Although the News Coo said it wasn't far, actually sailing there took considerable time.
A hundred nautical miles would take an ordinary sailing ship over a day.
But the Emeralda had steam power on one hand and Karin's 'bird power boost' on the other. In less than five hours, they could already see scattered ship outlines.
Sure enough, like the News Coo said, most ships flew black flags with skulls.
They were pirates.
While Karin and the others saw them, the pirates also spotted the Emeralda.
"Boss, another ship's coming up behind."
On a certain pirate ship, a one-eyed pirate peeling a fruit with a small knife heard his crewman shout. Without turning, he slapped him.
"Panicking over nothing."
"This is Hachinosu. What's strange about a few pirate ships? Wait till we get to the island. Villains from the New World are already gathering here!"
But the slapped pirate crewman staggered up, holding his face, arguing indignantly.
"No, Captain, that ship isn't flying a Jolly Roger."
"Oh?"
Hearing this, the one-eyed pirate captain showed some interest.
Taking the monocular hanging from his neck, he looked toward the Emeralda through the lens.
"It really isn't..."
Saying so, he bit the apple.
"A lost merchant ship?"
It didn't look like a pirate ship or a Marine ship.
Because of Kalifa's ability, the Emeralda's modified, slightly rounded appearance greatly reduced its intimidation.
Hearing the captain, the pirate crew grew excited.
"Then, Boss... should we?"
Plundering merchant ships was routine for them.
Even though they came to Hachinosu for some 'big plan', that didn't mean these people would behave.
That was normal.
In the New World, notable strong individuals mostly joined Emperor crews. Even without plundering, they had income sources.
Only vicious pirates like sea hyenas would be interested in the 'big plan' proposed by Hachinosu's madman.
Of course, this wasn't absolute.
For example—
"Wait, Captain! Another ship's coming from our right!"
The earlier pirate who spotted the Emeralda shouted again, halting the cheers.
"So what?"
"They aren't slowing down! They're about to hit us!"
Hearing this, the one-eyed pirate snapped back, then glared ferociously to the right.
Sure enough, a magnificent ship flying a blue flag with golden patterns and a galloping horse was charging toward them without slowing.
The huge white horse figurehead made the one-eyed pirate captain feel he'd seen it somewhere.
But the situation didn't allow further thought.
"Men! Prepare to fire!"
"Woo!!"
These desperados wouldn't retreat easily, especially with so many peers watching.
At this moment, in the surrounding waters, many pirate ships were heading toward Hachinosu.
Seeing the two pirate ships about to collide, the surrounding pirates seemed used to it, not even slowing down.
Well.
They were all villains living on the edge… friction was normal.
But not all pirates ignored it.
On one ship, a pirate seemed to recognize one of the ships.
"That's... the White Horse?"
His companion turned.
"The ship of Pirate Prince Cavendish?"
Living near Cavendish's homeland, the Bourgeois Kingdom, these pirates had heard of the [White Horse of the Sea].
"That guy's doomed."
The captain nodded, commenting on the pirate ship blocking Cavendish's path.
Indeed.
Just as the one-eyed pirate ordered firing, a brilliant slash shot from the opposing ship's bow.
"Beautiful Sword: Stardust Prince!"
The gorgeous sword [Durandal] traced a starry trajectory mid-air, then sliced through both man and ship effortlessly.
"Bastard!"
Seeing his beloved ship cut in two, the one-eyed pirate captain didn't recognize the power gap but grew fiercer, wanting to counterattack.
But his full-force swing was easily blocked by Cavendish with just his scabbard.
"Hmph, such an ugly, unremarkable fellow."
Cavendish looked at the one-eyed pirate with disdainful mockery.
Whether about his looks or his attack was unclear.
Before the other could speak, Durandal swung in another arc.
"Beautiful Sword: Round Table."
The sword light formed a moon-like circle mid-air. Then sheathing the sword, the one-eyed pirate fell.
Cavendish seemed unwilling to waste more words, whistling. A white horse leaped from his ship, landing before him.
His beloved horse, Farul.
Mounting the steed, Cavendish left the sinking pirate ship, returning to his own.
"Really... even such third-rate fellows are joining. I'm starting to doubt that guy's boasts."
Cavendish complained dissatisfiedly to his crew.
Then under his command, the White Horse sailed toward the Emeralda, which had no Jolly Roger, in the distance.
"Women?"
Seeing Naomi steering, Cavendish frowned first.
Not that he discriminated against women, but women he encountered always swarmed around him.
It once caused a situation in his country where 'women refused to marry', forcing his father the king to exile him, leaving only 'a mere' 500 million Berry and a magnificent ship.
But Cavendish was talented.
His swordsmanship was exceptional and he also mastered Observation and Armament Haki, making a name even in the New World's strong gatherings.
"No... a Devil Fruit user?"
Cavendish's gaze fell on Naomi's serpent tail, naturally assuming she was a Zoan-type user.
"You, what do you want?"
Contrary to Cavendish's expectations, Naomi didn't show admiration like other women but directly aimed her bow at him.
"An enemy?"
At that moment, Kalifa also emerged from below deck, immediately noticing Cavendish.
'All women? Whatever... not important.'
Silently complaining, Cavendish raised his head, speaking arrogantly to Kalifa and Naomi.
"Women, ahead is no place for you. Turn back now."
"As for saving you, don't mind it. Just remember my name, Cavendish."
After saying this, ignoring the women's disgusted expressions, Cavendish ordered the White Horse to continue toward Hachinosu.
Kalifa and Naomi exchanged glances.
"What a strange fellow."
"An idiot?"
Clearly, the two women weren't interested in the suddenly appearing prince.
Then Karin flew from below deck, landing on Kalifa's palm.
She still had bubbles on her.
She'd been bathing earlier, and Kalifa was adding bubbles to her tub.
They'd just started when noises outside prompted Kalifa to check.
'Tsk... still not used to it.'
Though covered by feathers, Karin always felt naked while bathing, reluctant to come on deck.
"Naomi, Kalifa, what happened just now?"
The two women exchanged glances, then shook their heads in tacit agreement.
"No, nothing."
"Really?"
Karin nodded half-believing and half-doubting… she hadn't used Observation Haki earlier and truly didn't know.
"Right, Captain. It'll be a while before landing. Let's continue bathing."
"Oh, okay."
Mentioning bathing, Karin remembered.
She needs a bath.
Her feathers always hid strange things.
'I wonder if other Zoan users were like this? Would Sasuke have fleas?'