The Whitebeard Pirates erupted in laughter and teasing.
"Holy smokes, Ashveil, you've hit the jackpot! You actually have Empress Hancock cleaning your room!"
"This is the dream of every man alive! You're one lucky guy, Ashveil!" Marco said with a grin, his tone full of envy.
The surrounding crewmates weren't any better. Their eyes turned into heart shapes as they started clamoring for Hancock to stay, just so they could see her every day.
Ashveil sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Peace, it seemed, was no longer an option around these idiots. Still… having someone clean his room didn't sound like a bad idea—and if that someone was Empress Hancock, it might even make life a bit more pleasant.
"Alright then, Hancock. You can stay. But don't disturb me unless I say so," Ashveil said, his voice firm.
The Empress froze for a moment before her face flushed crimson, her heart pounding. Ever since the day Ashveil had slain the Celestial Dragons, she had seen him as her savior—her idol. To now be allowed to serve him personally was beyond anything she had dared to dream.
"Don't worry, Ashveil-san," she said softly, her voice trembling with excitement. "I'll never enter without permission. I'll always listen to you."
Ashveil gave a small nod. "Good."
With that settled, Ashveil joined Doflamingo and Hancock for a grand banquet.
Doflamingo, for once, looked genuinely pleased. Aligning with Ashveil had been the smartest move he'd ever made. As long as he was under Ashveil's protection, his future was secure—and when the World Government finally came after them, he'd be ready to let Ashveil crush them into dust.
When Ashveil topples the Celestial Dragons, he thought with a smirk, the whole world will belong to him. And I'll be right there to reap the rewards.
While Doflamingo's imagination ran wild, the feast carried on until an intelligence officer came rushing in, panting heavily.
"Reporting, Captain Ashveil! Someone is requesting an audience!"
Ashveil groaned inwardly. "Another one? That makes three today…"
It seemed his name had truly become legend after the Marineford War.
"Who is it this time?" he asked lazily.
"It's the World's Greatest Swordsman—Dracule Mihawk!" the officer replied.
Ashveil raised an eyebrow. Mihawk, huh?
Moments later, Mihawk appeared, walking with calm purpose. His sharp eyes gleamed with excitement as they met Ashveil's.
Ashveil frowned. "Don't tell me you came to form an alliance too, Mihawk?"
Mihawk blinked, then chuckled lightly. "An alliance? Not exactly. I came to spar with you."
He paused, then smirked. "But if joining your side means I get to spar with you every day, I'd be more than happy to."
Ashveil stared at him, dumbfounded. Spar every day? That sounded less like an alliance and more like a future headache.
Before Ashveil could respond, Doflamingo jumped in eagerly. "Of course, Mihawk! As long as you join our faction, you'll get to see Ashveil every day. Naturally, as allies, we'll provide you with everything you need for your training."
The Whitebeard Pirates immediately caught on to Doflamingo's intent and joined the chorus.
"That's right, Mihawk! Join us and you'll get to spar with Ashveil as much as you want!"
"Haha! Heavenly Yasha and Hancock both paid mountains of treasure to join us, but for you—since you're the World's Greatest Swordsman—we'll make an exception!" Marco laughed loudly, slapping Mihawk on the back.
Ashveil shot Marco a glare sharp enough to cut steel. First they took Doflamingo's gold without asking me, now they're inviting Mihawk for free?!
Before he could speak, Jozu came barreling over with a huge barrel of beer. "Come on, Mihawk! Drink this, and you'll officially be part of our alliance!"
Mihawk hesitated for only a moment before grinning. "I never say no to a drink."
He lifted the massive barrel as if it weighed nothing and downed it in one long gulp.
When he slammed the empty barrel onto the floor, the entire crew erupted in cheers.
"Hahahaha! Mihawk, you really can hold your liquor!" Whitebeard bellowed in delight.
"Impressive! I didn't think someone that quiet could drink like that," Marco added, his face flushed from the alcohol.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter and celebration. But amidst the noise and cheer, one man sat silently, his expression dark.
Ashveil.
He looked at the grinning swordsman beside him, then at his overly enthusiastic crew, and felt his patience crack.
These idiots really just decided for me again… he thought bitterly.
The world might have been singing praises of his might, but right now, the great Thorne Ashveil could only sigh—surrounded by treasure, allies, and trouble he never asked for.
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Thanks for the Power stones...but it's still not enough for a bonus chapter
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