Giovanni walked through the streets of Logue Town, his gaze wandering from building to building as he took in the atmosphere of the place.
So this is it, huh, he thought. The town where the Great Pirate Era began. The place where Gold D. Roger was executed.
There was a strange weight to the air, as if history itself still lingered in the streets.
Eventually, Giovanni came to a stop in front of a fancy-looking bar. Laughter and music spilled out from inside, and after a brief glance at the sign, he pushed the door open and walked in.
The place was lively. A band played on a small stage, patrons shouted over one another, and the smell of alcohol hung thick in the air. Giovanni's eyes scanned the room before settling on the bar counter, where two girls were sitting with drinks in hand.
He smiled and walked over.
Stopping just behind them, Giovanni spoke in a smooth tone.
"Can I buy you ladies another drink?"
Both girls turned around, clearly already tired of the attention they'd been getting. Their eyes lingered on Giovanni, taking in his handsome face and the sword at his waist. The green-haired girl frowned almost immediately.
"We're not interested," she said bluntly. "Can you leave us to drink in peace?"
Giovanni didn't seem bothered in the slightest. He calmly took the empty bar stool beside them and sat down.
"Don't say that," he said casually, then turned his attention to the bartender. "Can I get an ice-cold beer? And give the two ladies whatever it is they want."
The green-haired girl clicked her tongue.
"You're one of those stubborn ones who can't take a hint, aren't you?"
Giovanni turned toward her, resting an arm on the counter.
"Lady, can I ask you a question? It's a quick one."
She narrowed her eyes.
"What is it? Will you leave after I answer?"
Giovanni smiled.
"Well… that depends on your answer."
The bartender placed the beer in front of him, and Giovanni picked it up and took a large chug, letting out a satisfied breath.
"Oh, that hits the spot."
The green-haired girl scowled.
"Well? What's your question?"
Giovanni looked at her calmly.
"Are you one of those friends who become bitter when your friends win in life?"
The question caught her off guard.
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"The question is quite simple, miss," Giovanni replied easily.
She crossed her arms.
"No. In fact, I become very happy when my friends win in life. What's the point of your question?"
Giovanni nodded.
"Then you're a good friend."
He then turned slightly and extended his hand toward the blonde girl sitting between them.
"The name's Giovanni. Gio for short."
The short-haired blonde blinked, then shyly took his hand.
"Miah," she said. "Nice to meet you."
"Miah, huh?" Giovanni said with a smile. "That's a beautiful name."
Miah's cheeks flushed slightly.
"Really?"
"Really," Giovanni replied. "It suits you."
To the side, the green-haired girl was fuming.
This motherfucker got me, she thought angrily. If I speak out now, he'll make it seem like I'm jealous of Miah's success. And who does he think he is? Does he think Miah getting with him means she's won in life? What kind of overconfidence is that?
She clenched her glass, shooting Giovanni a sharp glare as the band continued to play in the background.
Giovanni continued speaking leisurely with Miah, his tone relaxed as if the lively bar around them barely existed.
"Have the men here been bothering you?" he asked. "You seem a bit out of sorts."
Miah sighed softly. "Quite a bit. They just keep pouring in." She glanced at him and smiled. "But perhaps with you here, they'll be deterred."
The green-haired woman finally snapped, unable to maintain her silence any longer.
"Miah, since when are you this easy?"
Miah turned to her and said plainly, "Melissa, you can quite clearly see how hot he is. I'm unable to resist." She gestured toward Giovanni's torso. "And those bandages make him look even hotter."
Melissa's eyes flicked down to Giovanni's bandaged body. Her face flushed instantly, and she turned away, cheeks burning crimson.
Giovanni spoke calmly, as if he hadn't noticed. "Melissa, huh. It makes sense. Someone as beautiful as yourself would have such a beautiful name."
Melissa shot up from her seat. "W-what are you talking about!?" She turned sharply to Miah. "See, Miah? He's already showing his true colors, trying to talk to both of us at the same time."
Miah chuckled. "I don't see the problem with that. We come as a package, don't we?"
Melissa stiffened, her blush deepening once more.
She turned back toward Giovanni, narrowing her eyes. "You… are you a pirate or something?"
Giovanni answered without hesitation. "Yes indeed. I am a pirate."
"Isn't that dangerous?" Melissa pressed. "Are you not scared of other pirates?"
Giovanni lifted his beer and took another long chug before setting it down. "I fear no one."
Miah tilted her head, curiosity overtaking her flirtation. "Then how did you get your injuries? You're heavily bandaged. Was it a tough enemy?"
Giovanni replied casually, "Actually, I got these wounds earlier today when I was battling a Warlord."
Before either woman could react, a rough voice spoke up behind him.
"A Warlord, huh? Mind telling me more about that?"
The man sat down beside Giovanni, cigar smoke drifting up and obscuring his face.
Giovanni clicked his tongue inwardly. I let my guard down, he thought.
The man extended his hand through the haze of smoke.
"The name's Captain Smoker," he said. "Are you perhaps a pirate?"
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