You… what do you want from us? Brindo stammered, his voice trembling as he looked at Buggy and his crew. His eyes were filled with terror.
No one answered him. Instead, all eyes turned toward Weevil, who had just surfaced from the sea. In his massive left hand, he was hauling up a round, bloated figure.
The brothers' hearts sank. They followed everyone's gaze—and when they saw what Weevil carried, their eyes widened in horror.
"Dad! Dad, please, don't die! You can't leave us!"
Campacino and Brindo ran to the ship's railing, tears streaming down their faces as they cried out desperately.
Buggy sighed. "Enough. Stop your crying. Your father isn't dead. He only fainted because Devil Fruit users can't swim. He'll wake up soon."
The boys flinched at Buggy's voice, fear still gripping them, but when they heard their father wasn't in mortal danger, their tears slowed, relief creeping in.
Moments later, Weevil climbed aboard the Splendor, casually dropping Accino onto the deck before leaping up after him.
"Good work, Weevil," Buggy said.
Weevil scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "Heh… wasn't hard, cousin."
As the unconscious Accino lay sprawled on the deck, Campacino and Brindo rushed to his side, checking frantically for signs of life. When they realized he was merely unconscious, their fear eased, replaced by hope.
Now it was the ship's doctor, Hogback, who stepped forward. After a quick examination and some treatment, Accino's eyelids slowly fluttered open.
The first thing he saw was his two sons, safe and sound. Relief washed over his face—only to harden again as his gaze shifted to Buggy and the others. His body still weak, he forced himself upright.
He knew full well—he and his sons were now captives.
With determined eyes, Accino bowed his head.
"Lord Buggy, this was my mistake alone. I accept full responsibility. Please, I beg you—spare my sons. They are still children. They meant no offense to you. Whatever price must be paid, let me bear it alone."
His words were heavy with sincerity. To protect his children, he placed all blame on himself, offering to pay with his own life if need be.
"Father, no!" Campacino cried, eyes blazing. "This wasn't just your decision—I was part of it! If there's punishment to be had, I'll share it with you!"
"That's right, Dad!" Brindo added, fists clenched. "I was involved, too. If you have to pay a price, I'll bear it with you!"
Accino snapped at them harshly, his voice stern.
"Foolish boys! Do not speak nonsense! You are still children. This was my decision alone, and I will take full responsibility. No matter what happens to me—even if I lose my life—you two must never bring trouble to Lord Buggy or his crew. Go home, take care of your younger siblings, and live quietly."
His eyes blazed with authority as he glared at them, shaking his head firmly. The warning was clear: stay out of this.
His words carried a second purpose as well—directed at Buggy. By showing that his sons posed no threat and had no intent for revenge, he hoped to ensure their survival.
Campacino and Brindo fell silent. They thought of their younger siblings waiting back home, and under their father's stern gaze, they lowered their heads, saying no more.
Relief softened Accino's face. Then he turned back to Buggy, bowing deeply.
"Lord Buggy…"
Before he could continue, Buggy raised a hand, interrupting.
"This matter can be large or small. I don't necessarily need your life. It depends on the choice you make."
Buggy had been listening closely. He admired Accino's devotion to his family. In this brutal world, such bonds were rare. Most would abandon family for survival—but Accino was different.
Hope sparked in Accino's eyes. "What do you mean, Lord Buggy? Please, speak clearly."
Buggy's lips curved into a grin.
"You have two choices. One—join us, and become a member of the Yanhuang Pirates. Two—well… let's just say you already know the other option."
The second choice was left unsaid, but its meaning was clear as day.
Accino's mind spun. Now he understood. Buggy hadn't killed him because of his Heat-Heat Fruit. His ability was too valuable to waste. The choice—death—was no choice at all.
Without hesitation, he knelt.
"Captain, I am willing to join."
The decision was obvious. He had no desire to die and leave his children as orphans.
Buggy's grin widened. He had expected this outcome. With children to care for, Accino could never choose death.
Campacino and Brindo both exhaled in relief, their faces lighting up with joy.
"Welcome aboard," Buggy said warmly, stepping forward and extending his right hand.
Accino froze for a heartbeat, eyes wide with disbelief at the gesture. Then, with both hands, he clasped Buggy's firmly.
From that moment on, Don Accino, Heat-Heat Fruit user, was officially a member of the Yanhuang Pirates.