Chapter 11: Chapter 11
"Rest assured, they're just a bunch of bandits."
Aqua was always very receptive to such reassuring words—she simply didn't possess the intellect to harbor any doubts.
"Speaking of which, even though we haven't been acquainted for long, my intuition tells me, a deceitful man like you wouldn't honestly repay the bandits' debt, right?"
Aqua, holding her fair chin with one hand and slightly furrowing her brows in thought, had to be given credit for her accurate judgement of people, intelligence aside, especially considering she's a goddess.
"Deceitful, huh? I didn't expect you to be so good at giving compliments." Zyhark nodded, showing a satisfied smile.
"Ah, do I look like I'm complimenting you?"
Aqua, with her hand on her forehead, appeared to be greatly troubled.
Ignoring Aqua's sarcastic remarks, Zyhark opened the door to the restaurant, placing the gifts from the villagers inside.
It wasn't that he was worried about things being stolen from the entrance, but rather he feared that they might be consumed by a passing youth with a "D" in their name, leaving nothing behind.
After relocking the restaurant's door, Zyhark turned back to Aqua and started to explain the world's situation for no apparent reason:
"Aqua, even though most of this pirate world is surrounded by the sea, some remote kingdoms, like the desert country Alabasta on the Grand Line, still suffer from severe water shortages, to the point where money can hardly buy water."
Aqua blinked her clear, water-blue eyes and tilted her head in confusion.
What does the bandit issue we were discussing have to do with this?
"In other words, water can also serve as a means to repay the bandits' debt."
Using Aqua's flood magic to attack and destroy the stronghold of Higuma, disrupting the bandits' formation and causing chaos, was Zyhark's first step.
With his body's defense capabilities enhanced, he might stand a chance against the eight million bounty Higuma if he faced him alone, but the enemy was a fully armed bandit group with numerous members and several muskets.
Taking Aqua to confront them head-on was too risky.
Zyhark considered himself a sneaky protagonist, not the kind of hero who resolves everything with a fistfight.
Actually, he planned to start this operation after securing the shipbuilding work.
But there was no choice, since the bandits had brazenly attacked Aqua, he had to retaliate!
No matter how much he despised and looked down upon Aqua, she was still his companion, and he couldn't allow others to bully her with impunity!
Always cautious, Zyhark's eyes shimmered as he decided not to let Aqua become overly proud and complacent, thus he did not share his true thoughts with her.
"So that's it, now I completely understand."
Aqua nodded in sudden realization, with a self-admiring tone, "Indeed, only a goddess like me could execute such a perfect plan!"
Her sudden epiphany left Zyhark stunned.
"Do you really understand?"
At his question, Aqua waved her hand impatiently: "Don't underestimate me, Zyhark, such a simple concept, how could I not understand?"
Was her head fixed—or rather, broken—by those bandits?
Zyhark remained skeptical, but as the sunset approached, he decided to tentatively trust Aqua's absurd claims without delving too deep.
With a mutual understanding, the two set off toward Higuma's bandit stronghold.
There were many bandits lurking around Windmill Village, but only the Dandan family and Higuma's bandits had fixed strongholds.
They controlled the north and south, one having ambiguous relations with the Marine hero Garp, and the other being the most powerful bandit group in the area with numerous members and well-equipped forces.
When Zyhark had previously risked seeking a loan from the bandits, he had already visited Higuma Bear's stronghold, making him somewhat familiar with the overgrown paths and able to precisely avoid areas where fierce beasts lurked.
Despite encountering several minor troubles due to Aqua's curiosity and arrogance along the way, they managed to reach Higuma's base without major incidents.
Surrounded by dense trees, several sturdy wooden huts enclosed by fences with sharp wooden stakes stood in a clearing.
At the sole narrow entrance, two bandits armed with long swords and flintlock muskets guarded against any surprise attacks from the navy or rival factions.
"There it is, Aqua, that's Higuma's stronghold."
Hiding in the bushes a few dozen meters from the bandit stronghold, Zyhark, with a grass root in his mouth, briefed Aqua on the basic situation of the bandit group.
"Oh! Then let's hurry up and finish this, so we can go back. I still want to try the fine wine Ms. Makino sent us!"
Having been chased by a strange bird earlier for stealing eggs, Aqua's hair was disheveled, adorned with feathers, giving her a rather unkempt appearance.
As she stood up from the bushes, brushing off the dust and leaves from her clothes and heading towards the bandit stronghold with confidence, Zyhark couldn't help but exclaim.
"What are you trying to pull?!"
Quick to react, Zyhark grabbed Aqua's wandering hand, pulling her back forcefully.
"Of course, we're following the plan. Didn't we agree? Let me go over there and 'supply them with life's water' as a way to repay the debt."
Aqua blinked, seeing Zyhark's concerned expression, quickly realized the misunderstanding.
"If you're really scared, just stay here. Don't worry, leave it to me. After all, I've been living off your hospitality; it's time I contributed."
Seeing Aqua's confident demeanor, Zyhark sighed deeply after a long silence.
"Aqua, I'm truly sorry."
He looked intently into her wise eyes, earnestly adding, "It was my mistake to have expectations of you..."
Before a bewildered Aqua could respond, Zyhark's grip tightened, abruptly pulling her back into the bushes.
"Don't ask any questions, just do as I say."
"Let's hide here and not get discovered. Aim at the bandit stronghold and unleash that water magic you were about to use at the restaurant!"
Aqua, puzzled and reluctant, retorted: "My specialty is the scenic beauty of flowers, birds, winds, and the moon. Why would I perform such an exquisite act for those crude, vulgar bandits?"
"Surely, they'd be moved to tears, grateful for witnessing such a spectacular show and willing to forgive the debt. But from this distance, they wouldn't be able to see it."
"…Are you an idiot? You must be an idiot!"
Frustrated, Zyhark couldn't stand it any longer, grabbing Aqua's cheeks and shaking them.
"I'm talking about that attack magic that can summon a flood!"
(End of Chapter)
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
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