Chapter 8 – The Thief Carina Joins the Crew
"I want to see who's bold enough to rob me!"
Ash's voice was cold, his body lowering as cracks like spiderweb Appear beneath his feet from the force. In the next instant, he shot forward like a thunderbolt.
BOOM!
Ash dashed across the surface of the sea, the water exploding behind him as his speed broke the sound barrier, leaving a long white trail. In the blink of an eye, he caught up to the fleeing pirate ship, leaping high before slamming down onto its deck with a thunderous crash.
"Hey… little girl. You're pretty brave, stealing from the pirates."
Ash's piercing gaze fell on the purple-haired thief who had fallen to the floor in shock.
"I-I didn't!" the girl stammered, trembling. "I thought… I thought it was abandoned! I swear!"
"Do you really expect me to believe that?"
Ash's hand ignited with blazing fire. The girl, only about thirteen or fourteen, froze in terror. Her frame was slender yet well-proportioned—evidence of someone who had learned to survive in a cruel world far too early.
Of course, Ash wasn't interested. He was still young, and women only slowed down his punching speed.
"Boss! Did you catch the thief?"
The Smile finally caught up as Gin and Fatty Tuan climbed aboard, both looking curious.
"Yeah, it's her," Ash replied, jerking his chin toward the girl.
"Oooh, she's cute!" Fatty Tuan leered playfully. "Bet she'll cry for hours if I punch her!"
"Y-You can talk?!" the girl squeaked, eyes wide as she stared at the black-and-white panda before her. His words made her heart pound even harder.
"N-No! Please, don't kill me!" she begged, switching tactics. "I can sing! I can dance! I'll give you all the treasure I stole!"
Her fox-like eyes shone with pitiful charm, almost making even Gin hesitate.
Ash, however, remained unmoved.
"Hmph. You're not getting off that easy. The death penalty can be avoided, but the living penalty can't."
He stepped closer, towering over her.
"You'll stay on my ship and work to pay off the debt. Three million berries' worth. That's five years of service… then you can leave."
"Debt?! What debt?!" she almost screamed, but when Ash's flames flared brighter, she bit back her protest.
"My name is Carina… Captain. Please take care of me from now on."
She forced a polite smile and bowed. But deep down, her sharp mind was already spinning.
As soon as I get the chance, I'll escape with all their treasure. I'm not staying on this ship for five years!
Ash easily read the look in her eyes but didn't care.
"Escape? Once you're on my ship, you're mine."
"Fatty, Gin, burn this ship down. We're done here."
Ash vanished in a flash, returning to the Smile as the Black Cat Pirates' ship went up in flames. With that, the Black Cat Pirates officially ceased to exist.
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"Smile, set a course for Loguetown!" Ash ordered.
> [Navigation Initiated!]
Distance: *** Nautical Miles
Estimated Time: 3 Days, 8 Hours, 15 Minutes
Auto-Pilot Engaged
Radar Active – Scanning Nearby Seas and Magnetic Fields
Carina's jaw dropped as she watched the ship's self-navigation activate, complete with a calm, mechanical voice.
"Th-The ship… can talk?! And steer itself?!"
"Hey, you!" Fatty Tuan barked, reclining on the deck while cracking melon seeds. "Didn't you say you could sing? Sing something for your Uncle Tuan-tuan!"
Karina's face darkened. She turned slowly, forcing a sweet smile.
"Of course…"
She sang beautifully, her voice ringing across the deck—but in her heart, she was tearing Fatty Tuan apart in every possible way.
Fatty… if I ever get the chance, you'll regret this for the rest of your life.
Fatty Tuan, completely unaware of the grudge he had just earned, hummed along cheerfully.
And so began the start of Fatty Tuan's worst nightmare.
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Life on the Smile Becomes Livelier
With Carina joining, the once-quiet Smile became bustling. Within two days, she realized Ash wasn't a cruel man and started showing her true personality. However, she also discovered that Fatty Tuan—despite his bluster—was surprisingly easy to bully.
"Bang! Move it, you black-and-white ball! I'm bringing breakfast to Captain Ash, and you're in the way!"
Early one morning, Carina kicked Fatty Tuan's round backside, striding proudly past him with a tray of food.
"Captain~ your breakfast is ready!" she beamed, placing it neatly before Ash.
"Boss!!" Fatty Tuan cried, flopping on the floor. "Rebellion! That maid dares attack the great vice-captain! °¯᷄◠¯᷅°"
Ash sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Enough. Eat breakfast and start today's training."
"Yes, Captain!"
The bickering duo glared at each other before begrudgingly obeying. Meanwhile, Gin remained silent, hammer resting across his shoulders as always.
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Elsewhere in the World…
The world continued to change as the Age of Pirates grew even more turbulent.
Water 7: Iceburg merged the seven major shipyards into the colossal Galley-La Company, the world's largest shipbuilding enterprise. At the same time, CP9 agents Rob Lucci, Kaku, Kalifa, and Blueno infiltrated the city, secretly seeking the blueprints of the ancient weapon Pluton.
Drum Kingdom: Dr. Hiriluk's illness worsened. He finished his final research before tragically dying in the castle square. Dalton released Chopper, who had risked his life to save his mentor, but was later imprisoned for defying King Wapol. Dr. Kureha took Chopper in, teaching him medicine as he continued to master the Human-Human Fruit's abilities.
New World: The Red-Haired Pirates rose to prominence, crushing rivals and expanding their territory at a frightening pace. Their might was undeniable, and the World Government had begun to unofficially label them the "Iron Arm Pirates", their average bounties now reaching terrifying heights.
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To be continued…