Arlong clutched his eyes, laughing wildly until Chew's uneasy glance made him pause.
"Eighty-five million?!" he scoffed. "In the New World, that bounty wouldn't even hold up a pirate flag."
"Though I hate to admit it, my bounty hasn't risen in years because of that guy and Mouse. Otherwise, it'd surpass that number."
"The East Blue's barren soil can't breed strong humans—fit only to be enslaved by Fish-Men."
Arlong sneered, and Chew nodded in agreement.
Years in the East Blue had seen countless big-shot pirates fall to their claws, fueling their unshakable confidence.
"But such a high bounty in the East Blue…" Arlong's brow furrowed. Cautiously, he took the wanted poster from Chew, pausing before a playful smirk appeared. "I know this guy."
"Knight Gawain, once a knight of the Goa Kingdom. Rumor says he was exiled for bedding the queen, with the underworld offering 50 million Berries."
"This spike might tie to that. In the East Blue, what kingdom noble isn't cozy with the Marines?"
Chew nodded, reassured by Arlong's words, then studied the poster. "He's the basis for Chew's favorite movie?!"
"Ha!" Arlong grinned wickedly. "Once Nami's business is done, we'll pay him a visit. An 85-million-Berry head's worth it~"
"Shahahahaha!"
Laughter echoed in the office, prompting nearby humans to lower their heads and hurry away.
…
Days later, in the East Blue, a small pirate ship sailed under calm skies and gentle waves.
Its sail bore a striking skull flag on a round shield.
Any East Blue pirate would flee at the sight, knowing it belonged to the region's top-bounty holder, rumored to be its greatest swordsman: Knight Gawain.
Gawain sat on the deck, gazing at the sea, his focus on his system panel.
Recently, Kuro and Gin had been in a silent rivalry, training relentlessly even during the voyage.
You train twelve hours? I'll do thirteen. A contest of who could outwork the other.
Their efforts funneled experience to Gawain.
In just a week, his physique gained over a thousand points, with Spoon and Observation Haki also growing.
Though far from leveling up, who wouldn't love such dedicated crewmates?
The only downside was their ravenous appetites, tripling food consumption and depleting the ship's stores.
A chef-dressed pirate approached Gawain, hesitant. "Captain, we've got three days of food left. Without resupply, we're in trouble…"
Gawain nodded. "No problem. There's a port a few hundred miles away, free from Marine oversight. We'll restock there."
"Yes, sir." The chef, relieved, returned to the galley to prepare dinner.
The ship veered toward Dia Port.
As dusk fell, a lookout shouted, "Captain, there's a small boat!"
"How's that thing even sailing?!"
"It's a woman!"
Gawain looked out.
At the horizon's edge, a teenage girl, about fifteen or sixteen, sat on a flimsy boat. Her orange hair was unmistakable, her face pale, lips cracked—she hadn't eaten or drunk in days. Without help, she'd die.
Gawain paused, connecting her to his memory. "She's younger than I pictured, but it's definitely Nami."
"Talk about effortless luck."
He smirked, turning to the helmsman. "Pull alongside!"
…
Minutes later, Nami sat on the deck, gulping water and eating bread and oranges. "Saved~" she sighed.
She turned to Gawain, her expression coy. "Thanks, handsome~"
"I'll do anything to repay you~"
Gawain glanced at her flat chest, unimpressed. "If you want to repay me, join my crew. I need a skilled navigator."
Nami froze. He knows about me?
No, only Arlong's crew and the village know I draw charts for him. I must be overthinking.
But… I haven't found Carina, and this crew likely has treasure. Maybe enough to pay Arlong's ransom.
She bit her lip, then flashed a smitten look. "It's an honor to serve such a handsome captain."
"What's your name?"
She smirked. "I'm Carina~"
Gawain's lips twitched, catching her game.
Trying to pull the same trick twice? Thinks I'm easy prey?
You can run, but you can't hide. As long as you're tied to Cocoyasi, you're in my grasp.
He smiled. "I'm Lancelot."
The crew on deck paused but didn't interrupt.
Kuro, knowing Gawain's style, stepped forward, nodding to Nami. "I'm Locke, vice-captain."
Before Gawain could react, Kuro continued, "We fought the great pirate Gawain in the rear waters. Lucky we escaped without heavy losses."
Gawain: "…"
Fine, everyone's playing dirty, huh?
Next time, I'm speaking first.
Kuro ignored Gawain's murderous glare, retreating behind Gin.
His last loss to Gawain left a lingering wariness of his captain's tactics.
See? Typical Gawain.
Gin, catching the familiar script, twitched his lips and introduced himself. "I'm Silver, combat captain."
Nami looked at them gratefully, her gaze lingering on Gawain. "Captain, you seem familiar."
"Do I?" Gawain touched his face, deflecting. "People say I look like a movie star."
"Yes!" Nami nodded eagerly. "The lead in The Sultry Queen Loves Her Loyal Knight!"
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If you want to read more than 20 chapters early feel free to visit pa tre on . com /Archus