One Piece Devouring Fruit

As Michion, Tina, and Sola conversed, the battle around them had already concluded quickly following the deaths of the captain and his vice-captain. Looking at his companions, Michion couldn’t help but smile. This first battle had gone remarkably well with no casualties, marking a good start.

Moreover, Michion had “defeated the boss” and gained a valuable “attribute point,” leaving him satisfied. Returning to the ship, they imprisoned the surviving pirates and those who surrendered.

It was then time for a “treasure hunt” on the defeated pirate ship. After all, pirates’ treasure troves were usually on their boats, as their profession involved plundering wealth. Since Michion and his group had defeated the pirates, the spoils of this ship belonged to them as a reward, courtesy of Aokiji, for their successful operation.

Despite showing maturity during the battle, Tina and the others were still children at heart and were quite excited about the prospect of treasure. However, the unpredictable nature of pirate ships meant one could find anything from fine wine and Berries to devil fruits—or perhaps just dirty socks, messy garbage, and food scraps.

Unfortunately for Tina and the group, they discovered people instead of treasure. “Michion, these pirates also captured people, planning to sell them as slaves,” Tina explained, her excitement dwindling after only finding some trinkets and treasures.

Most of the captives wore fine clothes, though some were dressed ordinarily, and a few attractive women seemed well-kept, likely intended for fetching high prices. Michion harboured no goodwill towards these pirate slave traders, considering his own unpleasant experiences with such people. He felt justified in having swiftly dealt with the pirate captain.

“Michion, most of these captives are from the North Blue. Apparently, this pirate crew received them from another group, intending to sell them at Sabaody,” Tina explained.

“This complicates things. Our mission is in the East Blue, so we don’t have time to escort them back to the North Blue,” Michion replied, frowning as he contemplated the predicament.

The captives were grateful towards Michion and his companions, standing quietly and respectfully, unlike some arrogant fools who might not survive long enough to be saved. Michion decided they would take the captives back to their ship and discuss their options.

“Let’s take them back to the ship first. We’ll ask their preferences. If they want to stay in the East Blue, we’ll leave them in Loguetown. If not, we’ll figure something out later,” Michion concluded, leaving the final decision to Aokiji, who was currently dozing off with his eye mask on, oblivious to the battle’s end.

Despite the distraction, Michion’s interest in the North Blue remained. From a famous children’s story, he knew about Karate Island and the Lubenni Kingdom, the homeland of Norland the Liar. He was also familiar with the North Blue’s Frevans, known as the White City, and the tragic tale of the Supernova Trafalgar Law’s homeland.

The Grand Line and New World were filled with wonders, but the four seas had their unique cultures and intriguing islands, more focused on human experiences than the strange landscapes of the Grand Line.

After gathering the valuable supplies from the pirate ship, Michion and his group returned to their naval vessel with the captives. Sola and the others roughed up the male captives, carrying them by the scruff of their necks. The women, however, received a bit more care from the young boys, eliciting a chuckle from Michion as he approached an older man in a butler’s suit.

“Let’s go,” Michion said, grabbing the man’s arm and leading him onto the naval ship.

“Thank you for your help. I am Adolf, the royal butler of the Abraham family, the ruling family of the Ishatar Kingdom in the North Blue. I am deeply grateful and will repay your kindness if given the chance,” the man introduced himself.

Michion raised an eyebrow, recognizing that this middle-aged butler was likely the highest-ranking individual among the captives. The others, dressed like nouveau riche, were probably unlucky merchants.

Observing the butler’s calm demeanour despite his ragged clothes, Michion noted the man’s composed reaction to being rescued, suggesting he had seen the world. His polite gratitude hinted at his status and potential reward if he returned home.

The butler likely noticed Tina and the others’ deference to Michion and identified him as their leader. His courteous approach aimed to secure his return to the North Blue rather than waiting for a ship that might eventually head there.

“Ha ha ha, Michion, are you royalty now? Could you be a prince?” Sola laughed, overhearing the conversation while dragging a large man onto the ship.

Michion couldn’t help but chuckle, offering a silent moment of sympathy for the heavyset man being handled by Sola, who often resembled an excitable husky in her mannerisms. His experience under her care was likely unpleasant.

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