Chapter 13 - Recruiting a Crew Member
When he heard Nathan actually recognized him, Douglas Bullet froze for a moment.
He had been off the world's radar for so long—even the upper ranks of the Navy had forgotten that such a terrifying figure still existed in Impel Down.
But now, a young man like this not only knew his name but spoke it aloud. The realization left him deeply surprised.
"You… actually know who I am. Seems you're not as simple as you look."
Douglas Bullet struggled to his feet as he spoke.
Seeing the man admit to being Douglas Bullet, Nathan was just as surprised. He had thought this monster was already long dead.
Douglas Bullet was once a member of the Roger Pirates. His strength was so overwhelming that even his fellow crewmates referred to him as a "monster."
Known as the "Heir of the Demon," he crushed others with sheer, unmatched force. His power rivaled that of the "Dark King" Silvers Rayleigh, making him far more dangerous than the other pirates imprisoned on this level.
But all of them had been shackled with Impel Down's unique Seastone cuffs, completely suppressing their abilities.
On top of that, Nathan had used the seventh gate of the Eight Gates Released Formation—an almost self-destructive power boost—to defeat them, leaving these so-called monsters utterly helpless before him.
"Douglas Bullet, I know you well. And truth be told, I admire you. So I'll give you two choices. One, follow me, and I'll lead you out of this dark and miserable place.
Two, refuse—and I'll defeat you again and leave you here to rot forever. The choice is yours."
After some thought, Nathan extended an olive branch.
Douglas Bullet's strength was clearly far above the others. Even Rayleigh had never managed to defeat him. Having someone this powerful as an ally would bolster Nathan's forces immensely.
Now that he stood in open defiance of the World Government, Nathan knew he'd face increasing danger in the future. Having a powerhouse like Bullet to handle certain tasks would save him from doing everything personally.
"Hah! A brat like you thinks you're worthy of me following you? Have you lost your mind?"
Douglas Bullet scoffed coldly, not showing the slightest trace of gratitude. His tone was full of mockery.
After all, he hailed from a bygone era, and his strength was legendary. Even if Nathan had defeated him just now, that had been when Bullet was powerless—of course he wouldn't submit so easily.
In the world of pirates, power speaks the loudest. Whoever was strongest earned the right to command. So even though Nathan offered him freedom, Bullet didn't buy into it.
"I know you only trust your own strength. And more than anyone, you crave the title of Pirate King. But you're not like the others. Most people want to become Pirate King for that so-called treasure, but not you.
Because you want to conquer your way to the top. Even if I gave you the Log Pose to Raftel, you'd refuse to walk Roger's path. Your ambition is to surpass Roger, to become the strongest in the world, to slay the powerhouses of the sea—the Four Emperors and the Admirals alike. Am I right?"
Nathan's words struck Douglas Bullet like a bolt of lightning. He was stunned into silence, unable to calm the storm in his heart.
Every word Nathan said hit home—like he was reading his mind.
If Nathan hadn't come from the lower levels of the prison, Bullet might've suspected the man had overheard his private thoughts in a dream.
Seeing Douglas Bullet lost in thought, Nathan knew he'd hit the mark.
"If you want to become the Pirate King by defeating the world's strongest, then you have even more reason to join me. Because I too aim to defeat the strongest and stand at the top of this world. So come fight by my side. When we've conquered the world and stand at its peak—then we'll settle things between us. How about it?"
Nathan struck while the iron was hot, pressing his advantage while Bullet was still wrestling with his thoughts.
Douglas Bullet, for his part, was well aware of his current situation. He wasn't like Golden Lion Shiki—he couldn't escape from here on his own.
If he didn't escape now, once the Navy sent reinforcements, Impel Down's defenses would be reinforced once again.
By then, even someone as legendary as Shiki wouldn't have a chance of breaking out.
After some thought, he made a critical decision.
"What's your name?"
"Nathan."
"You get me out of here, and I'll follow you for now. I'll protect your life. But one day, when we're standing on the top of the world, I'll become your greatest rival."
Douglas Bullet said seriously.
"No problem. Deal!"
Nathan replied, reaching out his hand.
Bullet slowly raised his own hand.
And so, in the depths of Impel Down, a handshake of world-shaking significance was made between two monsters.
But just then, a voice rang out in Nathan's mind.
Ding! The Might Guy character card has expired. Returning host to original state. Please be advised!
As the message faded, Nathan's body immediately returned to its default condition.
Although Might Guy's character had vanished, the host still had to endure the damage from having opened the Eight Gates.
After all, it was Nathan's body that had borne the cost of those techniques.
The moment the Eight Gates closed, Nathan collapsed.
His body wasn't nearly as sturdy as Might Guy's, and as he reverted to his normal self, an excruciating pain surged through every fiber of his being.