Just as before, under Kaito Arisawa's command, the War Pirates never lingered in one place for long. Whether they were replenishing supplies or looting, once their objective was complete, they immediately departed.
This operational style made it extremely difficult for Don Chinjao—who relied on the intelligence network of the Kano Country—to truly catch up to them.
Each time he arrived one step too late.
Each time he missed them.
But the deaths of his grandson and heir had fueled him with relentless determination. Don Chinjao refused to give up.
…
"Listen up, you brats! You already know the arrangements for tonight!"
Standing atop the figurehead of the No. 1 main ship after docking procedures were complete, Kaito looked down at his gathered crew with a righteous expression.
"Don't say your captain is always too strict with you. Training must be strict—that's a given. But after strict training, you also need proper relaxation!"
He raised his voice.
"So tonight's spending—your captain is paying the bill! Go enjoy yourselves!"
The fleet of ten pirate ships had just sailed into port. As soon as the ships were secured, the impatient crew members poured onto the decks, gathering eagerly.
The island they had docked at was called Crimson Swallow Island.
It boasted a bustling city no less prosperous than Lovisa.
But that wasn't the true highlight.
The name "Crimson Swallow" came from the fact that the largest pleasure district in all of West Blue operated here.
Kaito believed in balance.
Whether it was military training or personal cultivation, he believed in tension and release.
A mind stretched too tight would eventually snap.
Relaxation was necessary.
Well.
No need to elaborate further.
The reason Kaito had come to Crimson Swallow Island was simple: he had brought his men here to unwind.
Even if one had fresh vegetables at home, eating them every day could grow tiresome. Occasionally sampling wild greens outside helped adjust the palate.
More importantly, as a captain, he wouldn't ignore his men's needs simply because he himself was satisfied.
"Long live the captain!!!"
The thunderous roar of five thousand War Pirates erupted in unison, shaking the port so violently that nearby civilians fled in fright.
Kaito leapt down and strode forward mightily, Mangu following closely behind. The vast group surged toward the city.
Robin, who remained behind on the ship, curled her lips slightly.
"Men…"
Though Kaito had "taken care of her" beforehand, she clearly wasn't entirely pleased with his decision to go sampling "wild vegetables" after already enjoying what he had at home.
Still, she said nothing.
Instead, she turned to Neferpet.
"Kitten, let's go to the captain's cabin. He's secretly hoarded quite a few bottles of top-quality wine. We'll drink them all tonight."
"Huh? …Alright, meow."
Neferpet hesitated for only a moment before nodding.
After spending some time aboard the War Pirates' ships, she had gradually integrated into the crew.
As the only two women on board, she and Robin had grown especially close.
Though she suspected the captain might scold them later for drinking his private collection, she reasoned that with Robin backing her up, it would probably be fine.
So she followed.
…
Though it was already night, the sight of thousands of pirates marching into the city still caused quite a stir.
Fortunately, once Kaito and his men entered the pleasure district, the surrounding pedestrians quickly adjusted and normalcy resumed.
After all, Happy Street attracted all kinds of people.
It was a place of chaos and indulgence.
Though Kaito's group was undeniably imposing, they had clearly come to relax—not to cause trouble.
As he had told his men, relaxation meant relaxation.
Once inside Happy Street, the crew split off in twos and threes, heading toward different establishments.
Kaito himself entered the largest venue on the street, with Mangu following closely.
The venue resembled a luxurious nightclub—lavish décor, flowing alcohol, and rising hormones.
When you had money in your pocket, confidence came naturally.
Kaito displayed his wealth without hesitation, directly reserving ten top-ranking courtesans.
As for Mangu, Kaito had intended to choose several high-quality companions suited to his massive physique.
But Mangu refused.
It wasn't because he was particularly noble.
Rather, he regarded Kaito as more important than his own life.
While his captain relaxed inside, Mangu insisted on standing guard outside the private room.
Kaito tried persuading him several times but ultimately gave up.
Since his loyal subordinate wouldn't budge, he could only enjoy himself quickly so Mangu could eventually rest in peace.
And so—
Carnival.
After the ten top courtesans arrived, Kaito wasted no time.
He decisively entered the main event.
Clothes were soon scattered across the finely woven carpets inside the private room.
Meanwhile—
In another private room—
"Bastards! It's not like I can't afford it! I said I wanted the top courtesan! How dare you try to brush me off with this trash?!"
A burly man with an armored gauntlet on his right arm slammed his fist onto the table, flipping it over in fury.
Bottles shattered across the floor.
His name was Sandy.
Across from him stood Madam Sang, visibly flustered.
The girls she had brought with her shrank back in fear.
And indeed, the quality of this batch was average at best.
"That's right!" one of Sandy's subordinates shouted. "Are you looking down on our Violent Bear Pirates?! Our captain has a bounty of 78 million Berries!"
"Yeah! We've got plenty of money! Call out your top courtesan—or don't blame us if we start smashing the place!"
"Top courtesan! Top courtesan! Top courtesan!"
The entire private room echoed with angry demands.
Sandy's crew was incensed.
To them, this wasn't just about pleasure—it was about respect.
Their captain had status. A bounty of 78 million Berries wasn't small.
How dare this establishment insult them?
Madam Sang swallowed nervously.
The tension in the air thickened.
And outside, the sounds of revelry continued, unaware that trouble was brewing within the pleasure district.
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