https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-208-The-Reverse-of-the-Reverse-Is-the-Truth/13536466/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-210-What-Does-It-Mean-to-Reign-Supreme-in-the-Heavens-/13536468/
Chapter 209: Where's the Magnanimity?
Chapter 209: Where’s the Magnanimity?
“Kuro, Kuro! That one—Crimson Berry Juice!”
As they walked down the street, Lida suddenly grabbed Kuro’s arm and pointed excitedly at a shop. “It’s delicious!”
“You mean Crimson Berry Juice?” Kuro asked.
Lieutenant chimed in, “Yes, it’s a well-known local drink. If you’ve never tried it before, give it a go.”
“Really that good? Klah, buy one for everyone. I’ll treat you.” Kuro glanced at the dozens of Navy members trailing them.
Klah twitched his brow, a faint black line appearing on his forehead. You’re treating, but I’m paying?! Though Klah managed finances as a butler, Kuro’s words clearly meant “pay out of your own pocket.” But refusal was impossible—chain of command, after all.
Sighing, Klah led a group to purchase the drinks. Soon, they returned, each holding a cup. The beverage cost only 500 Beri per serving—surprisingly cheap, especially since the transparent glass cups were intricately patterned, their craftsmanship alone worth a fortune.
Inside each cup swirled a thick, blood-red liquid that sloshed without sticking to the glass. Kuro stubbed out his cigar and sipped through a straw. His eyes widened slightly.
“Tastes great,” he remarked.
Lida beamed, “Right? I haven’t had this in ages. Brings back memories.”
“Then stock up after we return,” Kuro told Lieutenant. “Make sure to remember.”
“Yes, sir!” Lieutenant saluted. The Navy members grinned. This drink would be perfect for breaking up the monotony of sea voyages.
As the group resumed walking, Kuro sipped his drink and observed the locals. Their attire was monochrome—black robes for men, white for women. Most carried books or wore star-shaped accessories around their necks, occasionally raising them while chanting.
“They’re praying,” Lieutenant explained, noticing Kuro’s curiosity. “This town’s custom is to pray whenever someone feels uneasy. It helps them maintain peace of mind.”
Kuro chuckled. “Interesting.” Given Grand Line’s magnetic distortions, each island developed unique cultures. Cannibal tribes and odd traditions weren’t surprising.
Suddenly, a man in black robes brushed past Kuro, shoulder-checking him. He continued down the line, bumping into several Navy members before vanishing into the crowd.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going!” a Navy member snapped.
Kuro held up a hand. “Settle down. It’s just a bump. You’re Navy—show some magnanimity! Look at me. I’m being—”
A sudden tremor in his glass interrupted him. The crimson liquid surged, forming a grotesque, hairless face within. With a gaping maw, it lunged at him.
Crush!
Kuro crushed the glass, shattering both cup and face. The impacted Navy members suddenly stiffened. Their faces contorted—features dissolving into smooth, hairless masks as they growled and lurched toward Kuro like zombies.
Kuro’s pupils constricted. Then, abruptly—
“Kuro? Kuro!” Lida’s voice cut through. The Navy members blinked, confused. Kuro looked down. No monstrous faces—only shattered glass and dribbling juice.
“Trying to scare me?” Kuro’s eyes darkened, turning blood-red as Observation Haki enveloped the town. “Wait here. I’ll bring that rude bastard back.”
He vanished in a flash.
The Navy stared at the glass shards, uneasy. Where’s that magnanimity?
---
The black-robed man navigated twisting alleys to a deserted lane, stopping beside a wall. He stood motionless, his back to the entrance.
“Yohohoho! Absolon, don’t always stand with your back to me! It’s creepy!” A lively voice rang out.
Absolon slowly turned. His pale, rigid face emerged from the shadows. “Sipatia.”
Sipatia—yes, the same woman from earlier—held a Crimson Berry Juice, swirling it. “So the Navy’s here. Gurgas botched things—three weren’t affected. Not a big deal. Nightfall’ll be the real show.”
Absolon’s lips curled faintly. “I encountered them. If there’s no accident, they’re already turning on each other.”
“Oh? You used Hallucination? So naughty!” Sipatia giggled. “But acting in daylight? Won’t that cause trouble?”
“Under my ability, no one stays lucid during the day,” he replied.
“Yohohoho! But yesterday, someone did resist.”
Absolon stiffened. “Sipatia. Don’t test me.”
“Alright, alright.” She sipped her drink, staining her lips crimson. “Let’s watch the slaughter. I love seeing people go mad, desperate after waking up!” Her grin stretched ear-to-ear, grotesque with glee.
Then she noticed Absolon’s stare—fixed behind her. That last remark hadn’t been his.
Slowly, she turned. At the alley entrance stood Kuro, calmly lighting a cigar. Smoke curled past his face as he smirked.
“Yo. Having fun?” (End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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