Redmane: Lurking Near The Seas

(A/N: Apologies for the drought. I have been binging House M.D. on TikTok, playing Monster Hunter Rise, and scheming the downfall of a piece of shit that fucked me, metaphorically. It's either bankrupting his company or imploding his marriage. maybe both.

anyways, thanks for 1 Million Reads. Sorry for the short chapter and enjoy.)

(3rd Person POV)

Starrk straightened himself up as he looked at Artorias.

"How'd you know?" He asked with a perplexed face

The Prince smiled as he took a step forward, "Wouldn't you like to know." He said as he lunged

He swung his blade at Starrk, who blocked it again, causing another shockwave.

Starrk gave him a serious glare, "Damn." He grunted as he pushed the Prince off

He swung back at him, only to miss completely. Artorias had jumped over him as he did a couple of flips. Starrk widened his eyes at the massive amount of conqueror's haki charged up.

Artorias drove his blade down at Starrk, who had jumped out of the way, causing Artorias to strike the ground. The impact of the Conqueror's charge blow caused a massive shockwave that shook the entire ground.

Starrk watched as Artorias straightened himself up, his back facing Starrk.

Starrk narrowed his eyes as he thought of how Artorias knew about his blade. He knew that Artorias was strong by the quick exchange and he didn't wanna take chances. He also had a bad feeling if he continued to fight.

His only option was to try to talk.

Artorias turned to face him, "Hm." He said, "Let me guess...You're Starrk...."

Starrk frowned, "I suppose my reputation has reached this country?" He asked as he placed Ice on his shoulder and slowly walked to his right, "Not surprising. I am a member of a Yonko crew."

Artorias merely looked at Starrk, "My Father keeps tabs on his former enemies." He said, "The Whitebeard Pirates happen to be on the top of his list."

Starrk raised an eyebrow, "Hm, guess the Old Men disagreed on something." He said, "You don't think they sailed on the same ship?"

Artorias looked at him with a surprised look, "On Rocks' crew?" He said, "No. Not at all."

Before Starrk could say anything else, the Prince planted his blade on the ground.

"So." Artorias said, "I'll ask you something. What do you know of my brother's antics?"

Starrk shrugged, "He kidnapped the sister of a warlord. I've been asked by someone to help release her." He said, "That's all."

Artorias narrowed his eyes, "That's all?"

Starrk nodded, "Yea." He said, "Why?"

"Then why are you here?" Artorias asked

Starrk shrugged again, "I don't know." He said, "Something something, enjoying the view?"

"Hm..." Artorias said as he stared at Starrk who stopped walking near a wall, "Tell you what. I'll let you go. In return...."

Starrk looked at him with surprise. Artorias started to pat his sleeves off.

"In return..." the prince continued, "Go and release my brother's concubines."

Starrk frowned, "Huh?" He said, "All of them? I mean, whatever he does-"

Artorias glared at him, "It is my business." He said with venom, "Listen here. That brother of mine will get his one day. In the meantime, he is free to do his antics due to the festival.....Speaking of which...."

Artorias gave Starrk a sly smirk,

"Would you like to participate?"

*****************************************************

Outside the Island, a large black galleon slowly drifted in the waters.

On the deck of the ship, a tall figure stood, facing the island.

"Captain!" a large and burly man approached the man, "We received word that Nico Robin is on the island!"

The man approached the one clad in armor.

"Tch." The Dragon Knight said, "You think I care about her?"

The man frowned, "B-But she's of great value..." He said, "We can capture and sell her to the gover-"

Before he could finish the sentence, he coughed out blood. He widened his eyes and looked down at a sword impaling him in the chest. The Dragon Knight had driven his blade through him.

"B-But capta-" he managed before The Dragon Knight pulled the blade out

"Silence." The Dragon Knight said as the man collapsed to the ground, "Nico Robin is of no significance to me. What lies in that island is more valuable than her ability to read poneglyphs."

As he said this, the tall woman approached him as she looked at the dying man on the floor next to The Dragon Knight.

"I understand you don't wish to capture her, my lord." She said calmly, "But her ability would be of use."

"Quiet." The Dragon Knight said, "Do not make me repeat myself. Besides...."

He turned around and began to walk past the woman.

"Why would we get a poneglyph reader when we already have one in our possession?" He said as he made his way to his throne

As he sat down, the woman walked towards him.

"I see." She said, "Then what is of more valuable than a survivor of Ohara?"

"Two things." He responded, "The Weaponry of The Ancient Kingdom....."

"And a Road Poneglyph.."