POV Perona – Three Days Earlier
In the small town of Wyesa, Perona drifted above the rooftops, her ghosts scattering like curious scouts. Boredom was worse than death, so when a commotion shook the port, her interest bloomed like a pink firework.
A massive brute was beating down bounty hunters.A small raccoon was talking about fishing.A red-haired woman radiated luck like a walking charm.And at the center of the chaos stood a man lifting a barbell as if it were a twig.
That was Ethan.
Perona wasn't sure if the jolt she felt was fear or fascination. Her ghosts refused to pass through his aura. That was enough to make her pay attention.
When the bounty hunters accidentally aimed at her, Ethan moved before she could react. A single gesture. All enemies unconscious. Swift, clean, almost bored.
Perona decided instantly that being with this group was much better than being against it.
Perona tilted the parasol over her shoulder, floating a few inches closer to the group. Her voice was sweet, but with that pinkish edge that warned of danger.
"This crew needs a ghost princess… and I suppose I should demonstrate why."
Before Burgess could grunt, a pale flash whirled behind Perona.
"Negative Ghost."
The specters swept through Burgess like a silent wave.
The giant collapsed to his knees with a thud.
"I'm worthless… even my muscles are embarrassing…"
Perona snapped her fingers, satisfied, as the rest watched with a mixture of horror and respect.
She smiled, floating proudly.
"See? I'm cute, useful, and terrifying. A perfect addition."
No one argued. And just like that, Perona joined the ship.
Three days later.
Several figures stretched lazily on the sun-washed deck.
"I still don't get why the captain accepted Perona," Burgess muttered from his chair, face dark. "That woman is savage, her attitude is horrible, and honestly… she scares me."
Yesterday, Baccarat had felt her streak of fortune stir again, guiding them to the town of Wyesa.
That was where they encountered Perona. And from there… well, no explanation was needed.
"No, Captain Burgess, you can't say that."
Pato, perched on the railing with his fishing rod, glanced back with a bright grin. "Sister Perona is really nice. She likes talking to me."
Burgess shot him a glare.
"What do you know? Just focus on your fish!"
"Every time Perona appears, something feels off… it's uncomfortable," he added, rubbing his arms.
Lafitte spun his cane between his fingers, a faint smile on his lips. "It's because you're too flashy. Naturally she'll target you."
"Unlike you, she talks to me politely," he added with airy confidence. "No pranks, no ghosts."
Doc Q observed Burgess, his twisted smile growing. "Thinking about Burgess' misfortune… it's hilarious."
"I could watch it again and still not get bored."
Burgess snapped, rage boiling. "Say one more word and I'll flatten you right here!"
But a light, chiming laugh drifted toward them.
"Horohorohorohorohoro…"
Perona floated over gracefully, mischief glinting in her eyes, her soft voice sweet as crystal.
"You dare speak poorly of this princess? Unforgivable."
"Ghosts, go."
The moment she commanded, several pale specters rushed straight at Burgess.
His face drained instantly. "No—don't come near me—"
Too late. The ghosts phased through his chest.
His energy collapsed like a punctured balloon.
thump…
"A worthless man like me has no right to live…"
He dropped to his knees, trembling with despair.
Lafitte leaned lightly on his cane, glancing at Doc Q with serene amusement. "You enjoy watching, yes? Consider yourself fully satisfied."
Doc Q nodded eagerly. "Burgess looks priceless like this. I could laugh forever, hehe~~"
At last Burgess snapped out of the haze. He staggered upright, fury shaking his voice. "Damn Perona, you—"
And the ghosts struck again.
"If I'm reborn, I hope I come back as garbage…"
He collapsed into sobs, far worse than before.
Pato clapped cheerfully. "Sister Perona, that was great! Do it again!"
"Don't provoke this lady next time," Lafitte sighed, stepping away toward the railing. "I'd prefer to avoid such misery."
Doc Q scrambled out of the path of potential ghosts. "Same here. I've seen enough."
Nearby crew members were pale, some ducking behind crates, others whispering nervously.
"This new lady is terrifying."
"They're called Negative Ghosts, right? Anyone they pass through becomes horribly hopeless."
"Hopeless? Burgess said he wanted to become garbage!"
"Stop talking. You want to die!?"
"I didn't see anything. Don't talk to me."
All eyes flicked fearfully toward Perona.
Burgess, still shaking, tried to rise again. "Perona, you little brat, I—"
Another ghost swooped through him instantly.
"How could someone as hideous as me stay on this ship…"
Perona recalled her ghosts with a bright, chiming laugh.
"If you badmouth me again, I won't be gentle next time~ Horohorohoro!"
Still laughing, she drifted away until she vanished among the upper decks.
Burgess finally recovered fully, fury returning in a roar.
"What are you staring at!? Keep looking and I'll break your skulls!"
The crew stiffened—some lowered their heads, others stared at the sky, a few pretended to work—anything to avoid his gaze.
"Burgess, how does it feel? Quite the experience," Doc Q teased, grinning wickedly.
Burgess pointed at him with shaking rage. "Doc Q, if you mention this ever again, I'll smash your damn face!"
"And anyone else who talks about this—if word reaches me—I'll kill them!"
Lafitte tipped his hat politely. "Of course. None of us would dare gossip about it."
"But you should learn your lesson. Don't provoke that little demon again."
"That is the most important thing."
Burgess slumped back into his chair, half growling. "All right, all right! I won't go near her again. I'll avoid that devil forever. This is insane."
An hour later.
"Report!"
"The island is ahead on the left! Should we prepare to land? Left side!"
Sirens echoed from the lookout post.
Hearing the call from outside, Perona wrinkled her nose, clearly displeased. "That siren sounds terrible! It's so ugly."
Then she brightened mischievously. "Maybe I should let them taste my Negative Ghosts later. What do you think?"
Baccarat lifted a hand toward Betty, offering a generous smile, though Betty's reply held a faint wryness.
"That's enough. Don't overdo it."
"Your pranks these last two days have made everyone on board nervous. Try being a bit more behaved, will you?"
Betty shot Perona a calm, sidelong glance. "Don't say I didn't warn you. If you annoy Ethan, you'll be the one suffering."
Baccarat waved lightly again, smiling. "All right, don't scare her."
"But Perona, you really should hold back a little. Stop pranking everyone non-stop."
Perona floated lazily above the floor, laughing like chiming glass. "As long as they don't talk badly about this princess, I won't prank anybody!"
"That's good."
Baccarat nodded, then looked toward the familiar figure nearby. Her smile broadened. "Ethan, I can feel it again. Good luck is coming."
Honey Queen's eyes sparkled at once, excitement blooming across her features. "Good luck again? Wonderful!"
Betty shrugged, exhaling smoke with practiced calm. "I'm long used to Baccarat's ability."
"That's great. Does that mean a new partner?" Perona fluttered excitedly toward Baccarat, her small face glowing with expectation. "Will it be someone like Pato? That would be fun!"
"Let's go."
Ethan set his barbell aside and headed for the door.
Honey Queen rose quickly, smiling brightly. "Let's go. I've already started looking forward to this."
Betty glanced back at Perona. "Ethan doesn't eat people. Why are you so scared of him?"
Perona instantly denied it, flustered. "Scared? Me? Impossible. You're imagining things!"
"I'm only showing respect to the captain. Respect, understand?"
Baccarat brushed a strand of deep red hair behind her ear, still smiling. "Yes, sure. You respect Ethan very much."
"In front of him, you never raise your voice. Very respectful indeed."
Laughing and chatting, the group made their way onto the deck.
When Lafitte saw Ethan emerge, he smiled with polished grace. "The captain's here. That means luck has arrived again."
"I hope it's a man this time," he added lightly. "I'd enjoy another battle for Captaincy."
Doc Q peered toward the island ahead, his eyes curious. "Judging by the signs, I'd say a Devil Fruit is the most likely."
Burgess let out a booming laugh. "Whatever it is, if Lady Baccarat sensed it, it's definitely something lucky."
Just then, a deep rumble echoed from the core of the island.
Someone was fighting in there.
"It seems that new people are joining."
Betty exhaled the smoke, looked at the lush island, and spoke faintly.
Hana nodded, agreeing, and said, "It's good to have a newcomer. The sooner we determine the order of the captains, the better."
"Interesting."
Ethan, always decisive, jumped straight onto the island.
Pato hurriedly leaped after him and said with a grin, "Boss, wait for me!"
Burgess froze for a moment, then asked curiously, "What does the captain mean by this, and what does he find 'somewhat interesting'?"
"The captain has Observation Haki, so he naturally sensed something in advance."
Lafitte pinned his cane behind his back and lightly jumped to the island.
Doc Q looked envious and murmured, "When will I learn Haki? It's such a good ability."
Then, a group of people chatted as they slowly walked forward…
Deep in the island.
At this moment, two men and an animal were present.
"Fufufufu..."
Doflamingo stood with his hands in his pockets, legs spread in his iconic stance, and said with a wide grin, "Law, seeing me, your young master, shouldn't you know how to address me?"
"Young master??"
Law looked at him and sneered, "Doflamingo, are you dreaming? Whose young master are you supposed to be?"
Doflamingo lifted his head and let out his trademark laugh.
"Fufufufu..."
"I haven't seen you in so many years, and this little brat has grown up and learned to mock his master."
Doflamingo's eyes turned cold, and he spoke in a serious tone: "Do you know who you're talking to, Trafalgar Law!"
"Captain..."
Bepo, terrified of Doflamingo, stood behind Law and couldn't help calling out softly.
"Of course I do, Doflamingo."
Law scanned the surroundings, his face as indifferent as ever, and said calmly: "Whether you're one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea or the underground broker known as Joker."
"But what does that have to do with me? Do you want to make me submit using your famous name?"