Chapter 11: Death Needs No Reason
"Kazami Fish?"
"That's right! It's the latest invention from the Vinsmoke family. When it comes to warfare and weaponry, the Vinsmokes of the North Blue are top-tier!"
The old man led Sakazuki to a display case. Inside was a mixture of black and teal powder, sealed under glass. Beside it sat a pointed bomb shell—missing its fuse. A single finished product was priced at 50,000 Berries, while a portion of the raw powder cost 3,000 Berries.
The price disparity made Sakazuki raise his brows in surprise. In this ocean where a cucumber costs five Berries, this wasn't cheap.
Thinking about it, the sibling guides were doing a lucrative job—just that their share probably wasn't much. Getting in must've come at a steep cost.
Seeing Sakazuki's interest, the old man chuckled and started his sales pitch.
"This explosive is tough to mass produce. The powder is too volatile and demands high compatibility with the shell. Sure, it's powerful—but most treat it as little more than a firecracker for kids. If you're interested, I'll even throw in a 'buy ten, get one free' deal."
"No need to think it over. I'll take ten portions of the powder."
Sakazuki was pleased. Mona would definitely love this stuff. He didn't have much money left, though—he still needed to buy gifts for others, or else he might've picked up a finished bomb too.
He pulled out his Berry stash from between his book pages and counted out 30,000 Berries, handing them over.
"Ha ha! Today's a lucky day," the old man said as he vanished into the back room, calling over his shoulder, "Hold on a moment, and be careful with this powder. It's far more flammable and explosive than normal."
Sakazuki wandered the shop as he waited, checking out the diverse array of explosives and weapons. Though mainly a powder shop, they also sold firearms and swords.
Compared to powder, those items were expensive. Even a basic flintlock cost 20,000 Berries, and average swords started at 30,000 Berries.
One sword in particular caught his eye. Displayed on the wall, it looked far sharper than the rest. The craftsmanship was extraordinary—but the price was jaw-dropping:
[Fast Blade: Fiesta]
Price: 500,000 Berries!
"That one fought alongside me for years," the old man said, appearing beside him with a paper-wrapped package. "But I'm too old to wield it now. Might as well let it find a new master."
He handed the package to Sakazuki. "Here you go—eleven standard loads. I added an extra layer of insulation for safety. Come again!"
"Thanks," Sakazuki said politely as he accepted the package. After a pause, he asked, "Were you a pirate?"
"No," the old man smiled nostalgically. "I was a retired Marine. Back then, the system wasn't great, so I left early. Did some bounty hunting for a while, and eventually opened this shop with my savings."
As long as he wasn't a pirate, Sakazuki thought to himself with relief. Pirates wouldn't have been this courteous, nor talked so freely.
He would always assume the worst when it came to pirates. No matter how bad his judgment, it was never too harsh.
Sensing his discomfort, the old man didn't press the topic. Instead, he said, "You seem talented. Got someone teaching you at home? Doesn't matter—you don't need to answer. I just wanted to recommend my old blade."
"There are many weapons in this sea. Beyond the ordinary ones, quality blades are ranked: Grade Blades, Skillful Grade, Great Grade, and the supreme Supreme Grade Blades."
"They're rare—most people go their whole lives without seeing one. Mine's just a Grade Blade. A good sword, sharp enough to cut through trees. If you're interested, have someone from home buy it for you."
With a final pat on Sakazuki's shoulder, the old man turned back to the counter, ending the conversation.
Sakazuki stood still for a moment, then headed for the door with his explosives in tow. He'd bring it up with Master Ross—maybe they could buy it.
To him, a weapon with this much potential was more than tempting.
"Hmm? Where's your sister?"
Reaching the door, Sakazuki noticed one of the siblings was missing. Only Zoro stood waiting.
Zoro straightened up quickly when he saw him, replying, "She had to go hand over part of the money. There are lots of little guides like us working this auction district, so as long as we meet the daily quota once, it's enough."
"By the way, I never asked—how old are you guys?"
"Oh, nothing secret about it. My sister's a year younger than me. I just turned thirteen!"
Sakazuki went quiet. Zoro barely stood half his height. And yet… they were the same age.
He too was thirteen. But…
A silence settled between them—Zoro didn't know what to say either.
Just then, a distant shout snapped them out of it.
"The Celestial Dragons are coming! The Celestial Dragons are coming!"
"What!? The Celestial Dragons!?"
"Quick! Come out and greet them!"
"God help us—please let this go smoothly this time…"
People poured out of shops. Those skilled at hiding slipped into cover.
The once orderly street spiraled into chaos—only to rapidly fall into eerie silence under an oppressive, invisible pressure.
Everyone knelt beside the street, heads bowed, not daring to look up. As if some unspeakable horror was about to descend upon them.
"Sorry, big bro—you should find somewhere to hide, quick! Or kneel down like them if you have to. I need to find my sister!"
Zoro's voice was tense with fear—he was clearly dreading what might happen.
For kids like them, staying "home" when the Celestial Dragons showed up often meant being rounded up and sold in bulk—destination unknown.
Zoro feared for his sister's safety. He pulled 800 Berries from his pocket—savings from many days of frugal meals—and left it on the ground before dashing off.
Sakazuki didn't stop him. He'd never even heard of the Celestial Dragons before—he still wasn't sure what was going on.
But watching Zoro's fading silhouette, he picked up the 800 Berries and tucked it away—not in his book, but somewhere safe on his person—as he looked for a hiding place. Until—
Boom!
A deafening blast rang out.
Sakazuki's eyes flew open.
Zoro—who had just been dashing toward the district—was now airborne, body crashing to the ground with a thunderous thud.
No one knew what had hit him. But at the far end of the street… a crimson cloak had appeared.
A figure standing in silence.
And from that moment on…
Death no longer needed a reason.
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