Marco stepped forward and gave Gurd a big hug.
"Long time no see, Gurd."
"Congratulations, Marco."
Gurd offered his blessings with a smile.
Marco scratched his head sheepishly. "I owe it all to you. Without Fortuna Community, I'd never have met Sasha."
"That was fate's doing."
Gurd chuckled knowingly.
He had indeed secretly played matchmaker.
Though there'd been some calculation involved, the outcome was good—at least the Whitebeard Pirates now had an heir.
Hmm? A murderous aura!
Gurd turned in surprise.
A sharp blade thrust toward him, stopping just a fist's distance from his eye.
"Clang!"
Gurd raised his hand and caught the blade!
"What?!"
Cavendish appeared before Gurd, gripping the famous sword Durandal, utterly shocked as he stared at the captured blade.
This man had caught his full-powered thrust barehanded?!
"Hey, who the hell are you?"
Gurd was displeased. He'd considered snapping the incoming blade, but its exquisite craftsmanship made him hesitate.
A rare European-style sword.
Perfect for his collection.
As Gurd studied his assailant, the face grew increasingly familiar.
Extravagantly flamboyant!
"Wait, you're Cavendish?"
"Recognized me, have you?"
Cavendish withdrew his sword, dramatically flipping his golden wavy locks before producing a rose from nowhere to sniff delicately.
"Though I tried my utmost to disguise myself, my adoring fans still see through! Indeed, I am Cavendish—the world's most popular and handsome man!"
"..."
Where exactly was the disguise?!
Gurd's temple throbbed.
He'd been planning to settle scores with this brat, yet the guy delivered himself right to his doorstep.
Truly worthy of being a "Supernova"—these reckless youngsters never learned until they'd smashed their heads bloody.
"Why attack me?"
"Attack? Don't misunderstand—such vulgar actions are beneath me. Even had you failed to catch my blade, I'd never have pierced you. I merely wished to test whether you're worthy to be my opponent."
Cavendish bit the rose stem, his words ostensibly for Gurd while subtly angling himself toward the surrounding crowd.
Every inch of him sparkled.
"So that's how it is! My mistake!"
"Lord Cavendish!"
"So chivalrous!"
Female admirers swooned, hearts in their eyes and breathing ragged.
Having milked the applause, Cavendish turned back to Gurd smugly. "Hmph, I suppose a crude fellow like you could never understand the burdens of overwhelming popularity like mine?"
"Popularity?"
Gurd pondered briefly before comprehending.
This kid had picked a fight to show off—with so many pirates gathered at the harbor, it was prime preening ground.
Though perhaps he'd chosen the wrong target.
Gurd raised his hand and snapped his fingers.
"Snap!"
Instant silence fell over the port.
Tens of thousands held their breath without a single sound. The synchronized reaction left even Cavendish dumbstruck.
Gurd's smile bloomed.
"Seems I'm more popular."
"Impossible!"
Cavendish refused to believe it, pointing at Gurd while shouting to the pirates: "Open your eyes! What could this man possibly have that makes him more appealing than me?"
"What indeed?"
The pirates exchanged puzzled glances.
"Gurd-sama is more popular than you in every way!"
"Don't push your luck, you small fry!"
"Meeting Gurd-sama is the greatest honor of your life!"
"Get lost already!"
The stream of insults rose and fell.
Cavendish's spirit was severely crushed. He actually collapsed onto his beloved horse and cried for a good while before recovering.
"I understand now!"
Cavendish turned to Gurd, gnashing his teeth as he raised his sword: "I will never tolerate anyone trying to steal my popularity! Let's duel!"
"..."
Gurd was speechless.
Marco stepped forward, looking at Cavendish with a headache in his eyes—newcomers were always the most troublesome bunch.
"Gurd, should I handle this?"
"No need."
Gurd waved his hand with a smile.
Just as well—he didn't like anyone who stole his spotlight either.
The pirates immediately stepped back, clearing a large space for the duel. Each of them clenched their fists in excitement, eagerly awaiting the fight.
They were about to see Gurd-sama in action!
Cavendish, feeling the gazes from all directions, felt his combat power skyrocketing, growing more and more confident.
Draw sword, charge!
The blade, wrapped in a surge of air, thrust powerfully toward Gurd!
"Beautiful Sword: Bluebird!"
"Bam!"
Cavendish collapsed onto the ground, a huge lump swelling on his head.
K.O!
Gurd stood with his smoking hand blade raised, having secured an effortless victory.
The sight sent the pirates into a frenzy, their faces flushed with excitement.
"Just one hand blade, and he easily defeated a rookie with a bounty over 200 million Berries !"
"Of course!"
"Gurd-sama's bounty is a staggering 3 billion Berries !"
"He's too strong!"
The pirates, cheeks flushed, raised their arms and cheered. In the lawless world of pirates, strength was the only truth.
"Huh?"
Gurd's eyes flickered with surprise as he stared at the unconscious Cavendish. He could clearly sense the other's aura surging wildly.
An Awakening of the second personality?
Cavendish slowly rose to his feet, suddenly lifting his head—his entire face now twisted into a vicious, demonic snarl—before vanishing on the spot.
"Swish!"
Countless afterimages leaped and darted around Gurd.
"Cavendish disappeared!"
The pirates widened their eyes, unable to catch even a glimpse of Cavendish's figure. But the ground, continuously splitting apart, proved the battle wasn't over yet.
Gurd narrowed his eyes.
"Interesting."
Every Supernova was arrogant, but they had the capital to be. They were, after all, the strongest among the rookies—just a little tempering away from becoming true powerhouses.
The speed Cavendish was displaying now was astonishing, no less than that of long-established strong fighters—perhaps even faster.
"Here it comes."
Sensing the sharp slash coming from the side, Gurd's pupils shifted right as his hand blade swept outward.
"Clang!"
Hand blade and sword collided!
Cavendish—or rather, his second personality, Hakuba—let out a low growl.
"I'll cut you to pieces!"
"You can talk?"
Gurd was surprised again. This thing seemed like a madman—he had assumed communication was impossible, yet it could speak on its own.
Gurd lowered his hand blade, facing Hakuba.
"Try cutting me, then."
"..."
Hakuba didn't understand, but even against an opponent who gave up resistance, he wouldn't hold back. Cutting people down was his sole purpose for existing.
"Swish!"
In an instant, countless razor-sharp slashes engulfed Gurd!
Yet—useless!
"What an incredible body!"
Captain Vista tugged at his beard, his eyes filled with astonishment. As a fellow swordsman, he knew full well how formidable Hakuba's slashes were.
Cutting through steel was effortless for him!
Yet against Gurd's body, those slashes left no trace whatsoever. Most crucially, Gurd hadn't even used Haki—he had merely tensed his muscles.
Thud!
Another chop of the hand!
Hakuba collapsed to the ground, completely immobilized.
Gurd's gaze turned icy.
Repeated provocations would have severe consequences, especially since this strange man was difficult to control.
"Hm? What's this?"
A golden card had fallen beside Cavendish, likely dropped during the fight, glinting under the sunlight.
Gurd bent down to pick it up. The moment he saw the all-too-familiar text on it, his eye twitched.
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