"That depends on what Carlo says; after all, I wasn't the one involved." Saying this, Linlin turned around and looked down at Carlo.
"Carlo, what do you say?"
Carlo lowered the halberd he'd held at Silver Axe's neck and said flatly, "I don't care about rebuilding Hachinosu—that's Rocks' business. Whether he wants money or not is none of my concern. But Silver Axe owes me one billion berries as the price of staying alive, or he can follow John's example and become my subordinate."
"one billion berries?! That's way too much! Why don't you just rob someone!" At the sum, the kneeling Silver Axe exploded.
"I am robbing someone," Carlo grinned. "This is how pirates do things. No money? Then be my subordinate—I won't mind."
"I mind! I'll never serve under anyone!" Silver Axe sprang to his feet and glared. "Fine! one billion berries, right? I'll pay! But I don't have that much on me. I'll give it to you in installments…"
Carlo: "Then I'll charge interest—ten percent extra for every month you're late."
Silver Axe erupted: "That interest is insane! Are you running a loan-shark racket?"
Carlo shrugged. "Loan-shark? No, no—if I were, next month you'd owe me five billion. I'm only asking for ten percent more; I'm being generous."
"You ruthless bastard!"
Left speechless, Silver Axe stormed off after Golden Lion.
Watching him go, Linlin standing nearby couldn't help bursting into laughter.
"Mamamama, even I've never seen Shiki so deflated. Carlo, just now—weren't you afraid he'd attack you?"
"If I choose to leave, he can't kill me," Carlo said calmly.
Recalling his ability, Linlin nodded. "True. He can fly, and so can you—only faster."
Carlo said, "Thanks for earlier, Linlin."
"Mamamama, it was nothing. Just don't forget our pact. Oh, right—come to the council hall later; Rocks seems to have something to say." Chuckling, she waved and strode off on legs five meters long.
Seeing her leave,
John, who'd climbed from the pit aching all over, limped toward Carlo.
He hesitated. "C-Carlo, I can also give you one billion berries, just consider it—"
"You don't get a choice. Even if you pay, you'll still stay my subordinate," Carlo cut in.
John froze, furious and frantic. "Why? Why does Silver Axe get to—"
"Do you have a backer? Do you have a powerhouse like Golden Lion who'll stand up for you?"
Carlo looked at John's reddening face and shook his head.
"Sadly, you don't. So stop dreaming. As your boss, not taking all your money is already generous. Now go find an inn, heal up. Don't try to run—this is your last chance to stay alive."
With that he ignored John's shifting expression, gripped the heavenly dragon halberd, and headed for Skull Mountain.
Halfway there he spotted Maron and Kaido,
along with the bedraggled Gan Sui, just fished from the sea.
Seeing Carlo approach, Maron—who'd witnessed everything—couldn't help but exclaim,
"Strictly speaking, I truly admire you now, Carlo. Your strength has earned my respect. From this moment you're the genuine Fourth Division Captain."
Carlo smiled. "Maron, if Wang Zhi hears that, your good buddy will be furious."
"One thing at a time. If he's unhappy, he can fight you. If he beats Captain Carlo, I'll gladly call him Captain Wang Zhi again."
Maron pulled an unopened cigar box from his coat and offered it with both hands.
"These are Haguwa cigars from my home in the West Blue. Not as pricey as Douglas Kingdom specials, but strong—perfect for a tough guy like you. Please accept."
"Then I won't stand on ceremony." Laughing, Carlo took them.
Once the gift was accepted, Maron returned to Gan Sui's side.
Carlo tore the seal while glancing at the silent Kaido. "Kaido-senpai, cat got your tongue? Feeling shy?"
"Who the hell's shy!" Kaido's face darkened, knuckles cracking around his spiked club.
The two walked side by side.
Carlo opened the box, slipped a cigar between his teeth.
Noting Kaido's sullen look, he pulled out another and offered it—then, as if suddenly remembering, yanked it back and slapped his forehead.
"Oh, right—minors shouldn't smoke. You're only fifteen, Kaido-senpai; still growing. Better not pick up bad habits."
"Damn it, Carlo!! Who're you calling a kid?! Hand it over!"
Roaring, Kaido lunged and snatched the cigar, clamping it in his teeth.
Only problem: he had no fire.
Neither did Carlo.
Anything fragile
had been smashed in the earlier fight.
At his level of combat even a metal lighter wouldn't survive.
But lighting up was no trouble.
His pupils narrowed into golden vertical slits; twin crimson beams lanced out with a hum.
A thunderous blast—an orb of super-heat reduced a three-story house to rubble.
Molten rock slagged down the walls like lava.
Carlo leaned in and lit his cigar, drawing deeply.
Beside him, Kaido watched in open envy.
He copied the move, lighting his own cigar and inhaling hard.
"Your power's handy. Wish I had—cough cough cough!"
Before he finished, a coughing fit seized him.
The smoke hit like swallowing a fistful of chili, searing his throat.
Tears streamed from his eyes.
"What lousy crap! Disgusting!" He spat the cigar, ground it underfoot, stomping again and again.
"Gahahaha! Told you kids shouldn't smoke," Carlo roared.
"Stop laughing! Quit it!"
"Gahaha—gahahaha! Little Brat, don't cry—I'll buy you candy later."
"Bastard! I'm not crying! Not a single damn tear!"