Having played rock-paper-scissors since childhood, Arashi found dealing with Mihawk ridiculously easy.
In this domain, he could truly be called undefeated.
Back when he was developing shared software in his previous life, he and several college buddies had used this exact method to settle company decisions.
The first time, he won control of the startup's core leadership.
The second time, he secured absolute decision-making authority.
The third time, after investors came in, he claimed a 51% controlling stake.
Even when he was preparing to cash out and exit...
…
The result was obvious.
Mihawk had fallen into Arashi's trap once again, completely unable to escape!
An hour later, Mihawk had lost so badly that he began to question his entire existence.
If not for his strong will as a true powerhouse, he might have already broken down.
Fortunately, there was fine wine to accompany them.
Before long, as Mihawk continued to lose and drink, he completely forgot about challenging Arashi to a duel. Eventually, he even stopped playing rock-paper-scissors altogether, grabbing a bottle and drinking himself into oblivion with Arashi.
After the Traveler set sail into the West Blue, Arashi didn't bother worrying about their destination. As long as they reached somewhere new, that was all that mattered!
So after drinking nearly the entire night with Mihawk, he returned straight to his cabin and collapsed into bed.
Mihawk, too, slept exceptionally well.
After all, he no longer had to worry about his small boat being carried away by the waves again!
For that, he had to thank Arashi. If not for Arashi's friendly reminder, he might have woken up only to find himself stranded on the Traveler again, forced to stay and repair his boat.
The next day.
Mihawk woke up before Arashi. Seeing that Arashi was still fast asleep, he quickly stood up, straightened his messy hair in front of a mirror, and rubbed his slightly swollen eyes.
Once he put on his hat, Mihawk instantly returned to his cold and aloof demeanor.
Then, he turned and strode away with elegance…
After taking just two steps, he suddenly spun around, dashed to the liquor cabinet, grabbed two bottles, and bolted!
Rushing out of the cabin and back onto his coffin-shaped boat, Mihawk glanced back at the Traveler. Seeing no movement from Arashi, he finally let out a sigh of relief.
He then hid the two bottles in a corner of his boat, sat down steadily, and fixed his sharp gaze forward!
As for why Arashi had suddenly come to the West Blue, he had no interest in digging deeper.
Because Arashi had always been unpredictable, never acting according to common sense.
So, while Arashi was still asleep, he had to leave immediately.
Otherwise, if he stayed on the Traveler any longer, he might not even recognize himself anymore.
In short—drink, then leave immediately. That was the correct approach when dealing with Arashi!
Arashi wasn't pretending to sleep. With Mihawk, a free top-tier bodyguard, on board, there was absolutely nothing to worry about.
"Ah… that felt good…"
Still half-asleep, Arashi staggered onto the deck. Standing at the ship's edge and relieving himself into the wind, he couldn't help but shiver.
There was simply nothing better than facing the sea in the morning and letting it all out!
"Hm?"
As he zipped up, Arashi glanced down at the sea.
When he noticed that Mihawk's coffin boat had disappeared again, he immediately shouted toward the cabin:
"Mihawk, your boat—"
Before he could finish, Arashi suddenly cursed, his eyes widening as he stared at a faintly visible port in the distance.
"Where the hell have I drifted to this time?"
"Help… help us…"
Before Arashi could fully process the situation, a cry for help came from the sea.
Following the sound, he saw a thick wooden plank floating on the water, with two men clinging to it desperately as they swam toward him.
"Please, save us… our ship was destroyed…"
As they approached the Traveler, one of the men looked up. The moment he saw Arashi standing at the ship's edge, his eyes widened in shock as if struck by lightning. Stammering, he exclaimed:
"Y-you… how is it you?!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the man panicked and tried to change direction.
Last night, under the flashes of lightning, he had clearly seen Arashi's face. He had also witnessed Mihawk slicing their ship apart before boarding this man's vessel.
Although he didn't know the exact relationship between Arashi and Mihawk, anyone who could associate with the world's greatest swordsman was definitely no ordinary person.
"???"
Arashi blinked in confusion.
"You know me?"
"Oh~~ I get it!"
Suddenly enlightened, Arashi smiled.
"You're the pirates from last night, right? Don't worry. Even though I know Mihawk, I'm not into fighting and killing. Come on, get aboard!"
The man, who had been about to flee, froze in disbelief upon hearing this. Slowly turning back, he asked cautiously:
"Y-you're… going to help us?"
As he spoke, tears began streaming down his face.
It wasn't that they were weak—rather, they had no strength left to endure. Drifting all the way from that terrifying sea area to here had already exhausted them completely.
Even if Arashi hadn't killed them, they wouldn't have lasted much longer. In the end, they would have simply sunk into the ocean.
Yet not only was Arashi sparing them, he was even letting them board his ship. How could they not be moved?
Soon, the two pirates climbed onto the Traveler, standing before Arashi with trembling bodies.
"Mihawk left early this morning."
Seeing through their thoughts, Arashi walked over to a chair on the deck and sat down.
"And I'm just a traveler, so there's no need to be afraid! If you can't stand, then sit. You can even lie down and sleep if you want."
After confirming that Arashi meant them no harm, the two pirates could no longer hold back. With a thud, they dropped to their knees on the deck, saying emotionally:
"Thank you! Thank you so much!!"
Watching them bow repeatedly, Arashi couldn't help but laugh.
What pirates? They were clearly just a pair of unlucky brothers.
"As pirates, being this cowardly won't do."
Suppressing his laughter, Arashi deliberately put on a fierce expression.
"Come on, come on—act a little more arrogant!"
Extra chapters are already prepared… waiting to be unleashed.
Get early access on Patreon:
patreon.com/c/DreamWriterStudios
Want more chapters? You decide the pace:
✨ 10 Reviews = 1 Bonus Chapter
🔥 200 Power Stones = Another Release
Your support fuels the journey.
The stronger your backing… the faster the story unfolds.