Hard…
Rayleigh froze.
For a moment, he felt as if something heavy slapped across his face.
Good heavens.
He really just got speed-checked by the Holy Master?
Lost for words, Rayleigh could only force a dry laugh:
"…Probably not as hard as you."
The Holy Master nodded with satisfaction.
Beside him, Little Demon Dragon curled his lip.
"Shameless. I wonder who needs sorcery and a Horse Charm just to level a small account?"
WHACK!
The Holy Master slapped his son across the room and dragged him outside for another round of "loving discipline."
Meanwhile, Grey Wolf continued gnawing on his mutton while working on the Hōgyoku.
As his teeth tore through the fatty tail meat, shimmering drops of grease dripped down—
And splattered directly onto the Hōgyoku.
Grey Wolf didn't even look up.
Slowly, the entire Hōgyoku began to… glisten.
Aizen's eyelids twitched madly.
That thing is my life's work!
And now it was covered in grease.
Grey Wolf waved the bone lazily.
"You roast pretty well. This king is satisfied."
Aizen's mouth twitched. He was about to reply—
When Grey Wolf's voice hit him again:
"Since it's good, go roast a few more."
Aizen: "…"
Enough already!!
At that moment—
Ding-ling…
The tavern door opened.
Sengoku and Akainu strode in.
Before anyone could greet them—
Akainu marched straight up to Kaisha and bowed respectfully.
"Queen Kaisha—Doflamingo escaped yesterday. If I had the Flame Sword…"
Yesterday, he was this close to maiming that bastard Doflamingo.
But then—
"PAF."
The Flame Sword vanished.
His joy evaporated.
His heart shattered.
Kaisha pointed elegantly toward Liang Bing.
"If you want to blame someone, blame her. She gave Doflamingo the Aether Dagger. We made an agreement afterward not to interfere further in this world."
"So we both took our weapons back."
Akainu nodded silently.
Sengoku watched, dumbfounded.
This is the same man who glares at ME for breathing wrong?
Now look at him—obedient as a kitten.
Salary deduction.
Absolutely getting a salary deduction.
And suspension.
Charge: "Visiting Red-Light District During Work Hours."
Sengoku sat at the bar with a bitter smile.
"Boss… The Marines and the World Government will no longer pursue the matter of you killing a Celestial Dragon."
"And if you have any requests, we can discuss them."
Ron lit a cigarette and said calmly:
"You not pursuing it is your business. But I will pursue my losses."
"That day, the Celestial Dragon frightened me. And killing him made a mess all over the place. Rem, Ram, and Thor had to clean everything."
"So I want three Devil Fruits as compensation."
Sengoku had just sipped his drink.
He spit it directly across Rayleigh's face.
Pfff—
Mental damages?!
You dare claim you were frightened?!
Rayleigh wiped his face.
"You old fart! Can't you keep your mouth closed?!"
Sengoku ignored him and nodded stiffly.
"No problem. Chāgum will deliver them this afternoon."
Ron nodded.
"Good. Now, on to my conditions."
"From now on—"
"Shabondy Archipelago, Zones 1 to 30, are mine."
"All civilians must be relocated elsewhere. Costs covered by the World Government."
"No Celestial Dragon is allowed to step foot there."
"Marines must continue to station troops to maintain order."
PFFFF—
Another spray of wine across Rayleigh's face.
Ron wanted a LOT.
But for good reason.
He wanted to build an arena.
A place for future tavern guests to settle disputes—
just like the Holy Master currently beating his son outside.
It would reduce trouble.
And generate income.
Entry fee for fighters.
Tickets for spectators.
Perfect business.
Sengoku wiped his mouth, face grim.
"I must discuss this. Wait a moment."
He stepped outside with a Den-Den Mushi.
This was no small request.
Shabondy wasn't only a Celestial Dragon playground—
it was the gateway to the New World.
And Ron wanted zones with properties belonging to high-ranking World Government officials.
Too much money involved.
Even Sengoku couldn't decide alone.
Minutes later, he returned.
"The Five Elders agree."
Ron smiled.
"Pleasure doing business."
"And by the way—someone will visit the tavern in three days."
"I hope you treat the guest well."
Sengoku exhaled deeply.
In just ten days—
He went from trying to recruit Ron into the Marines…
To the Marines and World Government tiptoeing around him.
And now even—
Imu
—was going to visit the tavern.
Ron shrugged casually.
"A guest is a guest. All the same."
Sengoku stood up.
"I'll take my leave."
"Not so fast," Ron said, pointing at Xiao Zizai, who was quietly drinking.
"I have a talent to introduce to you."
"This is Xiao Zizai. Don't ask where he's from. Don't question his identity. All you need to know is—every person he's killed deserved it."
Xiao Zizai lifted a hand.
"Hi~."
Sengoku blinked.
Akainu looked over too.
And when their eyes met—
Both men froze.
They saw… themselves.
Kindred spirits.
Sengoku asked quietly:
"And his strength?"
Ron thought for a moment.
"Not sure. You'll have to fight to find out."
"Rayleigh, how about helping us test him?"
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