Chapter 32

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Out at sea, who would stick to legitimate business?

Zyhark's thought was simple: relying solely on running a restaurant to save up for a powerful second crew member would take forever.

This era, the craziest and most chaotic period of the great pirate age, saw countless rogues abusing the name of pirates.

These individuals might dine on the islands without paying, let alone restrain themselves at sea.

Typically, pirates who try to dine-and-dash, refusing to pay, would find their heads are worth much more than a meal or two.

The sea could almost be considered Aqua's home turf, with far fewer restrictions than on land. Just being able to move freely in water gave her a tremendous advantage.

Thus, in the East Blue, considered the weakest sea, there were hardly any pirates who could threaten their lives at sea. The worst-case scenario would just be to abandon ship and flee!

Of course, this does not include a certain swordsman who, on a whim, uses his black blade to roam around in his boat...

But if they were unlucky enough to encounter Mihawk, Zyhark would actually be quite willing to offer him a free meal and plenty of drinks.

Shanks, observing Zyhark's composed and smiling demeanor, couldn't help but burst into laughter at this novel line of thinking.

"So, it looks like those in the East Blue who like to dine-and-dash are in for a rough time!"

After a pause, finding himself increasingly fond of this young man, Shanks couldn't resist extending an invitation to join his crew once more, "A man like you is perfect for the Red Hair Pirates!"

"Really, Zyhark, join us!"

His face full of anticipation, Shanks even leaned in close to Zyhark.

Naturally, Zyhark's decisive refusal followed.

"Ah, that's too bad..."

Shanks retracted his neck with a sigh but quickly returned to his usual charming smile.

"We'll be heading directly to the New World in a few days. You'll probably be delayed a bit longer, right? I'll wait for you there!"

After witnessing Zyhark's unique physique and talent for Haki, Shanks had a feeling that this man would stand at the pinnacle of the world one day.

Hearing Shanks's confident tone, Zyhark's relaxed expression turned serious, confidently replying, "There will definitely come a day."

Just then, the excited shouts of pirates from the distant bonfire banquet reached them.

Zyhark and Shanks looked over to see Aqua triumphantly standing on the central table, holding two folding fans, performing her signature spectacle, "Flowers, Birds, Wind, and Moon."

Three streams of water shot out from the fans and cup, winning applause from everyone present.

In weird and seemingly useless areas, Aqua always managed to produce unexpectedly effective results.

Now, she had already become chummy with the officers of the Red Hair Pirates, mingling and drinking merrily with them.

"Speaking of which, that blue-haired girl by your side is quite special. Is she a Devil Fruit user?" Shanks asked, having noticed Aqua's display of summoning a flood to strike Zyhark.

"Sort of," Zyhark nodded, not inclined to elaborate much.

"That's a remarkably rare and powerful ability," Shanks couldn't help but remark.

Devil Fruit users are weakened by the sea and even by standing water.

And now, there was a user who could control water?

If the water she released could weaken other Devil Fruit users similarly, that would be terrifying!

"As you can see, the side effect is a bit of a dull mind, suffering from severe delusions, constantly claiming to be some goddess."

Zyhark glanced at Aqua, who was making silly faces with chopsticks in her nose and mouth alongside Luffy, without denying the strength of her water abilities.

"I see." Shanks nodded.

The side effects of Devil Fruits were not uncommon; some stopped physical growth, while others suffered from endless diarrhea.

"Well, it's about time to join the party."

Realizing the slim chance of recruiting Zyhark, Shanks stood up slowly.

"I haven't had this kind of lively banquet in a long time. We have to enjoy ourselves!"

"No problem," Zyhark replied, standing up as well.

As the two joined the party, the festive atmosphere reached its peak.

Everyone indulged in the carefree joy, relishing the light-hearted ambiance.

The party continued from dusk till the early hours of the morning. After the pirates and villagers gradually dispersed, Zyhark, with a drunken Aqua in tow, headed home.

Aqua, barely able to walk straight, leaned heavily on Zyhark's neck, mumbling to herself.

"Come on, let's keep going. Goddess Aqua will not lose to you guys!"

"Cheers, watch my Flowers, Birds, Wind, and Moon!"

Zyhark supported the wobbling drunkard, ensuring she didn't end up in a pile of trash on the side of the road.

Despite her ability to purify any liquid she touches into clean water, the alcohol Aqua consumed remained unaffected.

Clearly, the fool had deactivated her ability, claiming, "Wine without flavor might as well be poison."

Though Aqua would indulge in a few drinks after bathing at the restaurant, this level of drunkenness was a first for Zyhark.

Seeing Aqua drooling, it was hard to associate her with the "divine beautiful girl."

The wishing well seemed suspiciously fraudulent!

As he thought this, Aqua suddenly stopped, her expression turning unusually solemn and serious, making a series of grunts from her throat.

Was this foolish goddess about to vomit?!

Realizing the possibility, Zyhark instantly became alert, looking around anxiously.

Guided by the cold moonlight, he finally found a relatively secluded corner along the village street.

Without a word, Zyhark half-dragged, half-carried Aqua's delicate body to the corner just in time for her to vomit.

"Ugh!!!"

Barely supporting herself against the wall, Aqua couldn't hold back the turmoil in her stomach and vomited a mess.

Zyhark, patting her back to ease the nausea, curiously looked down.

To his surprise, what Aqua vomited was exactly like in the cartoons.

It was a rainbow, colorful and odorless!

"Even the goddess's vomit is purified into this bizarre, odorless state... Truly a goddess."

Zyhark couldn't help but marvel internally.

Would making a wish upon the goddess's rainbow ensure more reliable crew members in the future?

The moment this bizarre idea emerged, he quickly shook his head to dismiss it.

Setting aside its effectiveness, the thought was utterly bizarre!

(End of Chapter)