OPTC Chapter 208 Truth
A crowd of people burst into tears and laughter, leaping and dancing in celebration. Once they confirmed that every single shadow had returned, a thought struck them—Moria must have been defeated. Otherwise, there was no reason their shadows would be given back so suddenly.
Some began packing their belongings, preparing to leave. Others headed toward Moria's ruined castle to see what had happened.
What they found was the collapsed mast, a castle reduced to rubble, Moria's corpse, and the carefully staged photos Zhang Da Ye had arranged.
"So that's it… the Moria Pirates must've had an internal conflict!"
"Looks like his two subordinates ambushed him for treasure, which turned into a huge battle. But this level of destruction… it's insane!"
"He was one of the Warlords of the Sea. With that kind of power, this damage is only natural."
The president of the Victims Association patted the shoulder of the man who had been carried over with a camera in his hand, courtesy of Zhang Da Ye's crew. "You really managed to capture photos of all this, huh? But where's the treasure? And how did you get knocked out?"
"Huh? I don't remember. All I know is someone knocked me out last night. When I woke up, I was with you all." The man looked puzzled. When did I ever take these pictures? Where did this camera even come from? Could it be…
Was this a sign from above? Perhaps he was destined to become a journalist! If he submitted these photos of Moria's downfall, it would make front-page news everywhere. He could become world-famous! Excitement surged in him at the thought.
The others, too drunk on relief and joy, didn't think too hard about the details. Maybe it was the mysterious "third freak" of Thriller Bark who ran off with the treasure while knocking the photographer unconscious.
"Everyone, listen to me!" Spoiru raised his voice, waiting for the commotion to settle before continuing. "The Victims Association was created for one purpose—to reclaim our shadows. Thanks to everyone's effort, that goal has been achieved! Now that every shadow has returned, I hereby declare: the Victims Association is disbanded!"
"President!"
"Thank you for everything you've done for us!"
"You're the best president we could've asked for!"
Their emotions overflowed into tears. After so long together, bonds had formed. Now, with their shadows restored, they would soon part ways. The farewell was bittersweet.
"Stop your blubbering, damn it! Men don't cry at goodbyes!" Spoiru shouted, even as tears streamed down his own face.
Zhang Da Ye, having little attachment to these people, simply confirmed they all agreed on the official story of Moria's death and left them to their goodbyes.
Instead, he and his crew searched for Moria's food storage. They had been at sea for over ten days, and their supplies needed replenishing. Running out of food was no joke.
Everyone treated the task with seriousness—though perhaps too seriously. Tom and Artoria in particular…
Tom flipped over a stone barely bigger than a fist, peeking underneath for hidden supplies. Artoria squatted opposite him, tilting her head to check as well. As soon as one stone was overturned, they rushed to the next.
Zhang Da Ye wanted to call them idiots. But he couldn't deny—it was kind of adorable.
Luckily, Shark Chili was more practical. He lifted a heavy stone slab, revealing the entrance to the storeroom.
Moria's stockpile was enough to feed Oars, so the amount was staggering. After resupplying their own ship, there was still plenty to spare. The Victims Association could fill their reserves and even hold a feast.
Zhang Da Ye's crew didn't join that celebration. Instead, they held their own small banquet aboard their ship. They knew the other group's revelry would involve dancing and singing, which risked triggering Shark Chili.
Even a "small banquet" became lively. Six crewmates, plus Brook, plus Ye Yan's eight flag spirits—it was quite a crowd.
The flag spirits were deeply moved. They thought their master's promise to treat them was just empty talk, but here they were, eating and drinking their fill.
And the food! Who could've guessed it was made by a cat?
Over a hundred dishes for over a dozen people, all cooked by Tom, with Rui Meng Meng and Zhang Da Ye helping. If nothing else, their knife skills were impeccable—their sword training wasn't wasted.
With helpers by his side, Tom wasn't overwhelmed, and truthfully, his enthusiasm made him tireless.
The flag spirits shamelessly showered praise while eating, even giving Tom massages and serving him food.
Before long, Tom was enjoying more pampering than Ye Yan himself. He leaned back in his chair, squinting in pleasure, stretching out a leg for a massage and opening his mouth to be fed.
"Yohohoho~ It's been so long since I've felt this happy! Allow me to play a song for everyone!" Brook pulled out his violin.
Shark Chili froze in alarm. Play? Are you sure it's playing and not singing?
His body tensed, every muscle ready to bolt.
But when the violin's warm notes filled the air, Shark Chili calmed a little. Music alone, it seemed, he could handle.
Brook's skill was unmatched. After drifting alone at sea for forty years, music had been his only companion. His mastery of the violin was so great he could even use a sword as the bow.
After one cheerful song, Tom grew interested. He poked Brook's leg, signaling to borrow the violin.
"You… you can play, Tom?" Brook asked, passing it over uncertainly.
Tom nodded confidently. Playing a violin? Easy. Who needed hands? Paws—or even feet—would do.
Zhang Da Ye dutifully lifted Tom onto the piano bench. With a bow and a flourish, he gestured.
Tom tilted his head as if to say, Fine then. He began playing the violin while dancing across the piano keys, his paws producing a crisp, rhythmic accompaniment to his own melody.
"Incredible, Tom! What a performance! It's so good my eyes nearly popped out—though I don't have any! Yohohoho~"
"Wooaahhh!!" The flag spirits roared in approval, clapping and cheering, demanding an encore.
Amid the lively noise, a small figure stirred awake in the ship's cabin. Perona, who had been carried there unconscious, rubbed her eyes.
"Where… am I? Kumashi?"
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