Aro was dumbfounded. These pirates were way too carefree. Still, he happily clinked glasses—after all, he was just here freeloading.
By the time he snuck aboard, the banquet was already winding down. Most of the pirates had stopped eating, only drinking and chatting. From their talk, Aro learned this was the Iron Pirates. They had a battle coming up, and it was their tradition to hold a feast before every fight. They called it "pre-battle motivation," but really it was just a "last meal before death." Not like Luffy's crew, who celebrated after fighting.
Their captain was currently in the cabin with a guest. Once talks were done, the operation would begin. Out on deck, only a few pirates were drunk—non-combatants, really. Aro hid among them, wolfing down food.
Eating with Rogers was always miserable. Rogers devoured everything in seconds, leaving scraps at best. As for Aiqi—how could Aro dare steal from her plate?
But here? Pure bliss. One man, one table of food. He even grabbed bites from neighboring tables. He didn't feel the least bit like a thief.
Just as he was full and thinking of slipping away, the cabin doors swung open. Heavy footsteps boomed, making the deck tremble. A massive figure emerged—nearly four meters tall. Fat, round, like a walking ball.
"Captain Robb!" the pirates cheered excitedly. Some even raised weapons. Clearly, they respected him.
"Ha ha! Everyone full yet?" Robb's voice was bizarre—low and droning, like a mosquito's buzz. Combined with his huge body, the effect was… absurd.
Aro nearly burst out laughing. He barely restrained himself from giving away his cover.
"Captain Robb, maybe brief everyone about the operation?" said a rat-faced man who followed him out, alongside another cloaked figure. The rat-faced one did all the talking.
"Oh oh, right! We just spoke with this Marines man. Our target is the island's weapon shop!" Robb announced cheerfully in his mosquito-voice.
"Idiot! I told you not to reveal my identity!" snarled the cloaked man.
Aro's brow furrowed. That voice… it was familiar. He wiped his hands on a pirate's shirt and thought hard.
"Huh? Couldn't say that?" Robb looked puzzled, glancing at the rat-faced man.
"Captain, we agreed—we'd keep the Marines man's identity secret!" the rat-faced pirate sighed. His captain's muscles were big, but his brain… not so much.
"Oh, oh. Guess I forgot," Robb muttered sheepishly.
"Damn fool! How are you even a pirate captain?!" the cloaked man snapped.
"We're pirates, not Marines dogs. Watch your words," the rat-faced pirate warned coldly.
"Fine! Just make sure the job's done!" the cloaked man growled.
"Relax. We're not as rotten as you. You paid—we'll do it. But all loot from that shop is ours," the rat-faced pirate sneered.
"Tch. That damned shop refused to fall in line. We already control all weapon trade on this island, yet he insists on being special?!" The cloaked man seethed, stung by even pirates looking down on him.
"Whatever your grudge, just pay up. The spoils are ours," the rat-faced pirate said bluntly.
"Fine!" the cloaked man spat.
"Men! Full and drunk? Good. Time to move!" Robb shouted—though his buzzing voice carried zero morale.
"Drunkards stay behind and guard the ship. No spoils for you," the rat-faced pirate added icily.
Aro instantly flopped face-down on the table, feigning drunkenness. Meanwhile, his mind raced. That voice… where had he heard it?
Soon, Robb, the rat-faced pirate, and the cloaked Marines traitor led a fully armed group off the ship. Their departure was loud and showy, leaving only Aro and a few wasted pirates behind.
Once the coast was clear, Aro grabbed more food, sneaked back to the little boat—and finally remembered. That voice belonged to the Marines man who once tried to steal his sword, only to be beaten back! And because of that incident, Aro had ended up with a bounty…
Back on the boat, Aro waited until Rogers and Aiqi finally returned.
"Aro, quick, pack up! We found a new shipwright and a new ship!" Rogers shouted before he even arrived.
"Really, Captain?!" Aro's eyes lit up. A proper ship would finally make them a real pirate crew.
"Really. This time, he actually did something right," Aiqi nodded.
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean? I'm plenty reliable!" Rogers protested.
"Who knows?" Aiqi pouted, clearly unconvinced.
"I…" Rogers sighed, helpless against her. He dropped his pack and opened it, pulling out food for Aro. "You must be hungry. Eat up!"
Aro gave him a resentful look. I'm starving because of you, aren't I? Do you really not see it? He sighed. "I already ate. Snuck onto that pirate ship and feasted. Even brought some back."
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T/N:
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