Dæmon now understood that the pentagram he had drawn truly possessed the power of teleportation.
After thinking for a moment, he reached into the center of the magic circle.
His hand passed through without resistance, but there was nothing on the other side—only empty space.
Without a second circle serving as a destination, there’s no telling where this one might lead.
I’ll need to leave matching circles in different locations before I can travel between them.
Dæmon waved his hand, causing the pentagram to disappear.
It was certainly a useful ability.
He could leave one circle inside the Immortal Tavern, allowing him to return home whenever he wished.
Moreover…
At Dæmon’s command, pitch-black demonic power erupted from his body.
It wound around him like countless strands of silk, covering him from head to toe until only his eyes remained visible.
He suddenly spread his wings.
Boom!
Dæmon shot across the ocean at supersonic speed.
The tremendous force of his flight tore through the air, while the pressure beneath him sliced across the surface of the sea like a sharp blade.
“Exhilarating!” Dæmon was in an excellent mood.
He flew above the ocean for quite some time before quietly returning to Hachinosu.
His Demon Form was far more powerful than his ordinary human form.
Better yet, it would continue growing stronger alongside him.
It truly is an ability with limitless potential.
After completing his tests, Dæmon happily deactivated his transformation.
…
The following morning, Dæmon prepared to leave the tavern.
“Abel, stay here and watch the place.
If any customers arrive, tell them I’m out.
They can exchange a Devil Fruit for a glass of my wine.” “Understood, Lord Dæmon.” After giving his young subordinate those instructions, Dæmon went out for a stroll.
He needed to find a new target—preferably a pirate who had mastered both Armament Haki and Observation Haki.
If that person also possessed Conqueror’s Haki, it would be perfect.
At present, Dæmon had one hundred Demon Points, three-quarters of a bottle of the Elixir of Immortality, and one syringe containing an effective dose.
“A pirate with that level of Haki should have a bounty of at least one hundred million Berries.” Dæmon rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“However, bounty posters alone won’t tell me enough.
I’ll have to find a suitable target and personally test their strength.” With that thought in mind, he leisurely wandered through the streets.
He was in no hurry.
His body had yet to fully absorb the power gained from devouring the three Sea Kings.
For now, he merely intended to scout for potential targets.
Before he realized it, he had arrived at Shakky’s tavern.
Despite the early hour, the place was already bustling.
A large crowd of pirates had gathered outside, shouting like crazed admirers.
“Miss Shakky, I love you!” “Shakky-chan, can I take a picture with you?” “If I could drink a glass of Shakky’s wine, I could die without regrets!” Shakky stood in front of the tavern with a faint smile, calmly facing her enthusiastic admirers.
She clapped her hands to attract their attention.
“Everyone, please listen.
There’s something I’d like to say.” “Shut up, all of you!” one pirate immediately roared.
“Didn’t you hear that Miss Shakky wants to speak?” The noisy crowd instantly fell silent.
The pirates who had been shouting like lunatics only moments earlier became as obedient as trained dogs.
“…” Standing at the back of the crowd, Dæmon watched the scene in speechless disbelief.
Suddenly, someone tapped him on the shoulder.
“Good morning, Dæmon!” Dæmon turned and found Stussy standing behind him.
He had not heard her approach at all.
“Good morning,” Dæmon replied.
He glanced toward Shakky.
“What is she doing?” “Shakky?” Stussy blinked innocently.
“Who knows?
I was merely passing by when I noticed the commotion, so I came to take a look.” Shakky had yet to notice the two of them.
Once the pirates had quieted down, she spoke in a gentle voice.
“There’s something I’d like everyone’s help with.
I’m looking for a Devil Fruit, and any kind will do.” “I’m willing to pay one hundred million Berries for it.
In addition, whoever brings me one will receive a lifetime free-drink pass.
You’ll be able to visit my tavern whenever you like without waiting in line.” She clasped her hands together and smiled charmingly.
“I’m usually too busy managing the tavern to search for one myself, so I’ll have to rely on all of you.” The surrounding pirates were instantly captivated.
Hearts practically appeared in their eyes.
“A Devil Fruit?
Leave it to me, Miss Shakky!” “Don’t worry!
I’ll definitely find one for you!” “Shakky, instead of the money and free drinks, can I have your underwear?
It has to be a pair you’ve worn!” The entire crowd fell silent.
Then dozens of murderous gazes locked onto the pirate who had spoken.
“You shameless bastard!” “Miss Shakky belongs to everyone!” “Beat him to death!” The pirates immediately attacked the offender, starting a chaotic brawl despite the tavern’s rule against fighting nearby.
Dæmon quietly backed away to avoid being dragged into the conflict.
He stared thoughtfully at the pirate who had asked for Shakky’s underwear.
Is that fellow’s name Brook by any chance?
Stussy also retreated several steps before sighing softly.
“How unfortunate.
Why doesn’t anyone want mine?
Trading a pair of worn underwear for a Devil Fruit sounds like an excellent bargain.” Dæmon gave her a strange look.
“You appear so elegant and ladylike, yet the things you say are rather shocking.” “Thank you for the compliment.” Stussy’s eyes sparkled as she smiled brightly.
That wasn’t a compliment…
Dæmon was genuinely impressed by her ability to interpret his words however she pleased.
Shakky watched the fighting pirates with a helpless expression.
Just as she was about to intervene, a powerful voice rose above the commotion.
“If it’s a Devil Fruit you want, I happen to have one!” The pirates immediately stopped fighting and turned toward the source of the voice.
Dæmon and Stussy also looked over.
A group of imposing pirates was approaching the tavern.
The man leading them was particularly famous.
“It’s the Roger Pirates!” “Another legendary pirate crew!” “Roger, can we take a picture together?” “Could you give me your autograph?” The pirates reacted as though a famous celebrity had arrived.
Many rushed forward excitedly, hoping to meet their idol.
Dæmon raised an eyebrow.
“Roger?
He actually dares to set foot on Hachinosu?
Isn’t this Rocks’ territory?” “This isn’t his first visit,” Stussy explained, folding one arm beneath her chest while resting her cheek against her other hand.
“Incidentally, Roger was once another of Shakky’s suitors.” As the Roger Pirates approached, the crowd automatically opened a path for them.
Gol D.
Roger strode toward Shakky with a rose held between his teeth.
He removed it and presented it to her with an affectionate smile.
“Shakky, please accept this!” “Thank you, but I don’t need any flowers.” Shakky responded to her suitor with the same pleasant smile she offered everyone else.
“You said you had a Devil Fruit?” “I stole it from another pirate crew on the way here.” Roger turned toward one of his companions.
“Gaban, you have the Devil Fruit, right?
Give it to me.
I want to present it to Shakky.” Scopper Gaban was a tall, powerfully built man with a black ponytail and round sunglasses.
Watching his captain make a fool of himself over a woman, Gaban could only sigh helplessly.
“Are you certain about this, Roger?” As he spoke, he tossed the bundle in his hand toward his captain.
Roger caught it and immediately opened the wrapping.
Inside was a genuine Devil Fruit covered in strange spiral patterns.
He held it out to Shakky with an expectant expression.
“Shakky, join my crew!” “Thank you for the Devil Fruit.
I’ll give you the money and lifetime drinking pass later.” Shakky accepted the fruit but shook her head.
“However, I still won’t join your crew.
I’ve already retired from piracy.” Watching from nearby, Dæmon was utterly speechless.
Another hopeless simp.
Even the future Pirate King isn’t immune.
What is wrong with this world?
The age of simps is truly terrifying.
Just then, Shakky walked toward Dæmon with the newly acquired Devil Fruit in her hands.
She held it out to him and smiled.
“Here you are, Dæmon.
According to our agreement, I can finally have a glass of your wine now, correct?” Dæmon nodded and reached for the fruit.
“Of course.
Come to the Immortal Tavern tonight, and I’ll have it ready—” Before he could finish, Dæmon sensed an intense wave of hostility.
He glanced sideways and found Roger staring at him as if he were looking at his greatest rival in love.
“Who are you?!” Roger pointed accusingly at Dæmon.
“What is your relationship with Shakky?!”