"Judging by appearances, you're no match for him."
Hawkins, with his usual deadpan expression, spoke indifferently while glancing at Pearl.
Laffitte rested his cane against his shoulder, observing Van Auger with polite curiosity. "Van Auger, may I ask—did you seek out the Chris Pirates intentionally, knowing our reputation?"
Van Auger ignored the thinly veiled threats from the others, his expression as cold as ever.
"No. I was searching for the Mystery Ship when fate led me here."
For once, Chris wasn't training. Instead, he stood with his arms crossed, staring at the horizon as if deep in thought.
The women, noticing Chris' unusual behavior, stayed close. The mention of the Mystery Ship immediately piqued their interest.
"Mystery Ship?!"
Kalifa, always the most curious about new things, tilted her head with a playful smile. "Van Auger, what exactly is this Mystery Ship? It sounds... intriguing."
Perona floated around excitedly. "Ooooh~ Spooky stories! This princess loves spooky stories!"
Nojiko frowned. "Nami, have you ever heard of a Mystery Ship in the East Blue?"
Nami shook her head. "Never. If something like that existed, I'd know about it."
Sweetheart Queen's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "It must be something extraordinary if it's called mystery."
Van Auger remained silent, ignoring the women entirely.
To him, women were nothing but unnecessary distractions—even if they were now crewmates.
The women glared at him, irritated by his dismissiveness.
"This guy is insufferable!"
Burgess, however, burst into laughter and clapped Van Auger on the back. "Hah! I like this guy! No nonsense, just like a real man!"
Doc Q smirked. "Indeed. Women are best ignored."
Pearl's expression darkened. "Your attitude is unacceptable. Disrespecting the captain's crew is unforgivable."
Law glanced at Hawkins. "Seems like none of you have much regard for women."
Hawkins flipped a card. "We are ruthless men. Sentimentality has no place here."
Laffitte chuckled. "While I don't dislike women, I certainly don't indulge them."
Bakara, however, brushed her crimson hair back and smiled mysteriously. "Chris... I feel luck is on our side again."
Reiju's eyes sparkled. "So Van Auger's Mystery Ship is real?"
Perona huffed. "Ugh, whatever! This princess won't ask again!"
Kalifa crossed her arms. "Fine, keep your secrets."
Nami, intrigued, turned to Bakara. "Your luck ability is really something else..."
Nojiko nodded. "It's fascinating how it works."
Chris still hadn't spoken, but Burgess and the others couldn't hold back.
They might not care for women, but they did respect Bakara's power—because every prediction she made had come true.
"Van Auger, spill it. What's this Mystery Ship about?" Burgess demanded.
Doc Q nodded. "Bakara's luck never lies. If she says fortune is coming, then it is."
Laffitte twirled his cane. "So, Van Auger... you will explain."
Van Auger's cold eyes flickered with rare surprise as he studied Bakara.
"...A luck-based Devil Fruit user. Interesting."
He adjusted his rifle, speaking in his usual detached tone.
"In my village, there's a legend."
"Centuries ago, an old fisherman encountered a massive black ship—one that moved against the wind."
"No sails. No crew. Yet it sailed faster than any vessel he'd ever seen."
"A hundred years later, my ancestor—a merchant—saw it again."
"This time, the ship was completely empty... yet still moving on its own."
"Ten years ago, I saw it myself."
Van Auger's grip tightened on his rifle.
"I tracked it with my scope. No one was aboard... yet it vanished before my eyes."
"Just now... I was hunting for it when fate led me to you."
"This... is destiny."
(To Be Continued...)
Next Chapter: The Ghost Ship Appears! A Vessel That Defies the Laws of the Sea!
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T/N:
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