Off to the side, Hobodi didn't look happy at all. Buying a sword was one thing… but gifting it to someone else?And from the way I spoke, the recipient definitely sounded like a man.
That clearly bothered him. He was now debating whether he should still pay for the sword or not.
But that wasn't my problem. I didn't even glance his way. Instead, I pulled out a stack of Berries from my bag and tossed it onto the counter.
"My friend uses a two-sword style. Do you have any other blades?"
"…"
Hobodi froze. She's paying for it… herself? Wait—what kind of situation was this? Wasn't it standard that he should be footing the bill to impress the beauty?
I paid no mind to his confusion. My eyes stayed locked on the old shop owner, silently hoping he'd do exactly what he did in the anime—and go fetch Sandai Kitetsu.
Yes, I knew Zoro was a three-sword style swordsman… but the three-sword technique is insanely hard to explain in casual conversation. So I opted for the safer, more realistic two-sword style.Besides, I was only buying two blades, not three.
"Two-sword style, huh? Wait here…"
The old man went behind the counter and disappeared through a back door. I couldn't help smiling. Perfect. Just like the anime. Very well-behaved, old man.
"Kiana-chan, you…"
"What is it?"
I glanced at Hobodi curiously. No idea what he wanted now.
"Should I… pay for it?"
"No. I'm buying a gift for someone else. Why would you pay? What good would your money do?"
"…"
Logically, what I said made perfect sense—but Hobodi couldn't accept it. From his perspective, the original Kiana had agreed to visit the Baratie with him, which meant she had both beauty and elegance… but sex-wise, she should've been no different from the other women he'd dated.
So why… wouldn't she let him spend money on her? He simply couldn't comprehend it.
"Kept you waiting!"
The shop owner finally came back with a long sword and placed it on the table. I was pleasantly surprised—it really was Sandai Kitetsu.
"Take this one as well."
"This… this one is Sandai Kitetsu? R-Really? Isn't that a little too generous?"
I widened my eyes, playing up the surprise.
"Oh? Then forget it."
The old man reached to take the blade away—but I slammed my hand onto it immediately, pinning it to the table.
"You're not seriously taking it back now! Follow the proper storyline!"
I sighed heavily. This old man… doing everything except what I need.
"Didn't you just say you were embarrassed?"
"That was clearly just being polite!"
I snatched up the blade and hooked it at my waist with the other sword, snorting in irritation. That old man seriously had no idea how to follow a script.
"How much for both?"
"No charge. I only hope they'll shine anew in the hands of that swordsman."
"They will. No question about it."
With that, I secured Guiche and Sandai Kitetsu at my hip, and headed for the exit. Paired with the pulse dagger I already carried, I now looked like a female version of Zoro in every possible way.
Hobodi stared blankly at me—completely unable to process it. Why? Even if she didn't want me to pay for it… why did the shop owner just give her the blades for free?!
"…Forget it."
He finally gave up trying to understand. As long as he could earn my affection in the end, everything else was irrelevant.
He quickly followed and resumed his bragging.
"Did you know? About the biggest pirate crew in the East Blue—the Krieg Pirates?"
"I know of them. Why?"
"I captured one of their men recently. Soon, I'll discover Krieg's location. Word is—the Krieg Pirates just returned from the Grand Line… running away like beaten dogs. A perfect opening."
"Oh? And you're planning to capture him?"
"Exactly. Once I do, my rank in the Navy is assured to rise."
He grinned confidently—like the outcome was already guaranteed. All inside his head, of course.
"Have you fought him before? Krieg has a big reputation. Surely he's strong?"
"…"
Silence. That said everything. Clearly, Hobodi had no confidence in a direct confrontation. I already knew he was a minor character in the original story—practically cannon fodder.
"Have you discussed it with Captain Smoker? If he got involved, it'd be easy, wouldn't it?"
"…"
More silence. So he hadn't said anything to Smoker. He wanted the credit all to himself.Small-minded man… I see right through you.
But outwardly, I kept a polite expression.
"No need to trouble Colonel Smoker with something this minor. I can handle it alone. Krieg's just a big name—nothing to fear."
He puffed up his chest and declared his fantasy with all the bravado of a man lying to both me and himself.When a beauty is watching, a man will fatten his ego—no matter how many slaps it takes.
In truth, all he knew was that the Krieg Pirates got wrecked in the Grand Line and retreated in shame. No recent news. They were probably weak right now. Easy pickings… or so he hoped.
Two days ago he captured a Krieg underling and had him interrogated for info. So far, the man had refused to talk. Once Hobodi got something from him, he'd investigate quietly. If the pirates still had strength? He'd tell Smoker everything and let him handle it. If they were weak? He'd claim all the glory by himself.
No risk—only potential reward. His calculations were as loud as brass cymbals.
I didn't call him out. I still needed a ride to Baratie. No sense burning bridges yet.
Soon, we reached the port. Hobodi's warship floated calmly on the sea. The sailors aboard spotted him and saluted immediately—while sneaking envious glances at me.
"Set course for Baratie."
"Yes, sir!"
Hobodi gave orders, then turned to flash me another charming smile—though I ignored it and looked out toward the sea.
Baratie… the location of the first Dragon Ball is finally close. Even if I haven't obtained it yet… it's practically mine already. After all, the conditions for this first Dragon Ball are absurdly easy.