While Xiano and the others were eagerly exploring the interior of the ship.
In a relatively secluded inn in the northeast of Sherry Island.
A tall figure cloaked in a black overcoat sat coldly on the balcony, gazing at the setting sun gradually sinking into the sea.
"What a boring life..."
The man known as 「Hundred Plans」Kuro murmured to himself.
Having roamed these seas for many years, as he entered middle age, the fiery passion of his youth had faded, and he began to tire of this life.
Especially in recent years.
Almost all the great Pirates in the East Blue with bounties over ten million Berry, except for Buggy who fled back to the Grand Line, had been killed by the man named Xiano.
Leaving him as the sole survivor.
Standing out like a crane among chickens, he became the target of relentless pursuit by the Navy hounds and greedy bounty hunters, often forced into bitter battles.
This stop at Sherry Island was due to a forced naval battle a few days ago.
The ship was severely damaged, necessitating a visit to a professional shipbuilding company for repairs.
Perhaps it was time to find a way to extricate himself from this situation.
Then find a beautiful countryside estate and live a peaceful, wealthy retirement.
As he pondered, Kuro suddenly heard the rapid thudding of footsteps from the staircase.
"Why are you back so soon?"
Kuro didn't need to look to know who it was, frowning, "Didn't I tell you two to visit more shipyards and compare prices?"
If the cost wasn't too high, it would be acceptable.
If the price was unsatisfactory, he could always hold a gun to the shipbuilders' heads and see if they dared to demand exorbitant prices.
"Boss! There's a fat sheep, a fat sheep!"
Sam and Buchi couldn't contain their excitement, shaking the photos in their hands, "Look, this is a close-up I took just in case, hiding outside!"
"A famous sword?"
Kuro's eyes were immediately drawn to Wado Ichimonji, his face lighting up with surprise, "Probably a Skillful Grade Sword? Maybe even a Great Grade Sword, could sell for a hundred million Berry..."
Suddenly, as if he noticed something, his expression changed drastically.
Before Sam and Buchi could react, their Captain had vanished without a trace, and in the next instant, icy claw-like blades were pressed tightly against their throats.
"I say..."
A cold, eerie voice came from behind, "You two, haven't secretly found a new Captain, or are planning to strike out on your own, ready to betray me?"
"Blood! There's going to be blood, Boss!"
Sam screamed in terror, his face contorted with fear, "What... what are you talking about? We're loyal to you, how could we possibly betray you?!"
"Yes, yes." Buchi also swallowed hard, turning his head with a trembling smile, "You know us, we wouldn't dare..."
"Exactly because I know you wouldn't dare! Otherwise, I would have killed you already!"
Kuro sneered, pointing sharply at the photo, "I say, are you two blind? Can't you see who that man is?"
That man?
Sam and Buchi stared blankly at the photo.
Since the focus was on the sword, the figures of the people beside it were somewhat blurry, but the facial contours of one man did seem familiar, as if they had seen him somewhere before...
"It's Xiano! The renowned Master Swordsman of the East Blue, Xiano! You two blind fools!"
Xiano?
Hearing this familiar name, Sam and Buchi gasped, finally snapping out of their daze.
"That Xiano who wiped out the entire Arlong Pirates a few years ago?"
"And the Krieg Pirates! They were completely annihilated by him not long ago!"
The more they thought about it, the more terrified they became, drenched in cold sweat, feeling as if they had narrowly escaped death.
Thankfully, they hadn't acted rashly at the Whale Company earlier. Otherwise, wouldn't they have ended up as corpses on the street without even getting to see Captain Kuro?
"Now you're scared?"
Kuro's Cat Claws suddenly slashed across in front of them, ten cold glints instantly shredding the photo into pieces. "What are you still standing around for? Go tell Jango to gather all the crew and set sail immediately! We can't stay on Sherry Island anymore. We'll find another place to repair the ship!"
"Huh? But we just got here not long ago."
Buchi pouted, somewhat reluctant. "Can't we just avoid that guy? It's been almost a month since we last docked. I was planning to visit the red-light district tonight…"
"Shut up, you idiot!"
Seeing Kuro's expression grow increasingly dark, Sam hurriedly covered Buchi's mouth. "Better safe than sorry, don't you understand the risk? What if that man notices us? Do you want the Black Cat Pirates to be wiped out too? Come on, let's go and call the others!"
That's more like it.
Watching the two hurriedly disappear out the door, Kuro snorted coldly, the killing intent in his eyes gradually fading.
These subordinates who only drag him down are getting dumber by the day. Spending too much time with them makes him feel like his own intelligence is declining.
"Master Swordsman, Xiano…"
Staring at the shredded photo fragments on the ground, Kuro couldn't shake a lingering sense of unease, feeling as if something particularly bad was going to happen today.
That man is far too dangerous. We must get away as quickly as possible, the farther the better!
As for following in that fool Krieg's footsteps and provoking him to increase my bounty and fame?
Ridiculous.
Considering the difference in strength between us, the chances of success are far too low. I am 「Hundred Plans」Kuro, known for my cunning and survival instincts. I'm not going to do something so foolish.
...
Half an hour later.
The Black Cat Pirates' ship hastily set sail. Kuro leaned on the railing, his gaze fixed on the neon sign of the Whale Company in the distance.
Even as the sign became a barely visible speck in his vision, no ship followed them out.
Only then did he finally look away, forcing himself to appear calm as he slowly reclined on the sun lounger.
"Captain Kuro, your red wine."
First Mate Jango brought over a wine glass. Kuro grunted in acknowledgment, casually taking it but not in the mood to drink, setting it aside for now.
"Captain, if I may say so, I think you've been too tense lately, being chased around so much." Jango said with a grin. "How about I hypnotize you to help you relax?"
"No need."
Kuro frowned slightly, directly refusing.
Jango was the only one among his subordinates he truly trusted, and his hypnotic abilities were indeed very useful. But Kuro simply didn't like the feeling of losing control.
"Captain!" the lookout suddenly shouted, "At ten o'clock, there's a small boat heading our way!"
A small boat?
Kuro's pupils contracted, his back stiffened, and he stood up, barking, "Look carefully! How many people are on it? Is that Xiano among them?"
"Just one person!" the lookout replied. "This guy looks unfamiliar, it's not Xiano, nor is it the bounty hunter who was chasing us before. He's waving at us, seems like he's asking for help. Tsk, the boat is so small, it's like a coffin, barely enough space for one person..."
Not Xiano?
Kuro immediately breathed a sigh of relief, but then a wave of shame and anger inexplicably surged within him—some nameless nobody scared the hell out of me, and now he dares to come asking for help?
"Clueless fool..."
He couldn't be bothered to deal with it anymore, sneered, and issued the command, "Get closer! Crush that guy and his boat to pieces!"
"Yes, Captain!!!"
The deck erupted with the pirates' enthusiastic response.
...
Not far away on the sea.
Hawkeye, watching the pirate ship inexplicably charging at him at full speed, was momentarily stunned, then let out a soft sigh, his right hand reaching for the black sword on his back.
I just didn't know the way to Cocoyasi Village and wanted to ask a local for directions.
Why do these guys have to do something like this...
(End of Chapter)