章節 160: Chapter 158: Fujitora Joins the Crew
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The Underworld River was perpetually shrouded in darkness, the eerie, boundless sea exuding an aura of terror. Yet, within the brightly lit castle of Thriller Bark, the home of its eccentric master, a strangely cozy atmosphere prevailed.
At the banquet hosted for the Kuja Pirates, both the Underworld & Kuja Pirates were buzzing with anticipation.
They had expected a dramatic showdown, a real-life soap opera, but the main character in question, Noir, was remarkably oblivious, happily enjoying his meal amidst the charged atmosphere.
Robin gracefully served him food, a smug smile playing on her lips.
She knew Noir well. They had been together for so long, and he hadn't shown any romantic interest in anyone else. How could he be so easily swayed?
Despite her confidence, a pang of insecurity tugged at her heart...
Conis, feeding Suu a small treat, blinked innocently. "It seems like Robin doesn't really like Empress Hancock."
Kalifa, adjusting her glasses, chuckled wryly. "Well, Robin's feelings for the Captain are quite…"
Manlyph, the giantess, poked her head in through the window, her voice soft. "I think it's pretty obvious too... The Captain wouldn't be interested in Giants, would he?"
Kalifa's eyebrows twitched. "I... I don't know…?"
"But Captain is quite handsome, and he has such a great personality," Conis added with a cheerful smile as she passed a plate of food to Manlyph.
Kalifa sighed discreetly.
Besides Robin, Conis also had a soft spot for Noir. And there were others…
As the lively banquet progressed, the focus seemed to shift. Not much food was consumed, but a significant portion of the guests became quite intoxicated.
When everyone was finally tired, Noir, seemingly unaffected by the festivities, arranged rooms for the Kuja Pirates. Hancock retired to a side chamber to rest.
Noir dismissed his own crew as well, and the hall fell silent.
Suddenly, a rhythmic tapping sound echoed from the floor, growing closer and closer, heading towards Noir.
Noir smiled, his eyes lighting up. "So, have you made your decision? Will you join us?"
Noir had offered Issho, aka Fujitora, a place on Thriller Bark. The blind swordsman seemingly lost in deep thought.
Issho's stern face reflected a mixture of emotions, but after a moment, he spoke with firm resolve. "I admire your methods, and I am willing to join your crew."
Just as Noir was about to celebrate, Issho continued, "However, I have three conditions. As long as you abide by them, I swear my loyalty."
So, if our ideals clash, he'll leave without hesitation?
Interesting…
Noir's eyes narrowed, his smile fading as he turned serious. "Tell me your conditions."
"First, your pirate crew will undoubtedly engage in profitable ventures. But I ask that your business dealings have a moral compass. No slave trading, and absolutely no child trafficking!"
That was a given. Once Noir established his kingdom, he would certainly engage in commerce.
But slave trading and child trafficking were lines he would never cross.
Back in his previous life, Noir's neighbor had been a kind mid-50 woman. She often brought him food, played with him, and told him stories when his parents were away.
The woman had been a constant presence throughout his childhood, like a true family member.
But one day, she disappeared. Noir heard from others that her granddaughter had been kidnapped by human traffickers…
He never saw the woman again. The memory remained etched in his heart.
So, even after crossing over to this world, after all the adventures and hardships he'd faced, even as his heart hardened, he would never engage in such despicable acts.
Noir nodded solemnly. "I agree. I won't touch such vile business."
Issho continued, "Second, do not harm civilians indiscriminately, unless they pose a direct threat to the crew's safety or interests."
Noir agreed to this as well. As long as they didn't provoke him, he had no desire to bully the defenseless. It wasn't just morally wrong; it was also cowardly.
Of course, Celestial Dragons were an exception...
Finally, Issho stated his last condition. "Third, never forget the justice you hold in your heart now, Captain. Never lose sight of your initial principles."
Noir paused, then chuckled softly.
This last condition would be the hardest to keep. Perhaps, in the future, he too would be blinded by power and wealth. It was good to have someone to remind him of his values.
Issho bowed deeply, his voice filled with conviction. "If you violate any of these three conditions, Captain, I will leave the Underworld Pirates without hesitation and do everything in my power to set you straight!"
Noir patted his cheeks, forcing a smile. "Those are harsh words, Uncle Issho. But I suppose I'll consider it tough love..."
"Alright, welcome to the crew."
Issho nodded politely, a gentle smile gracing his lips. Noir grinned, satisfied.
It had been a slightly convoluted process, but he had finally convinced Issho to join.
This would elevate the Underworld Pirates to a whole new level. After all, Issho was a future Admiral, a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Enel's position as the second strongest was no longer secure…
With the addition of a new member, Issho and Noir talked late into the night. Noir explained the crew's history, structure, and roles.
Noir was the Captain and primary decision-maker, Robin served as his second-in-command, Conis was the chef and musician, and the main fighters included Enel, Wyper, and Lucci.
Lucci and the former CP9 agents also acted as intelligence gatherers, and Enel doubled as the Ark Maxim's power source.
These were the core members and the basic structure of the Underworld Pirates. Issho committed their names and roles to memory.
In the timeless domain of the Underworld, Noir lost track of how many questions Issho asked. By the time Issho left, Noir's head was spinning.
While Issho was a man of few words when he was being cool, he could be surprisingly talkative about certain things.
Puff, the fish-man, silently approached Noir. "Captain, would you like something to drink?"
Noir rubbed his eyes. "A cup of coffee, please. I still have some unfinished business."
Puff quickly brought him a cup. Noir sipped his coffee as he walked towards the prison cells.
This was where he held the captured Marine officers. The regular soldiers were kept elsewhere.
Noir opened the door and saw the Marines sitting dejectedly on the ground, their eyes vacant as they counted ants. He quietly took out the Mirror.
Time to test the power of these alluring eyes and see if they can be used in combat.
Hmm... I'll choose Momousagi. She was quite aggressive during our fight and kept trying to sneak attack me.
Noir activated the mirror. Gion's consciousness flowed out of the mirror and into him.
Gion's beautiful eyes gradually regained their focus. As she recognized the man standing before her, her heart skipped a beat.
She reached for her sword, only to realize it was gone…
She looked up and met his gaze, a pair of mesmerizing pink eyes that radiated an irresistible charm.
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