WebNovels

Chapter 43 - Chapter 43: Kuro’s Challenge

Overall, Gawain's combat strength had transformed, surging several times over the past month.

If there was any regret, it was Armament Haki.

Spending over a month without even touching its threshold left him frustrated.

But he quickly regained focus.

Even Luffy, with legendary potential, needed guidance from Rayleigh, Hyogoro, and Kaido—theory and combat—to grow.

Gawain, fumbling alone, might not be slower.

"That's the struggle of going it alone," he thought. "Unlike chosen ones with mentors, I've got to figure it out myself."

"But my growth is already fast."

"In just over two months, I've covered ground most take years or decades to cross."

"If Armament Haki doesn't work out, I'll tackle it in the Grand Line. The East Blue's too small."

Gawain sighed with a hint of regret.

Noticing his body sticky with impurities, he went to the bathroom, rinsed off, and rested.

Soon, steady breathing filled the room.

Days later, several pirate ships, laden with supplies, docked at Pala Island's port.

Zango and his crew disembarked, faces lit with a newfound ease.

They'd followed Gawain's orders, clearing pirate forces near Raven Port.

With bounties over 7 million Berries—high for the East Blue's average below 5 million—and Gawain's 85-million-Berry reputation, few pirates dared challenge them.

Those who did couldn't match Zango's trio, especially with his hypnosis boosting the crew's potential.

Gawain had tested Zango's hypnosis on himself, concluding it only worked on the weak-willed or naive.

Zango could hypnotize the Cat Brothers, making them formidable enough to dominate the East Blue unless facing someone like Arlong.

From afar, Buchi, the chubby Cat Brother, spotted Gawain at the port. His eyes lit up as he hurried over, grinning but stumbling over words. "Captain!"

"This time, it felt… weird… uh, just…"

Scratching his head, he finally found the right word. "The people there didn't treat us like pirates. They even made me fried fish!"

Buchi pulled out a wax-paper packet of fish jerky, offering it to Gawain like a treasure.

After Gawain ate a few pieces, Buchi scratched his head with a goofy smile. "Might've been rude."

"But it felt so strange. Something's off, but… I want to protect that place. I want it to stay."

Sam joined, resting a hand on Buchi's shoulder, nodding at Gawain. "The kids there loved my claws!"

He raised his hand, showing his cat-claw gloves—claws removed, leaving pink paw pads.

Less dangerous, but paired with his feline face, it gave him a true Cat-Man vibe.

Gawain smiled faintly. "As long as you're happy."

Looking past them, he saw the crew's relaxed smiles, feeling reassured.

After Raven Port, the Gawain Pirates' reputation there had flipped. Most civilians were now warmly welcoming.

The Cat Brothers' treatment and the crew's smiles proved it.

His deal with Gaza had considered this.

The Grand Line's Paradise and the New World were too dangerous for these average pirates—likely a one-way trip to a watery grave.

Until he secured a Shichibukai title and a stable base, he didn't need so many men.

Raven Port solved the problem of placing his crew.

Even after he left with Kuro and others, the deal with Gaza could continue, as her need for protection wouldn't change.

Rather than letting his men plunder and fight, living meal to meal, they could serve Raven Port as mercenaries, earning a steady living.

If he left, they'd still have a way to survive.

From a distance, Kuro observed Gawain and the Cat Brothers, grasping his plan. "Gawain's leaving them here."

"No way," Gin countered, stunned. "The Grand Line's dangerous. Without a big fleet, how do we cross?"

Kuro smirked. "You don't know the Grand Line. Average pirates like them don't survive."

"One battle could wipe out half. There's no time for tombstones."

He exhaled a smoke ring, turning to Gin. "I'm curious. What did he say to make you join?"

"He said I'm free to choose my path, and the combat captain's spot is mine until we reach port."

Kuro's hand trembled, ash falling. "Sounds like him."

"But if I were captain, would you stay?"

Gin shook his head, then nodded. "As long as Mr. Gawain's here, I'm here."

Kuro gave a wry smile. "His luck's ridiculous, but I'm taking that captain's seat!"

"…"

Gin paused, eyeing Kuro, recalling his sparring sessions with Gawain.

Kuro's pitying look mirrored the crushing defeat he'd felt.

Gin admitted Kuro was strong—without luck, he'd have died in Raven Port—but the gap between Kuro and Gawain was vast.

After a moment, Gin managed, "Good luck."

"Yeah."

With Zango's return, a massive bonfire was lit at the port.

Roasted meat sizzled, filling the air with savory aromas. Bread, fruits, and mountains of liquor were neatly arranged.

The banquet roared toward its peak.

As the crew drank and laughed, the ship's musicians played sailor folk tunes.

Then, Kuro stood, facing Gawain. "I want to test who's more fit to sit in that captain's seat."

---

If you want to read more than 20 chapters early feel free to visit pa tre on . com /Archus

More Chapters