Chapter 5 To Sea and a Spider girl
Hiyori didn't even know how she had become used to training and living with Ragnar and Yamato.
Her strength had grown, and she was receiving swordsmanship training directly from King.
Ragnar was busy most of the day doing his work. Even though King and Fukurokuju helped him, he still needed to handle things himself.
'Sigh… gotta find Robin or Karina. With those two, I'll never have to worry about paperwork and all.'
Even with all the work, he never slacked off in training or spending time with Yamato and Hiyori.
---
Pero pero pero… pero…
Ragnar picked up the Den Den Mushi.
"Moshi moshi?"
The snail transformed into Kaido's appearance.
"Brat, go to Hachinosu and pick up two kids of my friend."
"Hmm… you still have the nerve to give me more work? You shameless, workless, child labor exploiter!" Ragnar shouted angrily.
"Wororororo… you brat, want some father's love?" Kaido laughed dangerously.
"Ahem… who was talking in my voice? Don't let me catch you, bastard!" Ragnar shouted.
"How can a good kid like me say such words to my dear father?"
"Worororo… stop playing around and get your ass there."
"Tsk, stop shouting so much, you senile old man."
Ragnar cut the call.
"Fukurokuju."
He called, and the man appeared, bowing.
"Yo, you heard that, right? I'll be going out. Take care of everything and make sure no one gets any funny ideas," Ragnar ordered.
"Yes, my lord."
Ragnar dashed outside.
Yamato was sleeping out of boredom.
Ragnar burst into the room and jumped near her, shouting—
"Wake upppp!"
"Waaaaa!"
Yamato jolted awake, stumbled, and fell face-first onto the ground.
"Owww…"
"Kahahahaha!"
Ragnar burst out laughing.
Yamato glared at him and pounced.
"Ragnarr!!! You—!"
Hiyori walked in and stared helplessly at Ragnar getting beaten up on the ground.
His face was swollen.
"Humph! Let's see if you dare do that again!"
Yamato huffed, but her hands were already applying medicine to his injuries.
Hiyori smiled, feeling genuine envy and jealousy at their bond.
No matter how much they fought, they cared about each other more than anything.
Ragnar recovered in seconds.
He grabbed Yamato and Hiyori and dashed toward the port.
"Waaaa! What are you doing???" Yamato shouted, surprised.
"Well, no time to explain. Let's gooo!"
"Where? And put me down, I can walk!" Hiyori complained.
"No time!"
"Ragnar!"
Hiyori could only shout at him.
Soon, they arrived at the port as Ragnar jumped onto a ship with Yamato and Hiyori on his shoulders.
"Young master," the ship operators bowed.
"Full speed ahead to Hachinosu," Ragnar grinned.
---
Yamato jumped off his shoulder.
"We are going to sea???"
"Yep."
Ragnar grinned as Yamato jumped into his arms.
"To the seaaaaa!"
Ragnar caught her and spun her as both laughed.
Too excited, Yamato kissed his cheek.
"Let's gooo!"
Both stood on the deck, pointing forward.
Hiyori giggled at their excitement.
Ragnar grabbed her and pulled her forward.
"Tsk, what are you doing just standing there? Show some excitement!"
Soon, the ship sailed out of Wano, heading for Hachinosu.
Yamato, Ragnar, and Hiyori stared at the sea with sparkling eyes.
This was their first time leaving Wano.
Hiyori was too small to remember her time on Roger and Whitebeard's ships, so to her, it truly felt like the first time.
---
Inside Onigashima—
"Lord Kaido, why send young master and lady out alone?" King asked, genuinely curious.
"Hmph! Let that devil go. Do you know how much work he made me do? I was practically trapped in my lab!" Queen grumbled angrily.
"Worororo… let those kids see the sea they want to see. To make them truly strong, they need to see the true world of pirates."
Kaido laughed while drinking.
"Well, if you say so. With young master and young lady's abilities, they should be fine."
King nodded and went to do his work.
---
As he walked into the Shogun Castle, Fukurokuju approached him.
"Lord King, I have something you might find interesting."
"Hm, go on."
"Sir, we received information about a young girl with horns who can transform into a demonic spider."
"Transformation? Must be a Zoan type. Isn't the knowledge of Devil Fruits spread all over Wano yet?" King asked.
"Sir, the knowledge of Devil Fruits is being spread, but it will take time for people to understand them. Rewards for anyone who brings in a Devil Fruit have already been announced. And those with Devil Fruit powers can join the Beast Pirates—this information is also being spread. This girl is here for that reason."
"Take me to see her."
King nodded. A Zoan type was perfect for the Beast Pirates.
---
Soon they arrived.
King saw a beautiful girl with two horns.
Her size was large, even compared to Yamato and Ragnar.
"Transform," King said in his cold voice.
The girl winced but nodded.
Her lower body transformed into that of a spider.
King nodded, genuinely surprised.
"An Ancient Zoan."
"You can join the Beast Pirates. What's your name?"
"Maria, Lord King," she replied happily.
King nodded.
"You will be assigned based on young master's decision once he returns. I will introduce you to him. Until then, you can stay here."
"At morning, go to the training ground. A boy named Jack trains there. Observe what he does and do your own training."
He looked at her coldly.
"The Beast Pirates only value strength. If you aren't strong enough, be ready to be kicked out."
After saying that, he walked away.
---
A ninja appeared.
"Follow me."
He showed her the room and training ground.
Maria lay on her futon.
"I joined the Beast Pirates? And I will be working for the Shogun…"
Her heart pounded violently.
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