On a certain island, the pirates were having an all-night celebration.
Here, there was a tavern called “Sea’s Bubble,” which in its early days was mainly used for temporarily storing weapons and contraband. Over time, it became a popular gathering place for pirates.
The reason was simple: the tavern owner was very well-connected, and no navy ship had ever visited the island. Anyone, no matter who they were, could rest and recuperate here.
The only condition was that they had enough Beli in their pockets.
The Sea’s Bubble Tavern was a simple structure made of wood and tin sheets, looking like an old ship that had weathered many storms. The windows were thickly boarded up, with patches of age all over them. Though it appeared dilapidated, its unique charm made every passing pirate stop in their tracks.
This included the group from the Black Cat Pirates who had just disembarked.
“I like the feel of this place,” Fang Bo said with a smile, pushing open the wooden door and stepping into the noisy tavern.
As he had imagined, the interior was filled with rough wooden tables and chairs, all marked by various weapon cuts. Brawls were a common occurrence here.
Silently, he lit a cigar, a trophy from a previous battle. It had no special effects but helped mask the mixed smells of tobacco, strong liquor, and sweat.
This unique “aroma” was something no pirate could resist, and Fang Bo felt quite at home there.
He ordered a strong whiskey and quietly observed the surroundings, looking for potential recruits.
“Hey, did you hear? The Pirate Admiral just attacked a navy base.”
“That news has spread everywhere. Poor 153rd Branch, what a run of bad luck.”
“I heard Captain Kuro was executed?”
“Ha, I told you the Black Cat Pirates were no good. Now look, even their captain got caught.”
Stopping the almost-raging Paul, Fang Bo waved his hand and said, “Wait a bit, it’s not time yet.”
“Okay.” Paul, loyal to him, immediately sat back down.
However, this action was noticed.
Holding his cigar, Fang Bo calmly turned his gaze to a corner of the tavern.
The place was bustling with pirates exchanging adventure stories, and the whole room was filled with people. Yet that corner was strangely spacious as if they wouldn’t squeeze into that area no matter how rowdy the pirates were.
There could only be two reasons for this.
First, an extremely terrifying figure was there, someone widely known.
Second, someone had tried to intrude but had a very unpleasant experience, making others cautious about approaching.
Paul’s earlier action had caught the attention of a few in that corner, and Fang Bo could see them pointing and whispering about them.
“Barkeep.” He tapped the table and quietly slid over a large denomination bill. “Tell me about those guests.”
The owner of the Sea’s Bubble liked to be called the first mate, though Fang Bo didn’t address him that way. However, the money made him overlook the slight.
As for intelligence, the owner claimed he had principles and wouldn’t betray his patrons’ privacy.
Seeing the barkeep shake his head silently, Fang Bo thought momentarily. He pulled out ten times the amount and placed it on the table.
“They’re from the Alvida Pirates,” the owner said, pocketing the money. “Half an hour ago, a group of pirates tried to get the girls to drink with them.”
“And?”
“If you go out now, you might still see their bodies in the ditch.”
The barkeep handed Fang Bo a bottle of homemade liquor called Sea’s Flame. The unique flavor enchanted everyone who tasted it, and the barkeep added, “Try it, guest.”
The barkeep’s radiant smile made Fang Bo uncomfortable; he preferred the man’s usual arrogant demeanour.
As for the intelligence, it confirmed Fang Bo’s suspicion: these women were no ordinary people.
The Alvida Pirates were the first enemies Straw Hat Luffy encountered after setting out to sea.
The captain, Alvida, prided herself on her beauty, claiming to be the most beautiful woman on the sea. In reality, she was a freckled, obese woman.
Alvida’s bounty was five million Beli, similar to Fang Bo’s current status, and her strength was relatively weak.
Later, she consumed a Devil Fruit, transforming into a sexy beauty, which significantly boosted her strength and made her personality more alluring.
We could absorb the Alvida Pirates.
As he glanced back, Fang Bo noticed a beautiful woman walking toward him.
Pirates around her made way, looking like gentlemen.
It seemed she was the one who had acted earlier.
After carefully examining her, Fang Bo found her aura strange. When she sat down, he had already guessed her identity.
“Didn’t expect to run into a fellow here.”
“It is a surprise.” The woman extended her hand, her gaze calm. “I’m Ryuno. Nice to meet you, the most wanted criminal, Jason.”
“Your intel is sharp.”
“The Sound Nest Squad didn’t hide their defeat.”
Fang Bo thought it must be them; they still threw a wrench into his plans even after losing.
Now everyone knew the name “Jason the Brutal,” making it harder for him to lay low.
“Just luck,” Fang Bo shook his head, not showing any pride.
Seeing his reluctance to talk, Ryuno didn’t press further. They weren’t close, so it was better to keep some distance.
After downing a glass of Sea’s Flame, Ryuno suddenly asked, “After your battle with the Sound Nest Squad, the Black Cat Pirates must have suffered heavy losses. You must be in need of new recruits.”
Ordering another drink, Fang Bo smiled and gestured for her to continue.
“I know of a big job that can get you a lot of money, enough to recruit many pirates.”
Guessing her intention, Fang Bo coolly asked, “I need specifics.”
“Over seven hundred million in value.”
Ryuno thought he would question or doubt her, which was understandable. She wouldn’t trust a stranger either.
But he just quietly watched her.
After a while, Fang Bo finally spoke, “Show me your strength.”
She sought his help likely because she couldn’t handle it alone and valued his victory over the Sound Nest Squad.
Her strength would give a clue about the enemy’s power.
“Alright, let’s go behind the tavern.”
Soon, they moved to an open area behind the tavern, with the rest of the Alvida Pirates following. They were uneasy about her facing the Black Cat Pirates alone.
Inside, the curious crowd, seeing a fight about to start, eagerly followed for the show.
Even the barkeep grabbed a stool, knowing a good show was coming.
Hearing it was the Black Cat Pirates led by the infamous Jason, some who had badmouthed him earlier sobered up quickly.
“Boss, let me handle this,” Paul, eager to prove himself, stepped up.
With the cursed blade, his power was only slightly below Buji and Sam, making him a mainstay of the Black Cat Pirates.
Without external factors, Paul could defeat most reincarnators in a duel.
In contrast, Ryuno was a mystery. Fang Bo didn’t want to scan her directly out of politeness.
“No worries. Once the fight starts, her abilities will be revealed.”
“You two may begin. Remember, this is just a spar.”
With everyone’s attention, Paul drew his cursed blade and charged at Ryuno.
A purple glow surrounded the blade, indicating it was no ordinary weapon.
Facing Paul’s fierce charge, Ryuno extended her fingers, drawing a bright hexagram in the air.
In an instant, a blue talisman appeared.
“A Taoist?” Fang Bo found it odd but soon realised it was more complex.
Spirit Command: Bind!
The talisman turned into tangible chains, binding Paul despite his struggles.
Ignoring his frantic attempts to break free, Ryuno drew another talisman and placed it at her feet.
Summon Shikigami: Akashita!
Seeing the four-eyed demon with a red tongue, Fang Bo finally understood her identity.
She wasn’t a Taoist but an Onmyoji.
Onmyoji Ryuno is a name known to veteran reincarnators, especially those aware of top-tier rookies.
Akashita, with its red eyes, summoned thunderclouds with a drumbeat.
Trapped by the spirit chains, Paul could only watch as lightning struck him.
Luckily, she held back, so he ended up charred rather than dead.
“Boss, I lost.” Paul looked frustrated.
“Don’t worry about it.” Fang Bo patted his shoulder, then asked the barkeep for a room for Paul to clean up.
After taking care of this, he turned back to examine the Onmyoji.
“Do you have other shikigami?” Fang Bo asked, curious.
“Yes.”
“Do they take up skill slots?”
“Of course.”
It was his first time encountering a summoner-type reincarnator, and he had many questions.
As for the potential alliance…
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