One Piece; Full Counter!

Chapter 29: Ally or Enemy?

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The dim glow of the tavern lights spilled onto the cobblestone street, illuminating the lifeless body of Bellamy, who lay crumpled on the ground. His blonde hair was matted with dust, his face frozen in an expression of utter disbelief. The force that had launched him from the tavern to his current resting place was undeniable, a testament to the power behind the strike.

Above him loomed the darkened sky, speckled with stars that seemed to glimmer in response to the rising tension below. The gentle breeze carried the faint scent of the sea, though the air was heavy with unspoken words and growing unease.

Elizabeth stood motionless just behind Meliodas, her silver hair shimmering in the pale moonlight. Her azure eyes darted between the unconscious Bellamy and the boy standing before her, his golden locks catching the same celestial light. She clutched the strap of her white handbag with trembling fingers, her pale blue dress fluttering slightly in the breeze.

Further down the street, Luffy and Zoro stood side by side, their postures firm despite their battered appearances. Blood seeped through Zoro's shirt, a stark reminder of their recent skirmish, while Luffy's bruised face bore an uncharacteristic seriousness. Nami, standing between them, looked equally tense, her knuckles white as she gripped the folds of her orange skirt.

A few feet away, Marshall D. Teach sat cross-legged on the ground, his tattered white shirt hanging loosely over his broad frame. He grinned with his trademark crooked teeth, crumbs of pie decorating his scraggly beard. Yet, his laughter halted when Bellamy's limp body collided with the last bite of his dessert. His eyes narrowed, his fingers tightening into fists around the ruined treat as he turned his gaze toward the disturbance.

Meliodas moved forward, his steps deliberate, his green trousers swaying with each stride. His white shirt, sleeves rolled just past his elbows, clung to his lean frame. Around his neck was a brown scarf, its purpose once to conceal his identity. Now, it felt like a forgotten relic of a past he no longer cared to hide.

The crowd around the scene murmured, their voices tinged with disbelief and awe.

"Is that… him?"

"No way. He's supposed to be dead!"

"Two years… it's really a long time. The World Government wouldn't have let him live, right?"

The whispers grew louder as Meliodas was walking towards Bellamy.

At that time, Nami whispered, her expression tight with unease.

"Do you two know who he is?"

Luffy tilted his head, his straw hat casting shadows over his bruised features. "Never seen him before."

Zoro, however, tightened his grip on his katana, his eyes fixed on Meliodas. "Everyone in my line of work knows him. Two years ago, he was the dream target for every bounty hunter. A kid with a bounty that high? It was unheard of."

Nami's voice rose, betraying her anxiety. "Then why hide his identity in the tavern? And now—now he's walking straight into danger!"

Zoro's reply was calm, almost amused. "Because someone with a bounty like his doesn't need to hide unless they want to. The real question is why he's showing himself now."

Her voice dropped to a whisper, dread creeping into her tone. "What's his bounty?"

Zoro's eyes locked with hers, his voice heavy. "1.9 billion berries."

The shock rippled through Nami like a lightning bolt. Her mouth fell open as the number hung in the air. Even Luffy's usual carefree demeanor faltered, his eyes widening slightly. Around them, the murmurs of the crowd shifted into something darker—whispers of greed and ambition.

"1.9 billion?!"

"That's a fortune!"

"And he's wanted alive… that must mean he's weak, right?"

"This could be our ticket to riches!"

Hands moved toward weapons—swords, daggers, pistols—all drawn with a calculated slowness as tension thickened the air. The pirates' grins widened, revealing teeth sharpened by years of malice and survival.

Yet Meliodas's attention wasn't on them. His footsteps faltered as his gaze landed on Teach. The infamous pirate stood, towering over the prone Bellamy. His wild, curly black hair framed a face that seemed carved from chaos itself. His laughter boomed, his rot-toothed grin widening as he addressed Meliodas.

"Zehahahaha! Long time no see, Meliodas! Never thought I'd run into you here of all places."

The crowd stilled, their weapons momentarily forgotten as they turned their attention to the strange interaction. Even Elizabeth blinked, her confusion evident.

Meliodas's expression didn't waver. With a faint smile, he replied, "Yo, Teach. It's been a while. What are you doing out here like this? What about Oyaji and the others?"

Teach's grin faltered for a second before returning, darker this time. "Looks like you've been out of the loop. Oyaji's gone, Meliodas. As for me… I'm just like you now, starting my own journey. I'm a captain now, leading my own crew." He spread his arms, as if to emphasize his words. "Freedom's sweet, isn't it, little brother?"

Elizabeth gasped, her voice barely a whisper. "Brother? Is he really…?"

Meliodas didn't look at her, his tone calm. "Something like that."

Teach's smile grew sharper. "Times have changed, Meliodas. Why don't you join me, and I'll make sure no one lays a hand on you. Together, we'll conquer the seas."

The offer lingered for a moment before Meliodas replied, his voice almost amused. "Is there something wrong with your head, Teach? You know that'll never happen."

Teach's grin twisted into something more sinister. "Shame. In that case, I'll just have to take you in myself. That bounty is too good to pass up!"

Meliodas's smile widened slightly. "People's dreams have no end..."

Around them, the pirates tensed, their weapons fully drawn. The first gunshot rang out—a signal that the hunt had begun.

Elizabeth's voice shook. "Meliodas, we need to get out of here!"

He turned to her, his green eyes gleaming. "Don't worry," he said with a grin. "This won't take long."

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[ A/N ]

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~ More Chapters ;

patr eon. com/Sakana0

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❗Next three chapters❗

- Chapter 30: A Bounty of 1.9 Billion Berries!

- Chapter 31: The Looming Shadow.

- Chapter 32: A Starry Voyage.