• Conversation
{ Ninth Year of the Great Age of Pirates }
{A few hours later}
Cain and Enzo were devouring a lunch that resembled a feast, eating with little regard for manners.
In front of them stood a gorgeous woman wearing a pink apron, diligently cooking more food for the two men behind her, along with extra portions for another child. She sighed despondently, her exhaustion evident. This routine had grown tiresome over the years, yet she had resigned herself to it.
After living on this monstrous island for six years, she had long given up on plans of escape. Returning to her family no longer seemed worth it. They likely wouldn't welcome her back, assuming she had abandoned them intentionally. Her children would be adults by now; they didn't need her anymore. And even if she returned, she would have to deal with endless drama—something she had no desire to face.
Outside the house, a child with shackled arms and legs sat trapped in a massive cage. Chains bound him, oddly suppressing his power. Blood poured from a gaping wound on his head, his left leg bent painfully, several teeth missing, and his eyes surrounded by dark bruises. This was Silver, and the cage had been built years ago by Enzo as a punishment for his children whenever they failed to impress him or angered him.
Sharing the cage with Silver was an injured beast, a monstrous gorilla with blue fur, sharp fangs, and muscular arms. One of its eyes had been stabbed blind, and its leg was badly dislocated.
Panting heavily, Silver let out a loud, guttural roar that echoed through the surrounding area, even reaching the cabin. The gorilla responded in kind, its roar equally ferocious. With a sudden swing of its massive fist, it aimed to crush Silver.
The attack was too predictable. Silver rolled aside with difficulty, narrowly avoiding the blow. Despite his injuries, he sprinted toward the gorilla's lodged arm, leaping onto it and landing hard. The beast howled in pain, violently shaking its arm, which caused the cage to rattle as it slammed into the bars.
Seizing an opportunity, Silver climbed the creature's arm and aimed for its head. But before he could strike, the gorilla bashed its head into the cage bars, forcing Silver to retreat. Thinking it had shaken him off, the beast relaxed for a moment—only to roar in agony as sharp pain erupted from its remaining eye.
Blinded, the gorilla flailed helplessly as blood sprayed onto Silver's face and hands. With a sadistic smirk, Silver turned his gaze to the sky, basking in the sunlight. He had perfected this technique after being inspired by his younger brother's claws, fashioning his nails into deadly weapons.
The gorilla's roars subsided as it collapsed lifelessly. Silver, exhausted, let out a sigh of relief before passing out, his bloodied fingers still embedded in the creature's eye socket.
The cage door creaked open, revealing Cain and Enzo standing side by side, identical smirks on their faces as they observed Silver.
"He's improved," Cain remarked, stepping forward to remove Silver's finger from the gorilla's eye before hoisting him onto his shoulder. "But it seems like he gets stronger fighting beasts than sparring with me. Do you think he subconsciously holds back?"
Enzo sighed, folding his arms. "Maybe. If that's the case, it's foolish. You're stronger than him, but he probably sees you as a younger brother and doesn't like hurting you."
"I suppose," Cain muttered, his expression growing serious. "Father, I've made my decision. I'm leaving the island. Silver, too."
Enzo raised an eyebrow at Cain's determined expression, sensing there was no room for argument. Cain had been planning this for some time but had waited until now, believing himself too weak before. After years of training and learning to control his Sulong transformation, he finally felt ready.
"I've been waiting for you to say that," Enzo said with a grin. "I'm leaving too. I want another child, though this will be the last time."
Cain's face twisted in mild disgust. "No judgment from me," he said, though his thoughts betrayed him.
'Mother, Chisato, Silver… and now another one? If I didn't know him personally, I'd think he was a slave trader or something.'
"Don't lie. You're judging me," Enzo laughed, walking back toward the cabin. Cain chuckled and followed, carrying the unconscious Silver.
{An Hour Later}
When Silver finally opened his eyes, he was lying on a bed. Every inch of him ached, but he noticed the shackles were gone, and his strength was slowly returning. Turning his head, he saw Cain and Enzo nearby.
Cain sat in a chair, arms crossed, while Enzo leaned against the wall with his eyes closed.
"You're awake," Cain said flatly. "We need to talk."
Silver's gut churned with unease as he focused on Cain, whose tone was unusually serious.
"Father is leaving the island to… get another child," Cain explained with a sigh. "And don't worry, he's not abandoning us. That's just his weird habit. I, on the other hand, will also leave—to train. You're not coming with me."
Silver tried to protest, but his mangled jaw and missing teeth made speech impossible. Still, Cain understood his intent.
"You need to train alone," Cain said firmly. "You've been holding back against me, and we've realized you improve more when under pressure. This island will be your test."
Silver flushed with shame, embarrassed they had discovered his secret. He nodded reluctantly, understanding their reasoning. Determined not to disappoint them, he resolved to grow stronger.
Cain and Enzo shared a knowing smile.
At that moment, the nurse entered, carrying a medical box. "I overheard everything," she said. "What about me?"
Cain froze, realizing he had forgotten her entirely. He glanced at Enzo, silently pleading for help.
Enzo smirked, walking up to her. Placing a hand on her waist, he gently turned her to face him. "I'd appreciate it if you stayed here," he said, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I won't be gone long. I could never live without your precious cunt."
"Disgusting," Chisato muttered, swatting him away as she set the medical box on the bed.
Cain sighed. "You two need to stop. I'm sorry, but I'll need you to stay here for now. However, I promise to take you anywhere you want—just once—when I return."
Reluctantly, the nurse accepted the handshake Cain offered as a gesture of goodwill before turning her attention to Silver.
'Finally, everything is settled,' Cain thought.
Just as he was about to leave the room, Enzo called him back. "Do you know anything about Haki?"
Cain paused, sitting across from his father in the living room. "Not much. I've read bits about it in books, but nothing substantial.
Why?"
Enzo's grin widened, revealing his shark-like teeth. "Because without Haki, you'll never become the strongest. I'll teach you what I know—but the rest is up to you."