[AUTHOR NOTE: A friend suggested that I ask readers for powerstones and reviews. It will help my fic reach more people. I know that readers are lazy. So I will give 3 extra chapters for 15 good reviews. 1 chapter for 5 review. And 1 extra chapter for 100 powerstone. I think this motivation is enough. Have a good day.]
"Ah~ I can't take it anymore. These guys are too noisy."
"Newgate! The bill!"
"Put it on Rocks' tab."
Whitebeard, unable to stand the chattering of the Roger Pirates, stood up. He grabbed his massive bisento and walked out, leaving the chaos behind.
Rocks and Roger continued to glare at each other, foreheads pressed together, threatening murder. But in the end, neither made a move. It was a stalemate of Kings.
The Roger Pirates settled in.
Shakky moved gracefully through the bar, serving drinks to the new arrivals while her army of "free labor" pirates watched in adoration.
She quietly approached Roger, leaning in close.
"Roger," she whispered. "Where is Rayleigh?"
Roger's eyes, which had been heart-shaped a moment ago, froze.
The memory of the Captain's quarters struck him again. Rayleigh's cowardly refusal to face the woman who had waited two years for him.
Roger cleared his throat, avoiding Shakky's gaze.
"Oh~ I asked him to come. But he... uh... said he suddenly felt 'unwell.' He stayed on the ship to sleep."
Shakky's smile didn't falter, but her eyes dimmed. She sighed softly, a little dejected, and puffed out her cheeks in a rare display of vulnerability.
Rayleigh's avoidance hurt more than a rejection. She turned and walked away to serve other tables.
On the other side of the room, York gently patted Gloriosa's perky rear.
"That's the Roger you've been pining for," he whispered, gesturing with his chin. "He's right there. Aren't you going to say hello?"
Gloriosa glared at York, slapping his hand away. "You scoundrel! You just love playing these mind games!"
But she stood up anyway. She waved her hand towards the future Pirate King.
"Hey! Roger! Long time no see! I missed you~!"
Roger didn't hear her. Or perhaps he did and pretended not to. His eyes were glued to Shakky's retreating back.
A hint of sadness flashed in Gloriosa's eyes.
Even though she belonged to York now, the ghost of her first love still lingered. But seeing his indifference... it stung.
"ROGER!!"
Enraged by being ignored, Gloriosa roared. The sheer volume silenced the bar.
Roger jumped, turning his head impatiently.
"Why are you yelling at me, Gloriosa?!"
"I LIKE YOU!" Gloriosa shouted, tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm being controlled by York's ability right now! I need you to save me!!"
"Huh? Controlled?"
Roger blinked. He looked at Gloriosa, who was currently sitting in York's lap, with York's hand resting possessively on her waist.
"Aren't you two clearly in a relationship?!"
"If you're really being controlled, then cry for me! Show me some tears!"
Gloriosa felt truly wronged. The frustration of unrequited love bubbled over, and tears actually streamed down her face.
Roger's expression stiffened.
Next to him, Scopper Gaban nudged him with an elbow. "Oh dear~ You made a girl cry, Roger. You're truly wicked!"
"Get lost! I was just joking!"
Roger yelled at Gaban, embarrassed. But when he turned back to Gloriosa, his face became serious. The goofiness vanished.
"Gloriosa. Listen to me."
"I don't like you."
"The only woman I like is Shakky."
"This won't change whether you cry or not. And besides..."
Roger pointed a finger at her.
"Don't think I'm stupid! I can see the Haki on you. You've been York's woman for a long time! Don't try to drag me into your domestic dispute!"
Gloriosa froze. The tears stopped instantly.
She wiped her face, snorting unhappily.
"Fine! You useless simp! The man I love most now is York! I have no feelings for you left at all!!"
With that, she snuggled back into York's arms, looked up, and kissed him fiercely on the cheek, leaving a bright red lipstick mark.
York smiled faintly, tightening his embrace.
Today marked the death of her past. Gloriosa was finally, completely, his.
However... while Gloriosa's heart was settled, a bridge had been burned.
"ROGER!!"
York spoke up, his voice cutting through the bar.
"Before you leave this island... meet me at the coast."
"You made my woman cry. I can't let that slide."
Roger pouted, annoyed.
"You bastard! Don't twist words! I'm the victim here!"
York grinned, his eyes cold.
"That's how the pirate world works, Roger! We don't use logic! We use swords!"
"Hmph! Fine!"
Roger slammed his mug down, grinning back with equal ferocity.
"If you want a beating, come get it! Try to withstand even one of my slashes!!"
"If you can land one... I look forward to it."
The challenge electrified the room.
The confrontation with Rocks was a stalemate of legends. But this? This felt like a real deathmatch was brewing.
Captain John, Silver Axe (formerly Kyo), and Wang Zhi watched with keen interest.
York was the rising star of the crew. But until now, he had relied on his Devil Fruit to end fights instantly. No one knew his true physical limits.
They all wanted to know: Is he a monster like the rest of us?
Especially Wang Zhi. His eyes flickered in the shadows. He needed to gauge York's strength for... future plans.
After accepting the duel, Roger turned back to his drinks.
"Where's Newgate?! I want to drink with him!!"
"He's already gone back," Linlin cackled. "Mamamama... he thinks you're too noisy."
Roger pouted again. "Everyone is so mean today..."
THUD.
Suddenly, behind the bar, a body hit the floor.
Shakky had collapsed.
"Wah—! Shakky collapsed!!"
"Lady Shakky!!"
The bar plunged into chaos. The army of simp-pirates rushed forward, eager to "help" (grope) her.
"GET LOST!!"
Gloriosa roared, leaping over the counter and kicking three men in the face.
"No men are allowed near her!!"
She knelt, helping the fallen Shakky up. Physically, Shakky was fine. But her face was pale, and her breathing was shallow.
"It's Love Sickness..."
Gloriosa's expression was grave. As a Kuja Empress, she knew the symptoms well. It was the fatal disease that killed their predecessors.
Shakky was dying of a broken heart because Rayleigh hadn't shown up.
"Honestly! These men!" Gloriosa cursed, glaring at Roger. "Simps or cowards! All of them are useless!"
She scooped Shakky up in her arms.
"I'm taking her upstairs! No men allowed!"
She carried her friend away.
York watched them go. He finished his drink and stood up.
He didn't head for the stairs. He headed for the door.
He wasn't going to fight Roger just yet.
He walked towards the hidden cove where the Oro Jackson was docked.
Before fighting the King... he needed to have a little chat with the Dark King.
....
.....
.....
Support my patreon
patreon.com/ImmortalDaoWriter