Issho(Fujitora) had mixed feelings about the news. At least the CPO weren't here to hunt Creed.
But with the World Government furious, doubling down on bounty increases, and ordering every branch to pursue him, it was clear—they wanted Creed dead at all costs.
Issho sighed.
"That troublesome boy… tricked me into joining the Navy, only to turn against the World Government. If he becomes the fifth Emperor, meeting him again would be… awkward."
"Creed-nii would never become a pirate! Grandpa Zephyr wouldn't allow it." Ain said, though uneasily.
The thought gnawed at her. After all, Garp was a Navy hero, yet his son Dragon had chosen to become the Revolutionary Army's leader, opposing the World Government itself.
What if Creed truly became an Emperor? Would she, as a Marine sworn to justice, be forced to fight him? Her heart twisted.
"Guess I'll worry about it when the time comes. For now, I just want to see Creed-nii again." Ain admitted softly, realizing her feelings leaned toward him.
"This is Suigu Town?"
Creed frowned at the shabby settlement. The island was surrounded by reefs, unsuitable for docking, and the town itself was dilapidated—half-abandoned buildings and idle thugs loitering about.
Spotting Creed and Redfield, who looked wealthy, the thugs' eyes lit up. But after Creed casually knocked several down, breaking teeth in the process, the rest scattered like rats.
He released them after asking questions, but the search proved fruitless.
Though both Creed and Redfield were masters of Kenbunshoku Haki, able to sense the faint resonance of Devil Fruits, they combed the town and even the wilderness beyond several times without success.
Which could only mean one thing: the fruit wasn't here.
"Could my memory be wrong?" Redfield muttered. After decades in Impel Down, it was possible.
"No, you're right. The fruit is tied to this place. If it's not here, someone else might've taken it. Let's stay the night and search again tomorrow." Creed decided.
Redfield agreed.
That evening, Suigu Town came alive despite its poverty. In the central square, a large tavern blazed with light, packed with revelers.
"Want a drink?" Creed asked.
Redfield nodded.
But as they approached, shouting erupted at the door. A crowd blocked the entrance, watching a brawl unfold.
A young man, bloodied and beaten, tried to defend his sister from a gang of thugs. The leader, Andy, smirked as the girl sobbed.
"Andy! Don't hurt my brother anymore. I'll do whatever you want!" she begged.
"Penny, don't!" her brother Saab spat blood, struggling to rise, only to be kicked down again.
Andy crouched, sneering. "You think you're still the mayor's son? In New Suigu Town, my family rules now. Don't worry, I'll 'treat' Penny well."
"Ptui!" Saab spat bloody saliva in his face.
Andy snapped. "Break his legs!"
But before they could act—
Crack! Crack!
"AAHHH!!"
The thugs collapsed, kneecaps shattered. Creed had struck silently, leaving them writhing in agony.
Gasps erupted from the crowd.
Creed stepped forward and lifted Saab up. "You alright?"
Saab blinked through blood. "Y-You saved me? Thank you!" Penny too nearly knelt in gratitude.
"You're hurt. Let me heal you." Creed carried them to a nearby hut.
Inside, he used the Ope Ope no Mi. Pain vanished instantly.
"This is amazing! You're a Devil Fruit user?" Saab marveled.
Creed didn't answer, instead asking, "Tell me—what's New Suigu Town? We came here seeking a special herb but found nothing."
Saab explained.
The current town was newly relocated. The original Suigu Town lay dozens of miles away on a nearby island—now abandoned.
"Benefactor, don't go there! That island is cursed, filled with demons. My parents… they died protecting the townsfolk from those monsters during the evacuation."
Tears streamed as Penny clung to her brother. Once, they had been among the town's most respected families. Now they were destitute, prey for bullies.
Suddenly—
"They're inside! Drench the house with oil—burn them alive!"
Torches flickered outside. The stench of kerosene seeped in.
(End of Chapter)
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