"The captain's here. Looks like that young man is our new crewmate," Burgess roared with laughter, flexing his massive arms. "This time, it's a guy! Finally, someone to fight properly!"
Doc Q sat up weakly, his smile eerie. "Let's see if he can handle the poison test later. Hope he doesn't die~"
Hawkins flipped a card, his voice as monotonous as ever. "From the moment he appeared in our sights, his fate was already sealed."
Law leaned against his sword, Kikoku, his usually cold expression showing rare anticipation. "I'm curious to see how strong this guy really is."
Pearl grinned at Chris. "Captain, I've been training in Armament Haki. I'll master it soon!"
As the distance between the two ships closed, Laffitte observed the approaching figure with amusement.
"This guy's outfit… is quite something."
"Wearing a weird hat and an eyepatch—another eccentric, huh?" He twirled his cane gracefully. "But judging by how he carries his gun, he's definitely got the aura of a true marksman."
Nami watched the small boat, her smile bright. "This guy must be strong."
"Otherwise, how could he dare to sail alone on the open sea?"
Nojiko nodded but frowned. "His outfit is… really strange, though."
Kalifa chuckled, patting Nojiko's shoulder. "Chris once said something that makes perfect sense here."
Perona floated over, curious. "What did he say?"
"People with real power are often eccentric. You can't judge them by normal standards."
Sweetheart Queen giggled. "He did say that. Out of all his words, my favorite is—"
"In this world, the strong rule. If you can kill me, then I deserve to die. If I'm weak, then death is my fate. No complaints."
The women had heard this before and weren't surprised.
But for Laffitte and the others, it was the first time.
Their expressions shifted.
"As expected of the captain! Even his words carry weight!"
Burgess laughed heartily. "Damn right! If someone kills me, then I had it coming!"
Doc Q smirked. "The captain never shared these words with us. Clearly, he's playing favorites~"
Law nodded. "Just like our crew—strength is everything."
Pearl clenched his fists, his eyes burning with determination. "Captain, I'll remember those words. I will get stronger!"
Laffitte placed his cane on the deck, smiling. "Well said, Pearl. I look forward to the day you challenge me."
The Marksman Arrives
The small boat finally pulled alongside the Chris Pirates' ship.
The young man aboard stood tall, his rifle slung over his shoulder. His expression was cold, detached.
"Today is the crossroads of fate."
"I am Van Auger. From the East Blue. A sniper."
His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable edge.
"I wish to join your crew. Will you accept me, Captain Chris?"
Silence.
Everyone except Chris was stunned.
This guy had sniped their directional bird from kilometers away—then casually sailed up and asked to join?
Was he serious?!
Doc Q's grin widened. "Captain, this guy's way too arrogant. Should I poison him first?"
Burgess cracked his knuckles. "He thinks he can just test us? Let me crush him!"
Law's eyes narrowed. "With his marksmanship, you'd get shot before you even reach him."
Hawkins flipped another card. "Fate says Burgess loses."
Laffitte chuckled. "The captain did say—eccentric people are often strong."
Chris, arms crossed, studied Van Auger for a moment before speaking.
"Get on board."
Van Auger's lips curled slightly—the closest thing to a smile he could muster.
"Captain… I've been waiting for someone like you."
"This is fate."
With that, he leaped onto the deck, landing silently. He didn't greet anyone, standing aloof with an air of indifference.
The crew exchanged glances.
Another weirdo.
Perona pouted. "Ugh, another gloomy guy. This crew's getting worse!"
Nojiko laughed softly. "Like Chris says—strength matters more than personality."
Burgess glared at Van Auger. "You pissed me off today. When the Officer Battle starts, I'm beating your ass!"
Pearl's voice turned icy. "You disrespected the crew today. That won't be forgotten."
"The Chris Pirates are the strongest in the world. We don't tolerate disrespect."
His eyes gleamed with menace. "Once I'm stronger, I'll settle this with you."
"No one provokes Captain Chris and gets away with it."
Doc Q smirked. "You're lucky, kid. Pearl's a real monster."
"If he decides to fight you… you're in for a world of pain~"
(To Be Continued…)
----------
T/N:
Access 55 chapters in advance on my Patreon: [email protected]//OnePieceChronicles
+5 Advance chapters available to all free members !