7. Grizzly Pirate

Noir glanced at the massive bear carcass, assessing the best way to process the meat. "Chun Yan, Fubuki, make sure the fire is consistent. Yuki, Yoruichi, help me keep the area clear so we have room to prepare everything." He directed them with a steady voice as he positioned the bear and began to work, carving carefully along the tough muscle fibers.

"Should I gather more herbs?" Chun Yan asked, watching Noir's deliberate movements.

"Yes," Noir replied, glancing over his shoulder. "This meat is going to need strong seasoning. The smell alone could overpower anything if we're not careful."

Chun Yan nodded and quickly fetched some garlic, rosemary, and wild herbs they'd collected earlier. Meanwhile, Yoruichi positioned some clean water and cloth nearby, knowing they'd need to wipe down the meat. Fubuki adjusted the firewood, ensuring a steady flame that would cook the bear meat evenly once it was ready.

Noir took a moment to inhale deeply, his senses alert as he continued slicing. The tough hide resisted his blade, but he moved through it with ease, making precise cuts to separate the fattier parts. He noticed Yuki watching him intently, curious but hesitant. "Want to learn?" he asked, smirking slightly.

Yuki's eyes lit up. "Yes, Noir-sama."

"Alright, come closer." Noir handed her a smaller knife. "Follow the muscle lines. Cut precisely here," he guided, placing her hands in the right position. Yuki took a deep breath and made a careful incision, mirroring Noir's technique. She smiled proudly when her cut matched his instructions.

As Noir worked, he occasionally received system notifications, each one marking his progress in the Cooking skill:

['Cooking' Skill Proficiency has increased by 1,5%]

['Cooking' Skill Proficiency has increased by 1%]

He ground the herbs into a thick paste, coating the bear meat generously to mask the scent and tenderize the tough texture. "This should help tone down the strong smell," he explained, nodding as Yoruichi and Chun Yan watched with intrigue. The rich blend of garlic and rosemary combined with the meat, creating an unexpectedly appealing aroma.

"Smells good already," Yoruichi commented, impressed.

Noir chuckled. "Trust me, it'll be unlike anything we've had before."

Finally, once the bear meat was coated, he skewered large chunks and placed them carefully over the flames. He adjusted the distance to ensure an even cook, rotating the skewers with a practiced hand. Each rotation allowed the fat to drip off, adding a smoky layer to the flavor.

The notifications continued as he refined his technique further, reaching a new milestone:

['Cooking' Skill Proficiency has increased by 1%]

['Cooking' Skill Proficiency has increased by 1%]

[Congratulations! You have reached the maximum proficiency of your 'Cooking' skill.]

[Cooking(E) -> Cooking(D)]

"Seems like I'm getting somewhere," Noir muttered as he noticed his progress in the skill.

As Noir continued his work, the warm, rustic aroma of seasoned bear meat began to fill the forest. The crackling of the fire melded with the rhythmic sound of his knife gliding through muscle and bone. His concentration was unwavering, but there was a subtle warmth in his voice as he occasionally shared insights with the others.

"Notice how the herbs are ground just enough to release the oils but not pulverized?" he said, nodding to Chun Yan, who was carefully stirring the fire. "That's how we keep the flavor balanced. If we overdo it, the herbs will burn, and the bitterness could ruin the taste."

Chun Yan looked on with bright, attentive eyes. "Got it, Noir-sama. I'll remember that for next time."

['Cooking' Skill Proficiency has increased by 1%]

Noir continued rotating the skewers, making small adjustments to the flames as he watched the meat cook. He guided Yuki's hand, helping her press the garlic and rosemary paste onto a piece of meat that still needed flavoring. "Make sure to cover every part," he instructed. "This will help balance out the natural gaminess of the bear meat."

Yuki nodded, her fingers working carefully along the grooves of the meat as she spread the seasoning evenly. Her expression was focused, as if she were committing every step to memory. "You really think this will be… edible?" she asked, glancing up at Noir with an amused smirk.

"More than edible," Noir replied, returning her smirk. "We're taking a tough, gamey meat and turning it into a delicacy. The garlic, rosemary, and herbs will mellow out the stronger flavors, and the smoke from the fire will add layers of depth."

As he continued cooking, more notifications appeared:

['Cooking' Skill Proficiency has increased by 1%]

['Cooking' Skill Proficiency has increased by 1.5%]

With each turn of the skewer, the meat darkened, the fat sizzling as it melted, sending tendrils of smoke spiraling into the air. He sprinkled a touch of salt across the meat, letting it seep in as it cooked. "Salt not only seasons but also helps draw out excess moisture," he explained to Fubuki, who was adjusting the fire to ensure an even burn.

"Why not use more herbs or spices?" Fubuki asked, curious.

"Too much would clash," Noir replied, shaking his head. "Bear meat has its own unique taste; the herbs just need to complement, not overwhelm. It's like a dance—you lead, but only enough to let the other person shine."

Chun Yan chuckled, crossing her arms as she watched him work. "You make it sound like an art."

"It is," Noir replied, his tone almost playful as he tilted the skewers to a perfect angle. "The best cooks respect the ingredients and know how to bring out their natural qualities."

['Cooking' Skill Proficiency has increased by 1%]

['Cooking' Skill Proficiency has increased by 1.5%]

Finally, as the meat began to reach a golden-brown perfection, Yoruichi stepped forward, peering over Noir's shoulder. "Do you think it's ready, Noir-sama?"

"Just about," he replied, eyeing the meat with satisfaction. He removed the skewers from the fire, letting them rest momentarily to seal in the juices. The scent was intoxicating, a rich blend of woodsmoke and spices.

"Let's try it," Noir said, handing each of them a skewer.

Chun Yan, Yuki, Fubuki, and Yoruichi each took their skewer with eager expressions, taking a cautious bite. Their eyes widened in surprise as the flavors exploded in their mouths.

"Unbelievable," Yuki muttered, savoring the tender, savory meat.

Chun Yan's expression softened, a rare smile breaking through as she chewed. "I didn't think bear meat could taste like this…"

Noir watched them, a faint grin on his face as the notifications continued:

['Cooking' Skill Proficiency has increased by 1%]

['Cooking' Skill Proficiency has increased by 1%]

"Seems like I'm making progress," he muttered to himself, chuckling softly. He took a bite himself, the complex flavors a testament to his efforts and a reminder of the satisfaction that came with mastering even the most unexpected of skills.

**************

"Why is it so crowded outside?" Asked Noir who was enjoying his Sake at a Bar and sitting in the corner of the room where he was sitting was a soft sofa, then around him were Chun, Yuki, Fubuki and Yoruichi who were joking with each other while holding a glass of sake.

Lately because these four women often help people in the village after heavy training, many people in the village are happy and give them some discounts for purchases including the owner of this bar who gave a sofa that was usually used by VIP customers, temporarily given to Noir until he started sailing, moreover he was also given free Sake and the rest he got a 15% discount.

But while enjoying his Sake, Noir heard many people screaming and he started to get confused, since he finished off the Spiked Fist, no more pirates came to this island, besides this island should be under the protection of the Navy, 153rd Branch at Shells Town.

"Noir-sama, I'll look outside for a bit" Yoruichi said to Noir who just nodded, after all she didn't know if it was a Pirate coming or if there was a predatory beast coming out of the Forest, but when Yoruichi wanted to stand up and walk out, they all heard someone shouting.

"Everyone run away!! There are pirates!!" Shouted the Citizens which made Noir raise his eyebrows, he wondered if it was God's will or just a coincidence because in a week he would be sailing, but instead there were Pirates attacking this island.

"At least I can have some fun before leaving this island" Noir muttered then started to stand up and walk out of the bar, the four women looked at each other before they also followed Noir.

When the five of them left the Bar, the streets were starting to get quiet and Noir glanced back and he saw that the citizens had fled, Noir then looked forward and the ship that was anchored in front of him could be said to be very large, even this was bigger than the ship belonging to the thorn fist.

"I wonder how many crew members are on that ship," said Fubuki who was curious because the ship in front of her was very large, 100 people felt less than enough to sail on a ship this big, and sure enough, just like Fubuki and the others thought, the man whose body was bigger than a fist of thorns immediately jumped from the ship and landed on the ground.

"Hahahhaha!!! I didn't think there were still people who didn't run after I arrived!!" The big man laughed while looking at the 5 people who were far in front of him, then a ladder was lowered from the ship and many people started to get off the ship, 10, 20, 50, 100 and the number continued to increase.

"It seems quite dangerous" said Chun Yan while looking around them which was previously quiet now many people started to gather like there was a lively festival.

"There are so many of them" said Yuki who looked around, this was the first time she had seen Pirates in such a large number.

"Hahahahha!! You should have run with them!!" Said the big man then he walked forward until they were only 10 meters away, "I will give you a choice, First, I will let you run but those women will be mine and become a place to dispose of my sperm, Second I will kill you and those women will still be mine" he continued while grinning widely at Noir.

When he got off the ship and saw the four women, he was really horny, especially since they were also beautiful, it also happened that he intended to rob on this island before going to the Grand Line, so when he was bored on the trip, he could use the four of them to satisfy him, and if he was bored, all his men could enjoy the four of them.

"Sorry but I'd rather die" Said Chun Yan, Yuki, Yoruichi and Fubuki simultaneously which made the big man's expression a little annoyed but he laughed again, followed by everyone who also started laughing.

"Hahahahah, are they stupid?! Hahahah!!"

"Rejecting Ōgashira's offer, even though whatever choice they choose, their fate is certain"

"Hahahah!! I can't wait to see them strip naked!" They all laughed because the four of them rejected Ōgashira's offer, especially since Ōgashira was famous for taking what he wanted and it never failed, so they all knew that the fate of the four of them was already chained.

"Are you all a bunch of idiots?" Noir asked who was getting bored with their chatter, hearing this the atmosphere became silent, "What did you say?" The big man asked hearing Noir's words.

"You guys came here to rob, right?" Noir asked who took out a cigarette from his pants pocket and lit it, "Those four are mine, they are Yamazaki's servants, if you want them, kill me first, that is if you are able" Noir continued while exhaling his cigarette smoke, the big man's face started to turn red and he gritted his teeth because he was very annoyed.

[Name: Thomas]

[Age: 37]

[Title: Grizzly Bear]

[Race: Human]

[Devil Fruit: Kuma Kuma no Mi]

[Potential: C-]

[Strength: SSS+]

[Endurance: SSS+]

[Durability: SSS]

[Speed: SSS]

[Intelligence: C+]

[Luck: D+]

[Bounty: 19,800,000 Belly]

'Hoo, a devil fruit user huh' Noir thought as he glanced at the status of his opponent whose name was Thomas.

"Kill this bastard, spare the women and take all the treasures on this island, when I get out of the room, everything must be finished" said Thomas who walked back to his ship and entered his room, he really wasn't in the mood to deal with the ants, Noir saw this and just stayed silent, besides he wanted to do a little warm-up.

In a scene brimming with tension and a fiery will to protect, Noir and his four companions, Chun Yan, Yuki, Yoruichi, and Fubuki, face down an overwhelming force of 500 pirates under Thomas's command.

As Noir stands at the front, smoking casually, he acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge. He exhales a cloud of smoke with a smirk, glancing at his companions. "Looks like we're in for a workout."

Yoruichi grins, sparks of electricity dancing across her fists. "Just what I needed," she remarks, cracking her knuckles. Beside her, Fubuki focuses her telekinetic energy, small pebbles and dust swirling around her as her power prepares to unleash. "It's been a while since we had a real challenge," Fubuki comments, giving Noir a nod of readiness.

With barely a signal, the first wave of pirates charges, weapons drawn. A few pirates wield guns and swords, while others clutch makeshift weapons like knives and clubs. The battle erupts in an explosive clash.

Noir, displaying a brutal, straightforward fighting style, does not dodge the incoming attacks but instead meets them head-on. One pirate swings a sword, but Noir catches the blade with his bare hands, snapping it in two before delivering a bone-crushing punch that sends the pirate sprawling. "I thought you'd hit harder," he taunts, flicking the broken sword to the ground.

"Save some for us, Noir-sama!" Chun Yan called out, rolling her shoulders before engaging a group of pirates. Chun Yan enters the fray with graceful brutality, weaving between opponents while blocking attacks with her bare arms. She swings a powerful roundhouse kick, connecting with a pirate's head and sending him crashing into two others. Her resilience shines as she uses her body to absorb minor hits, only to retaliate with increased ferocity.

Yuki, with a determined expression, confronts a group of pirates wielding knives. She disarms them with fluid movements, her agility allowing her to parry their strikes and counter with precise, forceful blows. "You'll have to try harder than that!" she shouts, landing a punch that sends one opponent flying back several feet.

Meanwhile, Yoruichi unleashed her Devil Fruit ability, charging her punches and kicks with lightning. Every impact released a shock that sent pirates convulsing to the ground. "Hope you like a little shock therapy," she jeered, landing a crackling uppercut that knocked a pirate out cold. The electricity arced around her as she moved, her every strike electrifying her opponents.

Fubuki supported them from behind, using her telekinesis to manipulate weapons left scattered on the ground. She would fling a sword or dagger at any pirate who tried to attack her teammates from behind. Occasionally, she amplified her strikes with telekinesis, adding invisible force to each punch and kick. "You should've stayed on your ship," she muttered, sending a pirate flying with a mental push.

Amid the chaos, Noir couldn't help but chuckle. "You're all doing great, but let's see if we can pick up the pace!" he called, shattering a pirate's jaw with a single punch. He was quickly becoming a whirlwind of destruction, his movements precise and powerful. Despite the countless attacks, he didn't bother dodging, instead meeting every strike head-on and overpowering his enemies with sheer force.

Chun Yan, blocking another attack, glanced at him and smirked. "You're not leaving much for the rest of us, Noir-sama!"

Yoruichi, still crackling with energy, laughed. "Save some for us, will you?"

The pirates, realizing they were outmatched, grew desperate, launching a disorganized barrage of attacks. Those with pistols fired wildly, only to have their bullets intercepted by Fubuki's telekinesis or Yoruichi's lightning. Others swung their swords frantically, only to be met with fierce counters from Noir and Chun Yan.

Gradually, the pirates began to realize their mistake. Even their firearms were useless against the might of Noir's crew. Those with pistols aimed and fired, only to have bullets intercepted by Fubuki's telekinesis or diverted by Yoruichi's electricity.

"As if they're all monsters!"

"Damn it, that guy's clearly not human!" The pirates were in full agreement as they looked at Noir in horror. While the four women fought like fierce beasts, Noir was a true oni. He showed no hesitation in dispatching them, and his methods were terrifying—each blow shattered someone's body, leaving no question as to his brutal strength.

They were filled with regret. Who could have predicted that a monster like this lived on such a remote island? They were five hundred strong; they should never have lost. Yet for the first time, they were thoroughly crushed. Most lay dead or critically wounded, while the remaining few drifted in and out of consciousness, battered beyond repair.

Noir scanned the battlefield, a satisfied smirk playing across his lips. "Is that all?" he sneered, releasing a lazy puff of smoke into the air.

Just when they thought it was over, he heard the sound of someone landing on the ground. Noir turned to see four men who had just disembarked from the ship.

[Name: Kenji]

[Age: 30]

[Title: The Iron Bear]

[Race: Human]

[Devil Fruit: -]

[Potential: D+]

[Strength: SSS]

[Endurance: SSS]

[Durability: SSS-]

[Speed: SSS]

[Intelligence: C+]

[Luck: D+]

[Bounty: 14,250,000 Belly]

"Ah, I was suspicious because of all the commotion. So they're all down, huh?" remarked the black-haired man, holding a bottle of sake in one hand. A naginata rested across his back.

[Name: Ryo]

[Age: 33]

[Title: Steel Fist]

[Race: Human]

[Devil Fruit: -]

[Potential: D]

[Strength: SSS-]

[Endurance: SSS]

[Durability: SSS-]

[Speed: SS+]

[Intelligence: D+]

[Luck: D+]

[Bounty: 13,500,000 Belly]

"At least I'll get a warm-up before heading to the Grand Line," said the shirtless blond man, whose hands bore the scars of countless fights.

[Name: Dan]

[Age: 31]

[Title: Lone Wolf]

[Race: Human]

[Devil Fruit: -]

[Potential: D-]

[Strength: SS]

[Endurance: SS+]

[Durability: SS+]

[Speed: SS]

[Intelligence: C+]

[Luck: D-]

[Bounty: 10,050,000 Belly]

"Heheheh, who would have guessed there'd be a monster on this island?" sneered the curly-haired man with scars on his face.

[Name: Bill]

[Age: 28]

[Title: Snake]

[Race: Human]

[Devil Fruit: -]

[Potential: D-]

[Strength: SS]

[Endurance: SS+]

[Durability: SS-]

[Speed: SS+]

[Intelligence: C-]

[Luck: E+]

[Bounty: 9,990,900 Belly]

"Guess we docked at the wrong place," muttered the man as he licked his knife, a sinister grin spreading across his face.

Noir observed their stats one by one, then glanced over his shoulder at the four women behind him. A small grin crept onto his face. Now he could focus on taking down their captain while leaving these executive officers to the four women he had trained intensively over the past month.