Originally, Takumi didn't plan to come. If it were just Shanks here, it wouldn't matter, as Takumi knew Shanks well enough to be certain that Shanks wouldn't kill Kaku.
However, Mihawk had shown up as well. Although it was likely that Mihawk wouldn't make things too difficult for Kaku with Shanks around, just in case, Takumi decided to follow along.
After all, apart from Kaku's identity as an undercover agent, he was genuinely a good asset—a talented shipwright!
If Kaku's objective on the ship was to gain Takumi's trust, then Takumi could use that to his advantage and get free labor from a competent shipwright. It wasn't a bad deal.
Takumi didn't respond directly to Shanks' previous question.
Shanks smiled and asked, "So, is it worth it for an undercover agent?"
Takumi replied calmly, "I don't operate on whether things are worth it or not."
"Haha, you're as stubborn as ever," Shanks laughed. "But I can kind of understand why you'd want to protect him. Little Kaku's not bad. He's extremely determined and loyal to his beliefs. If you can get him to truly join your side, he'd be a valuable partner. But changing someone's deep-rooted beliefs is no easy task. If you can't change him, keeping him around could be dangerous."
"I know," Takumi said nonchalantly. "I'm not worried. I've anticipated all his moves."
"Oh, confident, aren't we?"
"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving." With that, Takumi walked past Shanks without looking back.
He hadn't walked far before Shanks called out again, "Takumi, having crewmates isn't such a bad feeling, right?"
Takumi paused for a moment but continued walking without turning around, "To me, they're just tools with utility."
"Oh? Just tools?" Shanks watched as Takumi's figure slowly disappeared into the jungle, rubbing his chin with a faint smile. "You say that, but your actions suggest otherwise."
After Takumi left, Shanks didn't linger for long. He first dropped by Mihawk's place for a chat and then returned to the ship.
Most of the Red-Haired Pirates had already gone to sleep.
Only Benn Beckman and Yasopp were still on the deck, waiting.
"Captain, you're finally back?" Yasopp teased. "I thought you were going to stay the night at Mihawk's place."
Leaning against the railing, smoking a cigarette, Beckman asked, "How did it go?"
Shanks grinned, "Not a big deal. Neither Mihawk nor Takumi are bothered, so we don't need to worry either."
"So, that kid is part of the World Government?" Yasopp asked.
Shanks shrugged, "Who knows? Anyway, it's late. Let's all head to bed."
Neither Yasopp nor Beckman paid much attention to Shanks' vague answer.
Since Shanks said it wasn't a big deal, there was no need for them to worry.
"Tch, whatever. Let's sleep." Yasopp smirked as he headed towards the cabin. "That Kaku kid's not bad. He was really helpful earlier today, and chatting with him was pretty enjoyable. If only he weren't working for the Government."
After Yasopp entered the cabin, Beckman, noticing Shanks had something on his mind, asked, "What's up?"
Shanks shook his head, hesitated, and then asked, "Beckman, have you heard of CP9?"
"CP9? The Government's group of assassins?"
"Yeah," Shanks nodded. "It's been on my mind. Once we're done with our next task, let's take a trip to Water 7."
"Sure," Beckman replied casually. "You're the captain. You decide where we go."
The next few days passed peacefully, as if nothing had happened.
Kaku, in particular, paid close attention to Mihawk and Shanks. Seeing that they really seemed to have forgotten about that night, he felt somewhat relieved. But having been caught red-handed, he still felt a bit uneasy every time he saw them.
After all, they were staying in Mihawk's castle, enjoying free food and lodging. As an exchange, Takumi made Kaku and Enel help Mihawk with cleaning and cooking whenever they had free time.
As for Takumi himself, he kept to his usual routine, very consistent and predictable.
The Red-Haired Pirates continued to visit Mihawk's place every day, freeloading meals, until after a week on the island, they were ready to leave.
"We're leaving now," Shanks said with a cheerful grin in front of the castle. "We have Den Den Mushi, so feel free to contact me anytime if you need anything."
Mihawk waved dismissively, "Just go."
Takumi, as usual, replied indifferently, "Okay."
Enel asked curiously, "Den Den Mushi? We have a Den Den Mushi on our ship?"
Kaku smiled helplessly, "Yeah… Mr. Shanks gave us one."
Shanks glanced at Kaku, then laughed, "Haha, that's right. I went through a lot of trouble to catch that Den Den Mushi for you guys. Take good care of it, don't let it die. Call me anytime, don't be shy."
"Tch, as if we're going to kill your Den Den Mushi," Enel grumbled.
Kaku muttered, "It's not like you've never crushed one before…"
"What?" Enel glared at Kaku, clearly irritated. "You long-nosed jerk, are you itching for a fight?"
"Uh… You should really control that temper of yours. Sooner or later, it's going to get you into trouble," Kaku replied before running into the forest as fast as he could.
In a flash, Enel transformed into lightning and gave chase.
"Hahaha," Shanks laughed. "Takumi, your crewmates are pretty funny."
Takumi completely ignored Shanks' comment.
Mihawk glanced at Takumi and asked directly, "When are you leaving?"
"We'll stay a little longer," Takumi said casually.
He had only completed sixty percent of his current mission, and two tasks hadn't been triggered yet...
Until the mission was done, he wasn't going anywhere.
"What's so great about this island? Why don't you come with us instead? I'll take you to some interesting places," Shanks offered with a grin.
Takumi declined bluntly, "No, thanks."
"Don't mention it," Shanks waved his hand with a laugh. "You're becoming more polite. Not bad. Keep it up. I've got a feeling that the next time we meet, you'll have grown into a bright, energetic young man."
Takumi: "…"
"Want me to escort you off?" Mihawk reached for the hilt of his black sword, Yoru.
Shanks quickly waved his hand, "No need, haha, we're leaving now. No need to see us off."
************
Please support me on Ko-fi at ko-fi. com/gered to read up to chapter 310!