Soon, the three of them reached the end of the corridor. Looking into the distance, they saw a pirate ship rapidly approaching.
"Kill everyone on board! Hahaha..."
"Damn it, that guy 'Red-Haired' Shanks is worth a billion berries. We can definitely get rich too!"
"After we rob this merchant ship and slaughter them all, our bounties will surely rise to tens of millions!"
"Stop talking! Faster! I want to kill—kill as many as I can! Hahaha!"
Hearing the pirates' wild shouts and sensing their overwhelming bloodlust, the three of them couldn't stay calm. Fear was written all over their faces, their hearts filled with dread.
Makino had encountered real pirates before—even the Yonko were surprisingly easygoing compared to this. None of them were as terrifying as these men.
"This is bad... I hope the ship's security team can hold them off."
Makino shook her head, her slender eyebrows furrowed with worry. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke: "Otherwise... none of us will survive."
Kaya tightly clutched her book, her beautiful eyes filled with terror. Her originally fair face grew even paler. "They're so scary... Is this what pirates are really like?"
"Why are they so cruel? We've done nothing to them—why are they coming after us?"
Merry was also extremely anxious and urged quickly, "Miss, this place is too dangerous. Let's hurry inside!"
Any curiosity Kaya had about pirates had completely vanished. She nodded immediately and glanced at Makino, pleading urgently, "Sister Makino, come with us! It'll be safer!"
Merry wanted to say something, but he held back.
He had a good impression of Makino—this gentle woman wouldn't bring any harm to Kaya.
"Sure, I'd love to chat with you."
Makino forced a faint smile, suppressing her unease. Without another word, the three of them quickly headed toward Kaya's room.
On the Ship's Deck
As the owner of the ship, Gaimon had a duty to stand at the frontlines and direct the defense.
"Kuroobi, why hasn't the security team fired yet? Why aren't they fighting back?"
Watching the pirate ship draw closer, Gaimon frowned, his face tense with anxiety.
Kuroobi (Klaubertermann) adjusted his glasses with his right hand, his demeanor calm and composed. "Boss, I already gave the order. But these guys have never faced pirates before—they've grown complacent, lazy, and completely unprepared."
"When I called for them earlier, some were drinking, others were sleeping. Even now, they're scrambling to find their guns."
"At this point, the security team is useless. We'll have to rely on ourselves."
Gaimon shook his head in despair, sighing bitterly. "We're done for... These pirates are ruthless—they'll never spare us."
Kuroobi's eyes flashed with a cold glint, but his voice remained steady. "Boss, there's only one option left—abandon ship."
"We'll take the emergency boat and leave immediately. This is our only chance."
Gaimon was a kind-hearted man—otherwise, he wouldn't have raised someone as pure-hearted as Kaya. The thought of abandoning the passengers and fleeing alone was unthinkable.
"No... I can't do that. I'd be betraying everyone!"
"These pirates are murderers—rotten to the core!"
"They lust after women. If they find a beautiful girl, they'll never let her go..."
"Kaya is so lovely... If they discover her, what will happen?"
Gaimon shuddered at the thought. How could his conscience bear it?
Kuroobi looked at Gaimon, feigning urgency. "Boss, we can't hesitate any longer! Please, take Miss Kaya and escape!"
Then, Kuroobi glanced at the approaching pirate ship, his expression darkening. (Damn pirates... ruining my plans. You all deserve to die!)
He wanted to slaughter them all, but that would expose his true identity. Suppressing his rage, he followed Gaimon toward Kaya's room.
Inside Kaya's Room
"Father, what's happening?"
Kuroobi stood at the door, speaking quickly. "Miss, no time to explain. The situation is dire—we must leave now!"
Kuroobi knew Gaimon's personality well and had anticipated his refusal. He said coldly, "Boss, even if you won't think of yourself, think of Miss Kaya."
This struck Gaimon like a hammer blow. Kaya was his most precious treasure—more important than his own life.
Even if he died, he would never let any harm come to her.
"Quickly! We must take Kaya and leave!"
Without another word, Gaimon rushed toward Kaya's room.
With a bang, he flung the door open. Seeing Kaya inside, he urgently called out, "Kaya, come here! We have to go now!"
The sudden appearance of Gaimon startled the three inside. Hearing his panicked voice only deepened their unease.
Kaya stood up immediately, her voice trembling. "What's going on?"
"No time to explain—we'll talk on the way. No more delays!"
Just then—
BOOM!
The ship lurched violently, throwing all five of them off balance. They stumbled, barely avoiding a fall.
"Kill all the men! Keep the women alive!"
"Please! Spare me! I have money—I'll give you everything! Agh—!"
"Mercy! I have an 80-year-old mother and a two-year-old child! Please!"
"Slaughter them all! Hahaha!"
Outside, chaotic screams erupted—pirates roaring, passengers begging for their lives. The situation had reached a critical point.
"RUN!"
Gaimon grabbed Kaya's hand, his face pale with terror.
"Yes, Father!"
Just as Kaya was about to move, she suddenly remembered Makino and turned to Gaimon. "Father, let her come with us! Sister Makino is so kind—I really like her!"
Only then did Gaimon notice the green-haired girl. Without hesitation, he agreed. "Fine, bring her. We must leave NOW!"
"Thank you, Father!"
Kaya, still naive and unaware of the true danger, smiled at Makino. "Sister Makino, let's go!"
Touched by Kaya's kindness, Makino's impression of the golden-haired girl grew even warmer.
"Alright."
Without another word, Makino followed them toward the door.
But just then—
"Hahaha! I hear a woman's voice! So sweet! This is my lucky day—time to have some fun! Lala la~!"
Before they could reach the exit, a towering, dark-skinned man suddenly appeared in the doorway.
"Oh-ho! Two beauties?! Jackpot! This time, I've really hit the jackpot!"
"Before the others get here... I'll play with them first! Hehehe!"
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T/N:
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