Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Five Girls
"Sir! We are from the Kingdom of Kakna. After our kingdom was overrun by the Barbarian Bear Pirates, we were enslaved. Please save us!" A clear female voice called out from the corner.
"Slaves?" Sharlo murmured. He approached the girl, noting her pretty face despite the grime covering it. "No wonder they captured you as a slave."
Blushing under Sharlo's gaze, the girl couldn't help but notice his striking features: long blond hair, a muscular physique, and partially torn clothes revealing well-toned muscles from years of training.
Sharlo grabbed the lock on her chains and broke it with a single pull. He opened the cell door, letting the girl out, only to see four more girls emerge behind her.
"I've killed all the pirates above. You are free now," Sharlo informed the five young women.
Their previously dull eyes immediately brightened. Sharlo proceeded to the other cells, breaking each lock and freeing the rest of the prisoners. With that done, he walked out with his hands in his pockets. Having encountered these unfortunate souls, he figured he might as well help them, especially since he had a strong aversion to slavery.
Breathing deeply after leaving the dim hold, Sharlo could still feel the despair he had sensed within. His special form of Observation Haki allowed him to empathize with their hopelessness, which was an unpleasant feeling.
No wonder Patrick Redfield enjoyed solitude; his mind-reading Observation Haki must have made him highly empathetic.
Sharlo walked back to the deck, picked up a chest filled with Berries, and started to disembark.
"Sir!" the familiar female voice called again as he was about to leave. Sharlo turned, frowning at the girls.
"What now? You're free. What do you need from me?" he asked impatiently, eager to leave.
The girls exchanged glances before kneeling before Sharlo. "Please, sir, take us with you. We are willing to work as hard as necessary to repay your kindness," the first girl pleaded tearfully.
Their genuine emotion made Sharlo uncomfortable. "Why?" he asked.
A heavy silence followed, filled with sadness, which only added to Sharlo's frustration. Sometimes, having such strong Observation Haki was a burden.
"Sir, we have no home to return to. Our kingdom was destroyed because we couldn't pay the Celestial Tribute. Pirates frequently attacked us, and now the entire kingdom is gone. That island is a dead zone, and we are the only survivors. The pirates intended to sell us as slaves because of our appearance. Please, sir, take us in," the girl begged, tears streaming down her face.
Moved by their desperation, Sharlo helped them to their feet. "What's your name and age?" he asked.
The first girl quickly responded, "Sir, my name is Martha Bruce. I am nineteen."
Martha, with her golden hair and blue eyes, gave a slight curtsy. The other girls introduced themselves in turn:
"Sir, my name is Jenny Kenneth, and I am eighteen."
"Sir, my name is Alice Louise, and I am eighteen."
"Sir, my name is Nell Hebron, and I am nineteen."
"Sir, my name is Gillian Janice, and I am eighteen."
"Martha, Jenny, Alice, Nell, and Gillian, correct?" Sharlo confirmed.
"Yes, sir," they chorused.
"Alright, from now on, you will be my maids. My name is Rockefeller Sharlo. You can call me 'Young Master,'" he instructed.
"Yes, Young Master!" they replied in unison.
Satisfied, Sharlo nodded. Having these pretty young girls as maids was no loss. Anyone considered valuable enough to be sold as slaves must have some worth.
"Follow me," he commanded, heading toward the port. As for the other freed prisoners, Sharlo had no intention of looking after them. They were on their own.
"Hey, wake up! Wake up!" Sharlo nudged Ivan with his foot. Since being knocked out by Sharlo's Conqueror's Haki, Ivan hadn't stirred, nor had anyone else on the dock. Sharlo was amazed at the power of his first use of Conqueror's Haki.
After a few kicks to Ivan's side, the man groggily awoke. "Boss! Where are the pirates?" Ivan asked, alarmed, looking around at the bodies and unconscious townspeople.
Sharlo pointed to the severed head of the Barbarian Bear. Ivan's eyes widened in disbelief. "Did you... did you do this, Boss?"
Sharlo nodded, feeling a bit disappointed in his subordinate. "Get up. These five will be my maids. Train them properly," he ordered, dismissing Ivan as he headed home.
Upon returning to his residence, Ivan soon arrived with the five young maids. "Ivan, you're just in time. Prepare some food; I need to replenish my strength," Sharlo directed, his indifferent eyes on Ivan.
Ivan, ever dutiful, led the five maids to the kitchen. Though not strong, Ivan's efficiency and reliability had kept him by Sharlo's side for four years.
As Sharlo sat on the sofa, he reflected on the recent battle. Awakening his Conqueror's Haki had felt exhilarating, providing a sense of clarity and satisfaction, a euphoria only achieved through battle.
"Am I really finding pleasure in slaughter? Does that make me a monster?" Sharlo pondered, rubbing his chin.
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CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
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(50 Advance chapters)
Weekly Power Status
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