A few hours after the brutal, drawn-out battle between Liro, Popeye, and Garabato, the entire island of Brackmor had finally fallen silent.
Liro, the most gravely wounded, and Garabato, the second worst off, were both in Vanessa's medical wing, hooked to machines and wrapped in bandages. Popeye, who only had a few bruises and cracked knuckles, had bandaged himself in five minutes and marched straight to give his report to Olbap.
Normally Olbap would be in his office, but after everything that had happened he had moved to Vanessa's hospital and was using one of the administrative offices as his own.
Knock knock.
"Come in. It's open," Olbap said, setting aside the papers he had been signing.
Popeye entered like he owned the place, dropped into the chair opposite the desk, and slammed his boots on the tabletop. Olbap just sighed.
"Why the sigh? You are so bored what you feel about a warm-up?" Popeye asked, cracking his knuckles
"Look at you. You're wrapped up like a mummy right now. I could knock you out without breaking a sweat," Olbap replied with a mocking smirk.
"Hahaha! That's exactly what I want to see! Come on, I'm already hot—no warm-up needed!" Both stood up at the same time and left the office.
One hour later – same office
Two bandaged mummies sat side by side, breathing heavily. In front of them stood two furious redheads, eyes shooting lightning bolts. If looks could kill, both men would already be six feet under.
"I can't believe you, Olbap! You started this! We're in a serious situation after an attack and almost losing Liro!" Anna snapped, a thick vein pulsing on her forehead.
"And that's not all—you destroyed half my hospital! I want a bonus, and I want you to pay for every single repair!" Vanessa growled, practically sparking with rage.
"It was all Olbap's fault! He challenged me!" Popeye accused, pointing.
"Who was the one whining about being bored and needing a good beating to shut up? Don't play the victim, you brainless chicken!" Olbap shot back.
"You wanna go again? I don't even need to take the bandages off!"
"I don't listen to people without brains." Olbap started whistling innocently.
PING!PONG!
Two precise smacks—one to each head—sent the already-injured men crashing face-first into the desk.
"I can't believe one is the boss and the other is the second-in-command. Anna, take Popeye before this starts again," Vanessa ordered, grabbing Olbap by the collar and planting him back in the main chair.
Anna nodded, dragged Popeye out by the ear, and shut the door.
An hour later everything was calm again. Olbap and Popeye were back in the office as if nothing had happened, ignoring the death glares from both women.
"Alright, Popeye. Tell me what happened," Olbap said.
"When I got there the first thing I saw was a flying lizard with a cup hat beating Liro like he was made of paper. I arrived at the perfect moment—saved his life with a clean hammer to the back," Popeye explained, grinning.
"A flying lizard… you mean something like a dinosaur?" Olbap asked.
"Pretty much. Liro said it was a Devil Fruit user. That's how we beat him—when the ship finally sank with all of us on it. The lizard was strong as hell, so I dragged him out. Perfect future training dummy," Popeye said proudly.
Olbap leaned back, processing. A new Devil Fruit user. In the South Blue, Devil Fruits were practically myth. You only saw them regularly in the Grand Line and beyond but he been seen it almost like normal.
"I see. I'd like to ask him some questions. Anna, call Marcus. Tell him I need information from this guy. We might find out who sent him," Olbap ordered.
"On it. I'll bring Marcus," Anna said and left.
"Vanessa, be careful. I'm leaving Popeye here in case the lizard wakes up and tries something. If you can, keep him sedated until Marcus arrives," Olbap told her.
"Fine. I'll keep him asleep. Though you're staying too, right? Or do you have somewhere else to be?" Vanessa asked.
"It's not that important. I can handle it from here. Mind if I borrow your office a while longer?"
"Not at all. Use it like it's yours. If you need anything, let me know. I'll be with the patients," Vanessa said and left, leaving Olbap and Popeye alone.
"What's on your mind?" Popeye asked.
"Not much. I think someone important in the South Blue underworld is watching us, and I don't like it. This guy who attacked is way too strong to be from the Harleys or any normal pirate crew around here," Olbap said, eyes narrowed.
"Well, that's your problem. I'm off to train. I feel like I'm about to break through to a new level of strength, and that flying lizard just gave me the key," Popeye said, standing and walking out.
Left alone, Olbap leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. Things were getting complicated, but not enough to make him doubt who would win in the end. He already knew how.
A few days later
Peaceful days followed the great battle at sea. Liro was already much better; in a short time he'd be discharged and back to normal duties. Popeye was completely healed and training nonstop with his new "sparring partner," who looked more dead than alive since being fished out of the ocean. No matter how hard they trained or how much pain was inflicted, nothing seemed to cheer Garabato up. The only thing he wanted was to speak with Olbap.
Popeye ignored him at first, but after a few sessions he noticed Garabato wasn't fighting at full strength. A half-hearted opponent wouldn't help him reach his goal. So he told Olbap that Garabato wanted an audience.
It probably had to do with the strange drinks Marcus was giving him to suppress his Devil Fruit and keep it from reaching full power. But the man still wanted a clean, fists-only fight someday.
So they waited for Olbap to arrive.
And he did.
The sound of footsteps cut through the tall grass. Olbap and Liro emerged into the clearing.
"Morning, Popeye. How've you been?" Olbap greeted, walking over and shaking his hand.
"Trying to get what I want, but this flying lizard refuses to fight with all his strengh. Only wants to talk to you," Popeye said, arms crossed.
"Eh? That's not how he acted with me. He attacked me like a rocket," Liro muttered, staring at Garabato, whose eyes were locked on Olbap.
"Well, here I am in front of you, Rabocse Olbap. How can I help you?" Olbap said, stepping forward.
Silence fell. Popeye and Liro instantly flanked Olbap, making it crystal clear that any sudden move would be Garabato's last.
"So you're Rabocse Olbap. I see what makes you so special in everyone's eyes. I'm Garabato. Pleasure to meet you," the man said.
"Special in whose eyes exactly?" Olbap asked calmly.
"I don't usually talk about myself or my contacts, but I'm a mercenary. I was hired by The Brine Crown. Know who they are?" Garabato replied.
"The Brine Crown… rings a bell. Tell me more," Olbap said.
"The Brine Crown are the strongest underworld power in the South Blue. They sell slaves to the Celestial Dragons and keep them protected from the Marines and most criminal organizations," Garabato explained.
"Hm. Celestial Dragons. I've heard they're treated like gods. True?" Olbap asked.
"Exactly. When they 'descend from the heavens,' as people say, everyone has to bow their heads in respect. If you don't, you pay with your life. I've heard they've wiped out entire islands when the insult was big enough," Garabato continued.
"So much influence that even genocide is allowed. Now I understand why they're the biggest players in the South Blue. And they sent you to kill us?" Olbap asked.
"Yes. I owed them a debt I'd never pay. But I got curious about you, so I accepted," Garabato said.
Olbap took out his pipe, lit it calmly, and exhaled a thin stream of smoke.
"And what do you gain by telling me all this? You know the only reason you're alive is Popeye," Olbap said.
"Well, Rabocse Olbap… I have a request." Garabato removed his tall Cup hat and knelt in front of Olbap.
"Speak."
"I would liked for you to accept me into your Family and let me serve you for the rest of my life," Garabato said.
"And why would I let you join my family when just days ago you attacked and killed my men?" Olbap asked, voice cold.
"Olbap-sama… if it weren't for your family, I'd be dead at the bottom of the sea right now. I think it's time I left my lonely life behind and joined a cause. I want to lend my strength and my Devil Fruit to your service, if you'll have me," Garabato answered.
Olbap didn't answer him right away; he just stared at him, and Garabato could tell he seemed to be thinking about it.
"Garabato, I never give third chances. Two is already generous, and you're already on your second. I'll will offer my hand and let you join us. In exchange, I want a blood pact that will bind you forever. Do you accept?"
Garabato nodded without hesitation.
Olbap extended his hand. Garabato mirrored him. With a small blade, Olbap cut his own palm, then Garabato's. They clasped hands, blood mixing.
"From this day forward you will serve and protect this Family from every enemy we face. Do you accept, Garabato?" Olbap said, staring straight into his eyes.
"I, Garabato, accept your terms and will use everything I have to serve you until my final breath," Garabato answered solemnly.
"Good. It's done. From now on you are no longer an enemy. You may carry the name Rabocse as part of the family. Welcome."
Olbap released the grip and pulled out a towel to wipe the blood from his hand.
"Popeye, take Garabato to get new clothes and prepare him. Also tell Marcus to remove the toxins from the drinks he's been giving him so he can use his Devil Fruit again. When you're done, come back here. I want to see what his fruit can really do," Olbap ordered and started walking away. Liro followed.
Popeye and Garabato nodded and headed toward Marcus's laboratory, only a few hours away.
With Olbap and Liro
"Olbap… I never question your decisions, but are you sure about this?" Liro asked, glancing at him.
Olbap didn't answer immediately. He just kept walking.
"Hey, Olbap, are you listening?" Liro pressed.
"Yes, I heard you, Liro. Sometimes you have to take risks and make moves you haven't fully calculated. Maybe you're right and he'll betray us. But I feel the rewards he'll bring are worth far more than anything we could lose," Olbap finally said.
"That doesn't sound like you. The guy who waited five years making sure every move was perfect before acting," Liro replied.
"You're right. But we're up against someone who has everything—more people, more contacts, more money, more ships, probably Marine support, and the Celestial Dragons themselves. How do you survive that without sacrifices?" Olbap said.
"So you plan to fight them? Why not negotiate? With Red Tide we could have them on our side," Liro suggested.
Olbap stopped dead. He placed a hand on Liro's shoulder and looked him in the eye.
"Liro, I would give you a advice—not as your boss, but as your friend: never negotiate when you're losing. Only negotiate when you're winning." He resumed walking, leaving Liro stunned and silent.
Somewhere else in the South Blue Inside an enormous mansion
Five figures sat around a luxurious table. A bottle of fine wine rested in the center, glasses filled to the brim. The atmosphere was heavy.
"So… any news on Garabato?" the first figure asked.
"None. Total den den mushi silence," another replied.
"One of my informants reported movement in the Brackmor seas. That means two things," a third said.
"Garabato is dead," a fourth stated coldly.
"And this group is a threat that must be eliminated," the fifth finished.
End of the chapter.