Chapter 20: An Encounter with the Clown Pirates
"Alright."
With a light leap, Ryu landed on the deck and began walking around.
The craftsmanship was impeccable—flawless in every detail. The ship could comfortably accommodate thirty people and was equipped with everything one might need for an extended voyage: a kitchen, training room, storage compartments, a bathtub, even a small aquarium (for storing freshly caught fish). There was also a miniature botanical garden, complete with fruit trees and vegetables to ensure fresh produce during long stretches at sea.
After spending about half an hour exploring, Ryu was thoroughly satisfied. This ship would serve him well.
Next, he pulled out a box from somewhere—likely his Blood Ring —and handed it to Kaku. "The remaining payment is inside. Count it and make sure everything's in order."
Kaku nodded and quickly counted the money with impressive speed. "It's all here. Thank you, Master Ryu."
"I'll take my leave now," Kaku added, turning to go.
"Hold on. You're a shipwright from Galley-La, right?"
"Yes. Is there something wrong?"
"I've heard that Galley-La shipwrights are exceptionally skilled. I'd like to see what you're capable of. Care for a little sparring match?"
Kaku hesitated briefly before responding. "May I borrow two swords?"
"Sure." Ryu tossed him a pair of ordinary katana.
Before they began, Kaku paused. "Master Ryu, may I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead."
"Are you a Devil Fruit user? Those swords and that money… did you pull them out using your ability?"
"Ah, yes! Spot on."
"?!"
"All correct guesses. I am indeed a Devil Fruit user. Shall we begin?"
"Very well."
Seeing Ryu confirm his suspicions, Kaku's expression grew serious. Devil Fruit users were notoriously unpredictable, and even someone as skilled as Kaku knew caution was essential when facing one.
The next moment, Kaku charged forward—not using Shave , but still moving at considerable speed. However, Ryu didn't budge. He simply stood there, waiting for Kaku's attack.
Though motionless, Ryu exuded an aura of overwhelming dominance. Just as their blades were about to clash, Kaku abruptly retreated. A gut feeling told him that pressing the attack would end disastrously. Judging by Ryu's calm demeanor, Kaku realized that if he had followed through, he'd already be lying unconscious on the ground. No wonder they call him the Demon of East Blue, Kaku thought grimly. I need to tread carefully.
Confused by Kaku's sudden withdrawal, Ryu frowned. What's this guy doing? Why retreat after charging? Is he fighting or not?
Noticing Ryu's puzzled expression, Kaku tensed up further. Was Ryu preparing to counterattack?
Several seconds passed without any movement from Kaku. Losing patience, Ryu finally lunged forward, coating his fist with Busoshoku Haki. "Take this seriously!"
So fast! Kaku marveled internally. Instinctively, he crossed his swords in front of him and activated Iron Block .
But it was futile. The ordinary katana shattered under the force of Ryu's Busoshoku-enhanced punch, and the Iron Block offered no resistance against the overwhelming power. In an instant, Ryu shattered Kaku's defenses, sending him flying backward.
As expected, Ryu mused. Even with my strength diminished during the day, Kaku is no match for me.
Unwilling to let Kaku escape unscathed, Ryu pursued him. Gritting his teeth through the pain, Kaku suddenly surged forward, utilizing Shave to create significant distance between them.
Finally, Ryu thought. He's using Rokushiki techniques.
"I recognize it!" Kaku shouted, realizing he'd exposed Shave . Compared to other moves like Moonstep or Storm Leg , Shave was relatively subtle—but revealing more advanced techniques might give away his true identity as a World Government operative. For now, discretion was key.
"Surrendering already? Can't be helped then."
Ryu decided not to press further. This was merely a test, after all. Still, he noted how easily his Demon Eyes tracked Kaku's movements—even at Shave speeds. His Demon Eyes were far more potent than he'd anticipated, and this wasn't even their full potential. If Kaku moved faster, Ryu was confident he'd still keep up effortlessly. And that was during the day; at night, he'd be even stronger.
"How will you get back?" Ryu asked casually.
"Don't worry, Master Ryu. I have my ways," Kaku replied cryptically.
"Fair enough. Farewell."
With that, Ryu instructed his crew to load his belongings onto the ship. As Kaku watched, he noticed a rather ornate coffin among Ryu's possessions. Curious, he wondered why anyone would bring a coffin on a voyage. For transporting remains in case of death, perhaps?
Once aboard, Ryu couldn't help but feel excited about the journey ahead. Who should he challenge first upon reaching the New World? Whose blood should he sample? With so many Devil Fruit users roaming the seas, fulfilling his evolution requirements would be child's play.
"Captain, where are we headed next?" the navigator asked curiously.
"To Cocoyasi Village first."
"Aye!"
Regarding Luffy's future crew, Ryu had already decided to recruit two members: Nami and Sanji. A skilled navigator like Nami would prove invaluable in the New World, whereas his current navigator, though familiar with East Blue routes, lacked broader experience. As for Sanji, Ryu's palate hadn't changed despite becoming a vampire—he was eager to taste the culinary wonders of the pirate world.
That night, Ryu woke to find a crew member rushing toward him.
"What's wrong? What's got you so worked up?"
"Captain! Pirates!"
Instantly alert, Ryu perked up. "Where?! Where are they?!"
"Right ahead—it's the Clown Pirates!"
"Clown?"
Isn't this the starter-zone boss? Ryu smirked inwardly. Not only was Buggy a Devil Fruit user, but Ryu already had plans for him. Capture him, keep him alive, and periodically drain his blood—a renewable resource.
Beyond Buggy, Ryu intended to capture other Devil Fruit users too. While such actions might seem morally questionable, Ryu shrugged off any guilt.
After all, he wouldn't target innocent civilians. Besides, in the world of pirates, "good" was a relative term.