"..."
"..."
"..."
Sanji Meow held up the summoning ticket for over ten seconds, but still, nothing happened.
"Where the new companion? I don't see anything, meow?"
Seijuro Meow, participating in a summoning for the first time, thought the ritual had already worked. He looked around, confused, and asked in puzzlement.
Finally, Sanji Meow made a new move. He lowered his raised paw, glared furiously at the summoning ticket in his hand, and grumbled angrily,
"Why doesn't it work for me, meow? Does that idiot Sherwin have to be the one to summon, meow?!"
"Alright, alright. Does it really matter who does the summoning?"
Sherwin pinched the little troublemaker cheek, then took the summoning ticket back from his paw.
Even though he said that, Sherwin couldn't help feeling a bit smug inside... at last, there was something the Felynes couldn't replace him for!
There was no helping it. Every cat that got summoned had more outrageous talent than the last. The pressure on a Hunter was real.
"Then when you summon, remember to wish for a beautiful big sister Felyne, meow!" Sanji Meow looked up at Sherwin hopefully.
"Yeah yeah yeah, got it…" Sherwin rolled his eyes and repeated, "Summon a beautiful big sister Felyne who hates little yellow cats, right?"
"She does not hate little yellow cats, meow!"
(=`н=)
Infuriated, Sanji Meow started kicking Sherwin leg in a frenzy. When that wasn't enough, he leapt up and bit Sherwin arm.
Normally, Seijuro Meow would've stepped forward at this point to mediate like always, but he suddenly remembered what Sherwin had done to him not long ago.
The honorable samurai cat instantly chose to lower his head and pretend he saw nothing.
After roughhousing with Sherwin for a bit, Sanji Meow eventually stopped on his own... after all, summoning a new companion was more important.
The little yellow cat was still yearning for his big sister Felyne!
Sherwin didn't tease him anymore either. While lifting the milky-white summoning ticket, he softly muttered, "Let it be a beautiful big sister Felyne."
As soon as his words fell, the summoning ticket in his hand began to glow with a familiar milky-white light. Then it dissolved into countless specks of light, vanishing into the air.
As expected, the white summoning ticket was from the common pool—its effects were totally plain and unimpressive.
"What a fascinating summoning method. Was I summoned the same way, meow?" Seijuro Meow asked with a curious expression.
"More or less. I just don't know how this Felyne will make her entrance." Sherwin once again activated Observation Haki, waiting for the arrival of the new cat.
After waiting for about ten seconds, Sherwin suddenly turned his head toward the sea, and the ears of several Felynes also swiveled in the same direction.
With a bubbling gurgle-gurgle sound, a cluster of bubbles suddenly surged up from the sea surface. Moments later, a small submarine shaped like an anglerfish broke through the water and appeared before them.
That design... isn't that the Felyne trading vessel from Monster Hunter Rise?
Could this newcomer be a merchant Felyne? Or maybe a cat related to submarines?
Theresa Meow? Nemo Meow?
When it came to submarine-related characters, Sherwin could only think of Captain Teletha Testarossa from Full Metal Panic and Captain Nemo from Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water.
Oh right—Trafalgar Law from One Piece was also a possibility, especially since he already had a Sanji Meow by his side.
As Sherwin was making guesses, the hatch of the anglerfish submarine opened. A beautifully patterned Felyne emerged from inside—judging by her appearance, she looked like... a tabby?
After lifting the hatch, the Felyne leapt out and landed directly atop the anglerfish submarine, standing with one hand on her hip.
She tilted her head and gazed at Sherwin and the others from afar, exuding a charm that was both elegant and unrestrained, with that distinct Felyne cuteness to top it off.
As her full figure came into view, Sherwin finally got a clear look at the outfit worn by the newly summoned Felyne.
Her outfit consisted of three layers. The innermost was a white long shirt, over which she wore a black, sleeveless short vest with a pink peony flower attached at the collar.
The outermost layer resembled the attire of nomadic peoples—a bright red robe draped over just one side of her body.
At her waist hung a longsword... of course, like Seijuro Meow longsword, it was a miniature version.
So Sanji Meow actually got his beautiful big sister Felyne after all… Is casually muttering wishes before a summon really that effective?
Recognizing her identity, Sherwin couldn't help but silently complain.
As a veteran player of Uncharted Waters, he knew exactly who that uniquely styled outfit belonged to—one of the protagonists from the fourth generation: "Soaring Crimson Tiger" Li Huamei.
Even among the entire serie cast, she ranked as one of the most beloved characters in China.
After all, she was the only protagonist representing the Ming Dynasty, a stunning beauty to boot, and… Huamei-jie made money at lightning speed.
A character with nostalgia, striking looks, and powerful stats—it was no surprise she was so popular among Chinese players.
In the game backstory, Li Huamei was raised in the military from childhood. As an adult, she led the Li family fleet to fight off Japanese pirates and expand maritime trade, earning the fierce reputation of the "Soaring Crimson Tiger."
In terms of pure combat ability, Li Huamei didn't exactly shine, but Sherwin didn't mind at all—because… she was a master navigator!
Wasn't that exactly the kind of Felyne Sherwin needed right now?!
He couldn't help wondering if seeing Nami earlier had subconsciously influenced the summon—could that be why he ended up with a seafaring Felyne like Li Huamei? If so, then he'd definitely have to pay close attention to the time and place whenever summoning Felynes in the future.
Also...
The special study material he prepared for Sanji Meow might be useless now… tch!
Sherwin let out a somewhat regretful sigh.
And as for Sanji Meow...
"It a beautiful big sister, meow!"
The little yellow cat who got his wish cheered and dashed toward Hua Mei Meow. Just before crashing into her, he slammed on the brakes and put on an air of exaggerated politeness.
In a deep voice, he said, "Beautiful sister, your beauty shines like the sun. May I have the honor of treating you to a meal, meow?"
"Hehehe…" Hua Mei Meow covered her mouth and giggled. "What an amusing little brother. Before eating, shouldn't you introduce yourself first, meow?"
"This pervy little idiot is Sanji, our cook," Sherwin stepped forward, grabbed the scruff of Sanji Meow neck, lifted him up, and casually tossed him to the side.
Then he pointed to the other two cats and introduced them, "This little cutie is Klee, a super powerful bomb expert. And this one is Hiko Seijuro, a swordsman with outstanding skills."
"Hello, big sister meow~" Klee Meow scurried up to Hua Mei Meow and praised her in a sweet baby voice, "Big sis, you're so pretty meow!"
"Klee little sister is super cute too," Hua Mei Meow affectionately patted Klee little head. "When you grow up, you'll definitely be even more beautiful than your big sister, meow."
Seijuro Meow, on the other hand, gave a solemn nod to Hua Mei Meow and said, "I am but a wandering ronin. You flatter me, my lady, meow."
Hua Mei Meow returned the nod and laughed softly. "I don't think it flattery at all. Your posture is agile and elegant—you look quite formidable, meow."
"Then, you must be the Hunter, meow?"
After chatting with the three Felynes, Hua Mei Meow turned to Sherwin, gave him a once-over, and asked.
"Ah… let not go with 'Hunter.' Just call me Sherwin."
Even though Sherwin had inherited not only the memories but also the combat experience of multiple Hunters, truthfully, he couldn't really be considered a true Hunter.
Still, thanks to his cheat ability, all the Felynes naturally assumed that he was one.
Besides, being directly called "Hunter" by a cat was both awkward and overly formal.
"As you wish, meow~" Hua Mei Meow blinked, gave a dashing smile, then straightened up and performed a chest-thumping salute, her expression turning serious.
"Exploration-type Felyne, Li Hua Mei, from this moment on, is at Admiral Sherwin command, meow!"
Hua Mei Meow truly lived up to her "military" trait. Though she was an adorable little cat, at that moment she radiated a heroic spirit that drew attention.
However...
This feeling… it kind of like Seijuro Meow, isn't it? Could she be another overly serious little cat?
Recalling the new "gameplay" he had recently unlocked with Seijuro Meow, Sherwin began to feel a bit of an itch…
No—he wasn't just feeling tempted. He was already making his move.
Sherwin gently curled his right hand into a loose grip and slowly reached out toward Hua Mei Meow head.
After a moment of surprise, Hua Mei Meow stretched out her neck and lightly tapped her damp little nose against Sherwin knuckles, a gesture acknowledging his approach.
Sherwin right hand followed the touch of her nose upward, gliding along the bridge of her nose.
Once he reached her forehead, he twisted his wrist and cupped her tiny head with his palm. After gently stroking her feline head a couple of times, his hand continued down the back of her head along the grain of her fur.
Then he twisted his wrist again and pulled his arm back slightly, letting his hand slide down her neck and along her cheeks to arrive at a spot beloved by all Felynes—the chin.
While his right hand softly scratched under her chin, Sherwin left hand joined in. His four fingers spread slightly like a comb and landed atop Hua Mei Meow head.
Working in sync with the right hand, the two moved in opposite directions, giving her feline head a double-handed scratch.
At the same time, his thumbs weren't idle either. His right thumb occasionally stroked her cheeks and face, while the left thumb gently rubbed her brow and forehead.
This fluid combo of cat-petting techniques instantly melted Hua Mei Meow, who just moments ago had radiated valor and poise.
Her eyes squinted in bliss, her cat head tilted up to give Sherwin better access, and a soft purring sound rumbled from deep in her throat, signaling pure satisfaction.
Heh heh~ Even if you're a mighty Violet among women, in the hands of my supreme Cat Whisperer technique, aren't you still just a docile little kitten?
As he continued to pamper the Felyne, Sherwin wore a self-satisfied grin.
Having shown the new Felyne just how impressive this so-called "Hunter" could be, Sherwin withdrew both hands.
Then, with a look that mixed amusement and anticipation, he watched the cat still savoring the massage.
But Hua Mei Meow reaction caught Sherwin completely off guard…
She gave her head a little shake, then suddenly leapt straight at him. Sherwin instinctively caught her, only for her to throw her arms around his neck and start rubbing her little head all over his face.
Expressing her affection the feline way, Hua Mei Meow purred in a voice filled with both heroic flair and a hint of flirtatious charm, "Admiral touch feels really nice. Can you pet me often from now on, meow?"
Then she rubbed her head against him again and looked up at Sherwin with her sparkling, wide eyes, full of longing.
Holy crap! This cat is way too good at this!
Hua Mei Meow reaction was completely different from Seijuro Meow. She openly acknowledged her desire for affection in this regard and even took the initiative to use her own charm to "seek favor" from Sherwin.
Although it wasn't what he expected, this kind of cat was amazing too!
A doting smile immediately spread across Sherwin face. As he gently ran a finger across Hua Mei Meow cheek, he promised without hesitation,
"Of course not a problem. If you like it, I can make time every day to brush your fur."
"That would be wonderful~" Hua Mei Meow happily squinted her eyes, rubbed her little head against Sherwin hand, and said, "I'm so glad I became Admiral follower cat, meow~"
Oh my god! I just got flirted with by a cat!
Though both were clingy types, Hua Mei Meow and Klee Meow had completely different styles.
If Klee Meow was the kind of "daughter cat" who made people want to dote on her endlessly, then Hua Mei Meow was the "lover cat" that could absolutely enchant someone.
Just as the "fickle-hearted" Sherwin was indulging in pampering his new cat, he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine—like a wave of intense resentment had been directed straight at him.
Looking down, Sherwin saw a certain unnamed little yellow cat biting his own tail, staring up at him with a face full of grievance.
(=益)
"Uh…"
Sherwin quickly stepped forward and rescued Sanji Meow tail from his own mouth. If he hadn't intervened, this little yellow cat—who resembled a sulky wife—might've ended up gnawing his tail fur bald.
"Aiya, Sanji, what wrong with you?"
After rescuing the cat tail, Sherwin scooped up the little yellow cat and gently touched his nose to the other tiny nose, pretending to ask knowingly.
Sanji Meow glared at Sherwin angrily, clearly not wanting to answer such an obvious question.
"Hehehe…" On the other side, Huamei Meow suddenly giggled.
"Too much of anything is as bad as too little. Sanji, little brother, if you keep acting like this, you won't easily win a girl favor, meow."
"Meow…" Sanji Meow drooped like an eggplant hit by frost, his mood sinking in an instant.
"Although I don't dislike your passion, boys need to have a bit of backbone if they want to be more appealing to girls, meow," Huamei Meow added.
"Meow! I won't let Sister Huamei down, meow!" Encouraged, Sanji Meow instantly "ignited" with enthusiasm. Sherwin, who was holding him, even felt a burning sensation in his arms.
"That the spirit," Huamei Meow nodded in satisfaction. "Make sure to keep it up, meow."
"Yes!" Sanji Meow responded with firm determination.
Sherwin: "..."
As expected of the Scarlet Tiger who once led fleets against the Wokou and traveled the globe — just a few simple words caused a dramatic transformation in Sanji Meow… even if it might only be temporary.
"Brother Sherwin," Klee Meow, who had been obediently waiting for the "grown-ups" to finish talking, tugged at Sherwin sleeve and looked up with her little face, asking, "Weren't we invited to a banquet, meow? When are we going, meow?"
As she spoke, the little ragdoll glanced unhappily at Sherwin shoulder, which was already occupied — that should have been her "exclusive seat."
"Oh! Right! I almost forgot!"
Sherwin patted his forehead, put the two cats in his arms down, and quickly started assigning tasks.
"Seijuro, you'll help me deal with this sea cow along with Sanji. Klee, can you talk to Sister Huamei about this world, okay?"
"Okay, meow!" Given her task, Klee Meow immediately tossed her bit of frustration to the back of her mind, then eagerly grabbed Huamei Meow and began chatting excitedly.
"Sister Huamei, did you know, meow? We're not in our original world anymore…"
By the time Sherwin and Seijuro Meow finished preparing the sea cow meat under Sanji Meow command, Huamei Meow had also gained a general understanding of the pirate world from Klee Meow.
Of course, given the little ragdoll scatterbrained and whimsical nature, there were bound to be some mistakes or omissions — but that didn't matter much.
As long as Huamei Meow got the general idea for now, they could fill her in on the details later…
At the very least, it was better than letting Klee Meow "help" prepare ingredients while holding a bomb.
"A world centered around the sea? Looks like I'll be a big help to the captain, meow~"
Huamei Meow twitched her ears, looking a bit excited. It was precisely because she naturally loved running around and especially adored going out to sea that she chose to become an exploration Felyne in the first place.
But…
"I've studied swordsmanship a bit, but I'm not very good at fighting, meow…" Huamei Meow held her cheeks in slight distress. "According to what Klee said, this world is pretty dangerous, meow?"
The Monster Hunter world was dangerous too, but monsters didn't relentlessly chase after you. Especially for small creatures like Felynes, who didn't have much meat on them — as long as they ran fast enough, they could usually stay safe.
But the pirate world wasn't like that. Felynes were already tempting targets for slave traders just because of their existence — not to mention the "very powerful bad dragon people" that Klee Meow had mentioned…
Yeah, Klee Meow misunderstood Sherwin words and thought the Celestial Dragons were some kind of dragon people.
"Don't worry. Seijuro Meow and I will handle the fighting," Sherwin said, smiling as he rubbed Huamei Meow little head.
"You just need to focus on your job as a navigator."
After all, even in Luffy crew, not everyone had top-tier combat ability. Though Sherwin sometimes hoped he could summon a Kakarot Meow or something similar to eliminate all worries, he had never counted on such a thing in his plans.
Being able to summon one would be great, but even if not… it no big deal.
After all, he a Hunter — not someone who just sits around doing nothing!