Chapter 45: Shakky's Rip-Off Bar

"Yo~ Our dear Colonel seems reluctant to let the beauty go, huh?" Doflamingo's voice came from the bushes behind.

Renji rubbed his buzz cut. "Kids shouldn't talk nonsense."

He stood still because, under the observation of his Kenbunshoku Haki, he noticed that the Celestial Dragon had finally started to move.

He was well aware that Selena only felt gratitude toward him. He had merely helped a girl in need, and it wasn't a big deal.

"I think you're just changing the subject," Doflamingo teased, clearly in a good mood. He had rediscovered a sense of purpose to keep fighting.

"Adult matters are none of a kid's business," Renji said, glancing behind him. "Dragon, take Doffy and explore the island. There's plenty of interesting stuff to see here."

He grabbed Doflamingo's hand and handed him over to Dragon. "This guy has a knack for causing trouble, so keep a close eye on him."

Doflamingo struggled indignantly. Being treated like a child was one thing, but being underestimated like this? He had done plenty of significant things at the auction house.

"Let me tell you, treating me like a kid will cost you dearly!"

Renji knew better. At just 10 years old, Doflamingo had killed his own father to reclaim his status as a Celestial Dragon. Who would dare underestimate him?

"Alright, I'll give you two a task to handle," Renji said.

Dragon raised an eyebrow. "You're not coming with us?"

"I have an old friend on this island. Since I'm here, I should pay them a visit. It won't take long—I'll be back soon."

"Also, there's something I need you to do," Renji continued.

"Among the slaves released from the auction house earlier, there were some pirates. You've seen them in the cells."

"Those guys are worth money. Round them up and turn them in at the local Marine base for the bounties. It'll keep them from causing more trouble." Even small gains were still gains. Making money wasn't something to be ashamed of.

Besides, Renji didn't believe those pirates would reform just because they'd been sold once. If anything, this experience might make them even worse.

Many people had the mentality that if they suffered, they'd make sure others suffered even more.

"Remember to use your bounty hunter identities!"

Using their Marine identities directly would raise too many questions about why they were here, and they might not even get the bounties. That would be a huge loss.

Renji waved and turned to walk deeper into the island, leaving the two with only his retreating figure.

"He's not running off to meet another lover on this island, is he? He's in such a hurry!"

Dragon merely twitched his lips, clearly uninterested in Doflamingo's joke.

"..."

"Hurry up! We need to set sail immediately!" Roswald Saint felt unsafe staying on the island any longer. He didn't want to spend another moment here.

This place had given him an unforgettable experience, stripping away his pride as a Celestial Dragon and leaving only burning anger.

As he spoke, a guard knelt on the ground, waiting for the Celestial Dragon to mount him. With the previous slaves dead, this duty fell to the guards.

"Please, my lord, take your seat on my back."

The guard hoped this act of submission would lessen the Celestial Dragon's wrath and spare him from severe punishment.

"Should we inform Marine Headquarters?"

"Do you think I haven't been humiliated enough? What good would telling those useless Marines do now? That man could be anywhere by now."

As for taking his anger out on the island's inhabitants? He did consider it, but he'd wait until he returned to Mary Geoise to plan carefully. After all, this island still provided some entertainment for the Celestial Dragons. Destroying it outright wouldn't serve their interests.

Roswald sat on the guard's back, using his sleeve to cover his face as the entourage of guards moved toward the port.

Behind the sleeve, his eyes were dark and unreadable. He wouldn't let that man named Jack, or that mermaid, escape his vengeance. He'd make them understand true fear.

"The Golden Lion Pirates, Shiki, Jack!" Roswald muttered. "Mark my words, I'll have my revenge."

He coldly glanced at the guards around him. Those who had witnessed his humiliation wouldn't live to tell the tale. Let them enjoy their final moments...

Finally, as they reached the end of the path, he looked back at the auction house that had brought him such disgrace. "Find the CP2 agents. I want them found, dead or alive."

Hidden behind a nearby building, Renji observed Roswald's expression. It seemed old habits died hard. Even after being thoroughly humiliated, the Celestial Dragon remained unchanged.

Fortunately, Roswald hadn't gone so far as to take his anger out on the island's inhabitants. Otherwise, Renji would've had to take additional precautions.

For now, Renji only needed to wait for him to leave the island...

The Marines served the World Government, and Renji was now a notorious pirate.

And now, he was off to meet an old acquaintance. He wondered if there'd be any surprises.

Twenty minutes later, Renji arrived at his destination, strolling leisurely among the groves of giant mangroves.

In the distance, a massive red tree was marked with a large, conspicuous number—13.

Watching the bubbles floating around, Renji marveled. This was a sight unique to Sabaody Archipelago.

Areas 1 to 29 were lawless zones, a paradise for criminals where all sorts of illegal activities took place.

In the distance, a building with a moss-covered, dome-shaped roof came into view. Above the door hung a wooden sign that read: Shakky's Rip-Off Bar.

Knock knock knock...

Renji gently tapped on the doorframe.

The wind chimes by the door jingled softly, and inside the bar, a woman sat smoking.

"We're not open yet. Are you lost, or do you have some other business for me?"

Her voice was lazy, and if judged solely by her tone, one might think she was a kind and gentle older sister. But anyone running a bar in this area wasn't simple.

"Are you here alone?" Renji asked, casually taking a seat.

Shakky's pupils narrowed as she took a drag from her cigarette. "I've always run this place alone."

"If you're here just for fun, I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place."

Renji waved his hand. "No need to be so tense. If that person isn't here, it's fine. I'm actually here to see you."

Shakky grew wary. "What do you want from me? Surely not just a drink."

"I have some information to sell you," Renji said, taking a sip of tea.

"In half an hour, a ship loaded with gold and jewels will depart from the western waters of Sabaody Archipelago."

Shakky flicked the ash from her cigarette. "What does that have to do with me?"

"Pirates are always short on money, and I'm no exception. But I can't handle the guards on that ship alone..."

"So, you want me to help you lighten the load by spreading the word?" Shakky sneered. "Why should I help you?"

"Money's better when shared," Renji said, placing a hand on Shakky's shoulder.

Shakky's eyes widened. She had been on Rocks' crew, and even she couldn't see Renji's movements clearly. This man wasn't someone she could afford to provoke.

He wasn't asking for her help—he was outright threatening her.

"A skilled fighter like you shouldn't have any trouble robbing a ship," Shakky said, glancing at the hand on her shoulder. "Are the people on that ship strong?"

"Or is their identity complicated?"

"That's none of your concern. All you need to do is spread the word to those greedy pirates."

A breeze stirred the wind chimes, and Renji's words lingered in the air, but he was already gone.

Shakky let out a sigh of relief, her chest rising and falling.

"If you're planning to stir up trouble, I'll add fuel to the fire."

"The Golden Lion seems to be nearby. That guy loves a good spectacle, so he'll definitely get involved."

"I hope you can make things even more chaotic and bring the heat down on yourself."

...