Tavern Hall.
"Hahaha, brothers!"
"First, a toast to Captain Marco!"
"Ooooh!"
The pirate captains were in high spirits, raising their glasses to Marco one after another.
Marco the Phoenix!
Whitebeard's right-hand man, a monster with a bounty of 1.374 billion Berries —just a stomp of his foot could make Hachinosu Island tremble!
Normally, even catching a glimpse of the division commanders was difficult. Drinking with such a legendary figure tonight was absolutely something worth bragging about.
This gathering was surely about the upcoming war. If they could fight alongside the Whitebeard Pirates in a great battle, even death would be worth it.
And then there was that eyesore!
The captains turned their gazes toward Gurd.
Doubt, disdain, hostility.
Who was this guy? Some nobody they'd never even heard of—what right did he have to sit at the same table as Captain Marco?
Did he think waving around that Beasts flag meant he could strut around in front of them? The pirates of Hachinosu only recognized Whitebeard's flag!
Fueled by alcohol, someone finally snapped.
An abnormally towering giant of a man approached Gurd, cracking his knuckles with a vicious grin.
"Hey, baldy!"
"Hmm?"
Gurd glanced sideways.
Baldy?
Was that directed at him?
Gurd rubbed his gleaming scalp, then looked back at the giant threatening him with clenched fists. Yep, definitely talking to him.
Well, well. This was the first time anyone had dared call him that!
"Bal—"
BOOM!
The tavern fell silent in an instant.
The captains slowly turned their heads, staring at the human-shaped hole in the wall, their minds blank with shock.
What just happened?!
Volka, with a bounty of 130 million Berries —defeated just like that?!
Gurd glanced at Marco.
"You good with this?"
"No problem."
Marco chuckled.
He wasn't some naive rookie. Sometimes, a proper show of force was necessary to keep these arrogant captains in line.
No one could deny Gurd's strength, but his lack of fame made him an easy target for skepticism.
In the world of pirates, reputation was the best proof of power. Just the name "Whitebeard" alone was enough to strike fear into countless pirates.
Marco stuck out his tongue with a mischievous smirk. "Gurd, you really ought to get your bounty up."
"I will."
Gurd smiled faintly.
A bounty was indeed necessary. While it didn't fully represent strength, it did help avoid unnecessary trouble in many situations.
Like just now.
If he had a 1-billion bounty, who would dare call him "baldy"?
Besides, titles were earned through battle!
The All-Stars of the Beasts had their epithets—Calamities. He didn't have one yet. He'd have to carve out his own calamity title through action.
A blushing, doll-faced waitress approached, holding a bottle. "Lord Gurd, let me pour you a drink!"
"Oh? A cute little thing."
Gurd grinned at the girl, pulling her into his lap as she poured.
"Wanna go on a date with me?"
"Eh? R-Really?!"
Instead of panicking, the girl hugged the bottle excitedly, her dewy eyes brimming with desire, cheeks flushed.
She was thrilled!
Absolutely thrilled!
Huh???
Gurd blinked in surprise, momentarily thrown off—but the next second, he went along with it.
Cuddles!
Heh, he liked an eager one!
"What's your name?"
"Kujaku."
Kujaku couldn't help but lick her lips, her gaze growing increasingly dangerous.
What a crude man!
She liked it!
"Kujaku, that's a lovely name."
Gurd's expression turned rather peculiar.
Well, well.
Not even bothering to put on an act?
If he remembered correctly, this girl was Vice Admiral Tsuru's granddaughter.
Approaching him directly was one thing—he could chalk that up to confidence in her skills—but not even changing her name was downright audacious.
This was a Pirate's paradise, after all. Navy infiltrators should at least disguise themselves as ordinary pirates, keeping a low profile while secretly gathering evidence.
Since when did the Navy become so bold?
Fighting wits with you people makes me look like a fool!
"Lord Gurd."
Kujaku wrapped her arms around Gurd's neck, her cheeks flushed with shyness, her body squirming seductively as her crimson lips parted and closed.
"There are so many people watching here!"
A hint—no, a blatant invitation!
"Haha, then let's find somewhere else."
Gurd laughed heartily, smugly waving at Marco. "Marco, keep them company with drinks. I'm taking this lady upstairs for some fun."
"Huh?!"
Marco was utterly dumbfounded, his eyes darting between Gurd and Kujaku. A sudden surge of inexplicable indignation welled up inside him.
Hey, what the hell was this?!
Why would such a stunning girl favor Gurd over him? Where exactly did he fall short?
By any measure, he was the better-looking one!
Damn it, why?!
He wanted a girl throwing herself at him too!
Gurd led Kujaku to a private room on the tavern's second floor. The moment the door closed, soft yet unyielding ropes coiled around him.
"Whoosh!"
Kujaku yanked off her server's headscarf and apron, revealing the thin pink dress underneath.
Sexy and fiery.
On her head sat a cap embroidered with the letter "M."
M—the Navy's insignia!
"Snap!"
A sword appeared in Kujaku's hand—or rather, a blade that was actually a flexible whip.
"Capture successful!"
Kujaku tossed her golden locks, gripping the whip tightly as her lips curled into a dominatrix's twisted grin.
Now for the interrogation!
Gurd studied her with amused interest, feigning ignorance.
"Navy?"
"You're a Pirate. Is it so strange to see the Navy here?"
Kujaku licked her lips again, her slender fingers trailing over Gurd's body, her gaze growing perilous.
Mmm~ Such delightful muscles!
"Let me interrogate you properly!"
"Snap!"
Kujaku swung the whip wildly, striking Gurd's chest with force—leaving behind a faint red mark.
"Huh?"
Gurd glanced down at his chest.
That's it?
Tickling him?
His excitement mounting, Gurd met Kujaku's eyes.
"Navy lady, could you put a little more effort into it? I've never tried this before—it's quite intriguing."
"Eh?"
Kujaku froze.
Her whip was a genuine blade, capable of shattering rock with ease, let alone flesh.
So why wasn't it working?
Not even a scratch?
Her smile vanished, replaced by a dangerous glint. Her pride as a dominatrix wouldn't tolerate this!
"Oh my, it seems my interrogation was too gentle just now!"
"Don't worry—I'll gradually increase the intensity!"
"Ahahaha!!!"
With a queen's laughter, the whip lashed out frenziedly, as if conducting a symphony.
Torture String Quartet!
A dozen minutes later.
"Ahhh... ahhh..."
Kujaku gasped heavily, her clothes drenched in sweat as if she had undergone an intense aerobic training session.
Staring at the unharmed man, her gaze gradually grew vacant.
Just what was this man's body made of? Why couldn't her Sword Whip leave even a single wound?
If she couldn't inflict pain, what was the point of interrogation?
Her soul was weeping!
"Pretty fun!"
Gurd gave a relaxed evaluation, flexing his muscles as the ropes binding him snapped with a sharp crack.
It hurt a little.
But not enough to be exciting!
Gurd stepped in front of the woman, his grin stretching ear to ear.
"Now it's my turn to discipline you!"
"Miss Navy!"
Got interrogated, had to make a lot of edits, sob sob~~
(End of chapter)