“It’s been a long time, Francoise,” I said, and looked at the night sky. “What have you been up to?”Francoise, the pirate, had the face of a sailor. Her eyes were narrowed and pointed downward, almost pointing at each other. She, afterward, growled with disgust as if Francoise had had enough of me.Well, she was a pirate, after all. Although she didn’t act like one, Francoise was still a proud woman of her own. This pirate organisation was filled with lasses. So I didn’t mind those fearsome looks and actually let that dart pleasure my soul and me.After brushing off the idea, I returned my focus to Francoise.“It’s nighttime. Captain Israel wants you to be the one who would serve dinner for the rest of us,” Francoise instructed, as she motioned her head and hands for me to tail.Like what Francoise said, I followed her back like a lost puppy finding a home. We went inside the ship and walked past a few pirates. I caught their eyes, and these people glared in my direction, wanting to
After excreting another exhale, I turned towards the five clueless pirates and uttered, "For starters, what are the ingredients you have here?"All of them shrugged their shoulders. If these pirates could only shower me with question marks, I would've already drowned from it. I massaged my furrowed eyebrows and muttered, "Okay. At least I already expected this to happen. Anyway, bring me whatever you can find that I could use. And by the way, how many people do we need to feed?"Three pirates hurriedly went to the cabinets to grab some food, while Sally, who appeared to be the leader of the deranged pack, and Rudy, her right hand, walked up to me and answered my queries."There are approximately seventy pirates boarding this ship, with Captain Israel included," replied Sally. "Ten older pirates accompanied Captain Israel and Francoise before. But thanks to their expedition, they found us.""Us? What do you mean? And ten people?" I answered. I didn't know how many people should operat
……………………Bonus Story. (1) Backstory. A few years before the Casino Incident._______________“Thank you so much, Kawasaki-san! I promise to work hard even if I have-.”“Save your words, son. We don’t have all day. Just work whenever you’re free. And I don’t want to see you complain or arrive late here in my shop. Be here at five and leave at midnight. Someone will come and take charge of the graveyard shift.”“Okay!”This happened before attending college.I finally found a convenience store where I could work while taking part in my academy. The place was beside a red district. I didn’t know why, but this store had the perfect place where customers could choose to eat someone or a meal. Whatever they like, this area could offer to anyone with cash on hand—what a horrid jest.It took me a while, but I found one. I found a convenience store. After passing countless application forms and receiving rejected papers, one stall accepted my paper. I never thought someone would take me as the
……………………Bonus Story. (2) Backstory_______________A few weeks later, Ichiro went to me, bringing him a bunch of papers in his hands. His exams were finished. Ichiro waved the dozen test assessments in his hand and flashed me a wide smile. I could still hear him even after his beam slowly vanished, but the joy in Ichigo’s eyes still remained. His voice also echoed inside the store.“I passed!” Ichiro shouted. I massaged the temple of my eyes and caught a glimpse of the people surrounding us. The moon had yet to rise above the clouds, and the sky was as clear as a lightbulb. It was just six in the evening. Guilelessly, people went in and out, and those consumers witnessed our friendly relationship between two students from different schools. I was still at work. But since I was talking to Ichiro, I used the only free time I had and viewed his examination results. “Eighty-nine… over a hundred. Ninety-three over a hundred. And would you look at that! Ninety fucking eight over a hundre
……………………Bonus Story. (3) Backstory_______________I returned from the store and prepared myself for another shift when the manager suddenly appeared. It seemed that he had finally caught wind of the situation, judging from his narrowed eyes and bulging veins. Kawasaki stomped his feet as he trundled towards my figure.“Where the hell is Ichiro?” Kawasaki asked.I didn’t know why the owner of this story wanted to find me. From my recollection, I never did anything to piss off anyone. In fact, I was here trying to make a favour out of the exasperated man.I answered, “Is it because of his job? If it is, then.”“I don’t give a fuck about his job!” yelled the man wearing a wrinkled long befitting for a businessman. “The two of you stole my money! The morning shift showed me a camera sent by someone anonymously!”“If this unnamed person didn’t send the footage as evidence, I will most likely not know about this. And you two are doing this behind my back when I’m the one who benevolently
Back to the present._______________My goal for today was to create a dish made from the mackerel fish these pirates caught and cook enough meals for the rest of the week. I placed aside the meat and other unused ingredients for later. They were useless to me. And besides, beans and fish were a delightful combination for pirates and their famished abdomens.Without wasting another second, I picked up the pace and went to my stations. These five pirates then followed me. Surprisingly, they were cooperative. Well, after what Francoise had told them and what these pirates had introduced themselves to me, they didn’t have an option besides following my lead.“Sally, heat the oil in a medium-large saucepan. Put some garlic and rosemary and rustle them up!”“Yes, chef!”“You, Rudy, and Maxie, while you’re at it, make sure you add those tomatoes up and cook them! Pour some seasoning in there because it looks FUCKING RAW! Chop chop!”“Aye, aye, boss!”“Barbara and Odette. You two. Come with
“Captain Israel taught and showed me a lot of things. I wasn’t exceptional like Azure or had any talents like Francoise. But I work hard. And I will do whatever it takes just to prove myself useful. My only dream is to see the day where Captain Israel or another leader from her reign liberates us to freedom and creates a world a better place… just like what my mother had promised me,” Sally added.I was lost for words after hearing such a devastating narrative. There was no way for me to tell if whatever Sally had spouted was real, so it was up to me to believe such a narrative. And I had fate with it. After everything I had witnessed, this young girl had been trying her best, despite getting tossed around. And Captain Israel was by no means messing with her. Sally was in charge inside the kitchen, where her mother usually took her.All I knew from the five was that they were all slaves from different experiences. And it was true. These pirates, at least, were decent human beings, exp
It didn’t take long enough before the pirates asked for seconds. They all carolled about how tasty the food was and why we didn’t prepare any seconds. Those choruses turned into curses as they learned I was behind on the insufficient stock of meals for them. And Captain Israel was no exception. When she placed the spoon’s contents inside her mouth, euphoria entered her mind. She couldn’t think of anything besides enjoying her meal and devouring it like a hyena. I already anticipated it, considering these ladies were ravenous like sharks swarming around a poor soul stranded in the ocean. And that poor individual was me. After finishing our meals, Captain Israel requested another pack of Mackerel garlic dishes, which I bluntly refused. But the moment I shook my head, Captain Israel pointed her sabre at me and laughed like a queen belittling her knight.Captain Israel knew that killing me would activate the contract and take her life afterward. But the alcohol from her hand had taken awa
Arata wasn’t the type of person who could present a speech, nevertheless in front of the crowd. Owari, on the other hand, was a scientist. He had always showcased his research to everyone, and the entire world would be watching him. But the thing was… Arata had learned something valuable. And that was, he knew that these people would listen to him and cheer for his name. It wasn’t because he was willing to control the town, but he wanted to lead the place into a brighter future. Much so with Owari.That was why Arata had to be the first to do this. He was the one who paved the path.“Citizens of the Honeywood town!” Arata shouted. “My name is Captain Arata, leader of the pirates! As you may know, the pirates and the soldiers, at least, for this village of Honeywood, have decided to unite with one another! Although I have yet to live a long life, I know, for a fact, that my mentor, Captain Israel, the former Captain of the pirates, had wished this kind of thing to happen. And it happe
“Pirates… and soldiers working together for this global war.” Arata pondered to himself for a while before handing Owari his answer. “Don’t you think the Kingdom will be the one who gets to decide the last? If you’re asking me, I’ll… notify the pirates back from the Abandoned Barnacle ship and ask them about this. But knowing them, they will definitely agree to it too.”And that's what they did. As soon as the meeting ended, Owari and Arata got out of the town hall and told everyone they had to gather around the plaza. An announcement would occur in a few moments, and that was enough to attract the people’s attention, including Arata’s pirates.While that was happening, a messenger appeared before Owari and Arata, the two leaders of the Honeywood town and the pirates respectively. When Owari noticed this was the same messenger, Luke Formis, he greeted the mailman of this world and asked what was the matter.“We’re about to send a message to the King about the situation. You're just in
“Who’s going to go first?” Arata asked the most important thing of them all. “I suggest it has to be you, mister cowboy. “Stop calling me cowboy, Arata.”“Alright, cowboy.”Arata never gave Owari a chance to explain this sudden attitude. The man just saw Owari as a cowboy because of his cold demeanour with a gun in his hand. Nothing more, nothing less. Eventually, Arata stopped calling Owari names such as the recent “Cowboy” attempt and continued on with the meeting.Owari let whatever Arata wanted to call him slide and be the first one to elucidate what he had found out.“I got the chance to meet Sebastian.”“You did?” Arata couldn’t help but react. When he saw Owari’s eyes throwing daggers in his direction, Arata nodded to himself and muttered, “Yeah. I thought so. Sorry.”After a faint cough, Owari resumed his story. “I met Sebastian’s holographic image…” Owari paused for a second and studied Arata’s confused look on his face. “In your world, I assume you also have some kind of ho
Owari sat parallel with Arata as the two exchanged what they had learned from the Empire and from Captain Blackbeard.It was already late at night, so the two had sent their family members to sleep. Kirameki insisted she should join the meeting, but Owari was the one who had advised her to have a complete bed rest. “If you want your brother to not worry about you, listen to what I’m saying. I’m a doctor, so...”With that Kirameki had no fighting chance against Owari as she returned to her room and went to the dream world for as long as she had remembered.Rex was drowsy to begin with, so there weren’t extra steps between Owari and Arata to be done besides reminding him about the time.Hence, Arata and Owari were the only ones inside the office of the Honeywood town. It was also the municipal hall, where there was a giant crater above their heads.Before the assembly would start, Arata had to suggest that they should bring more individuals in this room. Although the place was a bit cr
Third Person Point of ViewArata's and Owari's perspective………….As soon as Owari heard the Empire had someone who was aiming to kill him and the Kingdom, he immediately returned to the municipal hall. He also found out there was a sudden blast and smoke emitting near the plaza. "It could only be the townhall," thought Owari, as he raced towards the place. The man even met with the soldiers who wished to escort him. But Owari was too speedy. Since the townspeople already knew their Mayor's prowess, they didn't mind being tossed aside, since it was for the best interest of the town.While that happened, Arata had also ended his conversation with the strongest pirate, Captain Blackbeard. The moment Ahmya had bid Arata farewell, Arata looked at Kirameki and called for Rex. Just like what Ahmya had promised, the two children were unharmed. But a gigantic hole was left from the ceiling, marking Captain Blackbeard's breach from the office.Fortunately, during that time, Kirameki had woken u
Ahmya answered, “It’s because my people are dying. Unfortunately as it is, I cannot run the community with no money in my hands. We still have to purchase or hunt food that is not raw or collect edible monster meat. It’s disastrous.”“But… I know you. You’re planning on turning your back against Sebastian too… You’re the type of person that will ditch others as long as you find them useless or… they do not benefit you.”“Hardly so… But it depends. Right now, I do not see any advantage to relieving my ties from Sebastian. And answering that is not of your concern.”“On to the third topic - Sebastian. Sebastian Serra is, like I’ve mentioned, an isekaid person and the trump card of the Empire. He has mastered the art of creating weapons, much like from Owari. But better.Arata had a million questions in his mind. Samples of these were: Why, out of all people, Captain Blackbeard, the person who tried killing all male pirates, including Arata, to be invited to this catastrophic party with
Arata’s PerspectiveThird Person Point of View_______________________Owari had advised Arata to stay indoors and protect the people they cared about, especially Rex and Kirameki. And so he did. At first, Arata was sceptical about this plan. But the moment he remembered they were up against Captain Blackbeard, the Kingdom, and the Empire, having someone to look out for Rex and Kirameki was the best decision they could have.Kirameki was still unconscious, and Rex tried his best to stay awake. But he was just a child. His weariness got the best of him, so he slept on the extra mattress, right next to Kirameki. Arata and the two children were inside the same room, and all the guards were standing their posts outside the room, waiting to inform Arata and Owari of any intruders within the area. But the thing was… the trespasser had already breached themselves inside the town hall. And it didn’t take long before Arata could meet that person.Arata promptly sensed someone’s presence in his
And his son, Rex, was on the line.“I have heard… from my trusty information breaker that you have a son and a wife. It’s unfortunate that I couldn’t kill your wife before she could… But I leave my regards to Ahmya. And… And. You still have your son with you, right? I’d bet the world would press against you if you see your son, Rex, cripple and fall in front of your eyes… Now, wouldn’t that be a sight to behold, Owari Ryutarou?”“Also, I suspect that there is also another person who has been reincarnated just like us. Sebastian added, as he stood there, returning Owari’s gaze.Ahmya… Ahmya Shirahama was the name of Captain Blackbeard, the one who had murdered Owari’s life, Elizabeth. She was the one Owari had been looking for. But right now, the person in front of him, Sebastian, knew exactly where Captain Blackbeard was hiding.“You… You made a deal with the devil? You know Captain Blackbeard? What is your relationship with her…? TELL ME!”Captain Blackbeard was known to be a fraud
Owari’s Perspective Third Person Point of View ____________________________________ It didn’t take a genius to know that the Empire had acquired a new fellow that had the same intelligence as Owari, even greater! Owari was a scientist and a doctor, not an engineer or an inventor. He only had the blueprints of these firearms and mimicked what they could and couldn’t do in the process. But against a person who had studied far more books about machines and weapons would be the victor of this match. Not to mention, this supposedly reincarnated person was backed up with the Empire’s funds, making him or her the most powerful individual next to Captain Blackbeard. “I should tell Arata about this.” But the moment Owari tried retreating, his arcane detected something unusual in his surroundings. And when he checked for the anomaly’s origin, he had found a strange figure of a man appearing from the shadows. The odd part about it was that… this individual didn’t have any mana within him. I