Chapter 24: King Bekori

Sorbert Kingdom Palace.

In front of the grand palace gates, rows of guards stood in formation, exuding an imposing aura.

A man dressed in official robes hurried over and knelt directly before the palace doors.

"Your Majesty, I have urgent news to report."

From inside the palace, a hoarse and aged voice responded.

"Cough, cough... Come in."

The man rose to his feet at the command and, under the admiring gazes of the guards, entered the palace.

However, the closer he got to the king's chambers, the more he hunched over, until he finally knelt before the king's desk.

King Bekori of Sorbert Kingdom appeared elderly, his body leaning back in a chair that gently rocked up and down.

The official knelt and pressed his forehead to the ground. "Your Majesty, Renji has returned to Sorbert Kingdom. According to reports, he has been at sea for the past month, defeating several pirate crews and even establishing close ties with the 'Hero of the Marines.'"

"Ah..."

Bekori let out a heavy sigh, a bitter smile appearing on his face. "Of course, he's still as formidable as ever. If he were to ever settle down, he wouldn't be Renji."

"It's been over three years since I first met him. Do you know how I've lived these past three years? The people of the kingdom think I have a good relationship with him, that it's thanks to him the kingdom remains safe..."

"What a joke. I'd be better off without him. A marine holding power over a king? How absurd..."

The official remained kneeling, his eyes trembling, but he stayed silent.

Just as the man was breaking into a cold sweat, Bekori suddenly asked, "Robert, do you think I live a pitiful life?"

Robert shuddered, quickly adjusting his expression. "In Sorbert Kingdom, you are the undisputed ruler. Renji isn't even fit to carry your shoes."

"No! In the eyes of the people, he is more beloved than their king. He has an extraordinary charisma!"

Bekori suddenly broke into a fit of coughing. When it subsided, he spoke with a tone of self-mockery. "I must admit, that boy has done a lot for this country. He even saved my life once. I know he has no ambitions for this kingdom."

Robert felt like he wanted to die. Why had he volunteered to deliver this report? He tried to make himself as small as possible, hoping to disappear.

But Bekori continued, "I've treated him well, yet his actions have truly disappointed me."

"Prestige is something so hard to earn, yet he gained it so easily. He cares for the common people, but does that mean I don't?"

Bekori's cold gaze flicked toward Robert, who was curled up on the floor, a hint of disdain in his eyes.

"It's because I've been surrounded by incompetents like you that even small-time pirates can threaten us!"

His voice grew colder, like a beast ready to pounce. "Summon the Minister of Defense immediately!"

Robert trembled as he looked up. "Now?"

"Yes, now! Go, hurry up and bring him here!"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I'll go at once!"

Robert stood up, bowed, and hurried out.

Once outside, he took a moment to calm himself, wiping the sweat from his forehead. His clothes were drenched, as if he'd been pulled from water. He felt like he'd just escaped death.

Under the curious gazes of the palace guards, he rushed away.

...

"Big brother, the atmosphere in the kingdom has changed a bit since you've been gone."

After dinner, the four of them lay sprawled on the sofa, digesting their meal while a Den Den Mushi played the latest news.

Ginny nodded in agreement. The atmosphere had indeed shifted recently. The king had been making subtle moves, though most people wouldn't notice. Otherwise, the kingdom would have already descended into chaos.

Bear, on the other hand, was too full to care. He just wanted to lie still and be a quiet, handsome man. He had never been interested in such matters.

In his mind, as long as Ginny and Renji were around, he only needed to follow their lead. Their decisions were always right.

"Is that so? I'll check it out tomorrow."

Renji wasn't too concerned. He knew the king of this country well. He could predict the king's every move.

It was probably another case of making a big fuss over nothing, messing things up, and then waiting for the marines to clean up the mess.

Renji didn't just protect the kingdom's safety; he also contributed significantly to its taxes. Yet, the old man still wasn't satisfied.

Maybe it was time to give him a memorable lesson...

Some people had grown too comfortable and forgotten what it felt like to have their lives threatened.

This could be a good task for Hitsugaya. It would help him get familiar with the country.

In the tallest building on the island, the lights were still on. Hitsugaya, still working overtime: Thanks a lot, Renji...

"Bear, are you satisfied with your life as a pastor?" Renji asked, glancing at the sprawled-out Bear.

"Burp—" Bear let out a belch as soon as he opened his mouth, then looked embarrassed. "Being a pastor has always been my dream. I'm very content with how things are now."

His father had been a pastor, and their life had been happy and peaceful. Unfortunately, both his parents had passed away.

"I'm glad you feel that way," Renji said, then shifted his tone. "But remember to protect yourself. Not everyone deserves your kindness."

"After what happened at God Valley, I understand what you mean," Bear said, his gaze soft as he looked at the others in the room.

"I will protect everything I hold dear!"

Renji felt a sense of relief. The gentle Bear, who had always been kind to everyone, had changed. He had grown into a reliable man.

"Bear, well said," Ginny gave him a thumbs-up.

Renji's expression turned serious. "In this world, if you want to protect others, you need strength."

"From now on, the three of you will train with me. Let's strive to live a fulfilling life in this world."

Shanks cheered. "Yay! Finally, I get to train with big brother! I'll protect everyone!"

Ginny smiled softly. "We'll be counting on you, little grown-up Shanks..."

"Ginny, I told you not to pat my head all the time. It'll stunt my growth..." Shanks complained, though he didn't move away from her hand. In fact, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

Enjoying this rare moment of warmth in the pirate world, Renji couldn't help but feel grateful. Meeting these people at God Valley had been one of the few strokes of luck in his life since arriving in this world.

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