By the time Jack was fished out of the water by Rim, it was already late into the night.
Standing before him, arms crossed over his chest, King's fiery aura flickered in the dark, illuminating his imposing figure. Despite the intimidating atmosphere, Jack glared up defiantly and sneered.
"King, that wasn't fair! You ambushed me, didn't you?" Jack taunted, a grin tugging at his lips.
"Come on, if you've got the guts, just finish me off already!"
Boom!
The flames behind King's head roared to life, his golden eyes narrowing as he regarded Jack's insolence. His voice was as cold as ice despite the fiery display.
"Jack! You brat! If you truly think your current strength is enough to challenge me, I have no problem proving you wrong," King declared, the weight of his words pressing down on Jack like a tidal wave.
"I will personally request Kaido-sama's permission to accept your challenge and teach you a lesson you won't forget."
Jack's cocky grin faltered for a split second. He couldn't help but think: Where was this formal nonsense when you were beating me to a pulp before? Still, he quickly masked his thoughts, standing up and scratching his head with a sheepish laugh.
"Hah, King, you've got it all wrong! Why would I challenge you? We're both All-Stars. Even if I somehow beat you, it's not like I'd replace you," Jack said, waving his hands dismissively. "I just wanted to spar a little, reminisce about old times. Why so serious?"
King's flames dimmed slightly as he turned his back to Jack, his tone growing stern.
"Jack. You're an adult now. Stop acting like a reckless child." His words carried an undeniable authority. "Kaido-sama's dream won't be realized if we don't give it our all. Stop overestimating your strength and thinking you can challenge me. You're not there yet."
"Uh… Yes, yes…" Jack muttered, clasping his hands behind his head and nodding lazily. Yet, hearing King's lecture brought back memories of his younger days. Back then, every scolding was followed by another round of lecturing from King. Annoying as it was, there was something nostalgic about it.
In the past, Kaido and Queen would often stay in Wano, leaving King to oversee the island base at Onigashima. Despite his cold and fearsome exterior—enhanced by his ever-present mask—King had always been the most caring among the three. Harsh as his training methods were, he was the one who dedicated the most time to their growth. If Jack, Maria, and Yamato had managed to survive their upbringing, it was thanks to King's tireless efforts.
While Queen busied himself with experiments in Udon and Kaido went on drunken rampages, it was King who instilled discipline and skill. For Jack, King had always felt more like a strict father figure than anything else.
Lost in thought, Jack followed King silently as they made their way into a grand estate at the edge of the bustling port town. Guards stood at attention outside the gates, their demeanor far more disciplined than the usual riffraff of the Beasts Pirates. Their sharp, military-like bearing was a testament to King's rigorous training.
The gates creaked open, and the two strode into the brightly lit compound. The estate bustled with activity: loud laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional crash of a bottle breaking hinted at either drunken brawls or heated card games.
So this is the Beasts Pirates' base in Renske Port, Jack thought.
King pushed open a large set of doors, stepping inside. Jack followed, while Rim and others stopped outside, arms crossed as they stood guard.
Inside, the sight that greeted Jack was… peculiar. Yamato dangled from the ceiling, bound by sea prism stone chains, with a dozing Haccha sprawled nearby, his head covered in fresh lumps.
"King-sama! Jack-sama!"
A man in a pristine white suit, golden-framed glasses perched on his nose, stood and bowed as they entered. Jack eyed him curiously. The man's refined appearance and gentlemanly demeanor made him stand out even among the Beasts Pirates' diverse ranks.
"Kerr, sit down," King said, gesturing for the man to relax.
Jack frowned, trying to recall if he'd seen this man before.
"Kerr is Hedarn's youngest son," King explained. "He's now the head of all our trade operations on the Ailen Island. Thanks to him, our business there has thrived these past two years. After I leave, he'll assist you in managing things."
"Oh…" Jack's eyes roamed over Kerr's thin frame and polished appearance. "You sure you're not his mother's son?"
Kerr blinked, adjusting his glasses. "Pardon, Jack-sama? Have you met my mother before?"
"Not exactly, but I can tell." Jack smirked before King cut in, irritation flickering across his face.
"Enough. You'll have plenty of time to talk later," King said. "Kerr, you're dismissed for now."
Kerr gave a graceful bow before departing, every movement a picture of noble elegance. Watching him leave, Jack couldn't help but mutter, "Hedarn really hit the jackpot with that one. But… can we trust him, King?"
King removed his mask, setting it on the table as he turned to Jack.
"Of course. Kerr isn't Hedarn's son," King said bluntly. "His mother had a lover when she was young. Hedarn only tolerated them until he became king. Once he gained power… well, you can imagine the rest."
"Ah…" Jack scratched his head awkwardly.
"Kerr's loyalty isn't in question," King continued. "He's the reason our trade and mining operations are flourishing. You can focus on what matters, Jack. Strengthening yourself."
King's sharp gaze softened momentarily.
"With your potential, you could surpass even Kaido-sama one day," he said. "Don't waste your time with distractions. Grow stronger. You're capable of reaching heights we could only dream of."
Jack felt the weight of King's words as the older man stepped back, donning his mask once more. Tightening his cloak, King spoke with finality.
"Everything here is in order. Rim has the details. Stay focused, Jack."
"Wait, King! You're just leaving me with… this?" Jack gestured at the peacefully sleeping Yamato, dangling from the ceiling. "What about him?"
King glanced at Yamato and then back at Jack with a rare smirk hidden behind his mask.
"Kaido-sama's orders: Take care of Yamato. If anything happens to her, he'll break your legs," King said, turning toward the door.
With a powerful leap, King transformed into his pteranodon form, soaring toward the port, leaving Jack dumbfounded.
"Take care of her? What… how?" Jack muttered, staring at Yamato's serene, oblivious face. "Could you at least give me some instructions, King?"
(T/N: Hope you remember that Hedarn is the financial minister of the Wittena Kingdom, he collaborated with Jack and became King of Ailen Island).
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg