"What are you doing!?"
"I'm the First Mate of the Black Snake Pirates! A big-name pirate with a 47 million Belly bounty!"
"If you lay a hand on me, our captain won't let you walk away alive!"
"D-Don't come any closer… Stay away…"
"AAAHHHHH!!"
Screams of agony burst from the top-floor suite of the hotel, sharp and unbearable, sending chills down the spines of the two black-suited security guards stationed outside. They didn't dare breathe too loudly.
This was the most luxurious hotel in the entire Pleasure District, owned personally by the Queen herself. It only served the most prominent figures from the New World.
Even the most basic room cost over a million Belly per night.
And this top-floor suite? It came with a private chef, massages, loans, and all kinds of high-end services. Security was available 24/7, and the nightly rate reached an outrageous five million Belly.
More importantly, the suite boasted top-tier soundproofing and security to ensure the utmost privacy for its distinguished guests.
The last person to stay here had been a Celestial Dragon who truly knew how to indulge. That night, at least ten boys and girls were brought into the suite—and not a single one came out again.
Even then, the guards hadn't heard a sound from inside.
But now...
That gut-wrenching wail, like something dragged out of the depths of hell, faintly leaked from the room. The two guards exchanged uneasy glances, fear flashing in their eyes.
Just who was in that room?
What was going on in there?
No matter how far their imaginations stretched, they couldn't picture it.
A few seconds later...
With a soft click, the door opened. Two staffers emerged, carrying a stretcher.
The man on it was unrecognizable—his body a bloody mess, large portions of skin shredded, pupils dilated. His lifeless face was frozen in a look of indescribable horror and pain.
Blood dripped steadily to the floor as cleaning staff rushed to wipe it up.
A pirate with a bounty nearing 50 million Belly—dead, just like that.
Gulp...
The two security guards swallowed hard, staring at the slowly closing door as though they were gazing into the depths of hell.
...
Inside the penthouse suite.
"Take him out. Next."
Daren waved his hand flatly, face emotionless.
Beside him, Dragon and Kuma looked numb, lips twitching with barely contained discomfort.
Soon after, another pirate—this one a burly man with a thick beard and bound in Seastone shackles—was dragged in like livestock headed for slaughter.
"Bastards! What the hell do you want!?"
He thrashed and roared in rage, but with those shackles on, he was completely helpless.
"I'm the captain of the Black Snake Pirates! A Great Pirate with a 60 million Belly bounty!"
Black Snake glared at the trio before him, bloodshot eyes full of killing intent.
"How convenient."
Daren chuckled, waving a hand.
"A family should stick together."
Metal whipped out like a venomous serpent, latching onto Black Snake and dragging him toward the slightly smaller bear paw-shaped orb of light.
The moment he touched it, his entire body jolted, and a scream ripped from his throat, sharp and inhuman.
It was like he'd been struck by lightning—his body convulsing violently as his skin burst open, misting the air with blood.
Five seconds later, Black Snake's legs kicked once—and then he collapsed, lifeless, joining his crewmate in the afterlife.
"Take him away."
Daren let out a sigh, visibly disappointed.
"This guy's supposed to be a 60 million Belly pirate? The bounties coming out of headquarters are getting more and more ridiculous. Couldn't even last ten seconds. What a disgrace…"
Dragon: …
Kuma: …
There was nothing wrong with that guy's bounty—his aura clearly wasn't weak!
It's just that what you expelled is way too terrifying!
"How many is that now…" Kuma murmured, shrinking back a bit.
"I've lost count," Dragon said, his eyelid twitching.
"Thirty-seven, I think. We're probably close—should hit a hundred soon," Daren replied calmly, puffing a cigar and sipping whiskey with a smile.
Hearing that, Dragon and Kuma once again turned their eyes to the red-black orb of light still floating in the air.
After absorbing over thirty unlucky victims, the mass of condensed pain and exhaustion had shrunk to about half its original size.
Dragon pressed his lips together.
Thinking back to how cocky he was at the start… he felt a cold sweat creeping in.
"If we'd had a large Sea King, we probably wouldn't have had to go through all this trouble…" Daren said. "But we didn't have the time. This was the only way."
He glanced at the orb, now hovering less than a meter from Kuma, thought for a moment, then gave an order to the staff nearby.
"Bring in the rest."
The staff member raised an eyebrow, bowed respectfully, and turned to carry out the order.
A few seconds later...
It looked like a scene from a slave auction. Black-suited security led dozens of cursing pirates inside, one after another, all in chains.
Dragon and Kuma instinctively turned away.
The sight was just too brutal.
Even though these guys were the worst of the worst—pirates and scum who deserved to be executed a hundred times over—it was hard not to feel a little sorry for them.
Soon, the top-floor suite was once again filled with gut-wrenching screams, echoing one after another.
...
The terrifying orb was finally, completely absorbed and dissipated.
The cleaning crew came in, equipped with professional tools, working swiftly and efficiently to tidy up the aftermath.
They mopped the floor, aired the room, and sprayed fragrance.
Moments later, the suite was spotless once again—like nothing had ever happened.
"So," Daren said with a warm smile, handing Dragon a gold-embossed cigar, "what was it you wanted to talk to me about this time?"
"You've done me a big favor here. As long as it's nothing that goes against my principles, I'll do my best to help."
As he spoke, he cast a sidelong glance at Dragon's tattered cloak and dirt-caked military boots, a half-smile tugging at his lips.
"Ahem…"
Dragon flushed, his face turning red. He instinctively glanced toward Kuma.
The latter had already closed his eyes at some point, standing there like a boulder—completely still, like he'd gone into hibernation.
Dragon: …
Clenching his jaw, he took a deep breath and spoke earnestly.
"Daren, I really did come here today because I need your help with something."
Daren smiled.
"Go ahead."
Dragon straightened up, expression turning serious. He sat upright, posture firm.
"I want to borrow some funds from you. Enough to start forming a volunteer army."
As he finished, he locked eyes with Daren, gaze full of hope.
"I see…"
Daren nodded, exhaling a puff of smoke.
"Someone, come in."
He picked up a Den Den Mushi and made the call.
Dragon's eyes lit up. A smile spread across his face.
As expected of my best friend!
So direct, so decisive!
Didn't even ask for details—just called someone to bring the money!
He shot a smug glance at Kuma, wearing a proud, victorious grin like he was saying, "See? That's my buddy. Look how far my name carries."
Kuma opened his eyes too, unable to hide his excitement. He clenched his fists.
With proper funding, they could finally help more struggling civilians!
"Daren-sama, what are your orders?"
A man in a tailcoat entered, bowing gracefully.
Daren recognized him. He was the one who'd delivered the unlimited VIP card on Stussy's behalf. A trusted aide, no doubt.
Daren nodded, then smiled.
"Show him out."
Dragon: ???
Kuma: ???
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake