Chapter 13

Ra pov

Moving through the fog I wondered where I would end up after exiting it. I stood on the edge of the deck feeling as ready as I could ever be about exploration. I was so excited that only after finding myself at the now clear sea which immediately started raining after my arrival out of nowhere, did I realize that I had no idea nor experience in sailing and anything to do with it. Haa..! I could hear myself sighing but there was nothing I could do at the moment so I'll just have to sort it out later.

I let out my observation haki and went back to the cabin as luck is always by my side, I am sure the storm will subside sooner or later and I might even be lucky enough to make my appearance in a well known island and get a navigator. The storm was picking, up rocking the boat but I turned a blind eye and gave in to meditation while awaiting to see my first destination. I couldn't help but wonder if Roger had ushered in the great pirate era or not. If he had I should probably try to save his wife from death if possible thiugh it would be difficult.

My thoughts were cut short as my observation picked up the presence of large ship sailing besides mine. The pirates in it couldn't be more discreet as the intent they gave in their desire to sink my humble boat was visible from a mile away. I had no desire to act as a stranded clown in their entertainment so I go out of the cabin, walked across the deck, jumped and made a super hero landing on there giant vessel as a crew of over thirty strong men stared at me in what I presumed to be awe.

I stood up and basked in the after glory of my greatness when a man with a huge buck tooth and minimal hair on his head spoiled my moment,"Hey kid, why do you look so proud to be here when you just delivered yourself to us for free?" He said in a high pitched annoying, squeaking voice. It was freaking disturbing just listening to it. He maybe so enjoyed the discomfort I was showing as I made no effort in hiding it. He probably thought I was getting scared and to further increase my discomfort he continued."Captain, how about we take him and sell him to the celestial dragons cause I am sure one of them would love to own a pretty boy in their collection."

I had heard enough of that annoying voice barely registering any of his words and took it upon myself to shut him up. I moved forward with no one else except the brown bear man who I think should be the captain able to notice me though he wasn't able to react in time. I knocked down the mouse man using my fist causing him to fall face first on to the boat and knocking the consciousness out of him.

I looked at the bear and called out to him," Hey Bear san where was your ship heading to? And can you do me a favor and pull my boat on yours." He replied wiith a short sentence, "Sabaody Archipelago and yes ." That was really short and I made a rough judgement that having a proper conversation with him will be really difficult. I expected the crew members to rebel and refuse to cooperate but they went ahead and pulled my boat aboard though they still grumbled. The bear possessed incredible strength as far as a newbie to haki could be thus I couldn't help but wonder why he was being so submissive.

As I further scrutinized the crew, I couldn't help but realise that they were all tired, wounded, heartbroken and restless. There were many things that could have caused them to be in this state but it should probably an overwhelming and crushing defeat that caused it and maybe a bit of mental torture. I'll probably take some of time of my nonexistent schedule and inquire what happened to them. I relaxed on the deck knowing that their misfortunes aren't really of my concern and just basked under the now visible sun. The experience was new but it wasn't that bad.

Time moved on as the unknown pirates now my means of transport hosted my humble self. They were quick to adapt as after their captain talked to them in secret they just outwardly ignored my presence and minded their own business manning the ship as it headed towards Sabaody Archipelago or so I would like to believe. Even the annoying voice mouse barely spoke, discreetly staying away from me.I was getting a kick out of them everytime I swung my axe creating gusts of wind as they tensed each and every single time.I was getting bored of it though, so I asked no one specific, "How did you guys even get beat up so badly that you look like you've given up on living?"

As expected they listened attentively to the question I initiated but no one took the stage to reply. I walked towards my boat and took out the thigh of a now dead deer meant for my consumption and came out with it. I stood in place and waved it around," I know that you guys are tired of eating fish so I'll just handover this fresh juicy deer meat to whoever answers my question?"

Mann, this guys are hardcore they just stared fixedly at it, following the meat with their eyes as it swayed sideways but no one looked like he would take the offer. No one except the guy with an annoying voice who wanted to open up but just awaited my approval.

Haaaaah! Why should I be subjected to suffer from that irritating voice once more. But it is what it is, so I motioned for him to come foward, handed over the meat and told him to spill the beans. Though I did promise to cave his face in if he tried to mix in some lies in his story. It didn't take long as I hurried him up and l learnt of their misfortune.

Apparently, they belonged to the fleet of the Golden Lion pirates and two years ago after suffering defeat by the Roger pirates, Golden Shiki who took out his anger on the lower level pirates, but they managed to escape and forming their own crew they've been on the run but some of the more powerful members of the Golden lion's crew would hunt them down if spotted and they've lost a number of crewmates due to this. As such they can't help but wonder if they'll last long at sea and most have given up on living

It was indeed unfortunate for them but nowhere near becoming sad enough to get a sense of compassion from me. I mean they are pirates and have probably done much worse so they should just solve the problem by themselves. But unhearing that voice will be a talk task for me.'So Golden lion Shiki, I can't help but wonder who is the lion between the two of us. I can't wait to find out' I thought smiling at myself as we approached the huge mangrove forest growing in the middle of nowhere.