Because there were too many pirates, the Infinite Dream couldn’t accommodate everyone. So, Icey temporarily housed them on Ginrummy’s pirate ship.
Using a public transponder snail, they contacted the nearest Navy branch and requested a warship take them into custody.
While Icey and the others were busy tying up and packaging the Krieg Pirates, Gin sat silently on the deck, his face dark.
Once they finished and returned to the Infinite Dream, Gin slowly stood up. He pointed it straight at Icey’s head with his iron-ball flail, issuing a life-or-death challenge.
Though conflicted, as a member of Krieg’s pirate crew, he felt he had to fight until the end!
Seeing the resolve in Gin’s eyes, Icey, despite his exhaustion, decisively accepted the challenge.
No words were needed between men.
Soon, the two, armed with their weapons, began their duel on the deck of the Infinite Dream!
Surprisingly, Aqua didn’t cause any trouble. Instead, she poured herself a chilled cola, sat nearby with her legs crossed, and watched.
King remained his usual stoic self, arms crossed, though the slight furrow in his brow indicated he was still pondering why the pirates hadn’t fired at him.
Despite their short time together, Aqua and King both understood the kind of person Gin was and weren’t particularly concerned about the so-called “life-or-death battle.”
Indeed, as they expected, within a few rounds, Icey disarmed Gin and left him sprawled on the deck in a “T” position.
Apart from his current lack of strength compared to Icey, the main reason was that he never intended to win from the start!
“It’s over, Gin.”
Icey held his sword single-handedly, the sharp tip aimed at Gin’s head.
This was the first time Icey had addressed him by his real name.
The sharp blade reflected a cold, eerie light, mirroring both of their faces.
Gin stared straight at the sword tip inches from his forehead, his eyes calm and devoid of fear.
“Mr. Icey, thank you. And thank you, Miss Aqua and Mr. King. The days I spent in the sea restaurant were the happiest of my life.”
“Do it.”
Gin slowly closed his eyes, awaiting death.
Having chosen the life of a pirate, he was prepared for the possibility of being cut down by other pirates or the Navy.
Dying at the hands of his benefactor who avenged his family was the greatest gift from heaven!
With this thought, a faint smile appeared on Gin’s lips.
Whoosh!
The sound of the sword slicing through the air echoed, and the deck beneath him vibrated slightly.
The expected pain and release did not come.
“Mr. Icey, what are you…”
Opening his eyes, Gin saw the blade embedded in the deck beside his head, confusion and surprise in his voice.
“Eradicating all pirates for justice isn’t something a mere sea restaurant owner like me should do.”
Icey sheathed his sword and turned to look at the wreckage of Krieg’s fleet floating on the sea.
“The combat captain of Krieg’s pirate crew died earlier. Now, you’re just a temporary worker I’ve taken pity on.”
“Don’t die before repaying your debt, Gin.”
He reverted to addressing Gin by his alias.
Gin stared blankly at Icey’s imposing figure bathed in sunlight, his throat moving but unable to speak.
A man of Icey’s strength wouldn’t care about such a trivial debt.
Quickly, Gin realized Icey’s true intention.
He was willing to give Gin a chance—a chance to atone for his many sins!
With this realization, even a battle-hardened man like Gin couldn’t suppress the lump in his throat.
Hot tears, like the flood summoned by Aqua, flowed uncontrollably from his eyes, soaking his face.
“Thank you, thank you, Mr. Icey…”
Gin—or rather, Bisginn—covered his face with his hand, sobbing.
“So, Bisginn, want to join my crew? It may not be as lucrative as piracy, but you won’t go hungry,” Icey said, turning around.
After defeating Krieg, Icey had saved some energy for unforeseen situations.
His show of exhaustion was mostly for Gin’s benefit.
Clearly, Gin’s response had passed Icey’s “test.”
Given Gin’s decent talent, combat ability, and intelligence, Icey extended the invitation.
“That’s right, Bisginn, just stay on the ship. Although you’re a pirate, I find you quite likable,” Aqua chimed in, drinking her cola.
With Bisginn around, she could say goodbye to all the dirty and tiring chores on the ship.
Compared to that, being a pirate didn’t matter at all!
“Mr. Icey, Miss Aqua, even knowing I’m a heinous pirate, you still…”
Lying on the deck, Gin widened his eyes, unable to believe his ears.
Staring at the clear blue sky, past memories flashed through his mind.
Wiping his tears away, his gaze became resolute.
“Sorry, I can’t accept your offer.”
“Until I’ve atoned for my sins, I don’t deserve to stay on this ship.”
…
In the end, determined to change, Bisginn left the Infinite Dream on a dilapidated small boat.
“Miss Aqua! Can someone as terrible as me join the Axis Order?!”
Alone, floating on the waves, he shouted back to Aqua on the deck.
While working at the sea restaurant, Aqua, the enthusiastic and narcissistic Water Goddess, naturally introduced him to the Axis Order.
“Of course! As long as you believe in me and spread the teachings, you’ll always be a member of the Axis Order!” Aqua responded.
Spread the teachings…
Hearing this, Bisginn wept again.
Feeling a sense of redemption, the fierce glint in his eyes softened.
“Though it may be shameless to say, Miss Aqua, Mr. Icey, and Mr. King…”
“See you again in the Grand Line!”
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