One Piece: Groudon of Beast Pirates

The banquet table was alive with laughter and clinking glasses.

"After this cup, there's always another."

Gurd wore a broad smile as he kept urging everyone to drink.

With startup funds secured and even "maintenance fees" covered, such a wonderful turn of events had him absolutely exhilarated.

As for Caesar...

Keeping that guy around was not only useless but also a constant irritation. Once the Navy's blockade lifted, he could always visit Punk Hazard for a reunion with Caesar.

No matter how Big Mom thought about it, Caesar would eventually have to return to Punk Hazard—without research facilities, what could he accomplish?

Relying on Caesar to handcraft equipment would take forever. Even Vegapunk needed the World Government's funding and facilities to conduct research.

The happier Gurd became, the more miserable Katakuri and Doflamingo grew. Having lost such enormous sums, how could they possibly be in good spirits?

That money could have been saved!

Even robbery wouldn't have been this brutal!

"Fufufufu~~"

"I'll take my leave first."

Mingo forced a smile as he stood to excuse himself.

The sight of his despondent figure twisted Gurd's heart with worry—he feared Mingo might jump off the ship any second to perform a dramatic bankruptcy-induced suicide.

It's just 10 billion Berries . Was it really that serious?

Gurd shot a displeased glance at Katakuri.

"What a mood killer. Brother Katakuri, let's you and I drink!"

"..."

Who's your brother?!

Katakuri rose with a darkened expression.

"My injuries haven't fully healed. I should rest."

"You're leaving too?"

Gurd hummed thoughtfully and stood.

Without drinking companions, what was the point?

But before departing, there were words he couldn't leave unsaid.

"Hey, Katakuri!"

Gurd called out to Katakuri, his eyes now devoid of mirth and bravado, replaced only by primal fighting spirit and anticipation.

"Did you know? Conqueror's Haki can be infused into attacks!"

"I know."

Katakuri nodded slowly.

Gurd's lips curled upward, his gaze blazing. "Katakuri, next time we meet, let's have a Clash of Conqueror's Haki!"

"..."

Katakuri's pupils contracted.

A Clash of Conqueror's Haki!

As the pillar of Totto Land and the greatest masterpiece of the Charlotte Family, he was well aware that Conqueror's Haki could be harnessed in such a way.

But only those who had perfected body, mind, and technique to their absolute peaks could achieve this—such individuals were one in a hundred even among the elite who possessed Conqueror's Haki!

In his decades of memory, only a handful had reached this level, including their mother, Charlotte Linlin.

These supreme warriors all stood at the world's summit!

And he... wasn't ready yet.

Facing Gurd—this young man who sought to challenge the pinnacle—Katakuri felt his blood ignite with unprecedented fervor, a long-dormant desire surging within.

He knew what this was.

His long-suppressed "ambition"!

As Mama's strongest child, he had always restrained the deepest desires of his heart because he understood one truth with perfect clarity.

The day he truly mastered Conqueror's Haki would be the day he challenged Mama and took over the Charlotte Family!

He feared that day's arrival.

But now, facing this "rookie" Gurd's challenge, he felt with crystalline clarity the tides of the era advancing, the weight of destiny upon his shoulders.

Not just protecting his siblings.

But safeguarding Totto Land itself!

"Very well!"

Katakuri strode toward Gurd.

Once more, their shoulders brushed past each other.

"Let's meet again at the summit!"

The banquet concluded.

The Mama Saint Song set sail.

"Lord Gurd!"

Caesar clung to the ship's railing, stretching his arm toward Gurd on the receding shore, his eyes brimming with desperate tears.

No!

Don't leave him behind!

"Let's move quickly."

Gurd quickened his pace, murmuring inwardly.

Sorry, Caesar!

You're just too valuable!

Soon, the Groudon Ship hoisted its sails and departed.

With the Central Fighting Tournament concluded, Champion Island lay in severe disrepair, its ruins and rubble requiring extensive time to restore.

Gurd was tempted to buy some land amid the chaos, but he couldn't afford to linger. Hachinosu Island was nearing completion and awaited his return.

Top deck, Gurd's quarters aboard the Groudon Ship.

Chikara entered nervously, clutching a stack of letters. "Lord Gurd, those people have sent banquet invitations again."

"Send them a reply. If they want to talk, they can find me at Hachinosu Island."

Gurd's smile widened.

His and Katakuri's fame had drawn numerous Underworld Emperors to witness the battles, and this fight had effectively showcased their strength.

Now, those emperors would have to seek him out!

Gurd looked at Chikara, pleasantly surprised.

He had never expected much from her combat skills—her flaws were too glaring. But the girl had surprised him with her intellect.

Though he didn't understand how, Chikara was genuinely well-read. While her capabilities weren't immediately impressive, it was clear she had consumed many books and could write beautifully.

That alone was rare.

Most of his idiot subordinates could barely read a newspaper!

Gurd was curious about Chikara's past in the Holy Land, but considering the tragic experiences of slaves, he refrained from reopening old wounds. He'd wait until she felt safe enough to share.

"Has Hajrudin responded?"

"Yes. He said he would gather his crew and head to Hachinosu Island."

Chikara answered nervously.

Gurd gave a slight nod.

Recruiting subordinates required a proper setting to display his substantial resources. If possible, he wanted to bring the entire New Giant Warrior Pirates under his wing.

Hachinosu Island would be perfect for that.

"Go on, call Speed here."

"Yes, Lord Gurd."

Chikara exhaled in relief and hurried off.

Soon, Speed arrived in Gurd's room, her face flushed as she began awkwardly removing her clothes.

Gurd frowned.

"Why are you undressing?"

"Huh?"

A question mark popped over Speed's head.

This lecherous bastard had summoned her to his room—wasn't it obvious? It wasn't their first time; she was used to it by now.

Wait… was he trying something new?

Speed glared at him disdainfully.

Always using his strength to bully her, with none of the romance that should exist between a man and a woman. Fine, she'd just lie motionless on the bed and see how he planned to spice things up!

"Come here."

Gurd beckoned, then produced an exquisite small chest, handing it to her with a grin.

"A gift for you."

"What's this?"

Speed took the chest eagerly, her eyes sparkling.

It was diamond-encrusted!

Definitely valuable!

Jewelry?

The more she looked at it, the more she liked it. Shooting Gurd a pleased glance, she realized this was the first gift he'd ever given her.

Huh. The brute had some charm after all.

Alright, maybe she'd cooperate a little this time.

"It's a prize from the Fighting Tournament. Open it."

Gurd was also curious.

After the tournament ended, the organizers had delivered the champion's rewards—aside from the Golden Belt and some money, there was this.

A Devil Fruit!

Among their own ranks, Ulti and Page One already had abilities. Among the other subordinates, only Speed had known Gurd the longest and was the most trustworthy.

However, this Devil Fruit should be of the Paramecia type—otherwise, the organizers wouldn't have offered it as a prize.

Paramecia-type fruits had an absurdly wide range of power—some could be incredibly strong, while others might be completely ordinary. The worst-case scenario would be ending up with a useless ability like whispering.

"A prize?"

Speed opened the treasure chest, and when she saw the special fruit covered in spiral patterns inside, she nearly gasped aloud.

A Devil Fruit!

The very thing she had dreamed of obtaining!

Half a year ago, Doflamingo had struck a SMILE deal with the Beasts, but the production rate was extremely low. Currently, only a few Headliners had gained powers.

She had been prepared to consume a SMILE, even knowing the severe side effects—even if it meant turning into a half-human, half-beast monster. She wouldn't regret it.

In this world, power was the greatest guarantee of survival.

Speed looked at Gurd, tears of excitement welling up in her eyes.

"This… is really for me?"

"Mhm, go ahead and eat it."

Gurd nodded with a smile, growing more and more eager.

He had considered letting his inner strength consume the fruit to grow stronger, but his inner strength showed no interest, meaning this fruit's ability wasn't compatible with him.

"Mhm!!!"

Speed nodded vigorously. Given the chance to eat a Devil Fruit, she wasn't about to refuse out of politeness or anything like that.

Power had to be seized with her own hands.

"Chomp!"

Speed took a bite of the Devil Fruit, devouring it in a few quick gulps, then covered her mouth, her face turning pale.

It tasted awful.

Gurd's eyes burned with anticipation.

"How do you feel? What's the ability?"

"Whoosh!"

Speed vanished from her spot and instantly appeared seated on Gurd's lap, her arms wrapping around his head.

Fast—as if she had teleported!

Speed tossed her short hair back forcefully, exhaling puffs of hot breath. The look she gave Gurd was that of a wild beast.

"Tonight… don't treat me like a human!"

"Huh???"

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