Chapter 375: Chapter 375: The Test Is Over and the Expo Begins!
Chapter 375: The Test Is Over and the Expo Begins!
After hearing Krulu Busulud’s final words, Ryuunosuke found himself believing them—at least a little.
After all, even the strongest crews have their own lunatics.
Just like in the Dragon Hunter Pirates, Ban among the Seven Deadly Sins was a complete madman.
If he ever truly went off the rails, he’d be ten times worse than Sevian.
So, judging an entire crew by the actions of one member? That was short-sighted.
"I’ll just call you Brook," Ryuunosuke said at last.
"At least, in my eyes right now, you’re still that Brook."
"I’d rather not see the day my sword has to fall on you."
"As two people who wield the power of the underworld... I hope we can stand on the same side."
With that, Ryuunosuke drew his Yellow Springs Contract.
A wave of underworld energy swept out, that distinct, chilling scent immediately spreading in the air.
Krulu Busulud did the same, summoning his own ability.
"I’ve been wondering for a while now..." Ryuunosuke said with a small smile. "Your power—it’s not from a Devil Fruit, is it?"
"It feels too pure. It’s straight from the underworld, isn’t it?"
Brook nodded.
"I still use Devil Fruit power to explain things. Otherwise, it’d be hard for people to understand how I can survive in this form."
"But yes... it’s the true power of the underworld."
"I also hope we never end up on opposing sides."
"Captain Ryuunosuke!"
Krulu raised his staff sword and touched it to the Yellow Springs Contract.
The moment they made contact, a resonant energy pulsed between them.
It was undeniable—this was power of the same origin.
Ryuunosuke nodded, eyes calm.
"Brook, Luffy can be a little dense. I won’t tell him any of this."
"But as for what you plan to do next... you’d best keep your identity in mind. And think about the safety of the others onboard."
"Return the favor, and treat them with the same care."
With those final words, Ryuunosuke vanished.
Krulu Busulud stood still for a moment, then exhaled in relief.
It seemed—for now—he could remain aboard the Thousand Sunny as Brook.
After this direct encounter, Krulu came to realize something.
Ryuunosuke wasn’t the violent, arrogant monster that the rumors made him out to be.
If he truly was that kind of man, Krulu wouldn’t have even been given a chance to explain.
—
"It seems I need to reevaluate our relationship," Krulu muttered.
"But convincing the others... that won’t be easy."
He frowned at the thought of his fellow Guardians.
Especially Sevian—who had just been humiliated by the Dragon Hunter Pirates.
There was no way Sevian would accept them.
And Wade—calm on the surface, but prideful deep down.
The Dragon Hunter Pirates had stepped on his pride. That wound wouldn’t heal easily.
"Convincing him to accept them... probably impossible."
Krulu sighed.
"This kind of problem... I should ask the boss."
His thoughts drifted to Jeff.
Now that he had revealed his identity to Ryuunosuke, it was only right to inform the others.
Otherwise, they might still assume Krulu Busulud was hiding secrets—and expect him to handle impossible tasks.
He also hoped Jeff could offer a better solution.
Ultimately, their crew’s stance toward the Dragon Hunter Pirates... would be Jeff’s decision to make.
With that, Krulu disappeared as well.
—
Ryuunosuke emerged from the water and returned to the sea.
"Shirahoshi," he said, turning to Shirahoshi, "do you think what he said was true?"
"I don’t know," she replied softly. "But when he spoke, there was no malice in his heart."
It was true—Shirahoshi had grown tremendously since joining the Dragon Hunter Pirates.
Most notably, her mastery of Haki.
Her Observation Haki had recently broken through.
Now, she could sense good and evil in others—just like Admiral Fujitora.
It was a rare ability, and a useful one at that.
"I’m guessing that guy’s more troubled than I am right now."
Ryuunosuke gave a slight smirk.
"Then let’s not worry about him."
"Time to focus on our own business."
With that, he entered Kun’s mouth, and together with Shirahoshi, vanished beneath the waves.
—
Two days passed.
Then, the long-awaited Pirate Expo finally began.
This time, the hosts were none other than the Celebration Pirates.
And the theme?
The announcement sent waves across the seas.
This Expo’s objective was to locate a legendary treasure hidden on the island...
Raftel’s Eternal Pointer.
Whoever obtained it would not only win a bounty of one billion Berries—they’d also uncover a shocking secret.
As the event kicked off, waves of pirates surged into the island’s competition zone.
Even members of the former Seven Warlords of the Sea made an appearance.
Most came to spectate, not to compete.
But there were exceptions—like Crocodile, who had his eyes set on the Eternal Pointer.
—
Wealth. Fame. Battle.
The island exploded into chaos.
Of the "Four Emperors and One Emperor," only Red-Haired Shanks chose not to appear.
The other four pirate groups? All present.
The Revolutionary Army had also sent their agents.
Even the World Government’s CP organizations were here, moving in the shadows.
This was the most chaotic gathering in recent memory.
—
Far above the chaos, Bullet arrived at the high-rise building where Buena Festa was waiting.
"What’s the situation with the World Government and the Navy?" Bullet asked bluntly.
This whole Expo had been orchestrated by Festa—with Bullet blessing.
But Bullet wasn’t naïve. He knew Festa had his own goals.
Still, as long as both sides got what they wanted, Bullet didn’t care.
"People from the World Government are already here," Festa said lazily.
"The Navy has issued the highest-level Buster Call."
"Fleet Admiral Sakazuki stayed behind, but all three Admirals have been deployed."
"My plan has already succeeded."
Festa reclined in his chair, utterly relaxed.
He no longer cared how the Pirate Expo would unfold.
As long as the navy showed up and the chaos erupted, his objectives were met.
—
"Your body’s giving out, huh?"
Bullet looked at him, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
They were pirates of the same era—old monsters.
Watching another one fall to illness...
It was depressing.
"Only someone like you could survive that place’s aura," Festa replied with a dry smile.
"Oh, by the way—Captain Ryuunosuke came to me earlier. Asked about some things."
"I didn’t say a word about Raftel."
Bullet raised an eyebrow, then said nothing.
He turned to the window.
Outside, the island was alive with youthful energy. New pirates, full of fire and ambition.
He remembered when they were like that—reckless, fearless, hungry for the world.
"...Then stay alive a little longer," Barrett said at last. "You might just get to witness their miracles."
With those parting words, Bullet vanished.
Festa watched him go.
Then lit a cigarette.
"Stay alive longer, huh...?"
"If only it were that easy..."
He exhaled, a slow stream of smoke curling around his words—like all the regrets and helplessness he’d carried for years.
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