"I also suggest starting in a month," Hawkins said in a low, solemn voice. "By then, we'll have entered the Grand Line. We should confirm the details by then."
Listening to their conversation, Van Auger remained completely clueless and calmly said, "Captain's battle for position—what does this mean? If you know about the Chris Circus, how come you don't know the rules on our ship?"
Lafitte planted his cane on the ground and wasn't in a hurry to answer Law's question. Instead, he turned to Van Auger. After all, this was a newcomer who had just boarded the ship. As the vice-captain, he had to take care of him and ensure he understood the crew's ways.
"I learned about your Chris Circus through the bounty posters—the highest initial bounty in all four seas," Van Auger said coolly, tapping his rifle against his shoulder. "As for the ship's rules, the newspapers didn't mention them."
Lafitte twirled his cane and smiled gently. "Apoo, why don't you explain the rules to him?"
As he walked toward the training area, Lafitte added without turning back, "For something this important, it's best to consult the captain first."
"Of course, we'll disturb the captain's training. But I'll handle the arrangements," Burgess sneered, cracking his knuckles. "Do you really think the captain would care about these things?"
"The captain is focused on training. He wouldn't bother with his subordinates' battles. You're overthinking it, Lafitte!" Doc Q chuckled weakly, his voice barely audible. "A month is enough time for me to regain my strength."
"I've waited so long for the captain's position. Finally, it'll be mine—snicker," Apoo mused. Though he wanted to replace Lafitte's position, he still respected him greatly. He stopped his eerie laughter and looked at Van Auger, explaining the rules in detail.
"The rules on this ship are simple—strength speaks!"
"There are three scenarios for this battle..."
Meanwhile, in the women's quarters.
Kalina was still fuming, her pretty face flushed with anger. "That Van Auger is really too annoying! I've never met someone so irritating. I really want to punch him!"
Perona, floating in the air, nodded repeatedly, her expression full of displeasure. "From now on, this princess won't even talk to him. I hate that guy too."
Nami patted Kalina's shoulder, blinking her big eyes. "You might want to hit him, but the problem is—you can't beat him! His marksmanship is too strong. You're no match for him."
Nojiko sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Power really does change a person. There's not a single normal one among the men on this ship."
Boa Hancock elegantly waved her hand and smiled faintly. "Now, now. If you don't like him, just ignore him. That way, your mood won't be affected."
Sweetheart Queen watched them with sparkling eyes, her face full of excitement. "Let's talk about that ghost ship instead! The more I think about it, the more unbelievable it seems."
"Tell me—how does a ship with no crew sail on its own?" Sweetheart Queen shivered slightly, her voice tinged with fear. "Could there be some terrifying spirits on board, refusing to rest?"
Bellemere rolled her eyes and took a drag from her cigarette. "Stop daydreaming. I don't believe in ghosts or the undead. Those are just stories to scare people."
Reiju crossed her legs, resting her chin on her palm with great interest. "Legends from hundreds of years ago... I wonder, how could a ship possibly last that long?"
"Even if it's made from the finest wood in the world—the Adam Tree—I doubt it could survive this long. There must be something strange about it."
Baccarat brushed her deep red hair and looked at Reiju. The two shared similar personalities—both were strong, independent women—so they got along well.
"No need to be curious. My intuition tells me we'll uncover the mystery of that ghost ship soon enough."
Reiju smiled gracefully. "If you say so, then I suppose it won't be long."
Knock knock knock—
A knocking sound came from the door, followed by Lafitte's voice.
"Captain, I'd like to report something."
Chris was doing one-handed handstand push-ups, his voice calm. "Come in."
The women paused their conversation, curious. (For exciting novels, visit Flying Novels website!)
Lafitte rarely came in to report anything—aside from delivering newspapers. This was a first.
Creak—
The wooden door slowly opened. Lafitte stood at the entrance, cane in hand, as polite as ever.
"Captain, after discussion, we've decided to hold the Captain's Battle in a month. What do you think?"
Hearing this, the women were stunned. The battle for position was really happening?
Sweetheart Queen blinked, her delicate brows furrowing as she giggled. "After waiting so long, it's finally starting! I'm really looking forward to seeing who becomes the new captain."
Bellemere exhaled smoke and muttered, "These guys have held back for so long. Now they're finally letting loose."
Perona fluttered around excitedly, her laughter ringing like silver bells. "This princess has been waiting too! I love watching the Captain's Battle! Let's start, let's start~"
Kalina's eyes sparkled with mischief. "This is going to be fun. Fight, fight! Let the storm rage even harder!"
At that moment, Chris's calm voice cut through the chatter as he continued his push-ups.
"Tell them—in a month, I'll be there to watch."
Silence.
Not just the women—even Lafitte froze.
They all knew Chris well. He was the type who never bothered with such trivial matters. For him to actually take time out for this was... shocking.
Lafitte was the first to recover. He twirled his cane, his smile widening. "Understood, Captain. I'll inform them properly. They'll be thrilled."
With that, he left, closing the door behind him.
Sweetheart Queen stared at the others before letting out an exaggerated gasp. "Wow, that's unexpected! This battle-crazed lunatic actually agreed to watch? That's hard to believe!"
Bellemere blew out a puff of smoke, as indifferent as ever. "Hmph. That's just how men are."
Reiju nodded slightly, her smile graceful. "It is a bit surprising. I almost can't believe it. After all, we're used to his cold, detached attitude toward everything."
Nojiko sighed. "Honestly, I still don't understand why this battle is necessary. Making the crew fight each other just feels wrong. We're supposed to be a team. Won't this create divisions?"
Nami nodded, her smile sweet. "I don't agree with it either, but since Chris has decided, there's nothing we can do."
"I know, I know!" Perona floated over to Nojiko, her face full of mischief. "We didn't get it at first either, but then we asked Chris."
"We're pirates. What's the point of rules? Strength is what matters! If we wanted rules, we might as well go back to farming!" Perona grinned at Sweetheart Queen, Baccarat, and the other veterans. "I think that's what Chris said, right? [Hara hara hara~]"
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T/N:
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