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Chapter 6: You're Truly Cowardly
Chapter 6: You're Truly Cowardly
Kuro gripped the hilt of his blade and slowly drew it.
"Forget it—I won’t drag this out. People like you always bring trouble. Better to end you here."
Better to kill her now, while I’m still unknown. It’ll be fine.
The blade was standard issue, nothing special, but as Kuro’s fingers brushed upward, the girl reacted violently.
The edge began glowing with a faint light, raising every hair on her body.
She knew this wasn’t some ordinary weapon. Unlike these East Blue fools, she’d survived the Grand Line.
She tried to flee, but her body refused to move. The sword’s light seemed to lock onto her, no matter which way she turned. She’d be struck no matter what.
She was going to die!
That killing intent—real and merciless!
This man wanted to kill her!
"Darkness Divine Wind!"
"I surrender!"
"?!"
Kuro paused mid-stroke, tilting his head as the girl’s form shimmered. Her body shrank, transforming into a white-haired little girl of seven or eight.
"I give up! Do whatever you want with me."
She collapsed onto the ground, rubbing her stomach. "Ugh…used too much energy earlier. Now I’m starving again."
"You’re surrendering…just like that?"
Kuro hesitated, then resheathed his blade. He had no interest in killing a child.
"Tell me—who are you, and what’s your purpose in the East Blue?"
"Flo Lida. Grand Line native. I ate the Essence Fruit. I can touch someone and drain their essence."
Flo Lida sat up, glaring viciously at Kuro. "And you? Why’s someone this strong stuck as a Navy Branch Sergeant? Is the Navy blind? You’re a Monster!"
They locked eyes, silence stretching between them—then spoke in unison:
"Obviously for safety!"
"?!"
Kuro blinked. In Flo Lida’s gaze, he saw shock… and something like hope.
Sliding his blade into his belt, he sat across from her. A moment later, both blurted:
"You first."
"The Grand Line’s full of Monsters. I’m just not strong enough. I ran here to survive."
"…"
"!"
You get me!
Soulmate!
Kuro grinned. "I’ve no desire to go to the Grand Line. With my strength? Hopeless! The Four Emperors, the GM Army—fighting any of them would be a nightmare. Even a scratch could kill me!"
Flo Lida nodded furiously. "The Grand Line’s crawling with Monsters. I’m always terrified, but I can’t even eat properly. The East Blue’s perfect—everyone’s weak, and so easy to trick! I love it here!"
"You’re hungry…because of your ability?"
She groaned, tears forming. "I’m a Haki-type Devil Fruit User. My power’s downside? Constant hunger. Ever since I ate this at eight, I haven’t had a full meal in ten years. The Grand Line was too dangerous—I couldn’t feed properly there—so I came here."
Flo Lida, 18, Grand Line native, Haki-type Devil Fruit User.
Her ability drained victims’ essence for her own use, but left her perpetually ravenous. She avoided becoming a pirate to evade Navy scrutiny, eventually settling on East Blue.
Cautious by nature, she’d spread rumors of the "White Phantom’s Treasure" to lure greedy fools to her trap. She’d rob them blind, then trade their loot for food.
"You’re taking it too far", Kuro said, gesturing at the unconscious townsfolk. "Look at them—gaunt and malnourished."
"They wouldn’t listen!" Flo Lida pouted. "I told them to leave their own food behind, but they panicked and took too little. I had no choice!"
She sighed. "I’ve kept my Observation Haki active constantly. It’s exhausting enough—why won’t they just cooperate?"
Ever since obtaining her Devil Fruit powers, every action drained her energy. To conserve strength, she remained in this child form—only shifting back during fights. Maintaining Observation Haki daily made her hunger worse.
She’d never kill anyone. She just wanted to eat. Those who tried fleeing were simply knocked unconscious with her power—nothing permanent.
She’d planned to leave this island soon anyway. It was nearly drained of resources. But sensing someone approaching, she’d hoped for one last haul—only to run into this Monster.
"I surrendered already! Even if you kill me, at least let me eat!"
"Why would I kill you?" Kuro’s eyes gleamed. "Wanting to eat’s easy—join the Navy! The World Government’s rich enough to feed you however you want!"
"You’re joking. Navy, pirates—I want nothing to do with either. I just want peace and full meals."
"Then follow me!"
Kuro jabbed a thumb at his chest. "Don’t you see? We’re perfect together! You want safety and food, I want to survive to old age. Let’s loaf around the East Blue together—freedom and full bellies!"
He wasn’t eager to partner up, but "two minds think better than one." She was strong yet cautious—exactly the kind of person he needed.
Flo Lida’s eyes lit up. The man was perfect.
A Navy officer with power and status, yet no desire to fight? She could finally sleep whenever she wanted, eat whenever she wanted…
She drooled at the thought.
"One chance only", Kuro warned. "Otherwise, I’ll hand you to the Navy as a Devil Fruit User. They’ll lock you in Impel Down—ever heard of it? Eating there’s much harder."
"Fine! Just promise me six out of ten full!"
No more constant Observation Haki. No more fleeing every few weeks. Haki drained her energy badly—why this island was nearly empty now.
"Full every day!" Kuro vowed.
Then he regretted it.
Cleaning up after Flo Lida was easy. Once the townsfolk awoke, Kuro claimed the "Monster" had been struck by divine lightning—proof was the ruins.
No one cared about a nameless killer. The Navy wouldn’t investigate.
As for Flo Lida herself? She’d been a hostage of the "White Phantom", now rescued and adopted by Kuro.
Half the food and treasure remained for Galmore Island’s people. With the Navy’s gratitude, they departed.
Kuro left two weeks’ rations. He’d need only three days to reach Base 153. Even a big eater wouldn’t finish it—so he thought.
"Flo Lida! You ate half a month’s food in One meal?!"
In his office, Kuro roared at the white-haired child beside him.
She munched a carrot. "I was starving! Months of Observation Haki with empty stomachs—I’ve never eaten enough. Besides, we’re almost back, right? Don’t worry about it."
"Don’t worry?! What if a storm hits? Sea Kings attack? What if one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea decides to sightsee in the East Blue?!"
Kuro raged, nearly tearing his hair out. "We’ll starve at sea, swallowed by waves! My dream… Ruined!"
Flo Lida stared blankly. Now she understood why he was still only a Sergeant.
She was cautious. He was paranoid.
A Devil Fruit User might not be human…
But you? You’re truly cowardly.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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