Chapter 31: Ryou Sakura Domineering
The warriors from Wano Country could sense the powerful sword intent emanating from Charlotte.
They all turned to look at him with respect—respect for a true swordsman.
"Hahaha! What brings Captain Charlotte to our humble camp?"
The moment Charlotte entered, Kurozumi Murasaki was informed of his arrival. She came out to greet him with a polite smile.
Though they had not interacted much, Kurozumi Murasaki knew of Charlotte's fearsome reputation. His strength rivaled that of the Kozuki daimyo of Wano Country—an exceptional swordsman who commanded respect and fear.
"I'm here to talk about something important," Charlotte said, smiling faintly.
Kurozumi Murasaki, still young and beautiful, had a commanding presence. With the Mimic-Mimic Fruit, she could transform into anyone she pleased, making her a valuable asset to the Rocks Pirates.
"Oh? What could the great Captain Charlotte possibly need from me?" Kurozumi Murasaki asked, intrigued.
Charlotte walked past her without a second glance. Though she appeared alluring now, he couldn't help but think about the haggard, aged woman she would become in twenty years.
The thought made his stomach churn. His disdain for her was evident.
Kurozumi Murasaki, however, wasn't offended. She simply returned to her seat, sitting cross-legged on a cushion.
"You're from Wano Country, aren't you?" Charlotte asked directly, sitting across from her.
Kurozumi Murasaki's hand froze mid-motion as she was pouring tea. Her sharp eyes narrowed at him.
"What makes you think that?" she asked cautiously.
"Your samurai," Charlotte replied with a sly smile. "Your squad is full of them. As far as I know, samurai only come from Wano Country."
Kurozumi Murasaki set the teapot down and studied him.
"How do you know about Wano Country? Very few outside the New World have even heard of it," she said, her tone laced with suspicion.
Charlotte didn't deny it. Kaido had not yet invaded Wano, and the country remained an enigma to the world.
"I have my ways," Charlotte said cryptically. "I'm not here to discuss Wano's secrets. I'm here for one thing—Ryou Haki. I know you possess it, and I want the training method."
Hearing the term "Ryou haki," Kurozumi Murasaki's expression shifted.
"You're well-informed, Captain Charlotte," she said.
But then her tone turned icy. "And why should I give it to you?"
Charlotte's smile vanished, replaced by a cold, menacing glare.
"I'll give you two choices. One, you hand over the training method willingly. Two, you die."
His voice carried a chilling finality that left no room for negotiation.
Kurozumi Murasaki's face turned pale. She had no combat abilities to defend herself, and without her brother, Kurozumi Muramaru, she was utterly helpless.
"You wouldn't dare," she said weakly, though her voice lacked conviction. "If you kill me, Captain Rocks will surely punish you."
Charlotte burst into laughter, a sound that filled the room and sent shivers down her spine.
"Hahaha! Do you truly believe that? In the Rocks Pirates, strength is the only law. If I kill you, it's because you're too weak. Rocks won't care. He'll simply make me the captain of the 7th Division. Revenge? Don't make me laugh."
His words crushed any hope she had.
Her face darkened. After a moment of silence, she spoke.
"Fine. I'll give you Ryuu Sakura. But you must promise to do something for me in return."
Charlotte raised an eyebrow.
"And if I don't?"
"Then you'll never get the training method," she said defiantly, her voice trembling but resolute.
Charlotte's patience ran out. He grabbed her neck, lifting her off the ground effortlessly.
"Tell me the method now," he demanded.
Kurozumi Murasaki struggled against his grip but refused to speak.
Charlotte smirked. He didn't need her cooperation.
With his ability to read minds, he delved into her thoughts. Memories flooded his mind, and within seconds, he found the information he needed.
The method for practicing Ryuu Sakura Haki was now his.
Satisfied, he released her, letting her collapse to the ground.
"You tried to play games with me," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "But I don't negotiate with people like you."
Without another word, Charlotte turned and walked out of the tent.
Kurozumi Murasaki glared at his retreating figure, seething with humiliation.
"I will make you pay for this," she whispered venomously.
---
As Charlotte exited the tent, he nearly bumped into Kurozumi Muramaru, who was stumbling toward him with two blond women on his arms. The stench of alcohol clung to him like a second skin.
"Captain Charlotte!" Kurozumi Muramaru greeted him with a drunken smile.
Charlotte gave him a curt nod and kept walking.
Muramaru didn't mind. He was used to Charlotte's aloofness.
"Wait for me in my room," Muramaru told the women, giving each of them a playful slap on the rear.
"You're so naughty, sir!" one of them giggled.
Laughing, Muramaru sent them off and made his way to his sister's tent. He had no idea of the humiliation she had just endured.
---
Read up to 20 Chapters ahead on patreon.com/Fanglin
----------
[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]
*Thank you*