One Piece: The Silver Sovereign

After a flurry of punches and kicks, the thugs were now obediently lying in front of Shirakawa and the others.

"Didn't expect those two kids to be that strong… they might be even tougher than our country's soldiers," Kather·Lynn muttered in surprise.

"Of course. Both of them have killed people before."

"Killed people? At that age?" she exclaimed, looking between them. "What about you?"

Kather·Lynn turned to Shirakawa, stunned.

Hearing their conversation, the thugs became even more obedient, shivering silently.

Shirakawa gave a mysterious smile. "What do you think?"

The sight of that smile made Kather·Lynn feel like she'd plunged into an ice pit; she already had her answer.

She hadn't expected someone like Shirakawa to be a killer. Truly, appearances could be deceiving.

"I've got a few questions for you all. If your answers satisfy me, we'll let you go. If not, well… you know what happens."

"Don't worry, sir! Ask anything! I promise I'll tell you everything I know!"

The gang leader said tearfully, nodding frantically.

"It's nothing major. Tell me, how many casinos are in this city?"

"Seven."

"Oh? You sure seem well-informed."

"Hehe… to be honest, there's not a place in this city I don't know. I've been to every one of those casinos, very familiar with them."

"Perfect. Get up."

"Thank you, sir!"

"Tell your buddies to scram. You stay."

Before the leader could even give the command, his underlings were already gone, scattering in all directions without hesitation.

"Those bastards! No loyalty at all… wait till I get back, I'm gonna teach them a lesson…"

He muttered, heartbroken.

"Why can't I go too?" he asked cautiously.

"Didn't you say you know the casinos well? We need a local to show us around."

"Damn it… Why did I have to run my mouth…"

"Well then, sir, allow me to lead the way."

"Hurry up."

Buggy gave him a kick in the rear, treating him like a flunky.

The first casino they visited was less than 500 meters away from where they were.

"Wait, don't tell me you mugged us just to use the money for gambling?"

"Hehe…"

The guy laughed awkwardly. Shirakawa had guessed his plan.

When they entered the casino, it wasn't nearly as strict as Shirakawa expected. There were only two doormen, and they didn't even question them, probably because they recognized their guide.

"Hey, isn't that Wolf Bro? Got some cash again? C'mon, let's play a few rounds!"

Someone greeted him warmly as they walked in.

"Get lost, I'm busy. Got something important going on."

"Wow, look at you. 'Wolf Bro,' huh? Quite the reputation."

"Hehe, sir, don't mind them. That 'Wolf Bro' stuff is just street talk. You can call me Little Wolf."

"Little Wolf… yeah, that suits you better."

"Thank you, sir."

"Alright, enough flattery. Let's go."

"You're not playing? Not even a few rounds?"

Little Wolf seemed confused that they weren't here to gamble.

"We're not here to play, we're looking for someone."

"Oh, then let's head to the next one."

"Mm."

It had to be said, the locations of these casinos were extremely hidden. If they had searched on their own, it probably would've taken the entire day.

By midday, they had visited all seven casinos, but still no sign of Rayleigh.

"You're sure there are only seven casinos in this city?"

"Positive."

Little Wolf nodded firmly; he didn't look like he was lying.

"Well, that's odd… if the Vice-Captain isn't in a casino, where else could he be?"

The three of them fell into deep thought.

"Oh! There's one other big entertainment complex in town. They've got gambling there too."

"Why didn't you say that earlier?"

Buggy smacked Little Wolf on the head.

"Because… that place also offers those kinds of services…"

"What kind?"

Shanks asked innocently.

"Those kinds."

Little Wolf gave a sideways glance at Kather·Lynn.

"What do you mean, 'those kinds'?"

Shanks still didn't get it.

"Alright, Shanks, stop asking. That kind of thing's not for minors to know about,"

Shirakawa cut in, noticing Kather·Lynn's blushing face.

"Hmph! None of you are decent, raising kids who aren't decent either!"

Kather·Lynn grumbled.

"What kind of thing is it?"

Shanks pressed Kather·Lynn again.

"I don't know."

"Just wait till you grow up, Shanks. You'll understand then."

"I have grown up!"

"No, you're not."

"Let's go. Hurry up and take us there. Now I'm getting curious."

Shirakawa said, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.

"Pervert."

Kather·Lynn muttered quietly as she saw the look on his face.

"Being a pervert depends on who's involved. You don't inspire anything in me."

Shirakawa shot back coldly at the woman who always insulted him with venomous words.

"What did you say?"

"You heard me."

"And what exactly did I hear?"

"You should know what I mean."

"I don't."

"Do you need me to say it out loud?"

"Go ahead. I want to know what you mean."

"Fine. What I mean is… You don't turn me on."

"I don't turn you on?! Are you blind?! I'm a natural-born beauty. A princess! And I don't turn you on?!"

"What, do you want me to desire you?"

With that, Shirakawa suddenly pinned Kather·Lynn against the wall, towering over her.

"Whoa!"

The three spectators watching let out a synchronized gasp.

"Didn't expect Shirakawa to have this kind of dominant side…"

Shanks said in disbelief.

"Yeah…"

Buggy nodded, just as stunned.

Shirakawa's move had caught Kather·Lynn completely off guard. Her eyes widened, and she had no idea how to respond.

As the strong masculine scent from Shirakawa enveloped her, along with a faint fragrance that might have been his natural scent, her head spun slightly.

"What's wrong? No comeback? Do you want me to desire you?"

Shirakawa leaned closer, his voice loaded with intent.

"No! Stay away from me!"

Kather·Lynn shoved Shirakawa off, pulling her scarf up to hide her face.

"There, see? You don't want me to desire you, and I won't."

For some reason, Shirakawa felt a strange sense of disappointment as he said that.

Am I… one of those scumbag types after all?