Chapter 5
Robin showed you the bounty posters of the Four Emperors, and you looked at Shanks and his crew several times because of what Robin said.
That's why you can spot the Red-Haired Pirates gathered together in a bustling bar at a glance. Even if you can't remember their faces, that splash of red in the dimly lit bar is enough to make them stand out.
First, you feel relieved that you've chosen the right direction in your search, and then you feel scared for having come here without any planning.
The word "pirate" represents danger and power in this world, and the danger level of the "Four Emperors" is no better than that of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. You listen to your heart pounding faster amidst the noisy cheers, and try several times to regulate your breathing, trying not to be swallowed up by the atmosphere of the bar.
There's no time to think about what to do now. If you don't hurry, Crocodile could come back at any moment. The thought of him finding out that your obedience has all been a facade sends chills down your spine.
Compared to the unknown red-haired man, the familiar Crocodile is more frightening.
After making up your mind, you headed towards the lively banquet table, but after taking only two steps, you were stopped by someone.
"Is there something you need?"
People in this world are all very tall. Although the man blocking your way doesn't have the frightening size of Crocodile, his estimated height of two meters and muscular build are still quite intimidating.
At close range, you can even smell the cigarette smoke and alcohol on the man. Compared to Crocodile cigars, the smell of cigarette smoke on a man is much stronger.
Now you no longer have time to compare the differences between the two cigarette smells, because you recognize the man in front of you as none other than Ben Beckman, the second-in-command of the Red-Haired Pirates.
This means that to negotiate with Shanks, you first need to get past Beckman. Belatedly realizing this, you clasp your hands together in a pleading gesture towards Beckman.
"Um, I have a favor to ask... Please let me meet Shanks, one of the Four Emperors."
Upon hearing this, Beckman took the cigarette from his mouth and looked you up and down at the person making the request.
"You know he's one of the Four Emperors, so what reason would one of the Four Emperors have to see you?"
Beckman's words are true, and this is a problem you must solve. Perhaps it's the perspective, or perhaps you're too nervous, but you didn't even notice that the table nearby, which should have been filled with laughter and conversation, had fallen silent.
The Red-Haired Pirates' executives and captain, sitting at a table, are watching you talk to Beckman with great interest.
Hongo: "That's rare, this time they're not after my head."
Yasopp: "It's hard to say whether it's better to go for the head or Beckman."
Lyme: "They're pretty much the same."
Lu: "He looks like Beckman's type."
Shanks: "Beck doesn't seem to have any type he dislikes, does he?"
Shanks, one of the focal points of the conversation, glanced at you, who looked troubled by Beckman's words. He'd had quite a bit to drink, but he still retained some basic awareness.
Shanks feels like he's seen you somewhere before. Considering Beckman is talking to you, he doesn't pay you much attention.
The perspective shifts back to the corner where you and Beckman are facing off. You rack your brains but can't come up with a reason to let the redhead see you. You hate yourself for only caring about escaping and not thinking about what would happen next.
Should we go back? Crocodile might not know you ran away from the hotel yet. That way, even if you go back, he won't suspect anything...
Thinking about how Crocodile even had listening Den Den Mushi installed in his room, you shook your head, dismissing the thought of backing down. From the moment you put your "escape" into action, you could only move forward.
Even if moving forward leads to a hellish situation worse than the present, it's still the path you've chosen.
Clearing your mind of all the jumbled thoughts, you take a step forward under Beckman's gaze, suppressing your fear of the person before you, and utter your thoughts word by word.
"Please, just let me say a few words to him."
Beckman, who was confronting you, did not speak; it was Shanks, who was behind Beckman, who spoke.
"Since you've put it that way, wouldn't it make me seem petty not to listen to your advice?"
Beckman sighed and took a step to the right, allowing you to see the strikingly bright red hair in the dimly lit bar.
"Come here and talk, Miss Unknown."
This is the prologue to your bond with the Red-Haired Pirates.
-
Looking at the spot where Crocodile stood with a gloomy expression, you hid behind Shanks, not daring to meet his gaze.
Shanks, noticing your subtle movements, didn't stop you. Instead, he laughed and said, "Even Crocodile knows what's important."
"More than that, I'm curious about how you got involved with him."
Shanks' intrigued voice made you hesitate. Because everything about you and Crocodile was something you'd heard from him. As for how you'd gotten involved with him… you couldn't remember what Crocodile had said that night.
Perhaps because they rarely hear gossip from outside the ship, Crocodile and his group, who were just a moment ago wary of the shore, all turned to look at you and Shanks.
Under intense, unwavering gaze, you slowly utter the explanation you heard from Crocodile.
"...He said he was my husband."
The once noisy deck fell into an unusual silence, with only Shanks' laughter remaining exceptionally clear.
"I see. So he treated you badly, which is why you ran away?"
That's a very good question. You can't answer "good" or "bad." Materially speaking, Crocodile has never mistreated you. Mentally... it's been a one-sided torment for you.
Shanks, noticing your hesitation, promptly changed the subject. But you felt that he didn't really care about the outcome.
"Well, he's not coming to see you now anyway. It's about time for dinner, isn't it?"
The first half of the sentence was addressed to you, and the second half was addressed to the road not far away.
"Okay, I'll do it now."
The conversation between the two reminded you of your role on the ship, and you immediately prepared to follow them and help out with the cooking.
However, after only a few steps, Beckman stopped you at the bar, blocking your way once again.
Go tidy up your room.
You meant to say you could sleep anywhere, but Beckman, anticipating your meaning, pointed out why you were asked to tidy up.
"There are no separate rooms for women on the ship. For everyone's safety and yours, you will need to tidy up by yourself."
"Compared to the crocodile's cage, this place is not much safer for you."
It may sound heartless, but Beckman is telling the truth. You may have escaped the cage Crocodile built, but you've actually only escaped from one pirate to another.
Moreover, on the entire ship, you are the only one who has no similarities to them, either physically or in terms of status.
Once you've figured out the situation, Beckman, who was leading the way, turns around and gestures for you to follow him.
On the way to your room, Beckmantu conveniently showed you the kitchen, the medical room, and the storage room for replenishing daily necessities.
"Your room has a bathroom, so you don't need to come out and squeeze in with them."
Even if you're unfamiliar with the ship's construction, you'll be impressed by Beckman's meticulous planning.
It wasn't until Beckman led you to your room that you snapped out of your shock and thanked him.
"Thank you so much."
Upon hearing your thanks, Beckman, who had somehow lit a cigarette, chuckled.
"No need to thank me. Everything I've done is for the safety of the crew."
Beckman didn't explain the specific meaning behind his words, but his concern that you might stay on the ship longer clearly conveyed his intentions.
One man versus a group of men—isn't that the difference between Crocodile and the Red-Haired Pirates?
-
Compared to Shanks, who readily agreed to your request to hitch a ride, the Red-Haired Pirates crew members treated you quite differently.
The most subtle one is probably Lyme. How would you describe the feeling he gives you?
No matter what you do, his gaze towards you isn't friendly; it's more like he's wary of you. Considering your position, you think it's normal for Lym to be wary of you.
But in terms of combat strength, you can't even hold a knife that a trainee on the ship can handle, so how are you a threat?
Thinking of this, you couldn't help but sigh as you left the banquet and returned to your room, using the excuse of being unable to hold your liquor.
Shanks has agreed to let you disembark on an island under their protection, but it will take some time to get there. Besides, they won't change their original course just for you.
If all goes well, it'll arrive in a month; if not... you might die before they even arrive while they're fighting other pirates.
After calming down, you realize that you've switched from one pirate ship to another seeking refuge, and you can't help but sigh at your own actions.
"Why isn't there an option to go home...?"
Although in the original world you had to go to work and work yourself to the bone just to survive, it was still safer than this world.
Before your thoughts could sink further into internal turmoil, a rhythmic knocking sounded on the tightly closed door.
Just as you were about to become one with the not-so-soft wooden bed, you suddenly sat up and asked the person outside the door.
"who?"
It's understandable that you're nervous; after all, everyone on the ship is having a feast. Compared to you, who just boarded and is now assigned to kitchen help, your close companions are definitely more worthy of your attention.
It's highly suspicious that someone would contact you at a time like this.
"I'm Hongo. How are you? I heard from Shanks that you weren't feeling well, so I wanted to come and see you."
Hongo is the ship's doctor, and his words are quite logical. Perhaps it's the sense of security inherent in the identity of a "doctor" that eases your tension caused by Hongo's arrival.
"I'm fine, I just drank a little too much. Let me sleep for a while."
Separated by a wooden door, Hongo wasn't sure if you, inside the room, were forcing yourself. But for you and him, your current relationship wasn't suitable for him to continue questioning you.
Ultimately, his concern for you stems not only from professional reasons but also from the fact that your gender stands out on this ship.
After hesitating for a moment, Hongo said a few more words.
“I understand. If you feel unwell, I mean if, you can come to me anytime.”
"Beckman took you to the infirmary. If you don't remember, anyone on the ship can show you the way."
After saying all that, you heard Hongo's footsteps gradually fading away. Only when you could hear the noise of Shanks and the others making a ruckus at the banquet outside did you get up and go to the door to double-check that the door was locked.
After confirming that the door was locked, you lay back down on the bed and laughed at your own actions.
If they really intend to harm you, what good is such a simple lock?
That's not quite true. At least for you, it provides some psychological comfort.
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