The crystal clear wine in the glass gave off a fresh fruity aroma, making Borsalino unable to resist lifting his cup.
Having a drink should not be a problem, right?
It was not as if there were spies from the World Government or the Marines ten thousand meters above the sky.
“If it were not for the World Government’s wanted poster, I think we might have become friends.”
Sven raised a brow in feigned surprise.
“Friends with a Marine?”
“Like Gol D.
Roger and Monkey D.
Garp?
Borsalino, am I really capable of that?”
Click, click.
Gan Fall quickly pressed the Vision Dial, snapping photos while also recording video.
At the same time, he activated a Tone Dial to capture the audio.
After finishing everything, he turned and left at once.
Seeing this, Borsalino’s usual lazy smile stiffened.
Even though he did not understand those shells, something about the situation felt off.
“It seems I have been played by you.”
Sven ignored the remark and casually changed the topic.
“I heard you are close with Monkey D.
Dragon.
Could you introduce me?”
The moment those words were spoken, Borsalino narrowed his eyes.
Information about Sven Beelzebub rapidly surfaced in his mind.
Joined the Roger Pirates at nine.
Disappeared alongside Roger after the crew disbanded.
Reappeared last month in Loguetown, then showed up in Alabasta and kidnapped a World Government prisoner.
How did this boy know about Dragon?
Was there a traitor in the Marines?
Or did Sven and Dragon share the same ambition, seeking cooperation through him?
“How troublesome.”
Borsalino finished his drink in one gulp.
“I am a Marine.
Capturing you is my duty.”
“That is fair.” Sven drew his blade.
“It is only natural for Marines to capture pirates.”
“Borsalino, I hope this battle will not damage our friendship.”
Friendship?
They had just met.
Before Sven could move, Dracule Mihawk had already launched an attack.
A flying slash cut through the air as his black blade, Yoru, descended toward Borsalino.
It was rare to meet an opponent at this level.
Mihawk had no intention of letting the opportunity pass.
Borsalino formed the Ama no Murakumo Sword and blocked the strike with ease, his movements smooth and precise.
At thirty four, he was in his prime.
Even without relying entirely on the Glint Glint Fruit, his swordsmanship alone had reached the level of a great swordsman.
Sven did not immediately join the fight.
Instead, he took the photos from Gan Fall and examined them.
In the image, Sven sat at the head of the table, with Borsalino and Mihawk on either side, all three raising their glasses.
Anyone seeing it would misunderstand.
“Old Gan, where is the doctor?”
Gan Fall hesitated.
“Thunder God, did you not tell him to take the Octopus Balloon and hide in the Blue Sea?”
Sven rubbed his temples.
“Forget it.”
That doctor truly valued his life.
They were not on the same path anyway.
Sven decided not to interfere further.
There were countless capable pirates on the sea.
Finding suitable crew members was only a matter of time.
As for immortality, it was not something a fifteen year old should concern himself with.
To him, immortality felt more like a cage than a blessing.
What he enjoyed were the moments in between.
Sailing, treasure hunting, outsmarting enemies, drinking with companions.
If life stretched endlessly, even excitement would lose its meaning.
Of course, Sven stopped that train of thought.
He was only fifteen.
There was no need to think so far ahead.
“Thunder God, we can fight as well.”
“There will be chances in the future,” Sven replied.
Sending warriors without Haki against someone like Borsalino was not bravery.
It was suicide.
“Old Gan, take everyone and retreat further.”
Even at this stage, the clash between these fighters could easily devastate the island.
On the battlefield, Mihawk grew more intense with each exchange.
At the same time, the rising battle intent from Borsalino felt unfamiliar.
Is he actually serious?
If it were anyone else, Sven would have already intervened.
But Mihawk’s pride demanded a one on one duel, and Sven respected that.
Still, Mihawk was only nineteen.
Against Borsalino, he was at a disadvantage.
When Mihawk was pushed back for the third time, Sven stepped in.
His blade, Musou Isshin, was coated in Advanced Conqueror’s Haki as it collided with the Ama no Murakumo Sword.
The impact shook the air.
This strike carried all of Sven’s strength.
Advanced Conqueror’s Haki, the mark of top tier fighters.
Even Borsalino was visibly surprised.
“Advanced Conqueror’s Haki?”
For once, he forgot his usual tone.
Sven smiled.
“Bro, why not sit down and talk?”
He knew his limits.
Against an opponent like this, dragging the fight out would only expose weaknesses.
Even if he and Mihawk joined forces, continuing the battle here would risk destroying the Sky Island.
Borsalino glanced toward the distant Skypieans and Shandia warriors.
Sven understood immediately.
A surge of Conqueror’s Haki spread outward, knocking everyone unconscious except Mihawk and Borsalino.
Seeing this, Borsalino leapt back into the air.
There was no need to continue.
This was not a mandatory mission, and he had already reported everything to Sengoku.
No one even knew he had encountered Sven.
Suspended in the air, Borsalino looked down.
“Sven Beelzebub, what do you want to talk about?”
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100