"Hmph! I thought you were something special, but it turns out you're just trash! Hahaha!"
The pirate leader sneered, towering over Federman, who lay beaten and bleeding on the ground.
"Father!" Feline screamed, rushing to her father's side. Tears streamed down her face as she cradled him protectively.
"All right, enough of this nonsense," the pirate leader growled, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Come with us, girl! I promise my crew will treat you very kindly. Hahahaha!"
Feline raised her head, her expression fierce and unyielding. "I will never go with you!" she spat, her voice firm despite the fear in her chest.
"Oh? Such fire! I like that!" the pirate leader said, grinning wickedly as he reached out to grab her by the hair.
But before he could touch her, a calm, commanding voice cut through the tension.
"Excuse me. What's going on here? Why the commotion?"
The pirates turned, startled. At the entrance to the shop stood a tall figure cloaked in a dark coat, his face obscured by a simple mask. His imposing presence was impossible to ignore.
"Who the hell are you?" one of the pirates barked impatiently.
"Who am I?" The man tilted his head, his tone maddeningly slow.
"Yeah, I'm asking you!"
The man chuckled softly. "I am the one who will conquer this world."
The pirates stared for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"Hahahaha! Where did this lunatic come from?"
"You want to conquer the world?" the pirate leader mocked. "You're clearly not right in the head, pal. Maybe I'll put you out of your misery!"
Ignoring the mockery, the masked man continued nonchalantly. "Since you all recognize me so well, how about lending me your pirate ship? Mine was destroyed in a storm. Oh, and judging by your faces, you must be lowly pirates. Am I correct?"
The pirates' laughter stopped abruptly.
"This idiot..." one muttered.
The leader sneered, drawing a pistol from his belt. "You want our ship? Bold words, fool. But all I'll be giving you is a bullet!"
The man didn't flinch, his voice calm as ever. "How frightening. I suppose you won't hand it over so easily."
The pirate leader pulled the trigger. The gunshot echoed through the shop, but when the smoke cleared, the masked man stood unfazed, a bullet resting in the palm of his hand.
"What?! That's impossible!" the pirate leader stammered, stepping back in disbelief.
The man's demeanor shifted, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes. "Enough playing around," he said coldly. "Stand down, you scum."
Suddenly, an overwhelming aura of intimidation burst from him. The pirates froze, terror consuming them before they collapsed unconscious, one by one.
The masked man sighed, shaking his head. "Ah, it's been a while since I used Haki. Feels a bit rusty."
He approached Federman and Feline, his steps unhurried.
"Dr. Federman, are you all right?" he asked, his tone oddly respectful.
Hearing the voice, Federman's body stiffened. His fists clenched as he tried to push himself up.
"That voice... It's you..."
The masked man chuckled softly, crouching down to meet Federman's glare. "It's been a long time, hasn't it? You've aged quite a bit, Doctor."
"Rocks, you bastard!" Federman spat, his voice trembling with rage.
"Oh my, such hostility. And here I thought you'd be happy to see me," the man said mockingly. "But I can't blame you. After all, you did save my life once."
Feline looked between the two men, confused. "Father, who is this man? You must be mistaken!"
The masked man shifted his gaze to her, his tone softening. "Ah, is this your daughter? She's grown into a lovely young lady."
"Don't you dare talk about my daughter!" Federman roared, his voice breaking.
The masked man sighed, his tone turning somber. "Federman-sensei, I understand your hatred. But I didn't come here for forgiveness. I have something important to tell you."
"I don't want to hear a single word from you, monster!" Federman growled, struggling to rise.
The man ignored his protests. "This concerns Aileen."
At the mention of her name, Federman froze.
"Aileen..." he murmured, the name cutting through his rage like a blade. Memories surged through his mind—her laughter, her kindness, the fleeting moments of happiness they'd shared.
"Aileen... is she all right?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mix of hope and fear.
The masked man hesitated, his next words measured and deliberate. "She passed away. Just a few days ago."
The room fell silent. Federman's breath hitched as the weight of the words crashed down on him.
---
TO BE CONTINUED...