Chapter 409: Conversation with Shiki
Charlotte shot a glare at Caesar.
Caesar quickly turned his head away, feigning innocence.
"Shiki, what are your plans next? Reclaiming the territory you lost a year ago?"
Charlotte asked casually, though his eyes flickered with calculation.
He needed to know Shiki's next strategic move.
Because Charlotte wanted Shiki's attention fixed firmly on the first half of the New World—not the central territories. That region was bound for war.
The center of the New World was on the brink of chaos. With Charlotte's return, conflict with the Big Mom Pirates was inevitable. Two legendary pirates, two massive empires—it would come to blows.
Two years ago, Charlotte Linlin had publicly invaded Carmé Island. Though stopped by the Red Count, she had seized several other islands nearby. Only the immediate area around Carmé remained untouched.
If Charlotte didn't strike back soon, the title of "one of the four legendary pirates" might shift to Linlin. That was unacceptable. His pride wouldn't allow it.
And before any confrontation with Linlin… he had another unfinished battle: a thirteen-year-old duel with the Red Count.
The Red Count had waited six years. Now, he wouldn't take no for an answer.
"Plans?"
Shiki chuckled darkly, swirling his wine.
"What if I said I was heading to the New World's core? What would you do then?"
Charlotte narrowed his eyes.
"Then I'd make up with Linlin and crush the Flying Pirates together. No way I'm letting you take advantage of the situation."
"Gehahaha!"
Shiki burst into laughter.
"I figured you'd say something like that."
"Relax," he continued. "I won't touch the center until I settle things in the first half of the New World—and deal with the Roger Pirates."
Only after that would Shiki move in earnest.
Charlotte quietly exhaled in relief.
At least the ship's wheel lodged in Shiki's skull hadn't driven him completely insane.
"The Roger Pirates? What did they do to you?"
Charlotte asked, genuinely curious.
Shiki's face darkened.
"When they first entered the New World, they targeted me immediately. I tried to let it go. Hell, I even invited Roger to join my crew—but he refused. Then came the Battle of Edd War. You know how that went. I lost everything. My fleet, my pride."
Shiki clenched his fist.
"I've waited years to recover. But I will get my revenge. Otherwise, I'll always be the one trampled beneath Roger's feet."
He crushed his wine cup, blood trickling from his hand.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow.
For a moment, he felt… sympathy.
But then again, wasn't that true for everyone of Roger's generation?
The Pirate King had trampled over them all.
"Let's not talk about him. The mere thought pisses me off," Shiki grunted and downed another wine jug.
Charlotte joined him. They drank together until their spirits lifted.
"Gehahaha! Charlotte, your return sure is stirring things up. What's your plan for Big Mom?"
Shiki's face was flushed with drink, but his eyes were sharp.
"Plan? I'm taking it all back. Anyone who thinks they can steal from me hasn't been born yet!"
Charlotte clenched his fist.
"Gehaha! I knew it! Everyone's waiting for that showdown!"
Shiki grinned.
Charlotte scoffed and refilled their cups.
The party on the Poseidon grew livelier. Both pirate crews drank and mingled on the deck.
But then—
"Hehehe… hey little lady, come keep me company, yeah?"
One drunk Flying Pirate grabbed the wrist of a female maid. She yelped in alarm.
A nearby swordsman immediately drew his blade.
"Let go of her—now!"
The pirate sneered.
"Let go? Just 'cause you said so? Don't make me laugh."
He grinned and groped the struggling maid.
That was the final straw.
Tension exploded on the deck. Flying Pirates drew their weapons. The atmosphere turned dangerous.
"What's going on?"
Barrett strode over, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the scene.
The drunk pirate laughed, unfazed.
"Hey, if your girls won't serve drinks, I'll just help myself!"
He leered and caressed the maid's cheek again.
Barrett's expression darkened.
Up on the deck, Charlotte and Shiki noticed the commotion.
Charlotte's face turned cold.
Shiki's too.
Charlotte glanced at him—no words needed.
Shiki responded by drawing his sword.
Slash!
A single blow. The drunk pirate's throat split open.
Blood sprayed across the maid's face as the pirate collapsed.
Gasps spread through the crowd.
Everyone turned to see Shiki still holding his sword mid-swing.
"This is my brother's ship," he said coldly.
"Anyone who causes trouble here—I'll take their head myself."
The Flying Pirates froze in fear, weapons dropping to the deck.
Charlotte smiled slightly. Shiki sheathed his sword.
They drank until late into the night before finally collapsing into sleep.
By sunrise, both captains awoke under the golden sky.
"Gehahaha! That was one hell of a night!"
Shiki stretched in midair.
"But I can't stay. Let's meet again sometime."
"Get lost already," Charlotte smirked. "You've overstayed your welcome."
"Gehaha! Alright boys, we're moving out!"
Shiki laughed and waved to his crew.
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