Chapter 40: It's Time To Duel (Again)?

In no time at all my group arrived back at the Black Pearl.

Once we did so we filled in Law, Bepo, and Robin on what happened while we were in town.

From me learning I am carrying around a meito, and the strange proposition Yun Ka-Fai made us.

Once I was done giving the explanation Law asked a question.

"So, should we leave the island?"

"I don't think there is any need to rush." I replied. "If Yun Ka-Fai wanted to start a confrontation with us he could've done so earlier. I don't think our bounties is what he's after."

"But he's definitely after something given the way you've described his actions captain." Robin spoke.

"Yeah he is. I just can't figure out what." I replied.

Which is giving me anxiety.

"Anyway, for now let's just go about our business. We still don't have all the supplies we need so leaving the island right now would be dangerous. Let's continue to gather everything as we have been, but also let's make sure we are all prepared to escape should the need arise." I instructed the others. "Also, let's see if we can gather any substantial information on Yun Ka-Fai as well."

Since I am really curious as to who that old man truly is.

Everyone nodded at my words.

Once they did so we went our separate ways.

Returning to my personal captain I put away the personal belongings I bought while in town.

Including a male version of the morning after pill.

Yes, that's a thing here and boy am I glad. Given the way Alfia and I are now practically humping like rabbits I don't want her to end up with a bun in the oven.

Now that's not to say I don't ever want to have children some day. Because I do.

But I want to achieve my dreams first, or at least be in a better position to protect my child or children should they be born in the near future.

Seeing just how far the World Government went to get rid of Ace before he was even born should say everything about my fears of having a kid being justified.

After I put everything away I went over to my desk and opened up a meito encyclopedia I bought a while back to do research on my blade. But again, given all the other things I've been dealing with I haven't had the time.

Now after the confrontation today with Yun Ka-Fai's group I am making time.

Opening the book I looked through its pages, eventually finding the entry about Dragon Fang.

It truly is a meito and not just any meito but a named blade that falls into the category of the 21 Great Grade Blades. That means Dragon Fang is one the same level of quality Enma, Shisui, and Wado Ichimonji.

This also means that if I go through enough harsh battles with Dragon Fang at my side I might one day be able to turn the blade black, thus making it into a Supreme Grade Blade along the likes of Mihawk's Yoru.

"Nice." I mused.

Putting a grin on my face after I did so.

I then closed the Meito encyclopedia and retrieved Dragon Fang.

Heading out to the deck to do some training.

My partner and I need regular workouts if we are both going to advance in strength after all.

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(3rd Person: POV)

As the Thanatos Pirates were going about their business aboard their ship the Black Pearl, elsewhere Rean was fuming.

Having split up from his master Yun Ka-Fai and his granddaughter Anelace he was sitting along on a bench in a park. Biting his left thumb in anger.

Mainly regarding his masters decision to allow Roberts to keep Dragon Fang.

He just couldn't understand it.

Rean was an orphan. He grew up surviving on the streets until one fateful day he met mater Yun Ka-Fai and was taken in by him as one of his apprentices to be trained in the ways of his swordsmanship school style.

The Eight Leave One Blade School.

Grateful to his master Rean has been training hard over the years and come to see his master as a confidant as well as respect him immensely.

Rean generally trusted his masters judgement. But on the matter concerning Roberts and Dragon Fang he did not. Then there was the matter of Yun Ka-Fai wanting Rean and Robets to have a sparring match.

"Like a pirate would ever agree to such a thing." Rean said.

'Master, why did you ask that of him. More importantly why did you allow a pirate to retain such a precious blade? I don't understand.' Rean thought.

The more he tried to understand the motives behind his masters actions earlier today the more confused Rean got.

Eventually he decided to stop thinking about it all together.

Since he had come to a decision on his own.

'If master will not remove the blade from those pirates hands then I will do so myself.' Rean thought.

He then picked up his nodachi, a determined expression on his face.

Leaving the park Rean went to go confront the Thanatos pirates.

A decision that would not turn out the way he expected at all.

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(Roberts: POV)

Finishing up my last few practice swings with Dragon Fang I sheathed it.

I then grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat off my body, taking a drink of some water I set aside earlier.

Just after I did so I sensed a rather strong and determined individual heading towards the Black Pearl.

Heading over to the right side of the ship I leaned across the railing and saw Rean approaching us from the docks, a determined expression on his face.

Coming to my side Alfia saw him as well and started getting a crazy look in her eyes. "That disgusting flea dares to show his face. It looks like I need to teach him his place."

"Hold off." I spoke.

"Yes." Alfia replied.

As she did so I used the boarding plank to walk down and then went to meet Rean.

"What do you want?" I asked him.

"I have come to challenge you." Rean stated.

"Look like I told your master earlier I am not interested in the challenge he issued." I replied.

"My master has nothing to do with this. I have come to challenge you of my own volition." Rean stated.

Thanks to my observation haki I can tell he's speaking the truth.

"My terms are simple. I win and you hand over the Dragon Fang to me. You win and I will do anything you ask of me." Rean replied.

"You know we are pirates right?" I asked him.

"Of course." Rean said. "Even so if you have any honor whatsoever you'll accept my challenge." He said.

Drawing his nodachi as he did so.

'This guy.' I thought. He's headstrong from the look of thing.

I mean coming at a group of pirates alone especially given how we easily cornered him earlier. He's definitely a bit crazy.

But I have to say I respect his tenacity and straightforwardness.

"So, do you accept the terms of the challenge? Rean asked me.

"Yeah, sure." I replied. I then drew Dragon Fang from its sheathe and pointed its tip in Rean direction.

I guess it's time for me to duel.

Again.