Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Fair Compensation
Before long, the pirate ship demolished the cannon team of the merchant ship, raised its sails, and sailed towards the merchant ship.
As they neared, several leading pirates threw grappling hooks, securing them firmly on the railing of the merchant ship. Using thick hemp ropes connected to the hooks, they boarded the ship and confronted the battle-ready team already gathered on the deck.
The pirates were fierce, like wild dogs.
"Kill them!"
"Take everything from them!"
"The treasure is ours!"
After a brief but intense battle, the merchant ship's guards were defeated one by one, leaving them in a pool of blood. Their strength couldn't match the hardened pirates who faced danger every day.
The tall and intimidating pirate captain pushed aside his crew, stepping forward. In a cruel tone, he bellowed, "I am Johnson, captain of the Razor Pirates! We won't take your lives if you just obediently hand over all your treasures! Anyone who dares to resist, be prepared to be thrown into the sea to feed the sharks!"
Feeling hopeless, the passengers reluctantly surrendered their wealth.
Captain Johnson savored a sip of fine wine, declaring, "Men! Don't forget! There's more than just money in these people's pockets! There are also those goods in the cargo hold! Haul them all back onto our ship!"
While the Razor Pirates were crazily plundering the merchant ship, in the captain's cabin on the top floor of the merchant ship.
"Penelope! Penelope!" he urgently called out his wife's name, intentionally keeping his voice low to avoid detection.
The recently composed Captain Krivat, who had just demonstrated a tactful demeanor in front of the sailors, stumbled and pushed open the door to the captain's cabin.
"What's wrong, Krivat? I heard a commotion downstairs. Something unpleasant, perhaps…"
A graceful woman emerged from the bedroom, dressed in a black pleated nightgown with stockings. Captivating peach blossom-shaped eyes, voluminous pink hair styled in spiral twin tails—Lady Penelope was a striking figure.
"Pirates are here! They're downstairs plundering our treasures! No time for chit-chat!" Captain Krivat exclaimed urgently.
"What? Pirates?" Lady Penelope was shocked, fear replacing her serene expression.
Captain Krivat asked again, "They haven't found their way up yet! How is she? She wasn't frightened, was she?"
"She's sleeping soundly, didn't hear a thing." Mrs. Penelope's tone softened momentarily as she thought of her daughter peacefully asleep. However, it quickly turned worried. "What should we do now, Krivat?"
"Take the child and escape first! Grab our treasures and run!" Captain Krivat spoke with determination, "I can't let our child be endangered by pirates!"
"And you?"
Captain Krivat's expression suddenly became complex. After hesitating for a moment, he resolutely replied, "I am the captain of the Seimizu Maru! I can't abandon my ship and crew at this time!"
Lady Penelope wanted to say something more, "But—"
"No time for talk, Penelope!" Captain Krivat interrupted, fearing his determination might waver.
"Pack your things! Use the hidden door in the bedroom—a secret passage leads to the ship's cabins. Escape boats are prepared!"
Mrs. Penelope was forcefully pushed into the bedroom by her husband. "Take this too!"
Captain Krivat opened a password box, retrieved a small chest, and handed it to Lady Penelope.
"A Devil Fruit?!" exclaimed a strange, youthful voice.
"Who's speaking!"
Captain Krivat, taken aback, instantly turned around, firmly shielding his wife behind him. At the same time, he slowly reached for the short gun at his waist, his last resort.
"Are you a pirate?"
Captain Krivat eyed the sudden appearance of a young man in the room with a cold expression.
The stranger who barged in didn't fit the pirate image. He wore a broad-brimmed hat, had good manners, a rough black overcoat, a deep gray waistcoat, and a brass chain pocket watch. Unlike struggling pirates, he seemed more like a member of a regular West Blue gang
"No, no, no," the newcomer waved his hands repeatedly, "I am not a pirate. I just happened to be here by chance."
"You just happened to stroll into the captain's quarters by chance?"
Captain Krivat swiftly pulled out a short gun, attempting to aim it, but the newcomer vanished before his eyes, leaving Krivat startled. Simultaneously, Lady Penelope, behind him, let out a piercing scream. The peculiar white fruit with intricate patterns had somehow ended up in the newcomer's hands.
"It's impolite to point a gun at someone, Captain Krivat," Adrian said casually, holding the white Devil Fruit.
Who else could it be? Just remember who the story is about.
"Release that Devil Fruit, kid!"
Captain Krivat, tense, held his gun, unwaveringly pointing it at Adrian.
"This won't do. This Devil Fruit will be my fair compensation," Adrian shook his head. "Are you interested in making a deal?"
"I told you! Drop that Devil Fruit! Litt—"
Swish!
A white arc of light flashed by.
Captain Krivat felt the gun in his hand strangely light. The front half of the short gun barrel slid down to the cabin floor
"Hiss~"
Captain Krivat inhaled sharply.
"Interested in discussing the deal I mentioned now?" Adrian examined his sword's slightly curled blade. His strength wasn't that of a "sword master" capable of cutting iron, but he could cut gun barrels with speed and strength.
In short, brute force sent bricks flying.
However, this approach caused significant damage to the blade, and after a few more attempts, the sword would likely be useless.
"You... please speak." Captain Krivat nervously lowered his head, and spoke with a respectful tone.
On the vast sea, strength meant authority. Though the young man lacked extraordinary strength, Captain Krivat knew he couldn't handle him.
"I'll help you with the Razor Pirates below." Adrian pointed to the floor, weighing the white Devil Fruit in his hand. "Then, I'll collect my fair compensation."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone