Katakuri charged through the streets of Hachinosu Island like a locomotive, his long legs moving so fast they were almost a blur, his hard soles nearly sparking against the ground.
Roa hopped like a little frog behind him. He couldn't help it; he was only half Katakuri's height, and his legs were half as long as his good friend's. To keep up, he had to jump.
Though his posture wasn't elegant, Roa's face was filled with an intoxicated expression the entire time.
How delicious, Katakuri.
The more love a heart contained, the more high-quality black mist it would release when that love was hurt.
Though the quantity wasn't large, for Roa, it was a rare delicacy.
This sensation of both body and soul slowly transforming always left Roa intoxicated.
However, even as he savored it, Roa reminded himself inwardly that intoxication was enough; he must never become more obsessed.
Otherwise, one day, he too would become a chang ghost, controlled by his own ability.
Roa followed closely behind Katakuri, heading straight for the port.
Hachinosu Island's port was incredibly lively. After all, hundreds of thousands of pirates gathered on this island. Besides the permanent residents, there were many pirates coming and going daily. Otherwise, where would Roa's grand meals come from?
In a corner of the port.
A few thugs were celebrating their success.
"Hahahaha! That Katakuri won't dare to be so arrogant now!"
"That's right! We can't beat him, but we can deal with his family, can't we?"
"Eel-faced Katakuri deserves to have a disfigured sister!"
"Haha, you guys are too mean! Katakuri must be crying with his ugly sister right now!"
The thugs were smug, each holding a bottle of wine, drinking heartily. One might think they had accomplished some magnificent feat.
"You guys, huh? The ones who hurt Brûlée!"
A voice as cold and dark as ancient ice came from behind them.
The thugs turned back in surprise.
Katakuri walked in slowly, dragging his sharp trident.
"Katakuri?"
The thugs were stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Did you like the gift we gave you? That's what you get for offending us!"
Another thug noticed the scarf around Katakuri's neck and couldn't help but laugh even harder. "Pffthahaha! Katakuri, you finally learned! That eel-like mouth of yours should have been covered long ago! Don't you know how disgusting it is for others to see?"
Roa, following behind Katakuri, couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh! How impressive! As expected of Hachinosu Island's thugs, their guts are on the level of the Rocks Pirates!"
Madness!
This audacious spirit, completely disregarding Katakuri and the Charlotte Family, I, Roa, acknowledge it.
"Die."
Katakuri had no intention of wasting words. His trident suddenly turned into a black line, directly piercing through a thug's stomach, sending the guy flying.
"Eh?"
The thugs hadn't even reacted.
Katakuri pulled with his right hand, and the mochi-like string connected to the trident recoiled, pulling the trident back to him.
Then, with a flick of the trident, its sharp blade instantly severed the necks of two thugs. As their heads flew into the air, blood spurted like fountains.
"Waaaahhh!!"
Only then did the thugs realize what was happening, and they screamed in terror, their souls flying away.
"Wait! Wait! Katakuri!"
A thug fell to the ground in fear, screaming and waving his hands. "Misunderstanding, it's all a mis—"
"Mochi Thrust!"
"Mochi Thrust!"
"Mochi Thrust!"
After a few Mochi Thrusts, the thugs were left as nothing but mangled corpses.
Most were cut in half at the waist, dying without a whole body.
"What a waste."
Roa slowly walked forward, looking at the grotesque corpses, and sighed. "Why didn't you torture them a bit more?"
"Peel off their skin, or scrub the flesh off their bones with a steel brush, or something."
It was such a waste.
Because they died too quickly, they didn't feel much pain, and the quality of the black mist was super low.
"I will not show any more weaknesses."
Katakuri, who had been cheerful an hour ago, now spoke with a cold voice. "I will give all my enemies the most perfect terror!"
He would never allow Brûlée's tragedy to repeat.
He would absolutely make all enemies lose the courage to even challenge him!
"Oh, oh! So cool, Katakuri!"
Roa looked up at his good friend in surprise. "Not only a new look, but you're also going for the cold persona? You'll be very popular!"
Looking at anime characters, the cool-faced, pretending-to-be-aloof type is indeed more popular.
Conversely, lively sunshine types like himself were less popular.
Katakuri didn't answer, just remained silent.
After a long while, he slowly spoke. "Roa, let's stop hunting pirates for now."
"Eh?"
Roa complained, "Then what about my afternoon tea?"
Katakuri (now darkened) twitched at the corner of his mouth beneath his scarf, subconsciously retorting, "Who cares about you!"
"But, is this really okay?"
Roa said with interest, "Even the Rocks Pirates are never short of challengers."
He had just dealt with a provocateur, after all.
Katakuri looked down at Roa, silent for a moment, then the boy's eyes, full of confusion, quietly spoke, "Roa, what should I do? I never want to see anything happen to my siblings again."
Roa understood his confusion well. Aunt Linlin's family education was a complete failure; she was too busy having children, and education was basically left to fend for itself.
Katakuri, lacking proper guidance, encountered confusion during his growth period and didn't even know who to ask for help.
At this moment, the understanding big brother Roa needed to make an appearance.
"Katakuri,"
Roa jumped up and patted his good friend's shoulder, saying earnestly, "Mere protection won't do, my friend. Don't be too arrogant. True love is letting them grow with you."
Katakuri was slightly stunned.
Roa continued, "You can't even beat me, and you talk about perfect terror, about protecting everyone? That's a bit funny, isn't it?"
"You bastard!"
Katakuri's eye twitched. He emphasized, "I've gotten stronger! If you don't believe me, let's fight now!"
"No way, I already said I'm a pacifist,"
Roa said with a grin. "How about trying to rely on your family members? No matter how strong one person is, there will always be times when they can't reach far enough."
"But if all your brothers and sisters become strong, and all your brothers and sisters love each other, that is the true iron wall, isn't it?"
The confusion in Katakuri's eyes gradually dissipated, and his usual spirit quickly returned.
"I understand!"
The young man tore off his scarf. "You're right, Roa! I know what to do now!"
"That's good,"
Roa nodded in satisfaction. "Remember, you owe me another one. If I ever need anything from you, even if you're dead, you'll have to come back to life to help me."
"How am I supposed to come back to life?!"
To what extent could Katakuri grow without his internal conflict?
If he truly becomes a top-tier powerhouse, Aunt Linlin, will you still be able to calmly lead the Charlotte Family?
It's truly exciting.
Time flew by, more than a week passed.
This particular afternoon, Roa was taking a nap on the arena throne after lunch when he was suddenly awakened by a roar.
"Huh?"
Roa's sleepy face was full of confusion. "What's going on?"
The ground was shaking.
Following the direction of the sound, Roa turned his head, gazing at the towering Skull Building not far away.
Could it be that an executive is fighting?
And they didn't call me for such a good thing?
Looks like I'll get to feast today!
"Lord Roa,"
Dylan rushed over. "Boss Rocks and the others are back!"
"Captain?"
Roa's eyes lit up.
If the captain was fighting someone, that would truly be a grand spectacle.
However, by the time Roa fluttered his wings and hastily landed in front of the Skull Building, the fighting had already ceased.
A huge hole had appeared in the middle section of the building, and many broken stones were scattered on the ground, as if someone had been blasted out of the building.
Roa turned his head.
Uncle Whitebeard was sitting on a piece of rubble. Hachinosu Island's second most powerful figure was covered in blood, and he silently pushed away Stussy, who was trying to tend to his wounds.
"Newgate!"
Stussy stamped her foot in exasperation, her eyes red as she cursed, "That idiot Rocks! How could he do this to you!"
"It's none of your business."
Facing the captivating Stussy, Whitebeard's voice was cold and indifferent.
"Newgate!"
Stussy immediately burst into tears. "I'm worried about you!"
"No need!"
Whitebeard remained aloof.
Roa chuckled, Where did this idol drama come from?
Aunt Stussy just doesn't understand.
Which of the top powerhouses who made a name for themselves on the high seas came from a wholesome family?
However.
"Now, what exactly is the situation?"
Roa stroked his smooth chin.
Why did Rocks beat Whitebeard?
"Roa!"
A smiling voice rang out.
Roa looked up; two people walked out of the main entrance.
"Aunt Linlin, Brother Kaido, you're back too?"