Chapter 3: A Deal with the Devil (Fruit)

Sunlight streamed through the windows of Uroki's rented room, an incessant reminder of the new day. He groaned, his head pounding from the previous night's festivities.

As he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, fragments of last night's conversation resurfaced. Skarn's laughter, the promise of a 'fruit' - everything seemed a blur. But as the haze of sleep retreated, so did the uncertainty. He had a lead.

Despite the grogginess and the dull headache, Uroki couldn't help but feel a jolt of excitement. He quickly gathered his things, washed up, and left the inn.

Today, he was meeting Skarn.

Walking down the busy streets of Logue town, Uroki found his mind racing. He wondered if Skarn could be trusted.

If he truly had the means to find what Uroki sought, it was a risk worth taking. But he also knew he couldn't afford to be careless.

In this world of pirates and hidden treasures, trust was a luxury, and deceit a common currency and a whispering trail of a voice in his head like a background music, reminded him a few words from his memory,

"Hope emerges, a resilient shield,

Its strength unyielding, refusing to yield.

In the face of despair, it stands tall,

A resolute force, embracing all."

Arriving at the designated meeting spot, a quaint coffee shop nestled in a less crowded part of town, Uroki spotted Skarn. He was already there, hunched over a cup of coffee, his grizzled features softened in the morning light.

"Good morning, Skarn," Uroki greeted, offering a slight bow. His heart pounded in his chest, but he kept his expression composed. This was it, the beginning of a new chapter in his life. And he couldn't afford to mess it up.

Skarn looked up, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, there he is, the man of the hour! Hope you're feelin' better after last night, eh?"

Uroki chuckled lightly, taking the seat opposite Skarn.

"One might say I'm raring to go," he replied, leaning back comfortably in his chair.

The coffee shop was surprisingly cosy, a stark contrast to the seedy tavern from the night before.

The pleasant aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the air, and the murmur of quiet conversations lent an air of normalcy that put Uroki at ease. Yet, beneath the casual veneer of their meetup, Uroki knew that they were treading on dangerous ground. Their lives were anything but normal.

As they chatted over cups of coffee, Uroki couldn't help but study Skarn. Despite his rough exterior, there was a certain charm about him. He had a knack for storytelling, each tale more outrageous than the last, and his hearty laughter was infectious. Yet, every now and then, Skarn would shoot him a calculating glance, reminding Uroki of the true nature of their relationship.

After what seemed like hours, their conversation finally circled back to the matter at hand. Skarn leaned in, his jovial demeanor fading, replaced by a stern, focused expression. "So," he began, his voice dropping to a whisper, "about that fruit..."

Uroki felt a surge of anticipation. This was it, the moment he had been waiting for. He leaned in, matching Skarn's intensity, ready to negotiate for the treasure that could alter his destiny.

"The fruit you're after is called the Komodo-Komodo no Mi," Skarn began, his voice barely more than a whisper, "a rare specimen even among Devil Fruits. They say it grants the eater abilities resembling a Komodo Dragon."

Uroki remained silent, absorbing the information. His mind raced with the possibilities.

"And you're certain it's here, in Loguetown?"

Skarn leaned back, his gaze seemingly distant.

"No guarantees in this line of work, lad," he replied.

"But I've got reliable sources."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of their food, a momentary distraction that allowed Uroki to process what he'd just learned.

It wasn't a guarantee, but it was the most concrete lead he'd had so far. He knew he couldn't afford to pass up this opportunity.

With their plates served, Skarn's demeanor lightened again, filling their table with more stories and laughter. But despite the jovial atmosphere, Uroki felt a sense of urgency growing within him.

Eventually, as the last remnants of their meal were cleared away, Uroki took a deep breath, thinking of a few words from his memory to calm him,

"Wisdom wields its sword, with mindful grace,

Seeking understanding, in every embrace.

In the battlefield of thoughts, it guides the hand,

Seeking truths, that help us understand."

"So, Skarn, what's your price?" He asked, matching the older man's gaze.

A flicker of satisfaction appeared in Skarn's eyes, his smile widening into a knowing grin.

"Straight to business, eh?" He chuckled, tapping his fingers on the table.

"I thought you'd never ask, at least you have sharp mind aye?"

"See, Uroki," Skarn began, leaning back in his chair with a toothy grin,

"My price ain't something as simple as belis or treasure. No, what I want...is a challenge."

Uroki raised an eyebrow at this. A challenge? He glanced at Skarn; the man's eyes were gleaming with a mischievous light.

"What kind of challenge?" Uroki finally asked.

"In the game of chess, as you seem to have sharp mind." Skarn explained, his grin not wavering.

"Let's say, if you can beat me in a game...the information is yours."

Uroki blinked in surprise.

Of all the things he had been expecting, this was certainly not it. But he nodded slowly.

"Alright, let's do it. When and where?"

"Now and here," Skarn declared, reaching into his bag and pulling out a portable chess set.

He began to set up the pieces on the table, his grin growing even wider.

"Hope you've got your game face on, lad."

As Uroki faced Skarn across the makeshift chess board, he couldn't help but chuckle.

He had dived into this world of pirates and danger, prepared for fights and deception, only to find himself in a chess match in a coffee shop.

Life really was full of surprises.

"So, this is how pirate deals are done these days, huh?" He quipped, smiling wryly at Skarn.

Skarn simply shrugged, laughing heartily,

"Welcome to the pirate's life, Uroki. Now, let the game begin!"