At dusk, deep within Birka Forest.
Crackle—crackle…
The dancing firelight illuminated the surroundings. A huge slab of tiger meat was propped over the flames, golden fat continuously dripping down into the fire with a crackling hiss. The aroma of roasted meat spread everywhere, so tempting it made people swallow on reflex.
Mieko held a small knife and gently turned the roast to keep certain spots from charring. Then he sliced off a large chunk that had cooked to perfection. Not caring how scalding it was, he opened his mouth and took a massive bite, devouring it like a starving wolf.
"It's been three months… about time I leave this place." Mieko stared at the flickering firelight, thinking to himself. By now, he had a basic grasp of some abilities of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit. He was still a long way from Enel, who could casually wipe out a small island—but he was certain that was only a matter of time.
Mieko was brimming with confidence. As long as he moved carefully, in this country, there was simply no one who could block his path. Otherwise, how could Enel have gained the power to destroy Birka after only one or two years of training?
…
The next morning, sunlight poured over the land.
At the edge of Birka Forest, a handsome youth draped in animal hides slowly emerged. His appearance made the surrounding beasts retreat one after another, as if they'd sensed something terrifying.
"Ah—haven't been out for three months!" Bathed in warm sunlight, Mieko set down the heavy bundle of hides in his hands and stretched his body. He glanced back at the gloomy, sinister forest behind him, the corner of his mouth lifting into a light chuckle. "I bet plenty of people think I got swallowed by some beast's belly by now…"
"Before the Royal Army comes knocking, I'd better go swap into a proper outfit."
With that, Mieko hoisted the bundle of hides, his steps brisk, and soon vanished along the path beyond Birka Forest.
Along the way, quite a few residents saw the enormous bundle of hides in his hands and were so shocked their jaws practically hit the floor, staring at him in disbelief.
"Isn't that the Blue Sea kid who went missing a few months ago?"
"I thought he was dead for sure… but looking at him, he really survived in Birka Forest for over three months…"
"So… did he really take Enel down?"
"The Royal Army's probably going to track him down before long…"
…
BANG! A loud crash exploded inside the largest clothing shop nearby. Mieko abruptly swung his arm and slammed the bundle of hides onto the floor. The sudden move startled everyone inside into jumping to their feet.
Outside the shop, a crowd of busybody residents rushed over at the sound, gathering around, tiptoeing and craning their necks—curious and astonished as they peered inside.
"Little brother, what kind of show are you putting on here?" someone asked.
Mieko didn't bother with small talk. He pointed at the pile of hides and said bluntly to the shop's female owner, "Boss, these hides are yours. I pick whatever clothes I want from your store. Deal?"
The owner's eyes went wide as she stared at the heavy bundle on the ground, barely believing what she was seeing. She hurried over and examined them carefully, only to find they were all precious pelts from ferocious beasts—spotted leopards and saber-toothed tiger among them. She couldn't help blurting out in shock, "Oh my—! They're all pelts from fierce beasts like spotted leopards…!"
"Little brother, this batch is worth a fortune—and it's kept in such perfect condition. Buying my whole shop outright would be a bit much, but it's enough for you to buy most of the clothes in here…" The owner spoke with a serious expression while continuing to inspect the hides. But the moment she lifted her head, she realized Mieko had already started picking out clothes.
"Don't tell me… he hunted all of these himself?"
"This kid looks strong, sure, but there's no way he's that capable, right?"
Others in the shop were drawn over by the hides as well. They crowded in, eyes bulging as they sized up the pelts on the floor, exclamations rising one after another.
"Mmm. These two." Mieko immediately took a liking to a blue-and-white shirt and a black-and-gray pair of casual trousers. The fabric was high-quality, the workmanship fine. He grabbed them and headed for the changing room.
A little while later—
"Boss, these pants are a bit long. Can you help alter them?" Mieko walked out wearing the blue-and-white shirt, instantly eye-catching. Clothes really did make the man—if he weren't still wearing those rough hide pants, he would've looked exactly like a handsome, dashing young man.
The owner studied Mieko's sharp, heroic features with mild surprise, then smiled. "Sure. I'll have someone adjust them right away. Do you need anything else? If you have any requests, just say the word…"
"Then please custom-make me two sets of white casual wear. It's fine if delivery's a couple days late…"
"Of course. If we rush it, it should take about two days," the owner said with a smile, measuring Mieko's size.
…
"Captain, we got a report from a resident—said that Blue Sea kid who's been missing for over three months has shown up, and it looks like he came out of Birka Forest!"
A Royal Army soldier held a Den Den Mushi and jogged up to a middle-aged man wearing a Birka Royal Army officer's uniform, reporting quickly.
"What? He's still alive?" The middle-aged man turned around in surprise, brows tightly furrowed. His tone was cold, carrying an unquestionable edge. "Where is he right now, exactly?"
"They say he appeared at a clothing shop…"
"Immediately gather men and arrest him!"
(End of Chapter)
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