Shiro watched Patrick Redfield regain strength and color in his face, nodding in satisfaction. Then he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted toward the cabins:
"Alright, everyone—get out here! I've got something important to announce. Time to introduce our new crewmate!"
His voice rang across the entire Virtue, echoing off every mast.
Within moments, the scattered members of the crew emerged one by one.
Except for Robin, everyone had already sensed the unfamiliar, powerful aura lingering on deck—a presence they had only met as an enemy before. Curiosity flickered across their faces as their eyes fell on Redfield.
When Robin stepped out and saw the man standing beside Shiro, her face instantly went pale.
Her pupils shrank; her body trembled, knees nearly giving way. She instinctively backed away, clutching the hem of her clothes, fear welling up in her eyes.
After all, the last time Redfield boarded the Virtue, the overwhelming pressure he emitted—and his attempt to take her hostage—left a deep and lasting scar on her heart.
Shiro spotted her fear at once. He hurried to her side, gently placing a hand on her head.
"Easy, Robin. Don't be scared. Patrick Redfield isn't our enemy anymore…
He's one of us now. A partner."
"Pa… partner…?"
Robin's voice trembled, eyes still clouded with fear as she pointed a shaking finger toward Redfield.
"That's right."
Shiro stepped forward, shielding her with his body as he turned to the crew.
"Redfield has agreed to stay aboard the Virtue for one month. During that time, I want everyone to get to know each other properly. If, after a month, he feels like he belongs here—then he stays as a true member of the Virtue Pirates. If not… I'll personally escort him off the ship, no hard feelings."
He paused, scanning each of their faces. The tension was understandable—after all, welcoming someone like Patrick Redfield, a former enemy and legendary pirate, wasn't a small thing.
Jinbe strode forward first—his face open and honest, eyes shining warmly. He bumped his fists together in his usual friendly greeting.
"Welcome aboard, Redfield! I'm sure you'll come to love the atmosphere here on the Virtue. This ship… it's like a family."
He extended his large right hand for a handshake—a symbol of acceptance.
But Redfield merely glanced at the offered hand, then looked away with a chilly indifference.
Jinbe froze.
His grin stiffened, his hand awkwardly suspended mid-air—too embarrassed to hold it out, too embarrassed to pull it back. For once, the Fish-Man didn't know what to do.
Shiro stepped forward quickly, grabbing Jinbe's hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world, patting the top of it gently.
"Redfield's always been a lone wolf—he's not used to gestures like that. Give it some time. He'll get it eventually."
Around them, the other crewmates exchanged looks.
Issho leaned on his cane, brow slightly furrowed.
Hachi scratched his octopus head in confusion.
Moria crossed his arms, lips curling into a smirk as if enjoying the awkwardness.
Yet none of them dared to speak first, afraid to break the fragile air.
Except—of course—for Brook.
The skeleton sprang forward with a flourish, eye sockets glowing with enthusiasm.
"Redfield-san! From today on we're crewmates! Let's get along well, yohohoho!
Oh—and if you're interested, I can show you ladies' panties! Yohohohoho!"
Redfield stared at him… then rolled his eyes hard.
But unlike the others, he didn't seem annoyed.
In fact… he realized he actually knew this skeleton. And oddly enough, he didn't mind him.
Nearby, little Robin stiffened again at Brook's words, her tiny face flushing in alarm.
Shiro sighed deeply.
Then he turned and shouted toward the galley, where Zeff was polishing his cooking knives:
"Zeff! We're holding a feast! Put together something big—we're welcoming Patrick Redfield aboard!"
Zeff immediately set down his tools and gave Shiro a firm nod.
"Leave it to me, lad. I'll whip up a banquet worthy of pirates!"
And he charged back into the kitchen.
An hour later, the deck of the Virtue was bustling with color and noise.
Streamers wrapped around the mast; a roaring bonfire crackled in the center; the smell of grilled meat and rich rum filled the night air.
The crew gathered around the fire, singing, laughing, and drinking.
Brook's violin sang the familiar melody of Bink's Sake, the tune drifting across the sea like a warm breeze.
Everyone was smiling.
Everyone except Patrick Redfield.
He leaned against the rail at the far end of the deck, eyes cold and guarded.
He swirled a cup of rum, taking small sips while scanning the festivities without moving from his spot.
Shiro approached slowly, tapping his own cup against Redfield's.
"With your Observation Haki, you should already know what kind of people they are. There's no deception here.
Everyone genuinely wants to welcome you.
Try opening your heart a little—you might find something you didn't expect."
Redfield lifted his cup and drank.
His voice remained cold, but there was a faint undertone of sincerity:
"The skeleton… the blue fish-man… the octopus fish-man… the blind swordsman… that cook… and the little girl. Their hearts are clean—no hidden malice."
He paused, his gaze sliding toward Moria and Crocodile.
"As for those two…
Ambitious.
Especially that shadow-bending one."
His lip curled.
"That man is extremely shady."
T/N: If you would like to read up to 20 chapters ahead for all my works, check out my P@treon: patreon.com/GhidorahWriter
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