Chapter 71: Timely Assist

A/N: Ok, so I know I've been gone for close to a month now and I'm sorry about that.

The truth is in addition to getting settled into my new job I suffered a bit of writers block and some burnout as well. But now I'm better.

Though even if I do stop this story for a bit know that I WILL FINISH IT.

It's not getting a re-write or being dropped.

Promise.

Well, now there really should be one chapter a week.

Oh and one more thing. I've decided to add Boa Hancock to the harem.

Since I am a Hancock simp and I have no shame in admitting it.

But five is the limit.

Here is the final list by the way.

Harem List:

1. Alfia

2. Nico Robin.

3. Vinsmoke Reiju

4. Yamato

5. Boa Hancock.

One more thing, my MC's name is Soren D. Roberts.

I don't care if sounds weird that is his name.

Anyway, without further ado is the chapter of my long awaited return.

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(3rd Person: POV) 

Walking through the village Brunch had an irritated look on his face, his thoughts focused on the battle he had against Roberts just a little while ago.

Specifically his loss of the battle.

'How? Just how is that smirking bastard stronger than me?' Brunch thought.

He has a hard time swallowing how someone like Roberts who is shorter than him, has less muscles than him, and obviously younger than him beat him in hand-to-hand combat. His specialty.

'How? How is he stronger?' Brunch thought once more.

The same questions rolling around in his head over and over again as he wandered aimlessly through the village.

But all of those questions in his head, and Brunch himself, came to a halt the moment his ears filled the sound of the horns signaling an attack on the village. A few seconds after Brunch heard the attack signal he put a serious expression on his face. Brunch then started rushing through the village, shouting as he did so.

"Get inside right now, or else you'll end up dead!"

Brunch yelled this to any civilians he saw, while also checking his surroundings for any enemies. Since despite his attitude he generally cares for the people of the village and his home.

Heeding Brunch's words the civilians did as he instructed. They went into their homes and started locking themselves inside. As well as putting up makeshift barricades in the process.

As Brunch continued running through the village and giving his warning, he suddenly stopped in his tracks when he saw several villagers surrounded by a group of warriors.

Shinkus' warriors.

Seeing Shinku's warriors Brunch's blood started to boil. Clenching his fists he wanted to charge at them and beat them down, but restrained himself. Since Brunch knew if he made a move to attack Shinku's men the civilians they were surrounding would be used as hostages and possibly harmed and that is not something Brunch would allow.

As such Brunch prepared to retreat and gather some of the villagers own soldiers to help him rescue the civilians.

But before he could do so Brunch heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Well, well well, if it isn't Brunch." A male voice sarcastically spoke.

Turning around Brunch came face-to-face with the speaker.

It was a male oni with white skin and horns atop his head, sporting the same armor as the rest of Shinku's warriors. A sword in his left hand and a naginata in his right.

"Kobo!" Brunch spat at at the white-skinned male oni.

"Hey, hey, is that anyway to address an old friend?" Kobo sarcastically asked.

"We were never friends and you fucking know it!" Brunch harshly retorted. Memories surfacing in his mind of when he was younger and Shinku and his friends bullied him. Kobo in particular since he is Shinku's right-hand man.

"Well, at least a muscle-head like you can understand that much." Kobo spoke. "Anyway, talking with you is making me sick to my stomach so let's get this over with." The white-skinned oni spoke.

He then raised his sword and naginata in Brunchs' direction.

Seeing this Brunch got into a fighting stance. But the second after he did so Kobo began wagging a finger in his direction.

"No, no. None of that. Unless you want something to happen to those poor innocent people." Kobo said.

"Lord Brunch, please don't worry about us!"

"Defeat this monster!"

"Quiet, the both of you!" A warrior shouted. He then hit the two civilians who spoke up.

Seeing this out of the corner of his eye Brunch tightened his fists even further. But ultimately he didn't move. No matter how much he wanted to.

Kobo put a nasty steer on his face upon seeing Brunch not moving. "Good. That's really good. It seems that even after all this time you still know what's good for you even without any reminders. What a good pet you are." He condescendingly spoke.

Brunch said nothing in response.

"Well this has been fun, but we have other things to do, so...it's time I put you down for good. Goodbye you fucking red half-breed." Kobo said.

He then charged at Brunch, a victorious smile on his face.

"No Brunch!"

"Lord Brunch, move!"

"Fight back!"

The civilians shouted at Brunch to fight and move, but no matter what they said he just stood there as Kobo closed the distance.

As the whit oni got closer and closer to him Brunch couldn't help but snort. "Looks like that pirate was right, I'm all talk and nothing more." He whispered. "Dammit!" Brunch shouted.

"Shouting will do you no good!" Kobo retorted.

Landing in front of Brunch he moved to stab him through the chest with both his sword and his naginata.

But before Kobos' attack could connect with Brunch Roberts appeared between him and Brunch and blocked Koob's weapons with Dragon Fang.

Seeing this both Brunch and Kobo got looks of disbelief on their faces.

Paying no attention to this Roberts pushed Kobo back and as a result the white-skinned oni fell right on his ass.

The moment this happened Roberts turned around toward Brunch and gave him a small and a thumbs up. "Never fear, for I am here!" He exclaimed.

Seeing this Brunch was left speechless.

As for Kobo he put an angry expression on his face. Standing to his feet he shouted angrily at Roberts. "Hey fucker, do you know who you're messing with?!"

Hearing Kobo question Roberts turned his head in his direction and gave him a lazy look. "No, I don't. And personally I don't fucking care who you are chalk boy." He said.

The veins began bulging on Kobo's head at Roberts words. "How dare you!" He shouted. "Do you realize with one word I can have those traitors behind you killed?! If you do then get down on your knees and apologize, and just maybe if I think you're sincere enough I'll forgive your earlier ac-"

Before Kobo could finish his rant Roberts closed the distance and planted his right foot directly in his face, driving Kobo's head into the ground. "That's enough shit from you, chalk boy." Roberts said.

"Lord Kobo!" The warriors from Shinku's faction shouted in unison.

Then right after they did so several of Robin's arms sprouted on the bodies of every signal warrior and then broke their bones in several places without any trouble. Killing every single warrior in an instant.

As this happened Robin approached the group of civilians along with Weisz, his dual pistols drawn and at the ready.

Reaching the civilians Weisz and Robin began to cover them.

Seeing this Brunch put a relieved expression on his face. He then turned back towards Roberts. "Thank you." He said.

"No need to thank us, we are allies after all so this is nothing." Roberts replied.

Just as he did so Kobo stood back to his feet, sporting a murderous look on his face.

Seeing this Roberts looked at Brunch. "Say, if you want you can have him?"

"Really?" Brunch questioned.

"Really." Roberts replied. Giving a small nod after he did so. "Seeing how hard you are clenching your fists I can tell you want to hit something, so go ahead. Beat chalk boy down."

"But what about the rest of the village?" Brunch asked. He couldn't indulge in a personal battle while his people are in danger.

"They will be fine." Roberts replied. "The rest of my crew and Konpeki and your forces are handling it." He spoke. "And they are almost done as well."

Roberts knew this thanks to his observation haki.

"So I'll say it once more, go ahead and beat chalk boy down Brunch." Roberts said. "And don't worry about the civilians. My friends and I will make sure no harm comes to them."

Looking into Roberts eyes Brunch knew he was telling the truth, so the moment he did so he made his decision.

Stepping forward Brunch cracked his knuckles and his neck. He then put a grin on his face.

Since it was time for some good old fashion payback.