Chapter 85: Sabaody Archipelago – The Warlord Invitation (Part 3)
"Discharge!" Blue lightning spread across area 13GR.
"Too slow!" Esdeath quickly closed the distance, thrusting her rapier straight at Eric .
"Did you forget about me, Esdeath?" Bang bang bang! Kurumi fired rapidly, forcing Esdeath to retreat.
"Huff… Even without using her powers, she's still this tough." Eric panted, his stamina dropping rapidly from heavy ability usage.
Indeed, Esdeath—who was vastly more powerful—had fought without using her Devil Fruit abilities, yet still overwhelmed both Eric and Kurumi. It made them understand just how terrifying Esdeath must have seemed to the Revolutionary Army, who had fought her knowing they would sacrifice their lives.
"Huff… Although no one landed any decisive blows, today's fight was fun. I'm satisfied."
[Esdeath's affection increased. Bond level unchanged.]
'If affection can only be raised through battle, I'm gonna die of exhaustion...'
"Ah, is it over?" Shakky approached holding some documents. She had arrived mid-fight and watched the latter half. "Not bad, little Eric . I didn't expect you to be a Logia user. That really surprised me."
"Thanks for waiting, Shakky. Sorry to keep you out here."
"Watching energetic rookies like you makes me feel young again."
"By the way," Esdeath said thoughtfully, "Shakky, how old are you anyway?"
"Asking a lady her age is incredibly rude," Kurumi interjected apologetically. "Sorry, our comrade here doesn't have much tact."
"No worries. I don't mind supporting passionate young ones like you—especially those who don't harm civilians and seek adventure."
"Hahaha," Eric grinned confidently. "I plan to do something huge in the future."
Shakky looked intrigued. "Oh? What big thing?"
"Found a nation!" Eric answered with conviction. "The current World Government and Celestial Dragons are rotten to the core. Someone has to rise up and overthrow them!"
"Haha," Shakky chuckled softly. A reckless little brat, she thought—but Eric 's serious expression made her pause. "Are you serious?"
"Of course I am! I may be weak now, but I'll make it happen someday!" Though, of course, he was relying on his system—something he couldn't reveal.
Shakky smiled. "There are fewer and fewer kids like you who know their limits. Most shout, 'I want to be the Pirate King!' the moment they set sail, and then die challenging someone too strong. But a level-headed young man who says he wants to topple the World Government? I'm curious to see what your future holds, little Eric ."
"Just keep an eye on the headlines—I'll make sure you hear about it!"
"So full of life~" Shakky handed him the documents. "This is all the intel I could gather. But fair warning—the Navy likely already knows your crew landed here. Be careful. They could launch an ambush anytime, so don't split up too much."
"By the way, weren't you planning to coat your ship and head to the New World? If you find Rayleigh, he can do the coating—he's quite skilled."
Eric explained, "We only came to Sabaody so Esdeath could understand this world's top-tier combatants. Right now, heading to the New World would be too early. It would put the crew at risk. And honestly, I'm still too weak as a captain—I'd just be dragging everyone down."
"That's rare. Most rookies rush to get coated and barge straight into the New World without pausing. Didn't expect someone as cautious as you, little Eric ."
"Well, I'm what they call the 'Chosen One,' also known as the Groundhog, Phantom Tank, and the guy who throws shuriken from 800 miles away."
Shakky blinked. "What kind of nicknames are those?"
"Ahem." Eric coughed awkwardly. "Anyway, the Navy already knows we're here—we had a run-in with two Marines yesterday."
"If any Marines go missing, they'll launch a search."
Eric quickly waved his hands. "No no, we didn't do anything to them. Esdeath just… planted a few mushrooms on one of their heads. Then we let them go. Also…"
"The Navy knows Esdeath is part of my crew. They sent us a letter this morning."
Shakky raised an eyebrow, then nodded in realization. "Oh? Let me guess—they offered Esdeath the position of Warlord of the Sea?"
"As expected of an intelligence expert. Right on the mark. Want to join my crew as our info officer?" Eric joked.
"Hahaha, I've long retired. Cheering on rookies like you is more fun. So, Esdeath, not interested in becoming a Warlord?"
Esdeath answered indifferently, "They only offered it if I become a captain, and I heard sometimes Warlords are subject to forced summons from the Navy. I only take orders from Eric ."
"Impressive, little Eric . You've got this proud woman listening to you so obediently. I'll be rooting for your love~"
Esdeath blushed slightly. "Thank you. I'll take good care of Eric ."
"Aww, how cute," Shakky chuckled.
"Please note," Kurumi said calmly, "I, Tokisaki Kurumi, am Eric 's other half—the one destined to walk with him for life." She lifted her skirt in a graceful curtsy.
"So popular, little Eric . I'll be cheering for your love triangle too."
...
"Still no reply?" Sengoku asked from his Fleet Admiral office.
"This isn't a vegetable market," Tsuru grumbled. "This kind of important decision takes time."
"..." Sengoku sighed. "I forgot to add a deadline in the letter. If they stall forever, it'll be trouble."
"Ara ara…" said Aokiji, lounging on the couch with his long legs stretched out. "You mean that ice user like me? She took out several pirate crews in Drum Island and Water 7, leaving ice all over the place… And the credit got pinned on me. I owe her one."
He glanced at Esdeath's photo in his hand. "And she's quite the stunning lady, huh~" Of course, the man was a bit of a perv.
"Enough about her," Sengoku said from behind his desk. "Aokiji, I've got a task for you. The seventh Warlord slot is tentatively reserved for 'Knight of the Sea' Jinbei. I want you to go invite him."
"Ara ara, I just got back, Sengoku-," Admiral Kuzan yawned. "Can't I rest even a little?"
"Sorry, but Jinbei has deep ties with the former Sun Pirates captain, Fisher Tiger. He's now the current captain of the Sun Pirates. If we send Kizaru, who's Stellerberry's superior, it might go badly. Akainu's personality is too extreme. So you're the only one I can count on."
"Got it. I'll head out." Aokiji agreed reluctantly. Justice in his style might be lazy—but these days, he hadn't had a moment's rest.
He looked again at Esdeath's photo. "A pirate who only targets pirate crews… Who knows when I'll get to meet her again?" He thought it was a shame someone like Esdeath became a pirate. If she'd joined the Navy, she'd be a powerhouse for justice.
Vice Admiral Tsuru, quietly sipping tea, added, "If she accepts the Warlord invitation, you might get your chance."
"Maybe. But judging by her eyes, she doesn't look like the type to obey orders easily." Aokiji seemed to have a good read on people. "Well then, I'm off."
(END CHAPTER)
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