A resounding title is a hallmark of every great pirate and a pursuit coveted by many.
However, each pirate's title is derived from their unique strength and characteristics.
For example, Ace, being the wielder of the Logia-type Mera Mera no Mi, is known as "Fire Fist."
Thus, the inheritance of a title is an exceedingly rare occurrence in the pirate world.
Gaban, bathed in the flickering glow of the firelight, stared at Maude's serious expression before glancing at Sol, who had his face hidden behind a newspaper.
Having walked the long road of the old era alongside Sol, Gaban understood deeply what Maude's gesture meant to his comrade.
It wasn't just inheritance. It was rebirth.
"Worth it, isn't it?"
Gaban sincerely rejoiced for Sol.
Everyone else turned to look at Sol, awaiting his response.
Hiding behind the newspaper, Sol felt a fiery warmth welling up within his chest, as if it were about to burst forth.
The feeling was indescribable.
Was it a tide of emotions?
Or a mix of countless sentiments?
It didn't matter anymore.
Because it was worth it.
That heat in his chest suddenly surged to his eyes.
Suppressing his emotions, Sol deliberately used a dismissive tone. "It's just a title. If you want it, take it. No big deal."
"Then I won't hold back."
Maude grinned.
Sunny glanced at Sol, whose face was hidden by the newspaper, then at Maude, whose face carried a smile. Suddenly, she gave a knowing laugh.
Seeing Sol clearly delighted yet trying to feign indifference, Gaban didn't hesitate to snatch the newspaper away from him.
Without the paper to shield him, everyone instantly saw Saul's tear-streaked face.
"Gaban, I'll shoot you!"
Caught in such an embarrassing state before so many people, Sol couldn't maintain his composure. He stood abruptly, groping around for something.
No gun came to hand, but there was a cane.
Grabbing the cane, Sol swung it at Gaban's head.
Gaban leaned back, dodging the incoming strike, and smirked. "If you need to cry, cry. Stop putting on an act!"
"I'll beat you to death!"
Ignoring his tears, Sol charged at Gaban with the cane raised.
Gaban stepped back, sneering, "Think you can catch me?"
Sol cursed and even used Moonwalk to pursue him.
Gaban, having no intention of waiting around, turned and ran.
The two elderly men chased each other, soon disappearing from everyone's view.
Out on the grassy plains beyond their dwelling, Gaban suddenly stopped.
"Alright, this is far enough."
"..."
Sol slowly lowered his cane and plopped down on the grass, tears streaming unabated.
"Gaban, how is it that even at my age, my tear ducts still work so well?"
"How should I know?"
Gaban sat beside Sol, pulled out his pipe, and lit it for a smoke.
Sol instinctively patted his own body, only to realize he'd left his pipe back at their quarters.
Left with no other option, Sol turned his gaze to the pipe dangling from Gaban's mouth.
"Gaban, give me a puff."
"Did you brush your teeth today?"
"Of course."
Sol answered guiltily.
"Get lost!"
Gaban scooted away, putting some distance between them.
Sol sighed softly and gazed up at the starry sky.
After a moment, even as tears continued to fall, Sol smiled and mused aloud, "I wonder where Rayleigh and the others are. I'd love to share this joy with them."
Gaban exhaled a puff of smoke and said calmly, "Once Maude makes a name for himself, they'll naturally take notice."
"That's true."
Sol continued to smile.
When the name "Phantom Gun" spread across the seas, how would those old friends react?
Gaban glanced at the smiling Sol.
He knew this quiet old sniper, who had always supported the team silently, cared deeply about reputation.
Yet, to better fulfill his role as a sniper, he had chosen to act as though he had no such desires.
But now, things were different.
By the campfire:
"I can't believe the old man cried like that."
Maude was genuinely surprised.
Although he had initiated the gesture, he hadn't expected such a reaction from Sol.
Sunny sat beside Maude, staring at the burning firewood, and smiled. "It's the first time I've seen Sol that happy."
"Really…"
Maude also gazed into the fire.
Not far away, Lafitte sat quietly, sipping on goat milk liquor.
The drink, a blend of spice, milk, and faint sweetness, had a unique flavor.
Though it wasn't to his usual taste, it was enjoyable enough on occasion.
Gaya tended to the roasting lamb over the fire, carefully timing when to add seasoning.
Since Maude and his crew had arrived on the island, the sheep population grazing in the surrounding valleys had dwindled rapidly.
At this rate, they'd likely wipe out the flock within a year.
Bailey suddenly leapt between Maude and Sunny, exclaiming earnestly, "Boss, Maude, I want a title too!"
"Want me to come up with one?"
Maude looked at the white-furred mink, who had squeezed into the middle.
"Yes!"
Bailey looked at Maude with anticipation.
After thinking for a moment, Maude clapped his hands. "How about 'Shadow Crow'?"
"Shadow Crow? That name sounds familiar."
Sunny tilted her head slightly, trying to recall.
Bailey scrunched up his face and muttered, "Shadow Crow makes me think of a raven. Do I look like a raven?"
Seeing their reactions, Maude realized the name wouldn't stick. Feeling a bit regretful, he remembered another idea that had once crossed his mind.
"How about 'White Weasel'? It's simpler."
"White Weasel suits him," Sunny remarked, nodding as she looked at Bailey's snowy fur.
"Fine, White Weasel it is. Better than Shadow Crow."
Bailey's scrunched face relaxed.
Perhaps it was because "Shadow Crow" set such a low bar that "White Weasel" suddenly seemed acceptable.
"The lamb is ready!"
Gaya's voice interrupted them.
Bailey immediately abandoned all thoughts of titles and was the first to rush to Gaya.
Watching Bailey's gluttonous antics, Maude and Sunny exchanged smiles.
Under Gaya's philosophy of eating while it's hot, they didn't wait for Gaban and Sol to return before starting their meal.
After about an hour, Maude and Sunny, full and content, lay sprawled on the ground, their eyes reflecting the star-filled sky.
"Maude, when do you plan to set sail?"
"Once I master Moonwalk. If I can't, Sol won't let me leave."
"True. Survival skills are important."
"Haha, I think so too."
A quiet moment passed.
After a long while, Sunny spoke softly, "Sol wants me to do what I want to do. So, after you set sail, I'll go join Koala and the others."
Maude turned his head to look at Sunny's profile. "Made up your mind?"
"Mm."
"That's great."
Maude smiled.
He knew Sunny's dream was to free as many slaves as possible, and joining the Revolutionary Army was clearly the best path for her.
As for the scar on Sunny's face, Maude now knew its origin.
Her mother had carved it with a knife.
As for why... it didn't need to be said.
"Maude, what's your dream?"
"My dream, huh…"
Maude fell into contemplation.
What was his dream?
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