Chapter 64: Competition

Chapter 64: Competition

"How about we have a swimming competition to see who gets to Water 7 first? Whoever gets there last treats us to drinks!" Charlotte suggested, throwing an arm around Redfield's shoulders.

The island was still some distance away from Water 7, but for powerful individuals like them, it was no challenge.

Redfield glanced at the two unconscious Blues foaming at the mouth nearby and reluctantly nodded.

"Hahaha! Great! I'll count to three, and we'll start. Ready?" Charlotte said, not waiting for Redfield's reply.

"One, two, three—go!"

Charlotte dived into the water, swimming swiftly toward Water 7. Redfield let go of his pride, secured his umbrella, and dived in after him. Both their arms moved like propellers, churning up waves.

"Blue! Blue, wake up! Wake up!" Wells shouted, frantically trying to row his boat.

In his panic, he had forgotten that his own Blues had also fainted from the duo's earlier release of Conqueror's Haki. As Wells saw the pirates Charlotte and Redfield getting closer, his face turned pale.

At the Marine Headquarters, Admiral Kong, Sengoku, and Tsuru watched the scene unfold via Den Den Mushi.

"Wells, abandon the boat! Jump into the water!" Admiral Kong yelled anxiously.

Wells, who was desperately rowing, either didn't hear or ignored the command.

"Hurry! Hurry!" Wells cried, close to tears as his boat spun in circles and refused to move. Watching Charlotte and Redfield approach rapidly, Wells felt death looming.

Splash! Splash!

Just as Wells shut his eyes and braced for death, two blurs sped past his boat.

A moment later, Wells cautiously opened his eyes.

"I'm not dead? I'm not dead!" Wells exclaimed in disbelief, patting himself to ensure he was still alive.

"They spared me?" Wells muttered, confused. Surely, with their sharp Observation Haki, they hadn't failed to notice him.

Admiral Kong and the others at the Marine Headquarters also sighed in relief.

"That brat! He's so arrogant! Ignoring our surveillance like this is a blatant provocation to the Navy!" Admiral Kong slammed his desk in frustration.

Sengoku and Tsuru exchanged bitter smiles. Charlotte's indifference was indeed an insult, but it also showed how confident he was in his strength.

Meanwhile, the competition between Charlotte and Redfield continued. Both men cut through the water with astonishing speed, leaving two distinct wakes behind.

Despite Redfield's efforts, Charlotte remained half a body length ahead.

"He's doing this on purpose!" Redfield thought, frustrated. It seemed as if Charlotte was deliberately holding back just enough to maintain his lead.

The distance to Water 7 quickly shrank, and both men prepared for their final sprint. With Observation Haki guiding them, they moved as straight as arrows, correcting any deviations in their paths instantly.

"Look! What's that in the water?" a bystander on Water 7's beach exclaimed, pointing at the waves approaching from the distance.

"It looks like two people swimming!" another added, squinting.

"Impossible! No one can swim that fast!" someone scoffed.

As the two figures drew closer, the crowd's disbelief turned to shock.

"My god, there are two people! What kind of monsters are they?"

Charlotte reached the shore first, standing up triumphantly and laughing.

"Hahahahaha! Redfield, you lose! Hahahahaha!"

Just as Charlotte stepped onto the sand, Redfield followed, his expression sour.

"I'll treat! I'll treat!" Redfield grumbled, clearly displeased with his loss.

Charlotte, however, was ecstatic. "You said it! I'm going to get you drunk!"

"Hmph! Let's see who outdrinks who," Redfield retorted, unwilling to back down completely.

Ignoring the growing crowd of onlookers, Charlotte led the way into the city. His Observation Haki had already mapped the area, so finding a tavern was no trouble.

Redfield, on the other hand, glanced at the crowd with disdain. His Observation Haki revealed their innermost thoughts, and he was disgusted by the greed and malice he sensed. Among them were even slave traders who saw the two as potential commodities to sell to the Celestial Dragons.

"Pathetic," Redfield muttered, ignoring the crowd and following Charlotte.

The traders exchanged glances, nodding in silent agreement to retreat and regroup.

Charlotte soon brought Redfield to the bustling commercial district at the heart of Water 7. The lively atmosphere delighted Charlotte, but Redfield's expression soured further. The overwhelming noise and countless dirty thoughts from the crowd made him uncomfortable.

Sensing Redfield's discomfort, Charlotte quickly dragged him toward a nearby tavern.

The aroma of high-quality wine caught Charlotte's attention, and he grinned. "This is the place!"

Redfield looked up at the sign. "Anker Tavern," he read aloud.

Without hesitation, Charlotte kicked the door open.

The sound startled everyone inside, and they turned to see the intruders.

"Boss! Bring out all your best food and wine! Money is no issue!" Charlotte bellowed, stepping inside with a broad grin.

Redfield frowned, muttering under his breath. "Childish."

Nevertheless, he followed Charlotte in, ready to uphold his end of the deal.

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