Chapter 54
You didn't want the treasure, but under Mihawk's intense gaze, after much hesitation, you opened the worn wooden box and saw the "treasure" hidden inside.
"Is there fruit inside?"
Looking at the purple, spiraling fruit, you were surprised, assuming it contained a treasure map or valuable gems. Mihawk, after seeing the fruit's appearance and confirming it was the fruit the Navy wanted, calmly corrected you: "It's a Devil Fruit."
Although you'd heard Ace and others talk about Devil Fruits, you were still quite surprised to see one that looked unappetizing and granted superpowers upon first consumption. Even more surprising, of course, was the fact that three teams were mobilized just for a fruit that didn't look very appetizing.
"So this is what a Devil Fruit is. I heard Ace say that people who eat Devil Fruits can't swim, and they taste terrible."
Even if Ace told you this half a year ago, you still vividly remember the expression on his face when he said "it tastes bad".
Your tone of voice, though seemingly casual, gave the impression that you were about to open it and try it out. A hint of helplessness flickered in your sharp, golden eyes: "You want to taste it?"
"Although I can't swim, I'd rather give this fruit, which may have some side effects, to those who need it more."
You sincerely handed the wooden box containing the fruit forward a few centimeters, and Mihawk's gaze followed your movement, finally settling on your hand holding the box.
"I don't need this."
"Actually, I don't need this."
It's quite novel to hear someone say the same thing in unison. Before you could even marvel at your perfect understanding with Mihawk, the island guarding the fruit, probably feeling that your mutual dislike was too much of a blow to its spirit, shook the fruit out of your hand with an irregular tectonic movement.
Since you still have a candle in your hand, and neither you nor Mihawk have much desire for the fruit, you, who are focused on holding the candle tightly, hear a heavy sound as something falls into the water. Your hand holding the wooden box is freed, and the shaking earth returns to its original calm.
Perhaps because similar things happen so frequently, you no longer panic about them. Instead, you talk to Mihawk about the tremor and your free hand.
"It seems that we don't need the fruit, which makes the island feel embarrassed."
Otherwise, you can't find a reason to explain why the island's trembling was merely a scare tactic and didn't separate you and Mihawk. Mihawk, accepting this with amusement, smiled slightly and calmly continued your conversation: "Well, let's go back."
In a different environment, you might perceive Mihawk's use of "go back" to have a different meaning. But given your time with Mihawk and the events you've just experienced, you associate "go back" with returning the way you came, naturally echoing Mihawk's words.
"That's true, let's go back."
In a corner you didn't notice, golden eyes were gazing at you for a moment, then a smile appeared in them.
Although you said you were going back, you and Mihawk only remembered the way you came down from the underground. Plus, the slight tectonic movement earlier had drastically changed the passageway before you came down, leaving you completely lost. As you pondered which way to go, Mihawk, standing beside you, turned to look at the passageway to the right. Wanting to ask for Mihawk's opinion, you followed suit and looked to the right.
Suddenly appearing in your view is Shanks, who has somehow joined Beckman and his group. Before you can even speak, the sharp-eyed Shanks waves and greets you.
"Hey! I didn't expect to run into you guys first after we met up! We searched all over but couldn't find the fruit, so finding you guys is a good thing!"
In just a few words, Shanks explained that he and Beckman had reunited, but they still hadn't found the way back to the Devil Fruit. Faced with Shanks' excellent ability to answer without being asked, Beckman and his group, standing behind him, all instinctively lowered their heads and covered their faces.
Having found Devil Fruits but not needing them, and having missed out on them due to the island's power, you're unsure whether to tell Shanks or pretend nothing happened. While you're agonizing over this, Mihawk provides a demonstration for you.
"It's a good thing that you didn't find the fruit."
Perhaps it was the stark contrast between Mihawk's calm tone and words that made the group, who had just been troubled by Shanks's magnanimity, burst into laughter. Yasopp then revealed a "dark history" of Shanks that you might not know.
"That's right! Last time the boss found a Devil Fruit, he even gave it to Luffy to eat!"
"Hey, that happened so many years ago! How can it compare to this?"
Despite Yasopp's teasing, Shanks remained unfazed and responded with a witty remark, which elicited another burst of laughter from the Red Team.
After reuniting with Shanks and his group, you encountered Marco and his group as you exited the cave. Upon seeing each other, both groups were surprised but also understood that they hadn't found the Devil Fruit. As for how they figured it out, you think it was from the fact that they only had weapons and food casually held in their hands.
Ace and Harta, who were standing slightly back in the group, were about to take a step forward when a loud bang caused the floor beneath their feet to shake. Those who were prepared and those who were caught off guard all looked toward the source of the sound. The small mountain containing the Devil Fruit had disappeared into the ground until it vanished from sight. Then the shaking floor returned to calm, and Shanks, who was the first to react, let out a hearty laugh.
"Looks like the intelligence was wrong this time, and it led us all here on a whim!"
"You shouldn't say things like that at a time like this..."
In contrast to Shanks, who seemed to have accepted the answer readily, Marco, looking much more tired, sighed and rubbed his forehead. Perhaps influenced by Marco's response, Shanks suppressed his smile and nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, I shouldn't have said that."
Just as you're wondering what Shanks will say next, Beckman, who knows Shanks' personality well, sighs and rubs his forehead. What follows is Shanks' infectious laughter: "To celebrate our gathering here, let's have a party!"
Amidst the cheers of the Red Crew, you, standing at the back of the line with Mihawk, were slightly taken aback, chuckling softly at this action that, while fitting Shanks' character, didn't quite fit the current situation.
As expected of a pirate.
-
In your opinion, pirates have much stronger emotions than ordinary people, and friendships are built through adventures and battles.
Take Harta and Rem, whom we encountered at the beginning, for example. Although they were still arguing, they were able to get down to business efficiently while bickering, which clearly showed they had a certain level of teamwork. Meanwhile, Sachi and Lu, both cooks on the ship, were having a cooking competition. Hongo, who had previously debated with Sachi about mushrooms, and Ace, who was caught stealing some, became their assistants.
But based on your understanding of Ace and Sachi, it won't be long before Ace is "sent off" by Sachi for being a helper and also eating.
As for Marco and Beckman, whom you encounter later, they are currently discussing something with Whitebeard and Shanks in a quiet corner not far away. Everyone is tactful and doesn't disturb their council meeting. Meanwhile, Mihawk, who should be in the middle, is standing beside you with his arms crossed, acting as if nothing has happened.
Noticing Mihawk's presence, and remembering the fruit that had fallen from your hand, you unconsciously took a step closer to where Mihawk was standing, shortening the distance between you. Perhaps it was the unspoken understanding from your adventures together, but noticing your movement, Mihawk lowered his height before you could speak, waiting for you to speak.
You stare blankly at the shortening distance for a moment, then recover from the sounds of laughter and conversation not far away. You put your hand to your mouth and communicate with Mihawk in a voice that only the two of you can hear.
"Is it okay if we don't tell them about that?"
"No need, just pretend it never happened."
Mihawk's answer reminds you of Shanks jokingly saying "Let's have a feast," and the guilt of realizing you've lost the fruit belatedly vanishes with Mihawk's nonchalant reply.
After all, not getting what you want will only disappoint those who hear it. Rather than disappoint others, Mihawk's method is the best. With your question answered, and having no other topics to discuss with Mihawk, you prepare to distance yourself before others notice your interaction.
Before you could act, Mihawk, taking the initiative, turned to look at you and asked, "Where do you plan to go after this?"
"According to their original plan, they would depart tomorrow at staggered times."
Mihawk's questions and information have left you stunned. If you hadn't encountered Shanks and his crew, and Mihawk, you would likely have continued following Whitebeard and his crew until you found a safe island to live on. But your meeting with Mihawk, and the fact that Izo and his group have shown you some difficulty, has left you unsure whether you should continue following them.
Ultimately, this unexpected and lengthy journey began with Crocodile's unusual behavior, but its destination was something unseen and intangible. Mihawk's question makes you wonder if continuing to aimlessly follow Ace and the others is any longer a reasonable course of action.
Moreover, the idea of an "island where one can live in peace" is questionable even for the inhabitants of this world, let alone someone like you who came from another world.
Your thoughts, having circled back to square one, are giving you a headache. Mihawk, who raised the topic, stands silently to the side, waiting for your answer. Unfortunately, your state of mind means Mihawk's wait won't yield a concrete response for now.
"To be honest, I haven't thought about that yet."
"Given the current situation, I have no choice but to leave with the people on one of the ships, since I can't survive here alone."
As you spoke the second half of your sentence, you chuckled softly at your own composure, a laugh tinged with a sense of helplessness at not being able to survive alone on this sea. That's why you kept changing your surroundings.
And those golden eyes that fell upon you took in your every reaction. Breaking the brief silence was Mihawk's male voice, devoid of any discernible emotion.
“If you want to find a place to stay temporarily, where you won’t be disturbed by other people and you won’t have to drift at sea, you can come to my place.”
"But I have no memory of being with you. And how can you prove that what you're saying is true?"
Even if your subconscious is willing to believe Mihawk's words, the gaps in your memories and past experiences make it impossible for you to accept his proposal. Faced with your question, Mihawk, who was already prepared, chuckled and uttered a word unknown to the people of this world.
"You said I'm a 'civil servant' with a stable income and housing. Does that convince you?"
Meeting Mihawk's undisguised smile in his golden eyes, you gleaned key words from them and remained speechless for a long time.
Based on the word "civil servant" alone, you seem to find no reason to refuse Mihawk's invitation.
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