On the deck, the atmosphere was lively.
"The captain is here, and it seems our luck continues," Doc Q muttered as soon as Ethan stepped forward. The sickly man didn't need anyone to explain what would happen next; he already understood.
Burgess stared toward Kalbnis Town, laughing loudly. "I hope a newcomer shows up so I can have a good fight! Wiiiihahahaha!"
"Let's go," Ethan ordered calmly. He never wasted words. He simply jumped from the ship, landing lightly on the island below.
"Boss, wait for me~~!"Pato leapt down as well, flapping to perch comfortably on Ethan's shoulder.
The rest of the group followed, walking toward the town…
Under a Big Tree
A man sat on a wooden chair beneath a large tree. Before him, an entire crowd of residents had gathered.
"Lafitte," the mayor said sharply, "everyone has filed complaints against you for excessive violence and endangering the town." His voice carried no hint of hesitation. "Therefore, I officially inform you that you are expelled. You are no longer welcome here."
"Yes! A villain like you shouldn't stay in our town!"
"What kind of security officer beats people half to death?! He's just a bastard!"
"Yesterday he attacked someone again! I can't stand it anymore!"
"Lafitte, get out of here! Go anywhere else—just leave!"
"If we let you stay, the town will be destroyed sooner or later!"
Lafitte leaned back calmly, twirling his cane with an elegant smile.
"Although everyone dislikes me," he said politely, "I won't hold any grudge."
He rose to his feet, straightened his black top hat, and added with his usual grace, "If that's the case, then I'll leave. It seems the time has finally come—time for my name to spread across the sea."
Since Lafitte accepted his exile, the mayor merely sighed and waved to the others."Let's go home."
But before they walked far, a loud laugh echoed behind them.
"Captain, is this really the guy? I don't see anything impressive about him! Weihahahaha!"
Lafitte turned slowly. Approaching was a young man dressed in black—calm, composed, and unquestionably formidable. Behind him followed several women, a massive man, a sickly one, and a couple of small figures.
Doc Q coughed lightly. "You'll know his strength after you fight him."
"You bastard," Hana scolded as she shot him a glare. "You're always provoking Burgess! First you push him to challenge Ethan, now you're encouraging him to challenge others… You just love watching people fight!"
Ethan halted in front of Lafitte, expression unreadable.
"If you want to go to sea," he said simply, "come with us."
He didn't try to persuade with flowery words. "It won't be long before you're famous across the world. If that's what you want, board our ship. It's that simple."
Lafitte rested both hands atop his cane and asked politely, "Might I ask who you are?"
Burgess barked a laugh. "Doesn't matter who we are—you just need to know we're gonna do big things! But with that skinny body of yours, you'll be at the bottom of the ranking!"
Betty rolled her eyes. "If you keep talking like that, no one will join the crew."
Hana giggled, flashing Ethan a playful look. "Honestly, he deserves a beating. Maybe Ethan should knock some sense into him."
Ethan ignored their banter and repeated his offer."I'm the man who will become a Shichibukai. Join us, and you'll rise with me."
Lafitte smiled gently—almost theatrically. "Since joining you aligns with my goals, I must accept." He bowed elegantly. "Thank you for taking me in, Captain. I, Lafitte, am deeply grateful."
Ethan nodded. "In the future, you'll be proud of the decision you made today."
He turned and headed back toward the beach without another word.
Baccarat walked with graceful steps, smiling faintly. "One more person on board. Things will be livelier now."
Hana blinked, expression slightly anxious. "I just hope he's not too weak… Otherwise Burgess is going to bully him non-stop."
Burgess cracked his knuckles. "Since he's joined us, let's have a match later, Lafitte!" His voice overflowed with excitement. "I haven't beaten someone up in a while!"
Doc Q's eyes shimmered with barely restrained enthusiasm. "Ah… I've been waiting for this."
Lafitte tilted his head politely. "But why fight me? Aren't we partners?"
"You don't get it," Burgess snorted. "On our ship, the strong rule!" He jabbed a thumb toward Ethan. "You can even challenge the captain! Not that it matters—no one stands a chance against him."
He grinned strangely. "But you can fight for the position of vice-captain. So how about it? Let's find a place and go all out."
Lafitte showed sincere interest. "What an entertaining rule." He tapped his cane lightly. "You're right, though. The captain seems far too terrifying—I wouldn't dare challenge him." Then, with perfect politeness: "But if it's the vice-captain position, I am confident."
The Women's Corner
"Hana, look," Baccarat murmured. "They're really going to fight soon."
Hana pouted. "Why do men love fighting this much?"
Betty flicked her cigarette. "Ethan lets them do it. So it must be fine."
Baccarat sighed. "Like it or not, this is what the ship's rules lead to."
Ethan said nothing, eyes fixed ahead. "Natural selection. Survival of the fittest. The weak don't get to speak."
The ship soon set sail again, heading deeper into the sea.
"Captain!" Burgess exclaimed. "Find an uninhabited island. I'm gonna do something big!"
Doc Q actually looked excited for once. "Finally. I've waited years…"
Lafitte bowed politely. "Captain, if Burgess wishes to challenge me, I accept. However, I will not give up the position of vice-captain."
Ethan nodded. "Fight if you must—but control yourselves." His gaze turned icy. "If one of you goes too far, I'll kill the one responsible. I won't allow cruelty among my crew."
Without waiting for replies, Ethan walked into the training room.
Hana huffed. "I don't get why they love fighting so much! Hmph!"
"Let's just watch Ethan train," Baccarat suggested. "Leave them be."
The three followed Ethan.
Inside the practice room, Hana sat comfortably. "Who do you think will win?"
"Burgess," Betty replied instantly. "His Devil Fruit is too strong."
Baccarat didn't look convinced. "Ask Ethan. He always knows."
Hana nodded. "You're right. Captain, who's stronger—Lafitte or Burgess?"
Ethan swung his blood-red sword, answering without hesitation:"Lafitte."
The three women froze.
Hana blinked rapidly. "Huh? Did he really—did he really say Lafitte is stronger?"
Betty frowned. "Impossible. Burgess is a monster. That pale skinny guy? No way."
Baccarat sighed. "Let's hear Ethan out."
Ethan didn't look at them. "Watch the fight. You'll understand."
They exchanged glances. They all knew Ethan wouldn't explain further. He never did.
Meanwhile, Burgess was explaining proudly, "Lafitte, listen up—I ate the Goe Goe no Mi. I can fire energy cannons from my mouth! If you're scared, surrender now. If I cripple you, the captain might kill me."
Doc Q nodded seriously. "He's right. If you hurt Lafitte too badly, Burgess, next year this day would be your memorial."
Lafitte simply straightened his hat. "Don't worry. I'm not as weak as you assume. And I won't injure you either."
Three hours later.
"There! There!" shouted the lookout from the observation deck. "An uninhabited island to the left!"
He rang the alarm with all the strength he had.