When Lind heard Shiki's invitation, he nearly lost composure.
After all, joining Shiki would mean sticking close to him most of the time. That left little room for Lind to claim a territory of his own.
What Lind truly wanted was to become one of the Rocks Pirates' squad leaders. Among Rocks' ranks, squad leaders enjoyed a high degree of freedom. As long as they obeyed when called upon, the rest of the time they were left to do whatever they wanted. Rocks rarely interfered.
But since Shiki had personally extended the offer, it would be awkward to reject him outright.
Ultimately, Lind's farming ambitions won out. He figured Rocks probably wouldn't want Shiki's division growing too powerful anyway.
"Uh, Captain Shiki… this sort of important decision, shouldn't we ask Captain Rocks first? After all, it was his idea to invite me aboard."
Lind knew full well that Rocks wouldn't care how Shiki chose his deputy—but Shiki didn't know that Lind knew.
Shiki simply assumed Lind was unfamiliar with how things worked within the Rocks Pirates and didn't want to offend their captain. Laughing heartily, he replied,
"You've got a point! Don't worry, I've got the authority to make that call. Just come with me to Fullalead and meet the boss. I'll bring up the vice-captain position with him then."
"Alright, where's your ship? Let's bring it along and head back together."
Seeing Lind still seemed hesitant, Shiki waved it off with a grin and decided to settle it back at base.
"Got it, Captain Shiki! I'll go bring my ship around right now." Lind was quick to go along, relieved that Shiki didn't push the issue further.
"No need to trouble yourself. Just tell me where it is and I'll take us there!"
With a casual wave of his hand, Shiki signaled his intent—confident that his strength could handle it.
That was Shiki for you. The Fuwa Fuwa no Mi was totally busted for this kind of task. If Lind had to do the same with psychic power, he'd be wiped out.
"In that case, thank you, Captain Shiki. I'll lead the way!"
High above the ocean, over ten thousand meters in the sky, two ships cruised forward in formation at a steady pace.
At the bow of the larger vessel, Shiki and Lind stood side by side, wine cups in hand.
"Brother Lind, I've got a small favor to ask." Shiki's voice cut through the breeze, his tone a bit sheepish.
"Captain Shiki, just say the word! I've got you covered!"
This body had never touched alcohol before, and after getting repeatedly pushed to drink by Shiki, Lind was already tipsy before Shiki even finished asking.
"Jihahaha! That's the spirit, brother! It's nothing major—just that poem you recited in front of my ship earlier. Could you help me write one too? Something bold and awe-inspiring!"
Shiki, seeing how enthusiastically Lind had agreed, didn't hold back.
"No problem at all, Captain Shiki! I'll craft you something truly fierce and thunderous!"
Hearing the request, Lind sobered up slightly. It would take some mental effort to come up with, but since he had already agreed—and it wasn't a life-threatening matter—he didn't overthink it.
Shiki was overjoyed and raised his cup high.
"You're a real brother! Let's drink!"
"Cheers!"
Cup after cup, the drinks kept flowing. Before long, Lind was completely drunk.
He didn't even remember how he got back to his room. By the time he woke up, nearly ten hours had passed.
"Brother Lind, you've got some work to do on your drinking! If you pass out this easy on Fullalead, they'll all laugh at you! Even Fire Blossom and her girls can outdrink you."
Shiki's voice rang out as Lind stirred awake, prompting a slight frown. The man wasn't wrong—this body's alcohol tolerance was terrible.
If that's how it is, Lind thought, don't blame me for cheating.
Two and a half years on that island had left him with a massive arsenal of tricks, including two types of plants that neutralized alcohol.
A little underhanded, sure, but Lind figured he'd be the one to define fairness.
With those two antidotes, he was confident he could dominate Fullalead's drinking tables.
Before Lind even left his room, Shiki strolled in with a bright grin.
"Brother Lind, remember the poem you promised to write for me yesterday?"
"Can you finish it before we get back? I want to make a grand impression when I show up on Fullalead!"
"No problem. How long until we arrive? Give me a few days and I'll have it ready."
Hearing the request gave Lind a bit of a headache, but he still nodded and accepted.
"Brother, however much time you need, we'll delay our return for it!"
Shiki's words made Lind exhale with relief.
"Three days should be enough, Captain Shiki. I'll give you a poem that'll leave them speechless."
"Haha! That's my brother! No need to rush—we're still a way off. I'll give you a full week. Just make sure it hits hard!"
Grinning, Shiki patted Lind on the shoulder with excitement.
"Alright, I'll let you rest. If you need anything, come find me. I won't disturb you any further!"
With Lind's promise secured, Shiki practically danced out of the room, hands waving in delight.
He was probably already dreaming up flashy entrance moves and effects to match his future poem—planning to show off in grand style once they reached Fullalead.
Time passed quickly.
A week later, five kilometers above Fullalead Island, Shiki and Lind made their final preparations.
"Captain Shiki, this is your moment. I'll stay out of the spotlight."
After some thought, Lind decided to let Shiki take the stage solo.
If Whitebeard or Big Mom got annoyed, Lind's skinny limbs weren't going to survive a sparring match with the likes of them.
"Jihahaha! Brother, this poem you wrote is perfect for me. Just wait and see how I blow their minds today."
"Whitebeard, Charlotte Linlin—it doesn't matter. They're all just stepping stones now!"
"I'm going in!"
Shiki could barely contain his excitement.
After spending days working on the poem, Lind had rubbed off on him. Shiki had started catching the poetic fever too.
"Go get 'em, Captain!"
Lind stood at the bow, ready to watch the show.
As the pirate ship approached the island, a wave of Conqueror's Haki suddenly surged out, washing over Fullalead in a powerful burst.
And alongside it came Shiki's thunderous voice.
"Golden Lion roars across the seas,
All creatures kneel, their spirits seized.
I slash through wind, command the tide,
All directions bow, none dare collide.
Thousand-Cut Valley splits the sky,
My blade sends storm and sea awry.
With Sakura Ten sharp and Kogarashi fast,
No foe survives, no hero lasts.
Even if I must carry a thousand isles
And drag an air fleet through the miles—
I, Shiki, remain unmatched in this world!"
"People of Fullalead! I, the Golden Lion Shiki, have returned!"
Hovering above the island with his mane of golden hair billowing behind him, Shiki radiated a force of overwhelming dominance.
*********
Hey everyone! I'll be dropping an extra 1 chapter once we hit 200, 400 power stones! If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to spend some power stones. I'd really appreciate the support. Thanks a bunch!