"K Rogge?"
Barry scratched his head in confusion as Leno pulled out the logbook and the East Blue chart.
"Ah, it's that ship!"
Luwell's beautiful eyes sparkled. "The boat? Have you seen the boat?"
The disappearance of her father marked the turning point in her family's fate, a knot she carried in her heart.
"Yes!"
Barry glanced at Leno, who continued eating politely but endlessly, consuming enough food for dozens. The plates piled up high beside him.
Barry recalled, "Back then, a few friends, and I were just young men in our twenties, not even bandits yet. We offended some nobles in the city and had to flee, planning to go to sea by boat."
They were caught in a storm at sea, their mast broke, and they were blown to a deserted island.
"The boat, the logs, and charts were found on that island. We dismantled the boat and used its parts to repair ours. Because of that experience, I came to the Goa Kingdom and became bandits."
Luwell asked eagerly, "Was anyone else on the island?"
Barry shook his head. "No, we were stranded eight years ago, and there were only skeletons left on the boat. Oh, and this."
He took a gold watch from his neck, showing it to Luwell. "I found this from a skeleton. It has engravings."
"It's my father's watch!" Luwell exclaimed, recognizing it instantly. "The engravings are my parents' initials." She turned the gold watch slightly, and with a click, the back cover opened to reveal a small photo—a happy picture of her family.
Luwell broke into tears, and Kuina, feeling empathetic, gave her a comforting hug. Leno sighed softly, his thoughts drifting to his parents in the Otherworld; suddenly, the food in his hands lost its taste.
Wiping his mouth, Leno asked, "Barry, name your price for the watch. Do you remember that island?"
Barry took a sip of his wine and shook his head. "I don't need money. I'm about to be a father myself, and I get it. Besides, it wasn't mine to begin with. Now it's back with its rightful owner."
Luwell, wiping her tears, said, "Thank you! But I must pay what's owed."
Barry shook his head again. "The island is near Keto Island, probably south. There's an offshore king, a giant octopus."
Leno checked the chart.
Boom!
The casino doors burst open as two guards were thrown back, bloodied. A group of men wielding swords and sticks rushed in, led by a young, tattooed man gripping a bloodied mace.
"Starting today, this casino belongs to us!" he declared arrogantly, eyes landing on Barry.
"Old man, you're here! Perfect. We'll take you down together."
Barry's temper flared. Challenges were common in the chaotic Dawn Island, but he never liked being provoked. Just as he was about to rise, Leno intervened, "Let her handle this."
The young man sneered. "You think you can take me on? I'm Hogg the Wolf Slayer!"
Barry's face paled at the name. Hogg was the notorious new boss at the Gray Terminal, a dump crawling with scavengers and criminals after the Celestial Dragons left.
"Recognize me now?" Hogg taunted, slamming his mace on the table. "Get out if you want to live! And leave these two beauties behind."
He eyed Luwell and Kuina with greed, especially captivated by Luwell's stunning looks.
Boom!
Hogg's smile faded as he was sent flying into a wall by a powerful kick from Luwell, who landed gracefully.
"Damn it! Attack them!" Hogg roared, furious. But Luwell's stern expression and fierce resolve made it clear she needed no help.
Barry watched in awe as Luwell's legs moved like blurs, effortlessly taking down Hogg's men with her enhanced physical abilities from the Zoan fruit and Leno's rigorous training.
Hogg, still dazed, tried a final attack with his mace, only for Luwell to effortlessly block and counter with a powerful kick that sent him crashing through five shops.
Barry's jaw dropped. Hogg, the feared Wolf Slayer, was defeated in seconds by Luwell's precise, sassy movements.
Leno smiled, admiring Luwell's strength. She reminded him of a heroine from "Underworld," but with radiant blonde hair, making her all the more striking.
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+30 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
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