word, delivered a flying kick that landed squarely on the stomach of the fat man who had been yelling the loudest.
"Puwa!"
The fat man was kicked like a ball, flying five or six meters away before crashing heavily to the ground with a scream.
"It hurts so much! You...you want to..."
The fat man was about to curse when his voice suddenly stopped.
Because a cold, long knife was already pressed against his throat, the sharp blade even cutting through a layer of his skin.
"Gulp..." The fat man swallowed hard, his whole body stiffening with fear.
Viktor held the knife in one hand, his crimson Sharingan slowly rotating as he coldly swept his gaze over the crowd.
"Who just said they could handle this? Step forward."
Viktor's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a suffocating murderous aura.
The previously noisy crowd immediately fell silent.
The villagers looked at the boy who had been so kind just moments before, but now seemed like a demon ready to devour anyone. They were all terrified, their faces pale, and they didn't dare to breathe.
This is what a real pirate is like!
Seeing the stunned crowd, Victor snorted disdainfully and sheathed his longsword.
"A bunch of ungrateful bastards."
Seeing this, Butler Merry sighed helplessly.
He knew the villagers had gone too far, but he didn't want to escalate the situation.
He rushed to Viktor's side and bowed deeply.
"I am very sorry! Please forgive their ignorance and offense! Mr. Victor, please don't take it to heart."
After saying that, he made a "please" gesture and said respectfully:
"Please come with me to the villa. To express my gratitude for your saving my life, Miss Koya has instructed me to prepare the most sumptuous food and wine for you."Chapter 34 The Going Merry
The scene changes.
Half an hour later, in the spacious dining room of the villa.
Everyone was already thoroughly enjoying their meal, and the unpleasant little incident in the square earlier had long been forgotten under the onslaught of delicious food.
"The situation was extremely critical at the time!"
Usopp, holding a chicken leg in his hand, was vividly recounting to Kaya across from him the thrilling battle that "Captain Usopp" had just experienced.
"Just as those dozens of pirates charged at me, I remained calm and shouted!"
"He unleashed a deadly move, Flame Star! It instantly blasted them all away!"
His account of the battle was indeed correct, except... he replaced Viktor with his own brilliant and powerful self.
Kaya covered her mouth in surprise and let out a gasp in unison:
"That's really impressive, Mr. Usopp."
After she finished speaking, her gentle eyes turned to Victor, who was silently cutting his steak.
She naturally knew that the one who could instantly defeat dozens of pirates and even kill Kuro.
It was probably this always-smiling first mate.
"Awoo! Awoo!"
A strange swallowing sound came from the side.
Luffy's arms moved like blurs as he picked up meat from the plate and stuffed it directly into his mouth without even chewing it.
His mouth was stretched out like a giant rubber bag, and his throat was constantly bulging.
"Glug."
A plate of meat vanished in an instant.
Kaya, sitting at the dining table, covered her mouth in surprise again as she watched this scene, her eyes wide open.
"Wow, that's amazing... I'd be full after eating just this one piece of meat."
"Hmph, Kaya, don't underestimate a pirate's appetite! My appetite is just as good!"
Usopp's competitive spirit flared up instantly.
As he spoke, he picked up a large piece of meat with bone and, imitating Luffy, stuffed it into his mouth.
"Ugh! Guh... cough cough cough!!"
But he clearly didn't have Luffy's superhuman rubber stomach; he choked as soon as it was stuffed in.
His eyes rolled back, and he choked so badly that he collapsed onto the dining table, pounding on it frantically.
Are you idiots?
Nami, who was elegantly sipping her tea, watched this scene and complained helplessly.
"Hehehe..."
Kaya couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh out loud at the comical scene.
"How wonderful... If only I could have a group of companions like this, to adventure and laugh together..."
A hint of envy and loneliness flickered in her eyes.
"That's very dangerous, Miss Kaya."
Butler Merry thoughtfully handed Usopp a glass of water, who was about to roll his eyes, and then smiled at Kaya.
Kaya nodded obediently, but the longing in her eyes did not disappear.
Looking at the young lady she had watched grow up, Merry sighed inwardly.
If the young lady were healthy, perhaps she could also go and see the outside world...
He forced a smile, turned around, and said to the group who were enjoying their meal:
"Oh, right. Speaking of which, to thank you all for saving Miss Kaya and the village, I've already sent a gift to the North Coast."
"Huh?! Is it a big ship?!"
Upon hearing this, Luffy swallowed all the meat that was stuck in his mouth and jumped up excitedly to ask.
Merry smiled and nodded, then pulled a list from her pocket.
"Yes, in addition, I have also had ample supplies prepared to support you all at sea for a month, including fresh water, food and drinks."
"Ah!! You're such a kind person! Sheep-headed Butler!"
Luffy was so moved that his eyes welled up with tears.
Merry's lips twitched slightly as she touched her ram's horn hairstyle.
Sheep Head... What kind of title is that?
Kaya laughed again as she watched this scene.
"Well done, Merry."
"It's my duty, Miss," Merry said with a smile.
...
After finishing their meal, the group, led by Merry and Kaya, arrived at the North Coast.
As soon as they descended the slope, everyone's attention was drawn to them.
On the sea ahead, a brand-new light sailboat was quietly moored.
Although the ship is not huge, its overall structure is smooth and beautiful, and it adopts the design of a stern-masted triangular sailing ship.
The most eye-catching feature is the bow, which is carved with a cute ram's head figurehead. The huge mainsail is spread out and billowing in the wind, as if it is ready to set sail at any moment.
"Wow!!!"
Luffy opened his mouth wide, drool was about to drip down his throat.
Everyone was shocked; this was so much better than their previous ship.
Merry stepped forward and introduced herself to everyone with some pride:
"Although the design is a bit outdated and the blueprints are from several years ago, this is my pride—the Going Merry! From now on, it will be your ship!"
"Ah, let me introduce the usage and structure to you..."
"Get away! Get away!"
Nami shoved Luffy aside without hesitation and stood up to Merry with shining eyes.
"Tell me about the ship! Luffy, that idiot, won't understand!"
"Oh my god! My ship!!"
Luffy, unconcerned about being pushed aside, stretched out his arm and flew onto the deck with a "whoosh".
He ran around on the boat, touching the sheep's head, pulling the ropes, and constantly letting out excited screams.
shore.
Kaya smiled as she watched this scene.
Then she turned her head and looked at Victor, who had been standing quietly beside her, watching the sea.
"Victor San, I hope you like this ship."
"Ah, we like it very much, just as we wished."
Victor turned around and looked at Kaya, who seemed hesitant to speak. He said with a smile:
"Miss Koya, just say what you want to say. There's no need to worry too much at this moment of parting."
Kaya blushed slightly, realizing her thoughts had been read. She lowered her head shyly, twisting the hem of her dress between her fingers, and whispered:
"Um... if it's not too much trouble... could I experience it one more time?"
She was referring to that illusionary experience from before.
"Of course, I'd be happy to help."
"Then, look into my eyes."
Kaya immediately raised her head and looked directly at Viktor's Sharingan, which had turned red in an instant.
The world has changed.
The pain disappeared.
She returned once again to that vast and boundless sea.
The sea breeze caressed my cheeks, white seagulls soared in the blue sky, and the waves lapped against the ship's side, making a pleasant sound.
"Kaya...time to eat!"
A familiar and warm call came from behind.
Kaya immediately turned around and looked back.
At the other end of the deck, her parents were standing there, smiling and waving at her, just like when she was a child.
Kaya froze, stunned...
The illusion has ended.
In reality, Kaya's tears immediately flowed uncontrollably, sliding down her pale cheeks.
But this time it's not sadness, but relief.
"Thank you... thank you so much, Viktor. You're a good person."
Kaya wiped away her tears, raised her head, and gave Victor a bright smile.
"Is he a good person...?"
Viktor shrugged noncommittally, offering no rebuttal to the assessment, but simply said softly:
"I hope you can be strong, Miss Kaya. Now that you've survived, you should live a wonderful life, for the sake of your parents as well."
"Yes... I will!" Kaya nodded vigorously, her eyes becoming determined.
Just then.
"Waaaaah!! Get out of the way! Get out of the way!!"
Suddenly, a panicked scream came from the slope behind.
Everyone turned around and saw a person carrying a huge package that was twice the size of his body.
Because of its unstable center of gravity, it was rolling down the steep slope like a giant ball of flesh.
"Ah, it's Usopp-san." Kaya exclaimed in surprise, "So he left suddenly just now to get his luggage."
"What is this guy doing?"
Viktor sighed and rubbed his forehead in exasperation.
"Let's get him to stop first. He's going to crash into the Going Merry if this keeps up," Zoro said.
"Agreed."
The two exchanged a glance and, with remarkable tacit understanding, simultaneously raised their feet.
"Bang!"
His two feet accurately blocked the rolling "Usopp meatball".
"It hurts, it hurts..."
Usopp collapsed to the ground, dizzy and disoriented, the huge bundle on his back pressing down on him, making it hard for him to breathe.
"Ah... thank you so much, I almost couldn't stop."
He struggled to his feet and dusted himself off.
"Usopp-san, have you made a decision?" Kaya asked softly, looking at the huge package.
Usopp adjusted his goggles, looked at Kaya, and gave her his usual confident smile.
"Ah! I must set off before I regret it! After all, a sea warrior cannot back down!"
He took a deep breath and gave Kaya a thumbs up:
"Anyway, if I ever come back to this village, I'll tell you many more exciting adventure stories! I'm off! Kaya!"
After saying that, Usopp resolutely turned around and headed towards a small sampan on the beach.
After taking a few steps, he realized that no one was trying to stop him.
"Hey, what are you saying?"
Zoro, who was already standing on the side of the Going Merry, frowned and called out as he watched Usopp walk toward the small boat.
"Hurry up and get on the boat, you idiot."
"Huh?" Usopp was stunned and stopped in his tracks.
At that moment, Luffy, leaning over the railing at the stern, poked his head out and said with an air of matter-of-fact composure:
"We've been waiting for you, Usopp."
"Haven't we already been comrades for a long time?"
"Same...companion..."
Usopp's eyes widened instantly, and his lips trembled.
So, they had already considered him a partner all along?
Overwhelmed with emotion, he fought back the tears that were about to spill from his eyes.
"You...bastard!"
Usopp whirled around, hoisted the enormous bundle onto his back, and ran towards the ship, shouting loudly to hide his embarrassment:
"In that case! Then... I'll be the captain!!"
"Huh?! Don't talk nonsense! I'm the captain!!" Luffy immediately retorted, pulling him onto the ship with a kick.
"Raise the sails! Set sail!!"
With a loud roar from Luffy, the Going Merry slowly sailed away from the coast and headed towards the vast ocean.
shore.
Kaya and Merry stood side by side, watching the pirate ship gradually disappear into the distance.
"Miss Kaya, it's getting windy, we should go back," Merry said softly.
Kaya watched the long-nosed boy waving on the deck, and smiled as she wiped away the last tear from the corner of her eye.
"I really need to become stronger so that I can hear their stories again… Merry, let's go back."
Looking at her young mistress's lively face, Merry smiled with satisfaction.
He looked in the direction where the Merry had disappeared and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, pirates."Chapter 35 The Double Magatama and a New Journey
On the vast, boundless blue sea, the sea breeze billows the brand-new sails.
The Going Merry, like a nimble white sheep, cleaved through the waves and sailed smoothly.
Inside the cabin, Victor lay on the comfortable bed, his mind completely absorbed, skillfully swiping through the system shop interface.
Looking at the balance displayed in the lower right corner, Viktor's lips curled up slightly.
"2400 Ninja Points...that's a huge sum of money."
After a series of fierce battles in Xiluobu Village, he has finally become wealthy again, and it's time for him to spend money once more.
His gaze swept over the dazzling array of ninjutsu.
[Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique] Rank B Ninjutsu. Exchange Price: 1200 Ninja Points.
[Chidori] Rank A Ninjutsu. Exchange Price: 2000 Ninja Points.
[Water Release: Water Prison Technique] C-rank ninjutsu. Exchange price: 600 Ninja Points.
His gaze finally settled on the option he had longed for.
"exchange."
[Ding! Consumed 2000 Ninja Points to exchange for Sharingan upgrade: Double Tomoe.]
This time, the enhancement process was not as easy as buying ninjutsu in the past.
As the system light flashed, a surge of energy, almost painfully hot, instantly rushed into my eyes.
"hiss..."
Viktor covered his eyes, unable to help but let out a low groan of pain, his body arching slightly on the bed.
The feeling was like someone was carving something onto your nerves with a scorching hot iron.
Fortunately, this intense pain came and went quickly.
A moment later, the pain receded like a tide, replaced by an unprecedented sense of clarity and power.
Viktor slowly lowered his hand and slowly opened his eyes.
His originally dark pupils instantly turned scarlet, and within those blood-red irises...
Two black magatama beads were connected end to end, slowly rotating and emitting a chilling, eerie light.
Two-tomoe Sharingan, awakened!
This means that his ability to see with his insightful eyes and his ability to hypnotize will experience a qualitative leap.
"There are still quite a few points left..."
Viktor was in a great mood and carefully selected items in the store.
I ended up spending 400 points to exchange for [Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Technique].
After all, a group attack ninjutsu like Phoenix Fire, which can be manipulated in its trajectory, might be more effective at clearing out weaker enemies.
Just as Viktor was planning his future ninjutsu path, a rapid knocking on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Thump thump thump!!"
"Hey! Viktor! Stop sleeping! How come you've been sleeping this long?!"
It was Nami's voice. She sounded like something urgent was happening and was frantically banging on the door.
Viktor sighed helplessly, the red light in his eyes fading, and opened the door with a dark expression on his face.
"What are you doing, Miss Navigator? Disturbing someone's sleep is a serious crime."
"Stop talking nonsense! Come with me!"
Without saying a word, Nami grabbed his arm and forcibly dragged him to the spacious deck.
Upon entering, a lively atmosphere immediately greets you.
Luffy was lying on the floor, enthusiastically drawing on a piece of black cloth, his face covered in paint.
Zoro was lying in a corner of the cabin, fast asleep with his sword in his arms.
Usopp stood atop the ship, brandishing a wooden sword, loudly directing a "great war" that only he could see.
"All crew, listen up! Hard to port! Engage the Sea Kings! I am the great Captain Usopp!!"
Viktor, seeing the helpless look Nami gave him, finally understood why she had called him out.
None of these guys are reliable.
"Here, look at this."
Nami handed him a yellowed nautical chart, pointing to a deserted island on it, her eyes gleaming.
"According to the nautical chart, there's a legendary 'treasure island' nearby! It's said to be filled with countless treasures!"
"Treasure Island?"
Viktor glanced at the chart and understood.
This must be the island of rare beasts from the original story, the island where Uncle Gaimon, the guy with the box, lives.
Thinking of the strangely shaped beasts in the original work, such as the hybrid of a pig and a lion,
Viktor stroked his chin, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes.
"If it's not all treasure, I wonder what those rare beasts taste like."
If you could capture one, or catch a few to make Pie Dreams, that would be a good choice.
"ah..."
Just as Victor was about to respond to Nami's get-rich-quick dream, Luffy suddenly burst into laughter and raised his masterpiece.
"Look! Look! Everyone, look!"
Luffy, beaming with pride, held the messy black cloth above his head.
"Now that Usopp has joined, we have five of us! It's time to have our own pirate flag! This is our symbol!"
Everyone looked closely.
Above the black cloth was a drawing of a... twisted creature wearing a straw hat?
The skull was crooked and twisted, with one eye larger than the other, looking like both a melted candle and a screaming, vengeful spirit.
"Wow..."
Viktor's lips twitched slightly, then he commented in a serious tone:
"Luffy, you actually have a lot of artistic talent."
This painting reminded him of a famous painting from his past life—"The Scream".
That twisted sense of despair was expressed to the fullest extent.
"Hehehe! Right! Pretty good, right!" Luffy laughed even harder when he heard Victor's evaluation.
"ha?"
Nami gave Viktor a strange look, then glanced at the flag, and couldn't help but mutter:
"Whether you look at the design or the drawing technique, this can only be described as terrifying! Hanging a flag like this out there will make us look like a ghost ship!"
Zoro, who had been woken up, glanced at it and sighed:
"The pirate flag is a symbol of death and fear. People will laugh themselves to death if they see our flag. Luffy, spare that piece of cloth."
"Hmph, it seems it's time for me to make my move."
Seeing this, Usopp immediately proudly pointed his finger, his face showing the confidence of a "professional".
"How could you not consult me about something like this? I've been studying painting on walls for a full fifty years!"
"In this respect, no one on this ocean can surpass me!"
"Wow, that's amazing! Fifty years!!" Luffy's eyes lit up instantly.
"Are you an idiot, Luffy?!"
Nami, unable to bear it any longer, punched him on the head. "He's only a teenager! What fifty years?!"
"Hmph, you dare to question Captain Usopp? Well then, let me show you what I've got!"
Usopp ignored Nami's complaints, snatched the brush and paint from Luffy's hand, and started fiddling with them quickly while lying on the ground.
"Swish, swish, swish!"
It must be said that Usopp does have some talent in art.
Soon, the painting was completed.
Luffy and Zoro curiously picked up the flag and showed it to them.
The group fell silent for a moment.
The flag depicted a skull with a long nose, wearing a turban, and holding a slingshot.
"Is this a drawing of yourself...?" Zoro retorted.
Viktor crossed his arms and said with a grin, "Usopp, if you drew me, I might consider voting in favor because I'm handsome."
"asshole!"
Luffy stared intently at Usopp, then punched him on the head without hesitation.
"Bang!"
"Are you an idiot?! Who gave you permission to draw your own pirate flag?! I'm the captain!"
Usopp, who had been hit, rubbed the large bump on his head and muttered complaints under his breath, but still obediently picked up the brush again.
This time, he didn't do anything funny.
Soon, a pattern with smooth lines and perfect composition appeared before everyone's eyes: a skull wearing a straw hat, with crossed bones behind it.
Although simple, it exudes a vibrant and adventurous spirit.
Viktor nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
This is the classic straw hat flag from the previous life.
"Not bad." Nami and Zoro nodded in agreement.
"Yoshi!!"
Luffy looked at the flag, laughed heartily, and excitedly pointed to the mast outside.
"Usopp! Go and paint this flag on our mainsail too!"
"Oh! Leave it to me!"
Soon after, the massive mainsail rose.
Seeing the straw hat and skull logo fluttering in the wind, Luffy excitedly hugged Usopp.
"Wow, Usopp! You've really been drawing for fifty years!"
"I've already told you I'm a genius artist! Hahaha!" Usopp said, hands on his hips, beaming with pride.
However, at that moment...
The once clear sky suddenly turned visibly gloomy, with dark clouds rolling in and an eerie mist rising from the sea.
The light dimmed, and in the sea ahead, the outline of a dark island loomed faintly, giving off a sense of oppression.
Nami looked at the sudden change in weather, then slapped her forehead and her expression changed.
"Ah, I almost forgot about the important matter!"
"That's the legendary Treasure Island. It's said that... anyone who gets close to it will anger the gods and suffer divine retribution!"
"To... to anger the gods?!"
Usopp, who was feeling quite smug, was suddenly horrified. His body froze, and his teeth started chattering.
"Gods, spirits... those things are really terrifying!"
However.
Luffy, however, pressed his straw hat against his head, grinning from ear to ear, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Gods? Treasures? Rare beasts?"
He suddenly raised his fist and shouted:
"Yoshi!! Heading towards Taiwan!"
"I already said it would offend the gods!! Can't you understand human language, you idiot?!"
Usopp's desperate roar echoed across the gloomy sea.