Chapter 9: Pirate Hunting!

Markus watched Harlen and Anderson fight hand to hand. They were both blindfolded and using Haki with Anderson trying to unlock his Armament now. Markus had forced Anderson's Observation to unlock using similar methods to Shisu unlocking his Conqueror's. Markus looked over at his system.

[Pirate Crew:

Celestial Dragon Pirates - F

Captain - Markus Lv. 61

Vice-Captain - Harlen Lv. 45

Navigator - Anderson Lv. 39

Increases all stats of crew members by 1%! 

Increase Crew rank by recruiting members and reaching higher levels!

E-Rank Requirement:

1/2 Crew Members Level 50/ 3/20 Crew Members!]

In just a week Harlen had unlocked Observation, having touched upon it against "Deadeye" Maddison, and quickly developed his Armament to coat his arms and legs easily. All three had also started heavily training the Marines Six Style with Markus getting the most out of it.

[Skills:

[Rokushiki: Soru - Level: 2 [130/20,000]

Permanent .2% speed! Increase speed by up to 10 times in quick bursts!]

[Rokushiki: Tekkai - Level: 1 [2,954/10,000]

Permanent .1% defense! Increase defense by up to 10 times by flexing your muscles!]

[Rokushiki: Shigan - Level: 1 [9,420/10,000]

Permanent .1% durability! Unleash quick and powerful stabs with one's fingers!]

[Rokushiki: Geppo - Level: 1 [25/10,000]

Permanent .1% will! Rapidly kick against gravity to stay a float!]

[Rokushiki: Kami-e - Level: 2 [501/20,000]

Permanent .2% dexterity! Relax the user's body and make it take on the characteristics of a piece of paper!]

[Rokushiki: Rankyaku - Level: 1 [4,497/10,000]

Permanent .1% agility! Kick with extreme speed and strength sending out a blade of compressed air!]

He could already use all the moves except for the combined Rokuougan which requires mastery in all abilities. Currently he could use Soru with no problems, Tekkai to block almost anything without Haki, Shigan to pierce stone, Geppo to take two steps through the air, Kami-e to easily dodge Harlen blindfolded, and Rankyaku to unleash two blades with either leg before cramping.

He had made large progress within the last week just not as much as his crew. 

The three trained for hours before another island was finally within their view. It was quite large with multiple villages on opposite ends. They tied their ship at a port and paid a few berris before heading to a bar.

Markus pulled his usual trick with bartenders and quickly learned the town was a chain in a circle around the island controlled completely by pirates. 

"What about the Marines?" They were disappointed to learn the Marines were on the pirates payroll.

"So? Who are these pirates exactly?" Markus slid a few more berris while the bartender became skittish. The bartender gulped before grabbing the money with a shaky hand.

"It's the Jasa Pirates. The captain has a bounty of 45 million but that's an understatement. He has a Devil Fruit. Some rare animal or whatever but it's strong. Fast and powerful and he doesn't drown even though he's a human." They learned a few things about the pirates and marines that angered them but Markus let it go and focused.

"Do you know of anyone that's a good cook or doctor or musician?" The bartender seemed to hesitate before leaning in.

"I heard the number one chef in the south blue was recently kidnapped by Jasa; however, that's just a rumor." After some more thinking the bartender shook her head and walked away as they got food and drinks. Markus stuffed his face quickly before spitting it out, surprising his crew.

"Markus?!/Captain!? Are you okay?!" Markus looked annoyed at their shouting but smiled inwardly as he waved them off. 

"I've decided! This mystery chef is now our chef!! We can't eat this commoner food! We need food prepared by the Future Chef of the Future King of the World!!" Everyone in the bar became terrified and a few foamed at the mouth as Markus unconsciously unleashed a miniscule amount of Conqueror's.

"Should have seen this coming…" Harlen sighed and rubbed his face but was smiling widely. "I guess it would be nice to finally have some good food."

"I feel like I'm going to miss it when I'm surprised by you like this captain." Anderson gave a light smile and nod that Markus happily returned.

"What can I say! I just wanna do what I want! What I want right now is a cook! So let's go explore for a new crewmate!" The three split up to search.

"How can over fifty people pass out instantly and no one know what fucking happened!?!" A fat man shouted at a few people cowering. They all backed away from the raging mammoth of a man. "Tell me where the fuck this cash cow is?!! How can you just lose 80 fucking million?!!?"

"But sir! We all tried to follow it was just like he disappeared. We still have his crew. We can use them against him." A short stocky woman pushed her glassed up as she tried to calm the man, and herself. 

"Pfft! As if! You read the same papers I did and he has a bounty of 80 million! He's a mass murderer! Pirates like us don't care for you weaklings! If they get caught then they aren't worth it! YAYAYAYAYAYAYA!!" The man's entire body shook as he laughed. "Just kill them!"

****

Harlen was currently trying the different street foods available across Oprea Island, finding each one better than the last. He spent most of his funds on food before stopping in front of a tattoo shop. He looked up at the sign before walking in.

A few pirates walked out from the alleys and converged to enter the tattoo shop but were quickly surprised when the first man to enter was lit up with gunfire. The remaining pirates dove for cover quickly while Harlen reloaded the pistol Markus gave him before slipping on his brass knuckles and running out the back.

The pirates followed where the first one was quickly met with brass knuckles to the back of his skull causing him to drop. They all turned to find Harlen already running down the alley. They shouted for him to stop and chased after him. 

Harlen weaved in and out of alleys and around buildings with no clear destination in mind before he turned a corner on a few pirates. They ran around to find no one there. They looked around the block before spreading out. Harlen laid on top of a building with an annoyed glare at the pirates' backs. 

Harlen looked around before closing his eyes and sitting with his legs crossed. Harlen took a deep breath and let his Haki envelop the roof area before slowly spreading around. He was only able to see 30 meters but that was more than enough for him to see a few pirate groups still searching. 

Harlen perked up as a few pirates walked into his range talking. He could barely hear it but from what he could make out the pirates were hunting them. Harlen quickly stood up but left his Observation going to see around him.

Anderson whistled as he walked around the island searching for different fish and bait while trying to ask around about a good cook. He was a little surprised, but quickly swept it away, to find that no one seemed to know anything but Anderson didn't take it to heart as he kept searching.

He was getting a little nervous with how nervous the people he interacted with acted though. Anderson started becoming suspicious as he turned down an alley. Like with Harlen multiple pirates emerged from around the area and followed Anderson. Almost instantly four pirates found a wire wrapped around them before being flung into a wall before slamming into the ground unconscious.

Anderson stood on a building and reeled his fishing line in before he dropped on top of another pirate before baseball swinging his rod with the little Armament he could muster into a pirate's head knocking him out. Anderson huffed and quickly fled as he started looking for the chef again.

Harlen was busy in a brawl with ten pirates. He weaved around a punch before spinning and dodging a tackle. He kicked the leg of the man charging him causing him to collapse before kicking him in the temple and backing up. Harlen tilted his head dodging a punch from behind before spinning again into a kick into the man's neck.

'Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Where are the other two idiots?!?' Harlen was mostly calm but his mind was still panicking from stress trying to survive the pirates going for his head. He felt his hair on his neck stand up before lowering his head into a bow. The pirate in front of him stopped his punch as a bullet tore through his face. 

"Fuck! This guy got a six sense or something?!" The pirates started to panic, themselves not able to touch Harlen while he easily knocked out or killed each opponent. Harlen sidestepped a sword before kicking the man away and sensing over thirty more pirates coming to attack. Harlen cursed and made a tactical retreat by using Armament and a bastard Soru to speed up and find another roof to hide on. 

He crouched and walked across a roof while monitoring the area using his Haki before taking a seat and resting his head on the side. He took a deep breath before his eyes opened. He got up and ran over the edge onto another building before jumping a few more until he saw his Captain watching the village from a rooftop.

"Captain! The Jasa Pirates are hunting us! From what I understand they want our bounties!" Markus slowly turned to meet Harlen's gaze before smiling.

"Yep! Isn't it great!" Harlen stumbled before realizing who he was talking to.

"You wanted this didn't you?" Markus chuckled.

"Hey it's not my fault they want to serve us with some training. I think it's great so I'm gonna let you and Anderson deal with it. I'll take care of Jasa, just get me to him." Markus stood in front of Harlen who seemed to be thinking.

"Alright. In that case we should get Anderson and just attack them." Harlen tried to think like his captain and assumed he was right considering Markus's smile became cruel. He decided that regrouping with Anderson before fighting would be better than running around the island like an idiot.

"Lead the way Vice-Captain." Markus was interested in how Harlen would handle this situation and honestly didn't believe he was a perfect Captain yet but still wanted to see how his crew could work by themselves. Markus watched Anderson from a distance as he barely dodged an ambush and was currently using his Fishing Rod to deflect a sword.

Harlen broke out into a sprint first as he jumped off the three story building without care. Markus quickly followed. They both landed into a roll before breaking out into full sprints towards Anderson. Markus obviously found him first with Haki but let Harlen look around for a second before taking off into Andersons location.

Markus was about to slow down and watched as Harlen jumped over a pirate before drop kicking one about to attack Anderson. Anderson quickly recovered and spun around going back to back with Harlen, once he stood back up. Harlen was in his combat stance with brass knuckles and wide eyes while Anderson held his Fishing Pole with a strong grip.

Markus smiled as he watched them dance around each other in a very fluid teamwork looking to have fought with each other for years not only a little over a month. They had grown from normal Blue pirates to Elite Blue pirates. Markus didn't know too much about the average Paradise or New world pirate but he was more than sure they were ready for Paradise.

They quickly took out the pirates in the area, strengthening themselves. Markus smiled, happy they won, and walked towards them.

"Good work!" Anderson nodded while Harlen smiled softly. 

"So what now Captain?" Anderson asked first as he sat down with his fishing pole. Markus thought to himself for only a second before laughing loud enough to alert everyone in over 40 meters.

"Change of plans! Let's just kill all these pirates and take our cook! Come on guys! We got a crewmate to recruit!" Markus let his Haki explode while Anderson and Harlen sighed in resignation. They both stood up with serious glares watching carefully as pirates surrounded them. "Whoever takes down the least has to clean the shitter for the next month!"

"Fuck that!/Please no!" Harlen and Anderson shouted respectfully in almost actual pain at the idea. They quickly got ready before they all charged in different directions. Harlen was the most precise, quickly taking one at a time with a fast barrage of punches, dancing between them with Haki. Anderson took a more support role finding pirates to quickly tie up to attack or let Harlen and Markus attack. Markus was the most destructive as he charged forward, tanking every attack and unleashing powerful slashes trying to refine his Haki, not to much success.

He could feel his stats, haki, and other skills improve sure but it wasn't the same when he grew. When he gained experience through battle or used his abilities he would get stronger but when he actually learns and improves his stats accordingly he understands exactly how to use them as well. Whenever he fought Shisu he would gain a more detailed understanding from each hit received, given, or move made; however, right now he could just feel his strength grow with no real definition.

Markus focused more on Swordsmanship as he finished cleaning out an entire street of almost hundred pirates and turned to see Anderson and Harlen teamed up about to finish the rest of the pirates. He smiled proudly at their use of Haki, inefficient as it currently was, and applauded their ingenuity with their fighting styles. Harlen was all about quick and efficient strikes before running, Guerrilla Tactics. While Anderson preferred using his unique fishing pole with a modified line to restrain or trap his opponents before striking them down using a gun or his fist.

Markus closed his eyes and extended his Haki to almost 70 meters before feeling his Haki rush back. He didn't know who he was searching for but assumed they weren't around not seeing anyone special so he drugged them across the island to another town. 

Upon arrival the pirates were already waiting with weapons aimed at them. Markus stood in front of his small crew with a huge smile not spotting anyone interesting before unleashing his Conqueror's in a controlled blast to cover the area. No one moved for a second before those holding guns dropped like flies. 

Harlen and Anderson didn't need any confirmation before rushing towards the pirates. Markus watched in glee as his two crew members absolutely decimated the South Blue pirates, using only two months for Harlen and a month for Anderson for training. Markus was happy with his crew's progress.

They searched around but only found celebrating villagers that Markus ignored and quickly moved on to the next town. They repeated the process and within ten hours as the sun started setting the Celestial Dragon Pirates had visited all seven villages on the island and hadn't found their crew member or Jasa. Markus was starting to get pissy by releasing his Haki across the island as he searched.

It was nearly night when they stopped at a bar in annoyance. Markus huffed and dropped some money to a beautiful blonde haired woman behind the bar at a grill. She seemed to be busy cooking a few different meals but easily took the money and got them their drinks. Markus noticed she had dimples yet instead of a smile she had a fierce glare as she cooked in an aggressive manner.

"Hello! I was wondering a few things?" Markus smiled politely and set some money down. The woman looked at him before taking the money and going back to cooking.

"I ain't tellin' ya shit lad! You can go suck a donkey dick for all I care, okay pretty boy?" Harlen and Anderson were quickly stumped at the women's harsh language while Markus's smile quickly became flirty.

"Pretty? You think?" The woman looked at him like he was an idiot before looking back at the grill.

"I ain't got time to play with ya lad so either order or beat it!" The woman flung the spatula she held around as she shouted before perfectly plating three orders and handing them off to a nearby waiter.

"Now, now! I'm Markus! Captain of the Celestial Dragon Pirates!" The woman along with all the people in the bar froze. Harlen and Anderson kept casual while Markus leaned forward with a smile. The woman looked at him in shock before glaring again.

"I don't care about your death wish so order and don't cause issues for these people or beat it!" Markus just laughed loudly.

"I'll take ten of everything on the menu! Money's no issue! Oh and whatever these two want!" Harlen and Anderson chimed in with their food. The woman had no issue making all the food Markus wanted but was soon stunned to find he actually ate it all. She watched in shock as Markus patted his inflated stomach that seemed to readjust to normal almost instantly. She along with others became slightly jealous.

"You've eaten and taken care of the pirates, now leave!" The woman waved them off and went back to cooking again.

"No!" Markus smiled proudly like an arrogant child while everyone stumbled.

"The hell you mean no?!" Markus waved his hand before pointing up one finger.

"One! I haven't completed my main goal in coming here! Two! I haven't killed Jasa! Three! We still need to resupply!" Markus held his hand up and laughed almost mockingly while a tick mark quickly grew on the woman's temple. The woman served a few more orders before replying.

"Fine! Jasa's probably in his hideout in the center of the island just twenty minutes from here and you can just resupply here. What the hell is your "main" goal?" 

"Hahaha! To recruit a cook! I heard Jasa kidnapped a cook recently! I can see the chain on your ankle. You not only are the only person on this entire island with blonde hair but also called them "these" people so I assume you're the cook he took?" The woman seemed pissed off.

"Took?! Please! That bastard held my parents hostage at our fucking resteraunt and forced me to come along! Talking about my perfect food and perfect body! Like that limp dicked, narcissistic, $@$&!,$($&@!!&$(@@#$)(&@@&^$%(&!" The woman went off into a heart filled anger spew at Jasa before taking a deep breath and shaking her head. "I'm Rebecca. I was a chef in my parents' restaurant until Jasa raided us. Now I stay here."

Markus noticed her grinding her teeth in frustration while glaring at the chain around her ankle. He smiled and walked around the counter and unsheathed his sword, scaring Rebecca.

"Hey now man! Chill!" Markus chuckled and slashed his sword. Everyone shouted trying to stop him but were quickly surprised to see the chains roughly break from his Haki. Markus sheathed his sword and sat back down while Rebecca just looked at him strangely. "You're a weird pirate ya know?"

"I've been told!" Markus responded cheerfully while Rebecca looked at him for a few minutes.

"Fine. Defeat Jasa and I'll join as your cook." Markus jumped up with Harlen and Anderson quickly.

"Welcome to the crew! We have a small ship in the next town west of here. If you could resupply for us we'll meet you there! We have work to do! Come on, we have a crewmate to avenge!!" Markus ran out quickly leaving a stunned bar with Anderson following. 

"Excuse our Captain but once he's decided you can't change his mind so welcome to the crew. Our ship is actually south from here and is much smaller than he means so we will steal another just bring the supplies to Lieford Village East of here there are a few abandoned, a little bloody, ships." Harlen bowed to Rebecca, surprising her with how nice and respectful he was compared to the brutish and overly simplistic Markus.

Harlen quickly caught up with Markus and Anderson as they headed towards Jasa. Markus had a cruel smile while Anderson and Harlen were much calmer.

"Bout time Harls! Let's go Pirate Hunting! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!"

3500~ Words