Cultured Souls #40

Law's interest was piqued as he leaned in slightly, waiting for me to continue. "And what might that be?" he inquired, his curiosity evident in his tone. I met his gaze with a smile. 

"Oh, let's just say I want to creat--" I said, pausing halfway through as I picked up on the sound of numerous footsteps on the docks.

"Keep that for now... looks like we have company. Everyone look alive!" I exclaimed, to which everyone prepared for a fight. 

Bepo nervously began looking around, trying out different martial arts poses, clearly trying to find one that would intimidate the newcomers. Shachi and Penguin were more composed, swiftly picking up their weapons and getting into position.

Sif, on the other hand, seemed strangely excited as she dashed into the lower decks to retrieve her oversized sword. She emerged quickly, her enthusiasm evident as she struggled with the door, much like a husky fetching a large stick. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight as she locked eyes with me and emitted a low growl.

"Alright, alright..." I relented, taking the sword from her mouth and helping her out. The excitement on her face returned as she snatched her sword back from my hand and leaped over the railing, heading straight toward our guests.

Law's expression twisted into a puzzled frown as he observed Sif's handiwork. "What's got into her?" he queried, shooting me a questioning glance.

Shrugging, I replied, "Your guess is as good as mine. Let's go see what's going on," and with that, I propelled myself into the air with Geppo, with Law close behind, his curiosity evidently piqued.

Upon our arrival, we found the dock scattered with the bodies of the would-be assailants, some groaning in pain, others motionless. Kneeling beside one of the fallen, I couldn't help but notice the intricate web of small wounds adorning his body, like he'd been through a hurricane of small blades and razors. 

Glancing at Law, I saw his gaze fixated on Sif's massive sword. "Those injuries don't quite match the size of her blade," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Looks like she's picked up a new trick and was eager to try it," he added, his lips curling into a knowing grin.

I chuckled softly. "Well... she's always been a quick learner," I remarked with a nod. "But where she picked up this particular skill is beyond me," I mused, my gaze shifting to Sif, who stood proudly with her sword held aloft, an air of smug satisfaction surrounding her. 

There was something undeniably obnoxious and irritating about her posture that both amused and intrigued me. 

I rose slowly, wiping the blood from my hand with a resigned sigh. "Either way, looks like it's time to take action," I remarked with a casual shrug. "We need to thoroughly crush whoever is behind this so other gangs won't get any bright ideas about attacking us directly," I added, glancing around the dock with a grim expression.

Law nodded in agreement. "I've encountered some of these thugs during my investigation of the Double Six Fellow's gang. It's likely his doing," he remarked, his voice trailing off slightly. "Then again, it could be a ploy by one of his rivals to set us against him," he pondered, his brow furrowing in thought.

Grinning at Law's analysis, I nodded in agreement. "We'll make sure to relieve every gang worth robbing of their spoils before we depart this island," I declared. "The sequence doesn't matter much," I added casually.

"Fair enough," Law conceded with a nod. "So, who's joining the raid, and who's staying on the ship?" he inquired, his gaze shifting to our crew members.

Turning away from Law, I directed my attention to Sif. "Fancy joining us, girl?" I asked, my voice laced with amusement. 

Sif's ears twitched at my question, and she began to sniff the air cautiously. Within moments, she emitted a displeased growl, clearly repulsed by the pungent odors emanating from the island's numerous garbage heaps and waste processing plants, before shaking her head in firm refusal.

"There you have it... Sif will be on ship-sitting duty," I said with a chuckle. "We can take everyone else along. They could do with some experience...." 

...

Whistling at the sight of the dilapidated castle looming on the outskirts of town, I couldn't help but remark, "This Double Six guy fancies himself a king, eh?" The structure, a mishmash of rusted metal sheets, decaying wood, and mismatched stones held together with clay, was surprisingly imposing given its haphazard construction.

Law shook his head in exasperation. "Even Doflamingo wasn't this ostentatious when his gang operated from here," he muttered under his breath. "But this castle seems oddly under-guarded. Perhaps they don't anticipate anyone daring to challenge them?" he speculated, his gaze scanning the area for sentries.

With no one in sight to challenge us, I turned to Bepo. "Bepo, why don't you give them a polite knock on their door?" I suggested, nodding towards the castle's entrance, a gate fashioned from welded, rusty metal sheets.

"Right away, Captain!" Bepo replied enthusiastically, his eyes shining with anticipation. He approached the gate with determination, taking a deep breath before launching into action. "Hayao!" he exclaimed, punctuating his kick with a theatrical kungfu sound as he leaped into the air, delivering a powerful blow to the gate.

A loud metallic clang pierced the air, followed by a tense silence. Then, with a creaking protest, the mud and mish-mashed stone walls of the castle began to give way, collapsing under the slight pressure.

As if on cue, a swarm of thugs poured out, armed to the teeth with an assortment of weapons—machetes, pistols, knives, swords, and various other implements of violence.

"Looks like they never expected anyone to attack," I remarked with a chuckle, observing the chaotic scene unfolding before us. 

Meanwhile, Bepo's nervousness was palpable as he scanned the emerging horde of thugs, his expression growing more distressed with each passing moment.

"Sorry!" Bepo blurted out before hastily retreating to our side, his apology hanging in the air.

"Stop apologizing!" Law chided, his frustration evident as he rubbed his temples. But Bepo, caught in a loop of remorse, only offered another apology, much to Law's exasperation. "Stop apologizing!" 

Before the cycle of scolding and apologies could escalate further, a commanding voice cut through the tension. "And what do we have here? A bunch of kids playing pirates?" The speaker emerged from the ranks of thugs, striding confidently towards us as his underlings made way for him.

The man donned a heavy suit that seemed fashioned from red rubber or a similar material, boasting a distinctive ensemble. His attire included a black cape adorned with crimson double sixes, a peculiar sweater, and pants, all accentuated by rubber shoes and gloves. Additionally, a muffler obscured half of his face, adding an air of mystery to his appearance.

Examining the man, I couldn't help but furrow my brow, turning to Law with a puzzled expression. "Hey... doesn't that outfit resemble a raid suit?" I mused, scratching my head. "Could this guy be associated with Germa 66 or something?" I speculated, alternating my gaze between the peculiarly dressed man and Law.

Before Law could respond, the man interjected with a wide grin, his excitement palpable. "Oh! I see you're also a man of culture to have recognized my outfit!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident in his tone. 

"You see, I'm a great fan of Sora the Sea Warrior's series, and this outfit is a faithful rendition of the raid suits used by the Germa 66!" he elaborated proudly, gesturing to his attire as if presenting a prized possession. "It's a shame to dispatch cultured souls such as yourselves! Apologize now, and I shall graciously spare your lives...!" he declared grandly, his voice carrying a theatrical flair.

Law rubbed his head in frustration, clearly developing a headache. "Great, just what I need, another idiot..." he muttered in an aggrieved tone. "Let's just hurry up and get this over with," he added, slowly unsheathing his sword, the metal hiss cutting through the tension.

I couldn't help but chuckle at Law's reaction, turning my attention to the man clad in the raid suit. "You heard the man. It's unfortunate, but it looks like we'll have to fight," I remarked with a casual shrug, preparing for the impending confrontation.

The man in the raid suit nodded solemnly. "It is a shame indeed, but if I must eliminate you all, then so be it," he declared with a hint of remorse in his voice. "Still, I don't think I'll need to personally intervene to handle a group of children! I believe my men would suffice," he added, his cape fluttering as he turned and disappeared into the depths of the castle, leaving us to face his underlings.

...

Want more chapters? Then consider subscribing to my pat rēon. You can read ahead for as little as $1 and it helps me a lot!

 -> (pat rēon..com / wicked132) 

You can also always come and say hi on my discord server 

 -> (disc ord..gg / sEtqmRs5y7)- or hit me up at - Wicked132#5511 - and I'll add you myself)