The Great Jewel

CHAPTER 5: THE NAVY CAPTAIN

After the bloody second elimination, it is finally time for the final round. Thomas is now face to face against this scrawny man with black hair. He may not look like it, but this man is strong as hell. He came from the most difficult bracket where people with over 5 million bounties on their heads, but he won without even breaking a sweat and without even getting hurt at all. That's how strong he is.

"And now, for the final match! Thomas Griffin versus Jeff Tew!" the crowd went wild.

But then, the mayor made a revelation. It turns out that Jeff is the one who built the galleon ship with his men as he is a talented shipwright, hence he participated in this battle in order to reclaim his own ship as he will not just give it away to some pirates without fighting for it. The mayor then signaled the start of the battle, and for a change, Thomas went on to charge first. However, when he reached the middle part of the ring and was just preparing for a punch, he was met there by Jeff, and since he was surprised by it and did not expect it, Thomas suddenly let out a right jab that was also met by Jeff's right jab too. Thomas stepped away, and Jeff followed him, and won't give Thomas a breather. Thomas clicked his tongue as an intense fight erupted. Jeff threw a right and left hook combination, but Thomas just dodged all of it as if it was just normal punches and was not going in incredible speeds. The crowd was silent as they watch this battle closely while hearing the zipping sounds of the attacks the two are launching at each other. Jeff then went for a kick with his left leg, but then, the kick was caught by Thomas and the young pirate grab a hold of the leg and grinned. However, his grin was immediately wiped off his face when Jeff countered. He jumped up and then twisted his whole body. And with his left leg, he swung it at Thomas as the young pirate was hit in the face clean. It was the first hit that has ever been made since this duel started, and Thomas was the one who took it instead of being the one who made it. Thomas backed away a little and then he spat on the ground as blood came out. The kick was so hard that it is now affecting his whole body and he can feel it linger down to his legs. Thomas smirked as he resumed his battle form. Jeff was pissed off as this guy is favored to become the winner of his masterpiece, when this boy has not even made a name for himself yet and is just a new one. Thomas has only been a pirate for a few hours, but if he managed to win in this duel, then he will be the first ever person to get a bounty in just a few hours. The fight continues, Thomas charged head on, while Jeff was suddenly put on the defensive side. Thomas has got to admit that this guy is the real deal. The strength, flexibility and heaviness of Jeff's attacks are just simple indications that he is a great shipwright. However, in order to appreciate the masterpiece, Thomas is going to beat this man and prove to him that he is worthy of being on that ship. Since he is feeling the pain in his legs already, Thomas decided to finish this. He took a deep breath as he was fighting up close, and everyone was just shocked as he is doing this without any problems while having a current fighting with the shipwright. Thomas then released all that air he took in, and then, when Jeff swung his right arm out of frustration, Thomas ducked and then as he was now crouching down, he looked up and saw an opening. He brought up his fist so fast, strong and accurate as it hits the left gut of Jeff hard. Jeff coughed up blood as he was lifted up to his feet. Because Jeff is basically unconscious now, Thomas took the opportunity to finish it. Thomas stepped back a little and then he jumped so high that he surpassed Jeff who is also flying in midair. Thomas then looked down, and with no hesitation, he kicked Jeff back on the ground as the shipwright is now in a hole that has been created by the impact. Thomas landed on the ground and the crowd was silent. William was standing firmly also as even he can't see the moves Thomas just made. He was fast and agile, maybe stronger than him. Just when he is about to consider himself as the captain, and it looks like someone is much worthier than him to have that kind of title.

"Winner! Thomas Jack is the winner!" the mayor announced, and the crowd went wild.

Jeff's men, which was a lot of them went to aid their master as he was knocked out cold. The hand of Thomas was raised by the mayor to celebrate his victory. William went up the ring while walking and patted Thomas' back. He was just glad that it wasn't a mistake that he chose to follow this kid. The cheering died down as the pirates started to mind their own business. Even the pirate who was robbed by Thomas just shut himself up as he knew that he won't stand a chance against someone who is much stronger than him and can take down top pirates with high bounties. Thomas and William were then escorted by the mayor himself towards the ship and to the map that is in the town hall that is also next to the port where the ship is docked. As they were walking, Thomas was treating the wounds on his knuckles, but then, the mayor suddenly brought up an odd topic,

"So, he was right all along. Edward knew you were coming here." Says the mayor.

Thomas stopped in his tracks, including William. They can't believe on what they just heard,

"You knew my that trash of a father?" Thomas asked.

The mayor chuckled,

"You hate him, huh? Well, it's not a surprise since he left you with no one by your side. But yes, I know your father, he once docked here and recruited a lot of men here to become his crew. And he told me that he has a son and that he will also come here someday. Now, look at you, son of The Terror himself, he was right." The mayor explained.

The mayor still remembers the exact words Edward told him,

"You know, mayor. I left my child alone to pursue this shitty piracy thing. But let me tell you this, he will come in this island someday in the future, and I would like to ask you a favor to give him this once arrives. But don't tell him that it's from me or he won't accept it. Just give it to him and all, I just can't wait to see him become great on whatever he is going to be. But I do wish that he become a great pirate! HAHAHA!"

Edward then drank from the bottle of wine he was drinking, and the mayor sighed,

"Who the hell would a father wish his son to become a lawless criminal? But if you insist, I shall give it to your son. It's quite valuable and high-grade, one of the finest, I hope he likes it." The mayor replied as they then had a laugh.

Thomas' father and the mayor were somehow buddies since Edward stayed in this town for at least 2 months as he was recruiting some pirates to become his crew. The three arrived at the town hall and at the mayor's office where the mayor gave Thomas his prizes. The helm of the galleon ship he would now be sailing in, the treasure map that is verified by the treasure hunting community that it sure leads to a certain treasure, a compass and then an extra bonus, which is 15,000 pendz.

"Thank you, mayor. I hope that—"

"Oh, wait, there's one more thing." Pointed out by the mayor as he then went on this what seems to be a gun cabinet, but bigger.

He opened the cabinet, and he then took out this sword inside a red scabbard that has some dragon engravings on it. The mayor gave it to Thomas, and the young pirate accepted it. Thomas then drew the sword, and it shines at his on how sharp and elegant it looks. It was a double-edged sword, and the weight is just perfect. It was 3-feet long and it was thinner than normal double-edged ones, but it still looks great. And when Thomas suddenly swings the sword to test it out, the mayor's eyes widened as he sees the resemblance. They truly are father and son,

"In any case, you must go before the—"

And then, bells suddenly rang throughout the town. Mayor then looked out the window to see what was going on. Pirates were running everywhere, and then, the mayor's secretary bursts into the office,

"Marge! What the hell is happening?!" the mayor snapped.

"Navy! The navy is storming the town!"

"What?!" The mayor then looked at Thomas "You must go! Hurry, they will kill you for sure as you are the son of an infamous criminal! Go!" the mayor yelled.

Thomas put his sword back into the scabbard as he and William then went on to run away. They went down the stairs and exited the hall. But as they reached the outside, they were greeted by a group of sailors and then, there's their captain. This man has a long brow bear and a muscular build. William prepared himself, as this man is Captain Newton. The strongest captain of the Koes Sea.

"Surrender, and your sentence would be lighter depending on the investigation. But just by the looks of it, it seems that you are the son of Edward Jack." Says the captain as he looks at Thomas.

The resemblance was uncanny. It can't be denied that this boy is the son of that infamous pirate.

"It looks like that we would have a deep problem, cap. Because I have to intention to surrender." Thomas replied.

Captain Newton chuckled as he really is the son of Edward. The arrogance can be compared too,

"Then, we will not have a problem if I kill you right now! It's time to end his bloodline!"

"William, get up the ship and prepare it for sailing! Hurry!" Thomas ordered as he gave William the helm, the map and compass and then the money.

The captain then charged at Thomas with a sword that is being enveloped by flames. So, he has fire boon. Thomas admits that fighting the strongest Captain of Koes Sea is going to be difficult, but Thomas just grinned as he literally is laughing at the face of danger.

"I'm going to wipe off that smug on your face, you damn son of a criminal!" Captain Newton bellowed.

Thomas drew his sword to test its battle capability, as a fight between a rookie and Navy Captain begins.