Led by Savi, Roy and the others arrived at a relatively luxurious hotel.
In a country ravaged by constant war, a three story building that remained so well preserved was a rare sight.
As soon as they approached, a waiter stepped out to greet them, his posture respectful and his smile practiced as he eagerly introduced the establishment.
Roy and the others entered without much reaction.
Behind them, Savi stopped at the entrance, turning his head to glare fiercely at the waiter.
After completing the check in, Roy noticed Savi had not followed them inside.
“Savi, are you not coming in?
I still have something to ask you.”
Hearing Roy’s voice, Savi hesitated for a moment before stepping into the hotel.
He cast another wary glance at the waiter, who still wore a polite smile, then quickly followed after Roy and the others.
In the corridor, Tesoro casually slung an arm around Savi’s neck.
“Kid, weren’t you acting tough earlier?
Why were you hesitating at the door just now?”
“Bastard, who said I was afraid?”
“Then what were you hesitating for?”
They soon arrived at their room and placed their belongings down.
Savi entered last, closing the door behind him.
His expression carried a trace of irritation.
“This hotel belongs to General Douglas.
People like us who have no money cannot afford to offend them.
If we cause trouble, we will be thrown out of town.
Outside is even more dangerous.”
Roy walked to the window and pushed it open.
From above, the street below was filled with all kinds of people.
Pirates, arms dealers, mercenaries.
Every face carried a hint of danger.
Yet from time to time, soldiers patrolled the streets, preventing large scale conflicts from erupting.
Roy turned back toward Savi.
“Kid, have you heard of someone called Bullet?”
“Bullet?”
Savi’s eyes lit up instantly.
“Douglas Bullet?
Of course I know him.
He is the hero of our Jarzburg Kingdom.
He is the strongest soldier under General Douglas.”
As Savi excitedly recounted Bullet’s achievements, Roy lowered his head slightly, falling into thought.
So Bullet had not yet become the man driven purely by strength.
He was still fighting as a soldier, still standing on the side of what he believed to be justice.
Roy felt a slight headache coming on.
Recruiting someone like that would not be easy.
Forget it.
One step at a time.
First, I need to meet him.
He raised his hand, cutting off Savi’s enthusiastic rambling.
“That is enough.
Do you know where he usually is?”
“I am not sure.
He stays in the military camp most of the time and rarely comes into town.
I have only seen him twice, during victory celebrations held by the General.”
Roy nodded.
That was expected.
“Alright.
Stella, give him three thousand Berries and send him off.”
“Okay, Boss.”
Stella nodded and led Savi out of the room.
After the door closed, Tesoro picked up a cup of water and took a sip.
“Boss, if Bullet stays in the military camp all the time, how are we supposed to find him?”
He paused, then added,
“Also, that kid said Bullet’s army might end the war soon.
He is already a hero here.
Would someone like that really leave with us?”
“End the war?”
Roy let out a faint scoff.
“Tesoro, the World Government will never allow this island to have peace.”
Tesoro frowned.
“What do you mean?”
“Think about it.
The arms dealers on this island, do you really believe they act independently?”
Roy’s gaze turned cold.
“Most of them are backed by forces tied to the World Government.
If the war ends, who will buy their weapons?
This conflict has lasted for centuries for a reason.”
Tesoro’s eyes widened in realization.
“That means…
all of this is being controlled from behind the scenes?”
“Of course.”
Roy’s voice remained calm.
“Do you think the World Government is righteous?
Then who do you think the slave traders at Sabaody Archipelago serve?”
Tesoro fell silent.
At that moment, the door opened.
Stella walked back in.
Behind her was Savi.
Tesoro raised an eyebrow.
“Kid, didn’t she give you money?
Why are you back?”
Savi ignored him completely.
He walked straight toward Roy, his gaze steady.
“Boss Roy, I want to join you.”
“Oh?”
Roy looked at the boy with mild surprise.
A child of seven or eight, yet speaking such words without hesitation.
Tesoro reacted immediately.
“Hey, what nonsense are you spouting?
You shot at us earlier.
If Boss Roy had not spared you, you would not even be standing here.”
He grabbed Savi by the collar.
“Take the money and get lost.”
For people already wanted by the World Government, taking in a child was not protection.
It was placing him in greater danger.
Roy did not stop Tesoro.
He had no intention of bringing someone so young onto his ship.
“You are pirates, right?”
Savi’s voice cut through the tension.
Tesoro and Stella both froze.
Roy’s eyes sharpened slightly.
“Oh?”
In this world, recognizing someone was not easy.
Yet this child had seen through them.
“Tesoro, put him down.”
“But Boss…”
“Do it.”
Reluctantly, Tesoro released his grip.
Savi straightened his clothes and walked forward, even casting Tesoro a faint look of disdain.
Seeing Tesoro about to lose his temper again, Roy spoke first.
“How did you figure it out?”
“I saw your wanted posters a few days ago.”
Savi looked directly at Roy.
“Your appearances changed a little, but your hair colors did not.
Especially his.”
He pointed at Tesoro.
“That short green hair stands out too much.”
Tesoro frowned.
“You recognized us just from that?”
“Of course not.”
Savi crossed his arms.
“There is also your ability.
The newspaper mentioned that you can control objects freely.”
He continued calmly,
“Similar faces, the same hair colors, a group of two men and one woman, and the ability to make me float.
There are too many matches.”
Roy let out a soft laugh, shaking his head.
Sharp observation.
This kid was not simple.
“Why do you want to join us?”
Roy’s tone became more serious.
“Where is your family?
You know we are pirates.
We are hunted by the World Government.
Staying with us is dangerous.”
At the mention of family, Savi’s expression dimmed.
“They died in the war a long time ago.”
His voice lowered.
“I have been alone ever since.”
He clenched his fists.
“I am not afraid of danger.
I want to go out to sea.
I want to see the world.
I want to leave this place.”
Stella’s expression softened.
She stepped forward and gently held Savi’s hand, then looked at Roy.
“Boss…
maybe we can let him stay.”
Tesoro clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed, but still nodded.
Roy was silent for a moment before speaking.
“Alright.
You can follow us for now.”
Savi’s face lit up instantly.
“Really?”
“Do not get excited yet.”
Roy’s tone remained firm.
“You are too weak.
Tesoro will train you.
If you cannot meet my standards, I will not take you to sea.”
“I understand.
I will work hard.”
Savi nodded seriously.
Tesoro’s expression immediately shifted into a grin.
“Heh.
Leave it to me.”
He cracked his knuckles, clearly looking forward to it.
“Hehehe.”