At this moment, Via found herself caught in a dilemma.
If she retreated, she would likely starve to death in the middle of this endless sea.
If she advanced, the people ahead were pirates.
No one could predict what would happen if she encountered them.
One thing was certain, though—the chances of disaster were much higher.
And she was a woman.
Surrounded by rough, sea-wandering men who spent their lives sailing the oceans, who knew what might happen?
Maybe…
I should go back and try fishing again?
Perhaps I’ll catch something soon…
The thought of retreating surfaced in her mind.
Via looked at the pirate ship ahead, then at the endless sea behind her, still unable to decide whether to move forward or turn back.
It was during this moment of hesitation that she noticed several figures emerging onto the deck of the silver-white pirate ship.
They stood by the railing, looking down toward her small boat in the distance.
“A girl?” After getting a clear look at her appearance, Carnes was somewhat surprised.
He briefly searched his memories.
As far as he could remember, there didn’t seem to be any powerful female figures in this world who liked sailing the Grand Line alone in a tiny boat.
When the crew member had first reported someone approaching in a small boat, Carnes had actually thought it might be Mihawk.
After all, aside from the man known as the World’s Greatest Swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, Carnes couldn’t think of anyone else who would casually sail the Grand Line alone in such a vessel.
Within Carnes’ line of sight, Via paused her rowing for a while before eventually resuming, steadily making her way toward the Eternal Galebreaker.
“Should we dispose of her?” Demiurge sought Carnes’ approval.
To him, Via’s appearance was no different from an insect disturbing their peace.
And eliminating annoying pests for Carnes was something Demiurge was always happy to do.
However, seeing that Via continued approaching, Carnes merely shook his head.
“Let’s see what she wants.” Demiurge immediately fell silent.
Before long, under the watchful eyes of Carnes and the others, Via finally arrived within shouting distance of the ship.
Setting down her oars, she stood up in her tiny boat and shouted toward the deck.
“Um…
could you give me something to eat?
I haven’t eaten properly in days!” As she spoke, an overly flattering smile appeared on her face.
Hearing her request, Carnes couldn’t help finding it amusing.
Was this girl missing a few screws?
She had actually sailed up to a pirate ship and asked pirates for food?
Leaning casually against the railing, Carnes looked down at her.
“Do you know what that flag represents?” Via awkwardly scratched her head.
Though she didn’t answer aloud, she nodded.
She knew.
Carnes continued.
“Then why come asking us for food?
Aren’t you afraid we’ll kill you?” Via immediately put on another ingratiating smile.
“Of course not.
Even though you’re pirates, I know you’re all good people.” Carnes glanced sideways at one of the middle-ranked crewmen beside him.
Then he spoke calmly.
“Cut her down.” The moment those words were spoken, the crewman acted without the slightest hesitation.
Shing!
His sword left its scabbard.
Armament Haki instantly coated the blade.
Below, Via stared in confusion.
She hadn’t heard Carnes’ order.
She didn’t understand why the man had drawn his sword.
Nor did she understand what he intended to do with it.
But very quickly…
She understood.
He was trying to kill her.
And despite the enormous distance between them, despite the fact that his sword couldn’t physically reach her…
He could still cut her.
Whoosh!
BOOM!
As the crewman swung his blade downward, the air exploded.
A visible slash of energy tore through space and hurtled straight toward Via.
Whoosh!
The moment she saw it, terror flooded her heart.
Without even thinking, she immediately threw herself into the sea.
Splash!
At the exact instant she dove underwater, the slash struck her wooden boat.
BOOM!
The already tiny vessel exploded on impact.
Countless wooden fragments were blasted in every direction.
Even the sea itself was split apart, sending up a towering wave several meters high.
Crash!
Water rained back down across the ocean’s surface.
Moments later, calm gradually returned.
A drenched and miserable Via emerged from the water.
The crewman who had attacked her slowly raised his sword once more.
But just as he was about to strike again, Carnes lifted his right hand.
The gesture immediately halted him.
Because if that slash landed, Via would truly die.
The first attack had been carefully calculated by Carnes.
It was both a warning and a test of her abilities.
Unfortunately…
Her performance had left him deeply disappointed.
Looking down at her, Carnes’ eyes narrowed slightly with amusement.
“So?” “We’re still good people, right?” Via’s entire body trembled violently.
Her eyes shook as though an earthquake were raging inside them.
She stared at Carnes and his crew without saying a word.
But the fear in her gaze was impossible to hide.
These people…
are devils!
That guy was genuinely trying to kill me just now!
Why?!
All I wanted was some food!
If they didn’t want to give me any, they could’ve just refused!
Are all pirates this cruel?!
Every stone means a lot.
Thank you!