"What's there to fear? Have we ever met an enemy we couldn't crush? Marines, pirates—they're all just trash!"
The cloaked man's voice dripped with impatience. "I said from the start—we should've just raided the palace. What a waste of time! Soon, we'll be in the New World, closer to the One Piece. But no, we're stuck here waiting!"
He was the type who preferred action over words.
"Captain, the First Mate's out gathering intel. If all goes well, we'll have the ransom by tomorrow. Just wait one more day!" the bald man urged.
He knew their captain was strong, but the rest of them? If they ran into World Government agents, they'd be screwed.
"The First Mate's too damn cautious. If it weren't for him, the Blazing Pirates would already be infamous! Always 'lay low, lay low'—it's suffocating!" The cloaked man's temper burned as fiercely as his namesake.
"But thanks to his caution, we've avoided countless hunts and trouble. He's looking out for the whole crew!"
The bald man couldn't afford to offend either leader. Before the First Mate joined, the captain's reckless charges had cost them lives in every battle. He'd lived in fear of being next. Now, with the First Mate's low-profile approach, casualties were rare.
"Fine, we'll wait. But when he gets back, I want answers!"
As the cloaked man spoke, footsteps echoed above. They were hiding in a cellar beneath a small house, the princess bound and unconscious against the wall.
"That must be the First Mate—probably with news!" the bald man said eagerly.
"I hope it's bad news. Then I can finally cut loose!" The cloaked man's laugh was unhinged.
"Please, Captain! Your power's too destructive—you'll take us out too!"
"What's got you so excited, Captain?"
A calm voice cut through the tension, laced with faint amusement.
"Oh, you're back. Well? Good news?" The cloaked man's tone made it clear his definition of "good news" was the opposite.
"Our men spotted a Marine warship at the port. No visible rank insignia—we don't know who's leading them," First Mate Kyle reported.
"So the old king blabbed. Guess we weren't harsh enough. Kyle, with our strength, why bother with this farce? Let's storm the palace! One warship means nothing—we've sunk plenty!"
"Let's give them one last chance. The Den Den Mushi's been retrieved. We might still get the money peacefully," Kyle reasoned.
"We're getting that cash. Our ship's on its last legs—we need a new one from Water 7 before heading to the New World. And if the Marines interfere, they die here." The cloaked man's voice turned icy.
"Fine. I'll contact the royals, see what they're planning."
Kyle suppressed a sigh. He preferred minimal interference. Right now, only a Commodore-level Marine was after them—manageable for the captain. But if they drew stronger foes? Their New World dreams would end before they began.
He was weaker than the captain, making him more vulnerable. Hence his push for subtlety. But the captain? Subtlety wasn't in his vocabulary.
Kyle dialed the king. The call connected instantly.
"You have my daughter?" A weary, aged voice answered.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. We only want money. For a wealthy nation like yours, 1 billion berries is pocket change. Is it ready?"
"...It is. But I need proof she's alive."
"The princess is unconscious. Once she wakes, I'll have her speak. Since the money's ready, we'll trade tomorrow morning. No tricks—wait for our call."
Kyle hung up before the king could respond.
The princess had actually woken up. She kept her eyes shut, listening. Now she knew: her father had involved the Marines.
"They know Marines are here. These pirates are too strong—I'm dead after the trade. Why did Father call them? Just pay! Now they're angry… my chances just got worse."
At sixteen, Princess Paula had never faced such danger. Despair crept in.
She'd seen these pirates' power firsthand—her guards slaughtered in seconds. Ordinary Marines would be no match. Her situation was dire.
"Captain, we should prepare an escape. The Marines complicate things—they'll likely interfere during the exchange."
"Hah! I hope they do. None of them are leaving alive. Before we hit the New World, my bounty needs a boost for credibility. Let's kill the princess in front of the king—a parting gift for his deception!"
Paula's breath hitched. She'd feared execution, but hearing it confirmed? Panic set in. Her body trembled.
"Captain! The bitch was awake the whole time—eavesdropping!"
The bald man had been leering at her. Now he grinned, spotting her distress.
"Hah! Do whatever you want. We're pirates—free men!" The cloaked man waved dismissively, returning to his seat.
"Just don't kill her yet. We might need her for calls. No need to provoke the king further," Kyle said flatly. A broken princess could be useful.
"Y-You can't kill me! You'll get no money!" Paula cried.
"Oh, we won't kill you… yet. But we'll give you a memorable time. Plenty of men here—hope you're ready!"
The bald man's grin turned predatory. His crewmates laughed raucously.
The cloaked man smirked, indifferent. Women didn't interest him—only power and infamy did. Kyle, however, scowled. Such brutish methods disgusted him. Where was the finesse?