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"Larson, there's something hidden in that ship."
Larson was eating when Rayleigh quietly approached and spoke softly.
How could Rayleigh, who possesses top-tier mastery of Observation, Armament, and Conqueror's Haki, fail to notice the people hiding in the cabin of that ship?
Larson smiled. "It doesn't matter. As long as they guide us honestly, let them hide if they want to."
Seeing that Larson wasn't concerned, Rayleigh shrugged. "Aren't you worried at all?"
"Worried about what?"
Larson laughed. "With a master like you by my side, do I still need to fear a surprise attack?"
Rayleigh curled his lips. "If someone else said that, I might believe them. But when it comes from you, why does it sound so insincere?"
Larson burst into laughter. "You think so little of me, huh?"
At that moment, Gangplank arrived, dragging the bound Jem along.
"What do you want from us?" Jem's voice trembled, fear written all over his face.
Larson approached him. "I'm sorry. We mean no harm. We just wanted you to have something to eat."
Jem glanced at the ropes binding him, then at Gangplank standing nearby. No matter how he looked at it, there wasn't a trace of "please" in Larson's words.
After a long pause, Jem finally spoke. "At least untie me first."
He had already resigned himself to his fate. These three pirate ships that had appeared out of nowhere were clearly not something they could contend with. Not only were they outnumbered, but the sheer presence of the people before him was overwhelming. With no strength to resist, he had no choice but to comply.
"Planck, untie him," Larson ordered.
"Got it."
Once untied, Larson gestured for Jem to sit down.
"I think I recognize you," Jem said after a moment of staring at Larson. "Have we met at a tavern before?"
Larson was a little surprised that Jem remembered him, given the bustling crowd at the time.
Larson nodded. "Yes, it was us."
Jem's lips quivered. "Then could you let me go? I know we're not exactly friends, but we've had drinks together, so can't you let me off the hook?"
Larson sighed. "Don't worry. Once we reach our destination, you'll be free to go."
Jem lowered his head, remaining silent. His eyes darted around before he suddenly attempted to flee.
Gangplank reacted quickly, grabbing Jem by the collar.
"Still trying to run?"
Larson's tone was one of mock sadness. "I trusted you, and you try to escape as soon as you're untied?"
Jem looked like he was on the verge of tears. "Please, brother, let me go. I have a family, children, and elders to care for. If you want to find Yerug Island, go and kidnap Roberta. He knows the way. With him, you'll reach Yerug Island for sure."
Rayleigh, watching from the sidelines, was stunned. Was this really the bond of brotherhood? He'd seen it all now.
"Neither of you will escape."
Larson's tone turned threatening. "That was your last chance. If you try to run again, I'll break your legs."
The threat had the desired effect. Jem's face paled in terror.
Satisfied, Larson nodded. "Planck, he's yours now. Make sure to treat him well."
With that, Larson threw an arm around Rayleigh's shoulders and walked off to join Whitebeard and the others.
Whitebeard was in the middle of a chess game with Roger.
Naturally, when Roger showed up, Whitebeard brought out his favorite game, backgammon, to share with him.
As Larson and Rayleigh left, Jem breathed a sigh of relief. Despite the intimidating figures on the ship, Larson and Rayleigh seemed to terrify him the most.
"Don't be afraid. Everyone is actually pretty good. Don't be so nervous."
Gangplank smiled and said, "Just think of this as your home."
Can I not be nervous?
Jim had tears in his eyes when he heard Gangplank's words. He had wanted to go out to sea for a good time, to find treasures, and see if he could live a life free of worries. But it turned out to be worse than he'd imagined. Before he even got a chance to set sail, within 5 minutes, he was kidnapped.
And now, the pirate who had kidnapped him actually wanted him to consider this place his home?
Jim took a deep breath. "That person just now asked you to entertain me well, right?"
Gangplank nodded. "Since you're on our ship, you're our guest."
Jim didn't bother to wonder how he'd suddenly gained the title of "guest."
With a serious expression, he said, "Then could you please let go of your hand? Don't worry, I won't run away."
Gangplank's hand was still gripping Jim's clothes tightly, as if afraid he'd flee at any moment.
Jim had already given up on escaping. The last time he tried to run, Gangplank easily caught him, and Jim quickly realized the gap between them. His attempt to escape had been utterly laughable.
But who would have thought that, after hearing Jim's request, Gangplank shook his head. "That's not okay, I can't just stand by and watch your legs get broken."
Jim almost spat out a mouthful of frustration. Did he have to run?
Is he stupid?
Does he really think I'm that stubborn?
Jim sighed. He was at the mercy of the situation and had no choice but to comply. Gangplank wouldn't release him until he was certain Jim had no plans to bolt.
"Can I speak with my brother for a moment?"
After Jim spoke, he noticed Gangplank had a peculiar expression on his face.
He hesitated. "What? Is that not allowed?"
"No, no, it's allowed," Gangplank muttered, his lips twitching. "But, really, we don't intend to kill you. So, there's no need to be in such a rush to say your goodbyes."
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