The∆≈§Ω¥π day∆≈§Ω¥π after∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π party∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π Shakky’s∆≈§Ω¥π bar,∆≈§Ω¥π Dad∆≈§Ω¥π set∆≈§Ω¥π sail∆≈§Ω¥π nursing∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π hangover.∆≈§Ω¥π

Apparently∆≈§Ω¥π he∆≈§Ω¥π came∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π see∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π because∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π Papa∆≈§Ω¥π Rayleigh’s∆≈§Ω¥π contact.∆≈§Ω¥π

Thanks∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π them,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π able∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π sort∆≈§Ω¥π out∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π feelings.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π owe∆≈§Ω¥π them∆≈§Ω¥π both∆≈§Ω¥π more∆≈§Ω¥π than∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π can∆≈§Ω¥π repay.∆≈§Ω¥π

Three∆≈§Ω¥π days∆≈§Ω¥π after∆≈§Ω¥π Dad’s∆≈§Ω¥π departure,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π resumed∆≈§Ω¥π bounty∆≈§Ω¥π hunting∆≈§Ω¥π activities.∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π revulsion∆≈§Ω¥π toward∆≈§Ω¥π killing∆≈§Ω¥π hadn’t∆≈§Ω¥π disappeared,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π least∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π no∆≈§Ω¥π longer∆≈§Ω¥π hesitated.∆≈§Ω¥π

That’s∆≈§Ω¥π because∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π followed∆≈§Ω¥π Dad’s∆≈§Ω¥π advice∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π focused∆≈§Ω¥π on∆≈§Ω¥π what∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π most∆≈§Ω¥π important.∆≈§Ω¥π

Yeah,∆≈§Ω¥π compared∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π Nami∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π Bellemere,∆≈§Ω¥π bounty∆≈§Ω¥π heads∆≈§Ω¥π didn’t∆≈§Ω¥π matter∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π all.∆≈§Ω¥π

Once∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π could∆≈§Ω¥π reconcile∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π feelings∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π way,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π gained∆≈§Ω¥π real∆≈§Ω¥π combat∆≈§Ω¥π experience∆≈§Ω¥π energetically.∆≈§Ω¥π

About∆≈§Ω¥π two∆≈§Ω¥π years∆≈§Ω¥π after∆≈§Ω¥π starting∆≈§Ω¥π as∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π bounty∆≈§Ω¥π hunter,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π turned∆≈§Ω¥π seventeen.∆≈§Ω¥π

---

“Gyaaaah!∆≈§Ω¥π Owwww!”∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π severed∆≈§Ω¥π left∆≈§Ω¥π forearm∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π bounty∆≈§Ω¥π head∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π slashed∆≈§Ω¥π fell∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π deck.∆≈§Ω¥π

Finally,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π could∆≈§Ω¥π say∆≈§Ω¥π we∆≈§Ω¥π were∆≈§Ω¥π evenly∆≈§Ω¥π matched.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π currently∆≈§Ω¥π fighting∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π bounty∆≈§Ω¥π head∆≈§Ω¥π “Thousand∆≈§Ω¥π Swords”∆≈§Ω¥π Shade.∆≈§Ω¥π

Shade∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π rookie∆≈§Ω¥π who’d∆≈§Ω¥π just∆≈§Ω¥π debuted∆≈§Ω¥π on∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π Grand∆≈§Ω¥π Line,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π bounty∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π 50∆≈§Ω¥π million∆≈§Ω¥π berries,∆≈§Ω¥π making∆≈§Ω¥π him∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π major∆≈§Ω¥π rookie.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Damn∆≈§Ω¥π it!∆≈§Ω¥π What∆≈§Ω¥π grudge∆≈§Ω¥π do∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π have∆≈§Ω¥π against∆≈§Ω¥π me?!”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Good∆≈§Ω¥π grief,∆≈§Ω¥π have∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π forgotten∆≈§Ω¥π you’re∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π bounty∆≈§Ω¥π head?”∆≈§Ω¥π

He∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π laughing∆≈§Ω¥π maniacally∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π attacking∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π when∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π fight∆≈§Ω¥π started…∆≈§Ω¥π

“Damn∆≈§Ω¥π it!∆≈§Ω¥π Don’t∆≈§Ω¥π mess∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π me!∆≈§Ω¥π A∆≈§Ω¥π mob∆≈§Ω¥π like∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π shouldn’t∆≈§Ω¥π defy∆≈§Ω¥π me!”∆≈§Ω¥π

Shade∆≈§Ω¥π shouted∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π sprouted∆≈§Ω¥π swords∆≈§Ω¥π all∆≈§Ω¥π over∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π body.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Get∆≈§Ω¥π skewered!”∆≈§Ω¥π

With∆≈§Ω¥π those∆≈§Ω¥π words,∆≈§Ω¥π he∆≈§Ω¥π fired∆≈§Ω¥π all∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π swords∆≈§Ω¥π he’d∆≈§Ω¥π grown∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π me.∆≈§Ω¥π

According∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π advance∆≈§Ω¥π information,∆≈§Ω¥π Shade’s∆≈§Ω¥π ability∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π Paramecia∆≈§Ω¥π Arms-Arms∆≈§Ω¥π Fruit,∆≈§Ω¥π Model:∆≈§Ω¥π Sword.∆≈§Ω¥π

True∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π information,∆≈§Ω¥π he∆≈§Ω¥π freely∆≈§Ω¥π created∆≈§Ω¥π many∆≈§Ω¥π swords∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π fired∆≈§Ω¥π them∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π like∆≈§Ω¥π this.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π used∆≈§Ω¥π Soru,∆≈§Ω¥π which∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π learned∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π use∆≈§Ω¥π over∆≈§Ω¥π these∆≈§Ω¥π two∆≈§Ω¥π years,∆≈§Ω¥π darting∆≈§Ω¥π around∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π cramped∆≈§Ω¥π deck.∆≈§Ω¥π

If∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π could∆≈§Ω¥π use∆≈§Ω¥π teleportation,∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π would∆≈§Ω¥π already∆≈§Ω¥π be∆≈§Ω¥π over…∆≈§Ω¥π

Before∆≈§Ω¥π fighting∆≈§Ω¥π Shade,∆≈§Ω¥π Papa∆≈§Ω¥π Rayleigh∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π placed∆≈§Ω¥π one∆≈§Ω¥π restriction∆≈§Ω¥π on∆≈§Ω¥π me.∆≈§Ω¥π

No∆≈§Ω¥π using∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π ability.∆≈§Ω¥π

My∆≈§Ω¥π power∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π manipulate∆≈§Ω¥π gravity∆≈§Ω¥π included∆≈§Ω¥π opening∆≈§Ω¥π wormholes∆≈§Ω¥π for∆≈§Ω¥π teleportation,∆≈§Ω¥π which∆≈§Ω¥π ignored∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π concept∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π distance∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π gave∆≈§Ω¥π huge∆≈§Ω¥π advantages∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π battle.∆≈§Ω¥π

Not∆≈§Ω¥π being∆≈§Ω¥π able∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π do∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π one∆≈§Ω¥π reason∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π struggling∆≈§Ω¥π against∆≈§Ω¥π Shade,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π volume∆≈§Ω¥π warfare∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π sword∆≈§Ω¥π barrage∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π also∆≈§Ω¥π troublesome.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Stop∆≈§Ω¥π dodging,∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π mob!”∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π continuously∆≈§Ω¥π fired∆≈§Ω¥π sword∆≈§Ω¥π barrage∆≈§Ω¥π destroyed∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π ship∆≈§Ω¥π while∆≈§Ω¥π being∆≈§Ω¥π thrown∆≈§Ω¥π into∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π sea.∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π mass∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π swords∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π entered∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π ocean∆≈§Ω¥π disappeared∆≈§Ω¥π like∆≈§Ω¥π bubbles.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π closed∆≈§Ω¥π distance∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π Shade∆≈§Ω¥π while∆≈§Ω¥π watching∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π strange∆≈§Ω¥π sight∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π corner∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π eye.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Damn∆≈§Ω¥π it!∆≈§Ω¥π Don’t∆≈§Ω¥π come∆≈§Ω¥π closer!”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π raised∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π straight∆≈§Ω¥π sword∆≈§Ω¥π as∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π entered∆≈§Ω¥π range.∆≈§Ω¥π

Shade∆≈§Ω¥π tried∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π block∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π broad∆≈§Ω¥π dagger∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π one∆≈§Ω¥π hand,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π cut∆≈§Ω¥π through∆≈§Ω¥π both∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π dagger∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π Shade.∆≈§Ω¥π

Crack!∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π sound∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π shattering∆≈§Ω¥π dagger∆≈§Ω¥π accompanied∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π diagonal∆≈§Ω¥π wound∆≈§Ω¥π across∆≈§Ω¥π Shade’s∆≈§Ω¥π torso.∆≈§Ω¥π

Clang!∆≈§Ω¥π Clang!∆≈§Ω¥π

As∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π maintained∆≈§Ω¥π proper∆≈§Ω¥π form∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π distanced∆≈§Ω¥π myself∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π Shade,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π heard∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π sound∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π metal∆≈§Ω¥π clashing.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Shit!∆≈§Ω¥π That∆≈§Ω¥π hurts!∆≈§Ω¥π Don’t∆≈§Ω¥π mess∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π me!”∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π diagonal∆≈§Ω¥π wound∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π covered∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π an∆≈§Ω¥π iron∆≈§Ω¥π color,∆≈§Ω¥π stopping∆≈§Ω¥π Shade’s∆≈§Ω¥π bleeding.∆≈§Ω¥π

Looking∆≈§Ω¥π closer,∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π bleeding∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π Shade’s∆≈§Ω¥π left∆≈§Ω¥π arm∆≈§Ω¥π wound∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π also∆≈§Ω¥π stopped.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Ugh!∆≈§Ω¥π That∆≈§Ω¥π hurts!∆≈§Ω¥π Making∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π do∆≈§Ω¥π this…∆≈§Ω¥π I’ll∆≈§Ω¥π never∆≈§Ω¥π forgive∆≈§Ω¥π you!”∆≈§Ω¥π

Apparently∆≈§Ω¥π Shade∆≈§Ω¥π used∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π ability∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π cover∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π wounds∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π swords∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π stop∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π bleeding.∆≈§Ω¥π

“This∆≈§Ω¥π isn’t∆≈§Ω¥π limited∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π you,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π ability∆≈§Ω¥π users∆≈§Ω¥π are∆≈§Ω¥π surprisingly∆≈§Ω¥π tough.”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π pulled∆≈§Ω¥π out∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π sword∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π pierced∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π side.∆≈§Ω¥π

It∆≈§Ω¥π bled,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π used∆≈§Ω¥π Armament∆≈§Ω¥π Haki∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π constrict∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π wound∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π stop∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π bleeding.∆≈§Ω¥π Since∆≈§Ω¥π Haki∆≈§Ω¥π is∆≈§Ω¥π also∆≈§Ω¥π willpower,∆≈§Ω¥π it∆≈§Ω¥π eased∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π pain∆≈§Ω¥π too.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Damn∆≈§Ω¥π it!∆≈§Ω¥π Why∆≈§Ω¥π can∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π move∆≈§Ω¥π normally∆≈§Ω¥π after∆≈§Ω¥π getting∆≈§Ω¥π stabbed∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π gut?!”∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π wounds∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π Shade’s∆≈§Ω¥π ability∆≈§Ω¥π weren’t∆≈§Ω¥π just∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π stomach.∆≈§Ω¥π

Even∆≈§Ω¥π though∆≈§Ω¥π none∆≈§Ω¥π were∆≈§Ω¥π direct∆≈§Ω¥π hits,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π cuts∆≈§Ω¥π all∆≈§Ω¥π over∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π body.∆≈§Ω¥π

“I’m∆≈§Ω¥π used∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π wounds∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π level.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Don’t∆≈§Ω¥π mess∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π me!∆≈§Ω¥π Mobs∆≈§Ω¥π should∆≈§Ω¥π just∆≈§Ω¥π get∆≈§Ω¥π beaten∆≈§Ω¥π quietly!”∆≈§Ω¥π

Besides∆≈§Ω¥π Arlong’s∆≈§Ω¥π gunshots,∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π taken∆≈§Ω¥π many∆≈§Ω¥π wounds∆≈§Ω¥π during∆≈§Ω¥π these∆≈§Ω¥π two∆≈§Ω¥π years∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π bounty∆≈§Ω¥π hunting.∆≈§Ω¥π

Not∆≈§Ω¥π all∆≈§Ω¥π fights∆≈§Ω¥π were∆≈§Ω¥π easy…∆≈§Ω¥π those∆≈§Ω¥π experiences∆≈§Ω¥π became∆≈§Ω¥π part∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π let∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π stand∆≈§Ω¥π here∆≈§Ω¥π now.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Well,∆≈§Ω¥π let’s∆≈§Ω¥π finish∆≈§Ω¥π this.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Damn∆≈§Ω¥π it!∆≈§Ω¥π Damn∆≈§Ω¥π it!∆≈§Ω¥π A∆≈§Ω¥π mob∆≈§Ω¥π is∆≈§Ω¥π interfering∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π harem∆≈§Ω¥π plan!”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π stepped∆≈§Ω¥π forward∆≈§Ω¥π into∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π sword∆≈§Ω¥π barrage∆≈§Ω¥π Shade∆≈§Ω¥π fired∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π entire∆≈§Ω¥π body.∆≈§Ω¥π

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“Yo!∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π figured∆≈§Ω¥π you’d∆≈§Ω¥π show∆≈§Ω¥π up∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π now,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu!”∆≈§Ω¥π

Light∆≈§Ω¥π greeted∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π when∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π transferred∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π Marine∆≈§Ω¥π Headquarters∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π proof∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π defeating∆≈§Ω¥π Shade.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Light,∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π seem∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π be∆≈§Ω¥π waiting∆≈§Ω¥π for∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π often∆≈§Ω¥π lately.∆≈§Ω¥π Do∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π have∆≈§Ω¥π some∆≈§Ω¥π basis∆≈§Ω¥π for∆≈§Ω¥π it?”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Fisherman’s∆≈§Ω¥π intuition!”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π sighed∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π Light’s∆≈§Ω¥π chest-puffing∆≈§Ω¥π declaration.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Shu!∆≈§Ω¥π Don’t∆≈§Ω¥π underestimate∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π fisherman’s∆≈§Ω¥π intuition∆≈§Ω¥π gained∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π getting∆≈§Ω¥π daily∆≈§Ω¥π sustenance∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π just∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π fishing∆≈§Ω¥π rod!”∆≈§Ω¥π

“I’m∆≈§Ω¥π not∆≈§Ω¥π underestimating∆≈§Ω¥π it,∆≈§Ω¥π Light.”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π just∆≈§Ω¥π don’t∆≈§Ω¥π have∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π kind∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π intuition,∆≈§Ω¥π so∆≈§Ω¥π it’s∆≈§Ω¥π hard∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π understand.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Whatever.∆≈§Ω¥π Shu!∆≈§Ω¥π Let’s∆≈§Ω¥π fight!”∆≈§Ω¥π

“That’s∆≈§Ω¥π fine,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π let∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π submit∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π first.”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π held∆≈§Ω¥π up∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π blood-stained∆≈§Ω¥π leather∆≈§Ω¥π pouch.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Ugh!∆≈§Ω¥π Don’t∆≈§Ω¥π show∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π that!”∆≈§Ω¥π

“I∆≈§Ω¥π heard∆≈§Ω¥π you’ve∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π real∆≈§Ω¥π combat∆≈§Ω¥π experience,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π it’s∆≈§Ω¥π no∆≈§Ω¥π good?”∆≈§Ω¥π

Light’s∆≈§Ω¥π face∆≈§Ω¥π looked∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π bit∆≈§Ω¥π green.∆≈§Ω¥π

“I∆≈§Ω¥π mainly∆≈§Ω¥π fight∆≈§Ω¥π barehanded,∆≈§Ω¥π so∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π don’t∆≈§Ω¥π have∆≈§Ω¥π experience∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π that…∆≈§Ω¥π Plus,∆≈§Ω¥π marines∆≈§Ω¥π can∆≈§Ω¥π catch∆≈§Ω¥π ability∆≈§Ω¥π users∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π seastone∆≈§Ω¥π handcuffs∆≈§Ω¥π after∆≈§Ω¥π knocking∆≈§Ω¥π them∆≈§Ω¥π out.”∆≈§Ω¥π

Light∆≈§Ω¥π answered∆≈§Ω¥π while∆≈§Ω¥π looking∆≈§Ω¥π away∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π pouch.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Hey…∆≈§Ω¥π how∆≈§Ω¥π did∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π get∆≈§Ω¥π past∆≈§Ω¥π that,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu?”∆≈§Ω¥π

“I∆≈§Ω¥π haven’t∆≈§Ω¥π gotten∆≈§Ω¥π past∆≈§Ω¥π it.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Huh?”∆≈§Ω¥π

Light’s∆≈§Ω¥π eyes∆≈§Ω¥π widened∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π surprise.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Dad∆≈§Ω¥π gave∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π advice∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π think∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π what’s∆≈§Ω¥π most∆≈§Ω¥π important.∆≈§Ω¥π That∆≈§Ω¥π let∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π come∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π terms∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π it.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Come∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π terms…”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Not∆≈§Ω¥π everyone∆≈§Ω¥π can∆≈§Ω¥π carry∆≈§Ω¥π burdens∆≈§Ω¥π like∆≈§Ω¥π heroes∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π great∆≈§Ω¥π people∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π stories.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“That’s∆≈§Ω¥π true.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Even∆≈§Ω¥π now∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π revulsion∆≈§Ω¥π hasn’t∆≈§Ω¥π completely∆≈§Ω¥π disappeared,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π can∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π least∆≈§Ω¥π fight∆≈§Ω¥π without∆≈§Ω¥π hesitation.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Amazing…∆≈§Ω¥π man,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π gotta∆≈§Ω¥π work∆≈§Ω¥π harder∆≈§Ω¥π too.”∆≈§Ω¥π

Over∆≈§Ω¥π these∆≈§Ω¥π two∆≈§Ω¥π years,∆≈§Ω¥π Light∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π sparred∆≈§Ω¥π many∆≈§Ω¥π times∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π become∆≈§Ω¥π friends.∆≈§Ω¥π

And∆≈§Ω¥π Light’s∆≈§Ω¥π ability∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π acknowledge∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π opponent∆≈§Ω¥π like∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π definitely∆≈§Ω¥π proof∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π growth.∆≈§Ω¥π

“So∆≈§Ω¥π who∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π your∆≈§Ω¥π prey∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π time?”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Thousand∆≈§Ω¥π Swords∆≈§Ω¥π Shade.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Seriously?!∆≈§Ω¥π A∆≈§Ω¥π 50-million-berry∆≈§Ω¥π major∆≈§Ω¥π rookie!”∆≈§Ω¥π

According∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π Garp,∆≈§Ω¥π Light∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π been∆≈§Ω¥π studying∆≈§Ω¥π more∆≈§Ω¥π lately∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π knowledgeable∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π bounty∆≈§Ω¥π head∆≈§Ω¥π information.∆≈§Ω¥π

“He∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π an∆≈§Ω¥π Arms-Arms∆≈§Ω¥π Fruit∆≈§Ω¥π user,∆≈§Ω¥π right?∆≈§Ω¥π How’d∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π win?”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Not∆≈§Ω¥π without∆≈§Ω¥π wounds.∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π got∆≈§Ω¥π stabbed∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π stomach.”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π showed∆≈§Ω¥π Light∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π wound∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π sewn∆≈§Ω¥π up∆≈§Ω¥π myself.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Hey!∆≈§Ω¥π What∆≈§Ω¥π are∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π doing?!∆≈§Ω¥π Get∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π infirmary!”∆≈§Ω¥π

“I’ve∆≈§Ω¥π treated∆≈§Ω¥π it,∆≈§Ω¥π so∆≈§Ω¥π it’s∆≈§Ω¥π fine.∆≈§Ω¥π Besides,∆≈§Ω¥π I’m∆≈§Ω¥π confident∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π surgical∆≈§Ω¥π skills∆≈§Ω¥π are∆≈§Ω¥π better∆≈§Ω¥π than∆≈§Ω¥π most∆≈§Ω¥π doctors.”∆≈§Ω¥π

These∆≈§Ω¥π two∆≈§Ω¥π years∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π bounty∆≈§Ω¥π hunting∆≈§Ω¥π involved∆≈§Ω¥π constant∆≈§Ω¥π injuries.∆≈§Ω¥π

Using∆≈§Ω¥π knowledge∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π Taiji∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π treat∆≈§Ω¥π myself,∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π surgical∆≈§Ω¥π skills∆≈§Ω¥π improved∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π point∆≈§Ω¥π Papa∆≈§Ω¥π Rayleigh∆≈§Ω¥π acknowledged∆≈§Ω¥π them.∆≈§Ω¥π

Since∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π treating∆≈§Ω¥π myself∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π couldn’t∆≈§Ω¥π afford∆≈§Ω¥π failure,∆≈§Ω¥π Papa∆≈§Ω¥π Rayleigh∆≈§Ω¥π said∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π situation∆≈§Ω¥π rapidly∆≈§Ω¥π improved∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π surgical∆≈§Ω¥π abilities.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Geez…∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π cheat∆≈§Ω¥π bastard!∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π definitely∆≈§Ω¥π won’t∆≈§Ω¥π lose!”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Light…∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π sometimes∆≈§Ω¥π use∆≈§Ω¥π words∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π don’t∆≈§Ω¥π understand…”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π felt∆≈§Ω¥π familiar∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π it∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π didn’t∆≈§Ω¥π know∆≈§Ω¥π details,∆≈§Ω¥π so∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π said∆≈§Ω¥π this.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Ah,∆≈§Ω¥π don’t∆≈§Ω¥π worry∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π small∆≈§Ω¥π stuff!”∆≈§Ω¥π

“I∆≈§Ω¥π see…∆≈§Ω¥π But∆≈§Ω¥π Shade∆≈§Ω¥π said∆≈§Ω¥π similar∆≈§Ω¥π things.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Huh?”∆≈§Ω¥π

Light∆≈§Ω¥π made∆≈§Ω¥π an∆≈§Ω¥π interesting∆≈§Ω¥π face.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Like∆≈§Ω¥π when∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π first∆≈§Ω¥π met∆≈§Ω¥π you,∆≈§Ω¥π he∆≈§Ω¥π called∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π mob.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Seriously?”∆≈§Ω¥π

Surprised∆≈§Ω¥π Light∆≈§Ω¥π started∆≈§Ω¥π muttering∆≈§Ω¥π something.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Was∆≈§Ω¥π Shade∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π reincarnated∆≈§Ω¥π person?∆≈§Ω¥π Thinking∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π it,∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π Arms-Arms∆≈§Ω¥π ability∆≈§Ω¥π is∆≈§Ω¥π similar∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π thing∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π previous∆≈§Ω¥π life…∆≈§Ω¥π And∆≈§Ω¥π saying∆≈§Ω¥π mob…∆≈§Ω¥π he∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π stepping∆≈§Ω¥π stone…”∆≈§Ω¥π

He∆≈§Ω¥π seemed∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π be∆≈§Ω¥π pondering∆≈§Ω¥π something,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π should∆≈§Ω¥π warn∆≈§Ω¥π him∆≈§Ω¥π as∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π friend.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Light,∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π should∆≈§Ω¥π stop∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π muttering∆≈§Ω¥π habit.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Leave∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π alone.”∆≈§Ω¥π

Light’s∆≈§Ω¥π response∆≈§Ω¥π made∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π sigh.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π refocused∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π looked∆≈§Ω¥π around,∆≈§Ω¥π spotting∆≈§Ω¥π several∆≈§Ω¥π ships∆≈§Ω¥π flying∆≈§Ω¥π pirate∆≈§Ω¥π flags.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Light,∆≈§Ω¥π there∆≈§Ω¥π seem∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π be∆≈§Ω¥π many∆≈§Ω¥π pirate∆≈§Ω¥π ships∆≈§Ω¥π today…∆≈§Ω¥π did∆≈§Ω¥π something∆≈§Ω¥π happen?”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Hm?∆≈§Ω¥π Oh,∆≈§Ω¥π there∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π Warlords∆≈§Ω¥π meeting∆≈§Ω¥π today.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“The∆≈§Ω¥π Warlords?”∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π Warlords∆≈§Ω¥π included∆≈§Ω¥π Hawkeye,∆≈§Ω¥π Dad’s∆≈§Ω¥π rival,∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π were∆≈§Ω¥π pirates∆≈§Ω¥π whose∆≈§Ω¥π piracy∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π Marines∆≈§Ω¥π officially∆≈§Ω¥π sanctioned.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Yeah,∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π Marines∆≈§Ω¥π have∆≈§Ω¥π been∆≈§Ω¥π busy∆≈§Ω¥π dealing∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π Revolutionary∆≈§Ω¥π Army∆≈§Ω¥π lately…∆≈§Ω¥π so∆≈§Ω¥π they∆≈§Ω¥π asked∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π Warlords∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π thin∆≈§Ω¥π out∆≈§Ω¥π pirates∆≈§Ω¥π randomly,∆≈§Ω¥π Vice∆≈§Ω¥π Admiral∆≈§Ω¥π Garp∆≈§Ω¥π said.”∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π Revolutionary∆≈§Ω¥π Army∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π an∆≈§Ω¥π organization∆≈§Ω¥π rebelling∆≈§Ω¥π against∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π World∆≈§Ω¥π Government,∆≈§Ω¥π frequently∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π news∆≈§Ω¥π lately.∆≈§Ω¥π

“More∆≈§Ω¥π importantly,∆≈§Ω¥π do∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π know∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π this,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu!”∆≈§Ω¥π

“What?”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Hancock!∆≈§Ω¥π Boa∆≈§Ω¥π Hancock!∆≈§Ω¥π She’s∆≈§Ω¥π an∆≈§Ω¥π incredible∆≈§Ω¥π beauty!”∆≈§Ω¥π

Light∆≈§Ω¥π approached∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π excitedly.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Beautiful∆≈§Ω¥π face,∆≈§Ω¥π tall∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π slender!∆≈§Ω¥π And∆≈§Ω¥π she’s∆≈§Ω¥π got∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π boing!∆≈§Ω¥π Whoosh!∆≈§Ω¥π Bam!”∆≈§Ω¥π

You’re∆≈§Ω¥π way∆≈§Ω¥π too∆≈§Ω¥π excited,∆≈§Ω¥π Light.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Light…∆≈§Ω¥π talking∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π sometimes∆≈§Ω¥π makes∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π forget∆≈§Ω¥π we’re∆≈§Ω¥π close∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π age.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“What?!∆≈§Ω¥π Any∆≈§Ω¥π healthy∆≈§Ω¥π teenager∆≈§Ω¥π would∆≈§Ω¥π get∆≈§Ω¥π excited∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π stuff!”∆≈§Ω¥π

Light∆≈§Ω¥π made∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π fist∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π argued∆≈§Ω¥π passionately.∆≈§Ω¥π

“I’m∆≈§Ω¥π not∆≈§Ω¥π saying∆≈§Ω¥π it’s∆≈§Ω¥π bad,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π how∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π being∆≈§Ω¥π more∆≈§Ω¥π aware∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π your∆≈§Ω¥π surroundings?”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Huh?”∆≈§Ω¥π

Light∆≈§Ω¥π looked∆≈§Ω¥π around∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π noticed∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π cold∆≈§Ω¥π stares∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π female∆≈§Ω¥π marines∆≈§Ω¥π watching∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π ships,∆≈§Ω¥π breaking∆≈§Ω¥π into∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π cold∆≈§Ω¥π sweat.∆≈§Ω¥π

“I∆≈§Ω¥π screwed∆≈§Ω¥π up!”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Good∆≈§Ω¥π grief…∆≈§Ω¥π hm?”∆≈§Ω¥π

While∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π exasperated∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π Light,∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π sharp-eyed∆≈§Ω¥π man∆≈§Ω¥π walked∆≈§Ω¥π over∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π Marine∆≈§Ω¥π Headquarters∆≈§Ω¥π building.∆≈§Ω¥π

When∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π man∆≈§Ω¥π approached∆≈§Ω¥π us,∆≈§Ω¥π he∆≈§Ω¥π drew∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π weapon∆≈§Ω¥π on∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π back.∆≈§Ω¥π