As the system prompt echoed, a smile appeared on Lu Yu's lips.
He hadn't expected that defeating Zoro would come with such a reward.
But thinking about it, Zoro was an important member of the protagonist's group.
Defeating him and forging a bond with him would only boost Lu Yu's reputation. Over time, as Zoro's name spread across the seas, so too would Lu Yu's.
[Look! That man defeated the great swordsman Zoro... and so on.]
Most importantly, his reputation points had now exceeded ten thousand.
"Tsk..."
With that thought in mind, Lu Yu slashed Zoro's chest without hesitation.
"Remember this—it's for the scar left on your chest by that so-called 'Super Pirate.'"
"My name is—Lu Yu!"
After declaring his name in a dramatic tone, Lu Yu raised his foot and kicked Zoro back onto his own ship.
Then, he turned and left.
Zoro was the type who wouldn't feel satisfied unless he bore a fresh wound from a fight.
With the crisis resolved, Akame resumed course, sticking to their original route.
Meanwhile, Zoro lay on his own ship, catching his breath.
"Lu Yu!?"
He clenched his fists. "Soon, my sword will be the tool I use to surpass that man!"
Zoro wasn't discouraged by his defeat. Instead, his fighting spirit burned even brighter.
As he lay there, his crewmates quickly bandaged his wounds.
---
Back on Lu Yu's ship, Akame was steering while Lu Yu sat on the deck, raising his hand to bring up his system panel.
Host: Lu Yu [21 years old]
Abilities: Advanced Swordsmanship, Advanced Assassination, Basic Armament Haki
Items: Ame-no-Habakiri, Small Broken Ship
Reputation Points: 16,500
Crew:
First Squadron: Akame [From the world of Akame no ga Kill...]
[Night Raid Group Recruitment Conditions Unlocked]
Title: Captain of the Dragon Hunter Pirates
As for the belly he had earned, they were stored in the system's portable space.
With over 16,000 reputation points, Lu Yu had to decide whether to use them for a random recruitment or save up for a designated Night Raid member.
After some thought, he decided to wait.
For now, they were still in the East Blue, where the risk factor wasn't too high.
Better to save up and summon a key member like Tatsumi or Najenda later.
Not only would it grant a team bonus, but it would also make Akame feel more at home.
With his decision made, Lu Yu closed his system panel.
"Akame, find the nearest island to restock our supplies. We're almost out of food."
He spoke with a smile.
"Got it."
Akame picked up the sea chart, scanning it carefully.
Their next target was Shells, and along the way, they would pass by several villages.
Any of those could serve as a supply point.
The closest one was Gunardo Village.
With that, Akame adjusted their course and set sail.
---
Gunardo Village – A Local Tavern
Gunardo Village was a small settlement, far from the navy's reach and lacking any real military defense.
Because of this, it had become a popular stop for pirates.
Fortunately, even pirates understood the importance of supply stations like this one.
As a result, they refrained from looting or destroying the village.
After all, even criminals knew better than to ruin a good thing.
At that moment, inside a crowded tavern…
"Hey, pirate… you haven't paid yet!"
A timid voice cut through the noisy chatter.
A group of pirates was preparing to leave when a nervous waitress stopped them.
"Hah!?"
The pirate leading the group turned around, scowling.
"Do you know who you're talking to?!"
"I am the great pirate with a bounty of 16 million—Hoduras!"
"Eating here should be payment enough! And you dare ask me for money?"
Hoduras' expression darkened with displeasure.
"B-But… you ate so much…"
Despite her fear, the waitress bravely held her ground.
"Little girl, do you have any idea what happens to those who anger pirates?"
With a flick of his wrist, Hoduras lashed out.
In an instant, the thin fabric of the waitress's dress was torn apart.
"AHH!"
Her scream echoed through the tavern, but the onlookers merely chuckled, enjoying the spectacle. None of them stepped in to help.
Hearing the commotion, the tavern owner rushed out from the kitchen.
But the moment he saw Hoduras, he froze in place.
He knew better than to interfere.
Rumor had it, a different tavern owner had been killed just for demanding payment from pirates.
Faced with this reality, the owner dared not take a single step forward.
"You dare offend a pirate? You should be prepared for the consequences!"
Hoduras turned to his crew, grinning. "Boys, take turns!"
Just then—
BANG!
The tavern doors swung open.
All eyes turned toward the entrance.
Two figures stepped inside, moving at a leisurely pace.
Leading them was a young man, seemingly in his early twenties, yet exuding a powerful aura.
He paid no attention to the commotion, walking right past Hoduras without a care in the world, heading straight for the front desk.
Beside him was a beautiful young woman with long, jet-black hair that shimmered like polished onyx.
But despite her delicate features, her piercing gaze warned others to keep their distance.
The sudden arrival of these two newcomers disrupted the pirates' momentum.
Those who had been gearing up to join the "fun" hesitated, their faces turning sour.
"Hey, hey, hey… boy, do you have a death wish?!"
Hoduras' voice boomed across the tavern.
"Don't you see I'm in the middle of something?!"
His gaze landed on the girl beside Lu Yu.
"This one's not bad either… she can join the fun too!"
Lu Yu, however, remained indifferent.
He reached the bar, acting as if he hadn't even heard Hoduras.
Not even sparing him a glance.
This blatant disregard made Hoduras' blood boil.
When had he ever been treated like this?
He was a notorious pirate in the East Blue! Someone with a 16 million bounty!
The crowd burst into laughter.
"Hahaha… Hoduras, are you seriously being ignored?!"
"Man, you might as well quit being a pirate! Go home and drink your milk!"
"Damn, even a brat like that doesn't take you seriously!"
Mocking laughter filled the tavern.
Hoduras' veins bulged in rage.
His humiliation had just begun.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Do you want to read Advanced Chapters?
Visit this link:
Påtreon.com/Fanficlord03
Change (å) to (a)