Chapter 47:Monet and Sugar

The Nexus Pirates' ship sailed steadily across the vast ocean, its course set toward the West Blue after their business in the North Blue with Germa 66. Jason stood on the deck, overlooking the horizon as the cool sea breeze ruffled his silver hair. The ship had stopped by a small island to restock supplies, a war-torn place near the infamous Donquixote Family's domain.

Koala, ever efficient, had taken Bepo with her to procure food, fresh water, and other essentials while Jason remained on the ship with Law and Reiju. He could sense the tension in the air—this was a lawless island, rife with bandits and slavers. Even from the ship, Jason could hear the distant echoes of fighting, the desperate cries of civilians, and the sinister laughter of those who preyed upon the weak.

As he gazed toward the port, he noticed Koala returning with two young girls. One, a tall and mature young woman with long, wavy greenish-blonde hair, carried herself with caution, her piercing yellow eyes scanning her surroundings warily. The other, a much younger girl with a small frame and purple hair tied into twin pigtails, clutched at the older girl's hand with wide, frightened eyes.

Jason immediately recognized them.

Monet and Sugar.

His eyes narrowed as realization dawned. This was before they joined the Donquixote Family. Before Doflamingo twisted them into his tools. Fate had given him an opportunity—one he would not let slip through his fingers.

Koala hopped onto the deck, her expression slightly concerned. "Captain, I found these two being attacked by bandits. They were about to be taken when I intervened." She turned back to the girls. "They have nowhere to go."

Jason folded his arms, observing them carefully. Monet had an intelligent, calculating look in her eyes, as if she was trying to determine their best course of action. Sugar, on the other hand, hid behind her sister, peeking out cautiously.

Jason finally spoke. "What are your names?"

Monet hesitated before answering. "I'm Monet. This is my younger sister, Sugar."

Jason nodded. "And where were you headed?"

Monet's lips tightened. "We… don't know. Our home was destroyed. We were just trying to survive."

Jason already knew their fate. If he left them here, it was only a matter of time before Doflamingo's crew found them and turned them into his subordinates. He wasn't about to let that happen.

"Do you want power?" Jason asked abruptly.

Monet blinked in surprise. "What?"

"Strength. Protection. A place to belong." Jason stepped forward, his voice calm but filled with purpose. "You were almost taken today. And if not today, then another day. The weak don't survive in this world. But if you come with me, I can promise you this—you will never be weak again."

Monet's eyes widened slightly, and she looked down at Sugar, who was staring at Jason with a mix of fear and curiosity.

Jason continued. "I'm offering you something greater than survival. I'm offering you family. A crew that looks out for one another. Power to never be prey again. You don't have to wander anymore."

Silence stretched between them.

Monet clenched her fists. "Why would you do this for us?"

Jason smirked. "Because I see potential. And because I hate seeing people like you being used by scum like Doflamingo."

Monet flinched at the mention of the name. She didn't know Doflamingo personally, but she had heard whispers of him—his influence, his power, his cruelty.

She looked down at Sugar, who was still gripping her hand. The idea of being safe… of not having to run or hide anymore… it was tempting.

Finally, she took a deep breath and met Jason's gaze. "If I join, what do you want from me?"

Jason grinned. "Loyalty. And for you to grow stronger."

Monet hesitated for only a moment before she nodded. "Then… we'll join you."

Jason's grin widened. "Good. Welcome to the Nexus Pirates."

Behind him, Reiju crossed her arms, smirking. "You certainly have a way with recruitment, Captain."

Law scoffed. "Another stray to pick up. At this rate, we'll need a bigger ship."

Jason laughed. "Power attracts power, Law. This is only the beginning."

As Monet and Sugar stepped onto the ship, their fates were rewritten. No longer tools for Doflamingo—now, they were under Jason's protection. And under his guidance, they would become something far greater.

The ship set sail once more, leaving the war-torn island behind. Their next destination was waiting.