:)Ch52

"Much obliged." I extend my arm outward a second time. "Take care Korka. Feel free to call."

He grasps my hand in a firm shake. "So long Jack."

It's a slow walk down the wharf with my hands in my pockets and my eyes turned upwards. My stint acting as hired muscle was a good experience but it's not one I think I'm likely to repeat. While my [Skills] definitely progressed a healthy amount, I'm ultimately unsatisfied with my growth in the levels department. Exp is just too scarce when you're sitting on a boat in the middle of the Blue. Had it not been for that initial encounter with the Pellora Pirates -Not to mention Slinn Voda- I would have barely progressed at all over the trip.

At least I expanded my social circle a bit. Plus, meeting some fellow bounty hunters has really put into reference for me how strong I am versus how strong I need to be. When I started this journey I considered myself a neophyte, an amateur in more ways than one, who was far too green to be playing with the big boys.

Now though? I really think I'm on my road to the elites. Zoro was famous in East Blue for being one of the toughest bounty hunters around, and even though we logically know it was just a case of 'big fish in a small pond', I can't help but start to think I could pull off the same thing here in South Blue.

I'd need to perfect the [Skills] I have...grow some [Perks] a little...definitely work on unlocking Rankyaku at some point..but it's possible! I could get to the point where lesser pirates actually tremble at the mention of my name.

The ship Korka pointed out to me is growing closer now. It's certainly a far more quaint vessel than The Marjhanwas. Smaller, lighter, probably faster too which works for me just fine. Civilian sailors are working to stock food into the hold and down on the dockside an unusually sharply dressed man is gesticulating wildly as one of the bounty hunters that had been hired to protect Dreamwinder listens intently to his spiel.

As I get within shouting distance I can't help but admire his outfit. It's still weak sauce compared to my 'Dandyman' ensemble but I can appreciate someone else who puts time into the way he looks every morning. His suit was silken black, his shoes a polished white. A medium sized bowler hat sat perfectly atop his head and his face spouted a thick handlebar mustache that had been carefully trimmed to be as picturesque as possible.

I almost feel the urge to compliment him...but then I get close enough to read his title and avert my eyes immediately.

Mr.6, Frontier Agent, Lv. 36

I try to move by unnoticed, like a stranger walking past you on a sidewalk, but I can't help glancing at him again and again. I'm unable to ignore the number everywhere on his person. The head of his hand carved cane, the buttons of his vest, a small pin on the edge of his bowler hat.

'My god even his cufflinks are tiny gold '6's. How the hell are these people supposed to be a secret organization when their officers dress like this?'

The headhunter sees me staring and his eyes light up in excitement.

"Pardon me young sir, might I have a moment of your time? You were also hired to protect one of these vessels correct? You see I was just presenting your colleague here with the most exciting business opportunity. The two of you are in luck as there are multiple positions available for-"

"Fuck. Off."

The gentleman visibly rears back as though I've just slapped him. His mustache bristles from side-to-side as an indignant look settles in his eye. "Young man! That is quite rude. I am merely trying to-"

I lean in to stare him straight in the eye.

"I. Don't. Care." There isn't a snowballs chance in hell of my getting involved with that shitshow of an organization. Even if I could ignore the obvious chain of events in my head '(Mr.6) → (Baroque Works) → (Grand Line) → (Alabasta) → (Straw Hats) → (Stuck in Canon)' I wouldn't join simply on the matter of professional pride.

You know, suddenly I have the urge to give him a show. To really let this guy know what kind of prize of a recruit just blew him off. Is that a smart move? Not important. I'm doing it anyway.

A surge of [Geppo] sends me over his head and soaring away from the now flabbergasted duo. I close the short distance left between myself and my destination entirely in the air, prompting many to gawk and point at me in wonderment, before I touch down softly in the center of the trading ship.

Many of the sailors stare at me in alarm, some of whom even take an involuntary step backwards. Glancing around, I took a quick stock of levels and titles. None of which stood out as particularly noteworthy.

"You there," I announced, pointing to someone who looked important. "Where is this ship heading?"`

The civilian merchant gulps nervously, clearing waging an internal battle on whether or not to answer the magical flying-man. "B-Baterilla."

"Mind if I tag along?"

"..wha..What! Yes I mind!" The man sputters. "You can't just land in the middle of my ship and then expect-"

"I'll pay you 50,000 in cash right now. Plus an additional 25 when we get there."

"...welcome aboard shipmate."

'And people say you can't solve problems by just throwing money at them.' Baterilla, South Blue

"Here you are sir." The bombshell of a brunette spoke as she replaced my empty glass with a full one. "Your scallops should be out in just a few more minutes. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

I take a moment to sip at the refill, luxuriating in the way the delicious blend of pineapple, citrus and rum swirls over my tongue. A contented sigh passes over my lips and I set the mixed drink back down on the cabana table next to me.

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