[This chapter is actually really important as the future of the fic will depend on YOU, my dear readers, YES, YOU, we'll take a vote. On what? well read all of this first and you decide which path we'll take]
The world spun violently as the floor gave way beneath us, sending me, Nami, and Usopp tumbling into the darkness below. The air was thick with dust and debris, the sound of wood splintering and crashing echoing all around us.
I barely managed to land on my feet, the shadows cushioning my fall at the last second. The Orb of the Forgotten King pulsed faintly in my hand, its energy flowing through me like a protective current.
Nami wasn't so lucky. She hit the ground hard, rolling to a stop with a groan. Usopp landed in an ungraceful heap beside her, clutching his slingshot as he struggled to sit up.
"What the hell just happened?" Nami coughed, pushing herself to her knees.
"A trap," I said grimly, scanning the darkened space around us.
The room we'd fallen into was vast and empty, its stone walls cold and damp. It felt like some kind of basement or storage chamber, but there was no sign of the staircase we'd just climbed, or the pirates who had sprung the trap.
The shadows shifted uneasily around me, their whispers louder now, more urgent.
"They knew we were coming," I muttered, my jaw tightening. "Kuro's not just fast, he's smart. This was planned."
Usopp staggered to his feet, his face pale and his hands trembling. "We have to get out of here! Kaya's still in danger!"
"And we will," I said, my voice steady. "But first, we need to figure out where the hell we are."
The Warlord didn't fall with us. I could feel its presence above us, its crimson eyes watching the broken floor where we had disappeared. The System chimed faintly in the back of my mind, offering me a vague sense of its status.
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Shadow Warlord (Lv. 7): Guarding upper level. Awaiting orders.
________________________________
I clenched my fists. I couldn't call the Warlord here, not yet. If I did, it would risk collapsing the rest of the structure, and we couldn't afford that.
"Harlock's still fighting Kuro," I said. "The Warlord is holding the mansion's gate. For now, it's just us."
"Just us?" Nami snapped, glaring at me. "We're trapped in a basement, with no idea how to get out, and pirates swarming the house! How is that 'just us' supposed to fix anything?"
Her words stung, but she wasn't wrong.
The shadows stirred around my feet, their whispers growing more insistent.
"Paths converge. Seek the way forward," they murmured, their voices overlapping like a chorus.
I took a deep breath, closing my eyes. The shadows weren't just a tool, they were a guide, a part of me that I was still learning to understand. If they were speaking, it was for a reason.
"Give me a second," I said, my voice calm.
I sank into the shadows, activating Shadow Meld to extend my senses through the room. The darkness around me shifted and twisted, revealing faint shapes and paths that weren't visible to the naked eye.
"There," I said, my eyes snapping open. I pointed to a corner of the room where the shadows pooled thickest. "There's a passage. It leads up."
The passage was narrow and damp, its walls lined with crumbling stone and faint traces of moss. Nami stayed close behind me, her staff gripped tightly in one hand, while Usopp followed nervously, his slingshot at the ready.
The air grew colder as we moved deeper into the tunnel, the shadows pressing closer around us. The whispers had quieted, but I could still feel their presence, guiding me forward.
"What kind of mansion has secret tunnels like this?" Nami muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"A paranoid one," I replied. "Kuro's the type to plan for every possibility. If he knew we'd come here, he probably set this up as a trap for anyone who followed him."
Usopp shivered. "Great. So we're walking right into his hands."
"Not if we're careful," I said.
We hadn't gone far when the shadows ahead shifted. I froze, my dagger sliding into my hand instinctively.
"Wait," I said, holding up a hand to stop Nami and Usopp.
"What is it?" Nami asked, her eyes darting toward the darkened passage ahead.
"There's something up there," I said, my voice low.
The shadows rippled, and a faint figure emerged from the darkness. It was humanoid but twisted, its form flickering like a half-forgotten memory. Its eyes glowed faintly, and the air around it seemed colder, heavier.
The System chimed faintly in my mind.
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New Shadow Detected: Remnant of the Black Cat's Betrayal.
Status: Hostile.
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I tightened my grip on the dagger, the shadows around me coiling in response. "It's not alive," I said, my voice steady. "It's a shadow, a remnant of something that happened here."
"What does that mean?" Usopp asked, his voice trembling.
"It means it's dangerous," I said.
The shadow figure moved closer, its glowing eyes locking onto me. Its movements were jerky, almost disjointed, but there was an undeniable malice in its presence.
"Stay back," I warned, stepping forward. The shadows around me surged, forming tendrils that lashed out toward the figure.
It didn't flinch. Instead, it raised one twisted hand, and a wave of darkness erupted from its body, slamming into me with enough force to knock me back.
"Rook!" Nami shouted, catching my arm as I stumbled.
"I'm fine," I said, gritting my teeth. "But this thing isn't going to go down easy."
The remnant surged forward, its twisted limbs lashing out with unnatural speed. I activated Shadow Dash, slipping through the darkness and reappearing behind it. My dagger struck its back, but the blade passed through its smoky form like water.
"Damn it," I muttered.
"Usopp, do something!" Nami shouted.
"I'm trying!" he yelled, firing a pellet from his slingshot. The shot hit the remnant square in the chest, but it barely flinched, its glowing eyes flicking toward Usopp.
"Nami, keep Usopp safe," I said, stepping forward again. The shadows coiled tighter around me, their energy surging as I activated Shadow Tendrils.
The tendrils lashed out, wrapping around the remnant's limbs and pulling it back. It screeched, a sound like metal grinding against stone, but the tendrils held firm.
"Go!" I shouted, glancing back at Nami and Usopp. "Get to the end of the passage. I'll catch up!"
"What? No way!" Usopp said, his voice cracking. "You can't, "
"Just go!" I snapped.
Nami grabbed Usopp's arm, dragging him toward the end of the tunnel. "Come on!"
The remnant thrashed against the tendrils, its screeches echoing through the passage. I tightened my grip on the Orb, pouring more energy into the shadows.
"You're not stopping us," I muttered, the shadows flaring brighter. "Not tonight."
The remnant thrashed against my Shadow Tendrils, its eerie, fractured form warping and flickering like an image caught in a broken mirror. Its glowing eyes flared with malice, and its screeches reverberated through the narrow passage, setting my teeth on edge.
The shadows around me trembled under the strain of holding the creature in place. It wasn't just some mindless shadow, it was stronger, smarter, and far more malicious than anything I'd faced before. The System had called it a "remnant of betrayal," but it felt like a living embodiment of hatred itself.
"I don't have time for this," I muttered under my breath, gripping the Orb of the Forgotten King tighter.
The whispers surged in my mind, their voices blending into a single, clear directive.
"Consume it."
My breath caught. Consume it?
The shadows writhed, urging me forward, and for a moment, I hesitated. But I didn't have time to question the whispers. Nami and Usopp were somewhere ahead, and if this thing broke free, it would tear through them without hesitation.
I planted my feet and channeled the shadows into the Orb, its pulse syncing with my heartbeat.
"Fine," I growled. "You want me to consume it? Let's see what happens."
The Orb pulsed brighter as I raised it, the tendrils binding the remnant feeding their energy into its swirling surface. The creature screeched louder, its fractured form twisting as the shadows around it began to unravel.
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New Command Activated: Shadow Absorption.
Warning: Unstable Shadow Entity Detected. Proceed with caution.
________________________________
"Yeah, I figured that much," I muttered, gritting my teeth.
The remnant's form began to collapse, its jagged limbs folding inward as the shadows pulled it toward the Orb. Its glowing eyes flickered wildly, and for a brief moment, I swore I saw something deeper in its gaze, anger, fear, and something that almost looked like recognition.
"Master!" Harlock's voice boomed faintly from above, muffled by the layers of stone and debris. "Are you alive down there?"
"Busy!" I shouted back, my voice strained.
The remnant let out one final, ear-splitting screech before its body dissolved completely, its shadowy essence flooding into the Orb. The weight of its energy hit me like a tidal wave, knocking me back a step as the shadows around me surged violently.
The whispers in my mind grew deafening, their voices overlapping into a chaotic cacophony. My vision blurred, the edges of the world flickering as the shadows consumed my senses.
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Shadow Absorption Complete.
New Shadow Ability Unlocked: Remnant's Grasp.
Summon the essence of a defeated remnant to bind and weaken enemies.
Warning: Overuse may destabilize user's connection to shadows.
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I stumbled, catching myself against the wall of the tunnel as the last of the remnant's energy settled into the Orb. My entire body felt like it had been dragged through a storm, every muscle ached, and the wound on my side throbbed like it was on fire.
The shadows, however, were calm now. The whispers had quieted, their voices replaced by a faint, rhythmic pulse that seemed to echo from the Orb itself.
"That... was new," I muttered, shaking my head to clear it.
I didn't have time to dwell on what had just happened. Nami and Usopp were still ahead, and the Black Cat Pirates were somewhere in the mansion. Pushing myself off the wall, I started down the tunnel again, my steps heavy but determined.
The passage eventually opened into a staircase, its steps winding upward toward the heart of the mansion. I climbed quickly, ignoring the protests of my battered body as I ascended.
When I reached the third floor, I found Nami and Usopp standing in the middle of a grand hallway, their faces pale. The ornate wooden walls were scarred with fresh claw marks, and the air was thick with the metallic scent of blood.
"Nami, Usopp," I called, my voice hoarse.
They turned sharply, relief washing over their faces.
"Rook!" Nami said, rushing toward me. "What happened? What was that thing?"
"A shadow remnant," I said simply, leaning against the wall to catch my breath. "It's gone now. Where's Kaya?"
"She's in the master bedroom," Usopp said, pointing to the far end of the hallway. "But some of Kuro's men broke in. We tried to stop them, but there were too many."
I clenched my fists, the shadows rippling faintly around my feet.
"They're not getting to her," I said firmly.
The door to the master bedroom was ajar, its frame splintered from the pirates' forced entry. I stepped inside, the shadows coiling around me as I scanned the room.
Kaya sat on the edge of the bed, her face pale and her hands trembling as she clutched a small dagger. Three pirates surrounded her, their weapons gleaming in the dim light.
"Hey!" one of them barked, noticing me. "Who the hell are you?"
"The guy who's about to ruin your night," I said, stepping forward.
The shadows surged around me, forming tendrils that lashed out toward the pirates. They scattered, their weapons clashing against the dark appendages as they tried to fight back.
Nami and Usopp followed me into the room, Nami's staff striking one of the pirates in the side while Usopp fired a pellet that hit another square in the forehead.
"Get away from her!" Usopp shouted, his voice shaking but determined.
Kaya looked up, her wide eyes filled with fear and confusion.
"Who... who are you?" she whispered.
"A friend," I said, stepping between her and the pirates. "Stay behind me."
The fight was chaotic, the narrow space making it hard to move freely. The pirates were skilled, their strikes precise and brutal, but the shadows gave me an edge. The tendrils coiled and struck like living weapons, forcing the attackers back with every step.
"Fall back!" one of them shouted, his voice panicked.
"Too late," I said, activating Remnant's Grasp for the first time.
The shadows around me shifted, and the faint, fractured form of the remnant appeared behind me, its glowing eyes locking onto the pirates. Dark tendrils lashed out from its body, wrapping around the nearest attacker and pulling him to the ground.
The pirate screamed, his body convulsing as the tendrils drained his strength. The other two stared in horror before turning to flee, but Nami and Usopp blocked their path.
"Not so fast," Nami said, her staff sweeping the legs out from under one of them.
The last pirate turned toward me, his face pale as he dropped his weapon. "I surrender!" he stammered.
"Smart choice," I said, lowering my dagger.
The room fell silent, the tension hanging in the air like a storm cloud. Kaya lowered the dagger in her hands, her shoulders sagging with relief.
But I knew better than to let my guard down.
The shadows whispered faintly, their voices tinged with urgency.
"Danger comes... The cat approaches..."
My chest tightened as the realization hit me.
"Kuro's coming," I said, my voice low.
Nami and Usopp froze, their eyes widening.
"You mean he's, " Usopp started, but I cut him off.
"Get Kaya out of here," I said, turning toward the door. "I'll hold him off."
"But, " Nami began.
"Go!" I snapped.
The shadows surged around me as I stepped into the hallway, my heart pounding. The air grew colder, heavier, as the sound of footsteps echoed through the mansion.
Kuro was close.
The hallway was dead silent, save for the sound of measured, deliberate footsteps echoing off the walls. Each step sent a chill down my spine. I stood at the center of the corridor, the shadows coiling tightly around me, responding to my tension. The air grew heavier, almost suffocating, as if the mansion itself was holding its breath.
"Kaya's safe with us," Nami said, her voice firm but edged with worry. Behind her, Usopp held Kaya's hand, his slingshot trembling in his grip. "Don't die, Rook."
I nodded, keeping my eyes locked on the far end of the hall. "Get her out of here. Use the passage if you have to. Just don't stop running."
Nami hesitated for a moment, but she grabbed Usopp's arm, tugging him and Kaya toward the staircase. "Come on," she urged. "This isn't our fight anymore."
Usopp looked like he wanted to argue, but the fear in Kaya's eyes silenced him. With one last glance at me, he followed Nami, disappearing down the stairs.
Now it was just me, and him.
The figure at the far end of the hall came into view, stepping out of the shadows like a specter. Kuro's long black coat billowed slightly as he moved, his hands still casually tucked into his pockets. His glasses glinted faintly in the dim light, and a small, chilling smile played on his lips.
"Well, well," he said, his voice calm and almost pleasant. "You're the one they're calling the Shadow Reaper."
I didn't respond immediately, keeping my stance firm. "You're Captain Kuro."
He adjusted his glasses with a single clawed finger, his smile widening. "I'm flattered you've heard of me. Though, I must admit, I'm surprised you'd risk your life for these villagers. You don't strike me as the noble type."
"Maybe I'm just full of surprises," I said coldly.
Kuro's smile faltered slightly, and he tilted his head. "You're stalling. How quaint. Are you buying time for that coward with the long nose and his little friends? If so, you've miscalculated. The moment they step out of this mansion, my men will cut them down."
"Not if I stop you here," I snapped, raising the Orb of the Forgotten King. The shadows around me flared, their tendrils lashing out and writhing like living creatures.
Kuro let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "You don't get it, do you? You're out of your depth, boy. The Marines might fear your shadows, but I've spent years perfecting my craft. You're nothing but a distraction."
Before I could respond, he vanished.
My instincts screamed at me to move, and I barely managed to activate Shadow Dash in time. The world blurred as I slipped into the shadows, reappearing a few feet away just as Kuro's claws slashed through the air where I'd been standing.
He reappeared in the same instant, his glasses glinting as he adjusted them.
"Not bad," he said, his tone almost mocking. "Most people don't survive the first strike."
I gritted my teeth, the shadows around me rippling with tension. "I'm not most people."
Kuro tilted his head, his smile returning. "We'll see."
He vanished again, and this time, I was ready. The shadows surged around me as I activated Remnant's Grasp, summoning the fractured form of the shadow remnant I'd absorbed earlier.
The spectral figure emerged behind me, its glowing eyes locking onto Kuro as he reappeared midair, his claws aimed at my throat. The remnant's tendrils lashed out, forcing Kuro to twist sharply to avoid them.
He landed gracefully, his feet barely making a sound as he straightened. "Interesting," he said, his eyes narrowing. "You've got more tricks than I thought."
"Try me," I said, the shadows coiling tighter around me.
Kuro's speed was unreal. He moved like a phantom, his claws flashing through the air faster than I could track. Every time I dodged or countered, he was already two steps ahead, his movements precise and calculated.
But I wasn't fighting alone.
The remnant's tendrils kept him on his toes, striking out whenever he got too close. The shadows around me acted almost instinctively, forming shields and barriers to block his strikes.
"Clever," Kuro muttered as he deflected a tendril with his claws. "But cleverness won't save you."
He lunged forward, his claws slicing through the air with deadly precision. I activated Shadow Dash again, slipping into the darkness and reappearing behind him. My dagger lashed out, aiming for his back, but he twisted midair, his claws deflecting the strike.
"You're predictable," he said, his voice cold.
"And you talk too much," I shot back.
The shadows surged again, their tendrils wrapping around Kuro's arms and pulling him off balance. For a split second, I thought I had him.
But then he vanished, his body dissolving into a blur of motion as he slipped free of the tendrils.
The duel raged on, the hallway becoming a battlefield of shadows and slashing claws. Kuro's precision was unlike anything I'd faced before, every movement was calculated, every strike aimed to kill.
But as the fight dragged on, I began to notice something.
He was fast, too fast. His movements, while precise, were starting to grow erratic, almost frantic. The more I forced him to dodge and counter, the more his composure seemed to crack.
"You're not as calm as you want me to think," I said, my voice steady despite my exhaustion.
Kuro's eyes narrowed, his smile twisting into a snarl. "Careful, boy. You don't want to provoke me."
"Too late for that," I said, summoning another wave of tendrils to lash out at him.
He dodged, but his movements were slower now, his breathing heavier. The shadows had begun to take their toll.
For a moment, everything slowed.
Kuro lunged forward, his claws aimed directly at my chest. I didn't have time to dodge, not fully, but I didn't need to.
The shadows surged around me, forming a barrier just as his claws connected. The force of the strike sent me stumbling back, but the barrier held.
And then I saw it, an opening.
I raised the Orb of the Forgotten King, channeling every ounce of energy I had left into a single attack. The shadows around me surged violently, their tendrils lashing out in a coordinated strike that enveloped Kuro completely.
He let out a furious snarl, his claws slashing through the tendrils as he fought to break free.
But this time, the shadows held firm.
Kuro broke free just as I collapsed to one knee, the exhaustion of the fight finally catching up to me. He staggered back, his coat torn and his glasses cracked, his breathing ragged.
"You're... persistent," he growled, his voice dripping with fury.
I forced myself to stand, the shadows around me flickering weakly. "And you're sloppy," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
His eyes narrowed, but he didn't move. He was spent, and so was I.
Before either of us could make another move, the distant sound of shouting echoed through the mansion.
"Rook!" Harlock's voice boomed, growing closer. "We're coming!"
Kuro's snarl twisted into a smirk. "It seems our time is up."
He vanished in a blur of motion, disappearing into the shadows of the hallway.
Harlock burst into the hallway moments later, his axes bloodied and his glowing eyes scanning the room. The Warlord followed, its massive frame looming behind him like a specter.
"Where is he?" Harlock asked, his tone urgent.
"Gone," I said, leaning heavily against the wall.
Nami and Usopp appeared moments later, Kaya in tow.
"What happened?" Nami asked, her voice sharp.
"We drove him off," I said, my voice weak. "But this isn't over."
The shadows around me whispered faintly, their voices tinged with unease.
"Danger lingers... The cat will return..."
I clenched my fists, staring down the hallway where Kuro had disappeared.
This wasn't the end.
The mansion felt colder in Kuro's absence, as if his malice had seeped into the walls and refused to leave. I leaned heavily against the cracked wooden frame of the hallway, my chest heaving as the adrenaline drained from my body. The shadows flickered weakly around me, their energy dim, but still present.
Harlock stepped forward, his glowing eyes scanning the damaged corridor. His axes dripped with blood, but his posture remained steady, imposing. The Warlord stood silently behind him, its crimson eyes casting an ominous light across the shattered floor.
"You look like you've been through hell, Master," Harlock said, his voice gruff but tinged with concern.
"Feels like it too," I muttered, wincing as I pressed a hand against my ribs. The fight with Kuro had pushed me further than I'd ever been before, and my body was reminding me of its limits.
Nami and Usopp approached cautiously, with Kaya trailing behind them. Her face was pale, her wide eyes darting between me and the wreckage around us.
"He's gone?" Nami asked, her voice uncertain.
"For now," I said, straightening with effort. "But he'll be back. Kuro's not the kind of guy who takes failure lightly."
Usopp clenched his fists, his trembling hand gripping his slingshot. "I can't believe he just ran... after all that."
"He didn't run," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "He's regrouping. Planning his next move. And if we're still here when he does, we're dead."
Kaya stepped forward hesitantly, clutching the fabric of her dress with trembling fingers. Her voice was soft, barely audible. "You saved me," she said, her eyes locking onto mine.
"We saved you," I corrected, gesturing toward the others. "It wasn't just me."
She shook her head, her expression conflicted. "But why? You don't even know me. And... I heard the villagers talking about you. About your bounty."
The room went quiet. Nami and Usopp exchanged uneasy glances, while Harlock folded his arms, watching silently.
Kaya's voice trembled as she continued. "They said you're dangerous. A criminal. But you saved me anyway. Why?"
I hesitated, the weight of her question settling over me like a storm cloud. Why had I stayed? Why hadn't I run when I had the chance?
"I don't know," I admitted finally, my voice low. "Maybe it's because I'm tired of running. Maybe it's because I've seen what happens when people like Kuro get what they want. Or maybe..."
I paused, the shadows flickering faintly around my feet.
"Maybe I just needed to prove to myself that I'm not as far gone as everyone says I am."
Kaya's eyes widened, but she didn't say anything.
The tension eased slightly as Kaya stepped back, her trembling hands lowering to her sides. Nami placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, her expression softening.
"We should get her somewhere safe," Nami said, her tone practical. "Kuro might be gone, but his crew is still out there. This place isn't secure."
"I'll take her back to the village," Usopp said, his voice steady despite the fear still lingering in his eyes. "I'll protect her."
"You?" Nami raised an eyebrow, her tone skeptical.
Usopp straightened, puffing out his chest. "Of course! I'm Captain Usopp, the bravest warrior of the sea! No pirate's going to get past me!"
Nami sighed, shaking her head. "Whatever you say."
I glanced at Harlock and the Warlord. "Go with them," I said quietly.
Harlock frowned. "Are you sure, Master? Kuro's still out there. If he comes back, "
"I'll handle it," I said firmly. "But Kaya and the others need to get out of here safely. You're the only one I trust to make that happen."
Harlock studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he nodded. "As you wish."
The Warlord didn't speak, but it followed Harlock as he led Kaya, Usopp, and Nami toward the staircase.
The mansion fell silent as their footsteps faded, leaving me alone in the shattered hallway. The air was heavy, the shadows around me flickering weakly as they fed off my dwindling strength.
I leaned against the wall, sliding down until I was sitting on the cold, cracked floor. My body ached with every movement, and the wound on my side throbbed with a dull, relentless pain.
The Orb of the Forgotten King sat in my hand, its surface pulsing faintly. The shadows whispered softly in the back of my mind, their voices distant but familiar.
"Paths diverge," they murmured. "The cat will return. The storm has only begun."
I closed my eyes, my grip tightening on the Orb. "I know," I muttered. "I can feel it."
As I sat in the silence, the weight of the fight began to sink in. Kuro had tested me in ways I wasn't prepared for, forcing me to push the shadows, and myself, to their limits. And while I'd survived, the cost was becoming clear.
The shadows weren't just a tool. They were a part of me now, tied to every decision I made, every step I took. The more I used them, the more they took from me. And the more I fought, the more I realized how dangerous they truly were.
I couldn't keep running from the truth.
If I wanted to survive in this world, if I wanted to make it through whatever the shadows had planned for me, I needed to get stronger. Not just physically, but mentally. I needed to learn to control the shadows, to understand them, to master them before they consumed me completely.
And I couldn't do it alone.
The sound of footsteps broke the silence, pulling me from my thoughts. I looked up sharply, my body tensing as I reached for my dagger.
But it wasn't Kuro.
It was Luffy.
He stood at the end of the hallway, his straw hat tilted back and his usual carefree grin on his face. His shirt was torn, and there were scratches along his arms, but he looked completely unfazed.
"Hey," he said, waving casually. "You okay?"
I let out a shaky breath, lowering my dagger. "I've been better."
Luffy walked over, crouching in front of me with his hands resting on his knees. "You look like you're thinking too much," he said bluntly.
I couldn't help but laugh, the sound bitter and dry. "Yeah, that sounds about right."
"You were awesome back there," Luffy said, his grin widening. "The way you fought Kuro, that was so cool!"
I stared at him, caught off guard by his enthusiasm. "You're insane, you know that?"
He shrugged. "Maybe. But you're strong. And I think you'd make a great crewmate."
I blinked, the words catching me completely off guard. "What?"
"Join my crew," Luffy said simply. "We're gonna find the One Piece, and I think you'd be great at helping us get there."
I stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in.
"Think about it," Luffy said, standing up and tipping his hat. "You've got shadows. We've got adventure. Sounds like a good deal to me."
He walked away, his laughter echoing through the hallway as he disappeared around the corner.
I sat there for a long moment, staring at the spot where he'd stood. The shadows around me whispered faintly, their voices soft and uncertain.
For the first time in weeks, I didn't have an answer.
[Yes, He joins the crew (just like my comment)]
[No, he doesn't (just like my comment)]