Ultimately, Erik chose Sandai Kitetsu over the Tengoku Blade.
One reason was the time he had spent with it. He had grown used to Kitetsu's presence. Another was that, like Tensetsugetsu, Kitetsu was a Cursed Sword. The two complemented each other, making it far more natural to wield.
As for curses or demonic power, Erik couldn't care less. Even if such things truly existed, he was a swordsman determined to become the world's greatest someday. Why would he fear something like that?
"So that's the general plan," Yemu said. "From now on, physical training and swordsmanship will be handled by Tiger and Erik. Enel and I will focus on developing Devil Fruit abilities and teaching Haki."
As he spoke, Yemu's expression grew solemn.
"I've said this before. We have many enemies now. The reason we've survived until today isn't just Tiger's outstanding navigation skills. It's also thanks to First Mate Enel. Through his development of Devil Fruit abilities and Haki, he cultivated the Mind Net, which allowed us to evade almost every pursuit. But simply running away is pointless. We can escape now, even reach the New World, but then where would we run next?"
"So everyone has to grow stronger, and fast."
"Of course, I know this can't be achieved overnight. When the time comes, I'll give everyone the time they need."
"Alright then. Does anyone have any questions? If not, let's get to work."
Everyone nodded firmly, their eyes filled with resolve.
Just then, Tiger scratched his head and spoke up.
"No big problems, but there's a small one I think you need to deal with, Captain."
"Oh? What is it?" Yemu asked.
Tiger looked a little awkward.
"We think we've figured out why Bullet is coming after you, Captain…"
As he spoke, Tiger pulled a newspaper from his pocket and handed it to Yemu.
At first, Yemu didn't think much of it. The fight was already over, and whatever the reason was, it felt too late to matter. But the moment he saw the contents of the paper, his face darkened completely.
"So that's how it is. Hand me Morgans's Den Den Mushi."
Yemu was clearly ready to confront him head-on.
"Buru buru buru…"
After a few rings, the Den Den Mushi, which bore a slight resemblance to Morgans himself, let out a greeting.
"Moshi moshi…"
Yemu didn't bother with any pleasantries. His voice dropped, cold and heavy.
"Morgans… you've really caused me a lot of trouble this time."
The Den Den Mushi visibly froze for a moment. Then, as if it suddenly jumped to life, it let out an excited chirp.
"Yemu… Captain Yemu of the Sky Pirates… you're actually still alive…"
"What, were you hoping I'd be dead?"
"Of course not. You're the one I value the most, the inheritor of Pirate King Roger's will, the man destined to become the next Pirate King. Someone like Bullet was never going to kill you."
"Enough nonsense. Do you have any idea how much trouble your report has caused me? Was this the World Government's intention?"
"Of course not. I truly believe in you. You know, because of that article, the World Government has issued a worldwide warrant for my arrest."
Yemu had no intention of giving him any courtesy.
"Stop flattering yourself. You know perfectly well how much trouble that report has brought me."
On the other end, Morgans sounded completely unconcerned.
"Hehehe, don't get so worked up, Captain Yemu. Why don't you listen to the news I just dug up? Then you'll see that what I brought you is only a small problem…"
"What do you mean?"
Morgans didn't play coy and went straight to the point.
"The Navy and the World Government are about to announce new bounties for the Sky Pirates. And the amounts are absolutely shocking!!!"
Then, through the Den Den Mushi, Morgans read out the bounties one by one.
"Sky Pirates Captain Yemu, an extremely evil individual, Mera Mera no Mi user. Bounty: 940,000,000 Belly. Dead or alive…"
"Sky Pirates Vice Captain Enel, an extremely evil individual, Goro Goro no Mi user. Bounty: 800,000,000 Belly. Dead or alive…"
"Sky Pirates Navigator Fisher Tiger, an extremely evil individual, Fishman. Bounty: 680,000,000 Belly. Dead or alive…"
"Sky Pirates Swordsman Killmonger Erik, dual-sword style swordsman. Bounty: 280,000,000 Belly. Dead or alive…"
"Sky Pirates Head Chef Flare, an extremely evil individual, Ryōri Ryōri no Mi user. Bounty: 10,000,000 Belly. Dead or alive…"
"Sky Pirates Ship Doctor Killmonger Ayala, an extremely evil individual. Bounty: 8,000,000 Belly. Dead or alive…"
"Sky Pirates Sniper Baby-5, an extremely evil individual, Buki Buki no Mi user. Bounty: 6,000,000 Belly. Dead or alive…"
"Hehehehe… These are bounties that will go down in history. On the Grand Line, no pirate crew has ever received bounties this high before even entering the New World."
At that moment, as everyone heard their new bounties, their reactions varied.
Enel was one of the few who looked genuinely excited. Tiger frowned slightly. Erik's eyes shone brightly. Flare looked worried. Ayala was stunned. Baby-5 looked completely lost.
"It can't be that simple…" Yemu said, voicing his doubts.
"Hehehe… As expected of Captain Yemu. You're right. Based on the information I've gathered, there's good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first, Captain Yemu?"
"…Start with the good news."
"No problem. The good news is that for a while, neither the Navy nor the World Government should be coming after you."
"Why?"
"There are two reasons. On the Navy's side, Douglas Bullet seems to have gone even more insane after his fight with you, Captain Yemu. He's currently wreaking havoc across the Grand Line. Meanwhile, in the New World, the Navy is suffering defeat after defeat. So at the very least, they won't be able to spare Admiral-level forces to hunt you down. As for the World Government, that's even bigger news. I hear they've mobilized the entire CP system on a certain island, searching for the bloodline of Pirate King Roger…"
"And the bad news?"
"Eh? Captain Yemu doesn't seem very interested in the Roger bloodline information. When I heard about it, it scared me half to death… Hehehe. But never mind. The bad news is that while the Navy and the World Government won't be putting major effort into chasing you, the underworld has already set its sights on you."
"Why?"
"Hehehe… Word is that the King of Drum Kingdom leaked some information. Supposedly, Captain Yemu's ship holds at least two billion Belly worth of gold, along with three Devil Fruits and two Meito. Add that to the bounties on Captain Yemu and the rest of the Sky Pirates, and the total value exceeds five billion Belly. That's a number no one can afford to ignore. The only question is whether this information is actually true, Captain Yemu… Hehehe…"
At that moment, the Den Den Mushi fell silent, as if waiting for Yemu's answer.
Yemu didn't disappoint Morgans. At this point, whether it was true or not no longer mattered.
"Of course it's true. And if anything, it's only more."
"Hehehehe… Wonderful… absolutely wonderful…"
"Then, in exchange, can you tell me who exactly has set their sights on our Sky Pirates?"
"Hehehe, quite a lot of people. The Germa Family, the largest arms dealers in the underworld… the Happo Navy led by the violent Chinjao family… the Queen of the Pleasure Districtt, Stussy… the Loan Shark King, Feld… the Shipping King, Umit… the Warehouseman King, Giberson… the Major Undertaker Peclo… and Buena Festa, the organizer of the Pirate Expo and a war maniac. All of the biggest names are after you. Besides them, there are also some powerful pirates and pirate hunters… Hehehe. And of course, if Captain Yemu doesn't mind, I'd like to give it a try myself…"