Chapter 434: A Hero Isn't a Fraud!
Chapter 434: A Hero Isn't a Fraud!
"Old fraud?"
The young man blinked in surprise, then snapped angrily, "Officer Sharp isn't a fraud! He's our hero!"
"Hero?"
Captain sneered, "Then where is your hero now? Where is he?"
"Officer Sharp is resting. We've already sent word—he'll be here soon! When he arrives, you're all finished!"
The young man glanced at his fallen comrade, his voice trembling with rage, "Officer Sharp will stop you for sure!"
"Sharp?"
Captain snorted coldly, then suddenly bellowed, "Aurex Sharp! Where are you? Get out here now!!!"
A commotion stirred from the back of the crowd. A group of people pushed forward, surrounding a burly man with a braid.
"Officer Sharp!"
The young man with the braid gasped in pleasant surprise, "You're here!"
The burly man, around fifty years old with graying temples, opened his mouth toward the youth but ultimately clamped his lips shut. He stepped forward, facing the man in the captain's hat. Seeing the malevolent grin widening on Captain's face, he remained silent.
"Officer Sharp!"
Soros rushed forward, desperate, "This man says you're a fraud! They brought men to drag us back into slavery! You'll save us again, right? Right?!"
"Soros, I—" Sharp didn't look at Soros. He lowered his head, silent.
This response froze Soros completely.
He wasn't stupid. He understood what was happening.
"Aurex Sharp!"
George pointed a pistol at the burly man, his malevolent grin spreading, "Seven years ago, you set fire to the slave ships at Shabondy, letting countless slaves escape, earning the title 'Blazing Flame Bearer.' But in truth, you were just an obscure little pirate back then—no strength, no fame, no courage. Sharp! What should you call me?!"
Sharp stood motionless for a moment, then slowly raised his head, "Captain George."
"Exactly! I'm your captain! We drank sworn brotherhood wine! I was your captain then, and I'll always be your captain for life!"
George roared, "After all these years, you wouldn't dare say you've forgotten the oath you swore—to stay with these slaves instead of me?!"
"Captain, no! I’ll never forget that oath!" Sharp pleaded.
"Good. That’s what I want to hear."
George holstered his pistol, addressing Sharp, "Then use your 'hero' reputation to make them surrender peacefully. Once they comply, you can rejoin my ship."
"Wait, Captain George!"
Sharp interjected urgently, "But you promised—if I gathered them, you’d let me return to the ship! Why force them to surrender? Why enslave them again?!"
"Are you joking with me, Sharp?"
George sneered, "You were always slow, but you haven’t improved at all. Behind me are world nobles and Officer Moro. Seven years ago, the ship you burned belonged to him. He’s being merciful by not killing you outright. Our mission here is to capture slaves. Only by doing this will the Navy let us escape their encirclement!"
"You’ve already shouted your demands. Try again—make them listen to you. I’d prefer not to spill blood. After all, these are valuable 'assets.'"
"Officer Sharp..."
Soros stared at Sharp, stunned, "Is it true? Did you deceive us?"
Sharp closed his eyes in anguish, memories flooding his mind...
...
"Captain, when will I ever become as famous as you?!"
A drunken Sharp slurred inside a tavern, asking George.
His captain, George, was a pirate with a bounty of 28 million. Though insignificant in the Grand Line, to men like him with no bounty, George was a legend.
"Famous? Ha!"
George downed his wooden cup of alcohol, belching loudly, "Simple! See those slave ships on the coast? Destroy them, and you’ll become famous. The World Government will even put a bounty on your head!"
"You might even surpass me, eh, my men?!"
"Ooooh!!!"
The pirates in the tavern raised their cups, cheering wildly.
"Hah! Forget it, Sharp. Just stick close to Captain."
A drunken pirate staggered over, patting Sharp’s shoulder, "You’re too cowardly to pull off something like that, hahaha!"
"Who says I can’t?!"
Sharp’s face flushed red as he clenched his fist, "A pirate’s freedom means doing anything he dares! Just wait and see!"
He slammed his cup down and ran out of the tavern.
"Hey, Sharp! Watch your step, hahaha!"
The tavern erupted in raucous laughter.
...
Flames nearly consumed all of Shabondy.
In the dead of night, massive ships docked at the port burst into fire.
On the shore, Sharp held a still-scorching torch. A gust of wind startled him, and the alcohol in his system vanished.
...
"Hey, Sharp! You’ve got a bounty! 'Blazing Flame Bearer' Aurex Sharp—130 million Beri! The World Government wants your head!"
"I’ve surpassed Captain! Surpassed Captain!"
"Captain George, Sharp actually succeeded!"
Inside a pirate ship sailing the Grand Line, the crew roared in celebration.
No one noticed their usually cheerful and respected Captain George, whose face had turned ominously gloomy.
...
"Sharp, it’s no longer safe. They’re after you now. Escape alone first—we’ll leave, then come back for you. I’ve prepared food and water for you here."
"I understand, Captain. I’ll wait for you here!"
...
"Yes, Soros."
Sharp opened his eyes, his voice steady, "After escaping last year, I’ve been trying to contact Captain George. Yesterday, he finally messaged me, asking me to gather you all. I didn’t expect he’d want to enslave you. I’m sorry—I’m not the hero you think. I’m just a foolish pirate who got drunk, burned his brains out, and chased a fleeting reputation."
"You finally see sense, Sharp. Make them surrender now!" George barked, "Or do you defy your captain’s orders?!"
"Captain, they’re pitiful people! Spare them! If you must, take me instead—my bounty—"
Before he could finish, George’s face darkened. He raised his pistol, aiming at Sharp, "Don’t mention the bounty, you bastard!!"
Bang!
The trigger roared with a thunderous boom.
Sharp’s eyes widened. Time seemed to slow as he watched the bullet inch toward him.
Paaak!
Suddenly, a massive force slammed into him from the side, shoving him aside.
Soros stood where Sharp had been, a bullet lodged in his shoulder. He grunted, his arm dangling uselessly.
"Soros..." Sharp fell to the ground, staring at him.
"Whatever you say",
Soros clutched his shoulder, gritting his teeth, "Seven years ago, you saved me when I was just nine. That’s a fact. No matter who you deceived, you didn’t deceive me—you didn’t deceive us! You’re my spiritual pillar. No matter how the world disparages you, you’ll always, always be my hero!"
He turned to George, roaring, "A hero isn’t a fraud! Never will be!!!"
(End of Chapter)
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