[T/N] I fucking hate the fact that these motherfuckers insist on using army ranks for the Marines/Navy in one piece. It's so fucking annoying and then the names man the fucking names but you know what imma keeping pushing because in all honesty it isn't even that bad compared to the other ones I've seen. Point out any mistakes made by me.]
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"The Vivre Card cannot be destroyed," Momousagi said proudly. "The Marines will find me sooner or later. I advise you to escape while you still can."
"Now, now," Clover shrugged, "I asked you how to remove it for the Marines' sake. You don't want them to suffer for nothing, do you? I don't think you'd want that on your conscience."
"Hmph, you just caught me off guard; there are plenty of Marines who could kill you with ease. Don't be too arrogant," Momousagi scoffed coldly.
Clover sighed, raising his fist. "We'll see about that."
With that, Clover punched toward the sea. Momousagi turned her gaze in the direction of his punch, only to see the sea remaining calm—eerily calm.
"What are you looking at?" Momousagi asked, glancing at Clover.
"Be patient," Clover replied, still watching the water. "Let the force carry a bit longer."
Suddenly, the entire sea began to churn, forming a massive whirlpool. The surface rose dozens of meters with a loud roar, creating an updraft so strong it swept up countless fish and sea creatures. The whirlpool climaxed with an explosion in the air, scattering fish into fragments that fell back into the sea, now tinted red with blood.
Momousagi's eyes widened, mouth agape in utter shock.
"Well, what do you think?" Clover turned to her, calmly. He'd only used 70% of his modified strength in that punch. He shuddered to think what would happen if he unleashed 100% of his power.
"You…" Momousagi was stunned. She could tell it was a simple punch—pure physical strength. He hadn't even used Haki, and yet, the impact was immense.
"Who… are you?" she asked, looking at him in awe.
"No need to hide it any longer." Clover took a wanted poster with a bounty of five billion from his pocket. "Clover Benson, the Dragon Slayer, bounty: five billion berries."
"Are you the one who infiltrated Mariejois, killed the Celestial Dragons, defeated Admiral Kizaru, and escaped unscathed?!" Momousagi gasped.
"Yes. Oh, and I also killed a Celestial Dragon on Matya Island recently. I imagine they're still dealing with the aftermath there," Clover said with a smirk.
Momousagi's shock deepened, though Clover noticed her attitude shift slightly; her hostility diminished slightly upon learning he'd killed a Celestial Dragon. Apparently, even in this world, the Celestial Dragons were despised.
"The Marine headquarters doesn't have my Vivre Card," Momousagi suddenly said, seemingly lost in thought.
"Oh? Are you telling the truth, or are you bluffing? Remember what happened to those fish," Clover replied, his tone serious.
"Vivre Cards are a double-edged sword for high-ranking Marines. We often have to undertake confidential missions. If a teammate's Vivre Card falls into enemy hands, it could reveal all of us, resulting in many casualties. So, most officers ranked Rear Admiral and above don't carry Vivre Cards," Momousagi explained, her gaze fixed on Clover.
Clover nodded, finding her explanation reasonable.
"Why did you kill the Celestial Dragons?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Why?" Clover said without hesitation, "Do you need a reason to kill a Celestial Dragon?"
"Killing a Celestial Dragon means being hunted by the World Government and the Marines. Is it worth it, living on the run just to kill one?"
"That's what this cover identity is for." Clover pulled out a wanted poster showing a smaller bounty of 28 million berries.
"...But even with 28 million berries, you'll still be pursued by Marines."
"Yes, but at 28 million, they'll underestimate me. Isn't that what you did?" Clover said, putting away both posters and playfully touching Momousagi's thigh.
"You…" Momousagi flinched at his touch, her expression torn between anger and disbelief. She bit her lip as though trying to suppress her emotions.
"Relax, I'm not that much of a beast… yet. I'll wait until you willingly follow me," Clover said, patting her thigh lightly.
"Mmm~" Momousagi tried to suppress a pained gasp.
"If you keep making sounds like that, I might not be able to restrain myself," Clover teased, standing up and heading toward the kitchen.
"There's no way I'd become a pirate! And I'd never follow you!" Momousagi shouted after him.
"Sure, sure, we have plenty of time," Clover replied, brushing her off casually. In the worst case, he thought, he'd just…
Clover unpacked his daily supplies from his storage, donned an apron, and began preparing food. His movements were smooth and efficient as he handled the ingredients with practiced ease.
After a short time, he approached Momousagi with a plate. "Let's get you fed before you refuse."
"Go away." Momousagi glared at him.
"Rice is the iron and steel of life. If you don't eat, how will you resist me when I get… impatient?" Clover said with a smirk, holding a spoonful of fried rice near her lips.
Momousagi seemed to hesitate, then leaned in slightly before pulling back. "No… you eat first!"
"Fine, fine." Clover rolled his eyes and took a bite with a separate spoon. "See? No poison." He swallowed.
"Alright…" Momousagi nodded, finally taking a bite from the first spoon he offered her.
"I didn't expect you to be a decent cook," Momousagi admitted after her first bite. Clover then sat and ate his portion.
"So, how are you feeling? Weak, numb legs, face flushed, stomach hot?" Clover asked, smirking as he observed her.
"Huh?" Momousagi blinked, processing his words, then realized she did feel those things. "What did you do to me?! Did you drug me?"
"Yes, but not in the rice." Clover grinned. "It was on the spoon I gave you, heh."