Chapter Thirty-Six: Camus in Despair

Pushing open the twin doors of the bar, Camio stepped inside and took a seat on a round stool by the counter. The place was rowdy—the largest bar in this town, packed with patrons. Some pirates were drinking with women, others engaged in drinking contests. But as Camio entered, a hush fell over the crowd. Though he looked young, his reputation rivaled that of Whitebeard, one of the great pirates. If they truly understood Camio’s strength, silence would give way to panic; they’d surely flee in terror.

The pirates, sensing his indifference, quickly resumed their activities, but their hearts churned with anxiety. The “Violet Emperor,” notorious for slaying Celestial Dragons, had arrived in the New World. His presence heralded greater chaos, intensifying the struggle for supremacy among the Four Emperors. If they learned Camio had no intention of joining their ranks, instead aiming to become the Fifth Emperor, they’d be at a loss for words.

“Bring me a bottle of whiskey,” Camio said, leaning the Violet Scepter against the counter. The bartender, himself a pirate, recognized the formidable guest and hurried to serve him. Camio poured a glass and began to drink.

Perched on Camio’s shoulder was the Ice Phoenix, her gaze filled with curiosity. Though she’d visited the human world before, it was rare, and she’d never tasted human food or drink. Now, she needed only to absorb the energy of the world to survive, just as Camio did. Watching Camio drink so comfortably, the Ice Phoenix’s eyes sparkled with eagerness. She glanced around, then suddenly flew off, leaving Camio surprised. He wondered what she was up to, but figured she could handle herself—her power spoke for itself. Had Camio known her intentions, he would have been utterly bemused.

Moments later, silence returned to the bar. Camio glanced toward the entrance, curious to see what notable figure had arrived. What he saw nearly made his jaw drop.

A silver-haired maiden in pure white attire strode toward him, her face innocent and enchanting beyond compare. She sat beside Camio, ordered a bottle of whiskey, and began to drink, astonishing the pirates. Camio could only shake his head in speechless resignation.

“How does it taste?” Camio asked, turning to see the Ice Phoenix frowning deeply. He wanted to laugh, but dared not; if she lost her temper, the bar might not survive.

The Ice Phoenix glared at Camio, her eyes nearly aflame. She’d transformed into human shape out of curiosity, only to be ridiculed by this scoundrel. She was furious—very, very furious.

A sudden boom echoed from the Violet Emperor’s corner, drawing the attention of every pirate in the bar. Their jaws dropped at the sight: the silver-haired beauty beside the Violet Emperor had just thrown a punch, and the Violet Emperor had vanished.

Behind the counter, the bartender pressed against the wall, terror-stricken by the rampaging maiden. He’d witnessed everything: the silver-haired lady entered, sat beside Camio, ordered the same drink, and drank with a frown. He wanted to laugh—if she couldn’t handle the drink, why try to outdo the Violet Emperor? Camio seemed amused, and the two clearly knew each other. The bartender was about to step away to give them space, but suddenly the maiden erupted, striking Camio’s head and sending him through the wall. That was the legendary Violet Emperor—a rare sight even once, now KO’d by a beautiful girl. This world was truly insane.

Camio, meanwhile, lay buried in debris, utterly exasperated. He hadn’t expected the Ice Phoenix to actually strike. The punch wasn’t particularly powerful, just enough to hurt, but the speed was outrageous—he couldn’t dodge and was sent flying. Humiliating, utterly humiliating, KO’d by a beautiful woman. How could he show his face now? If Robin found out, she’d surely look down on him.

“Idiot, if you want to laugh, just do it! Don’t hold it in and make yourself sick,” the Ice Phoenix said, delighted after her punch. She gulped down her drink, then began to cough, leaving the pirates in awe—this beauty had just KO’d the Violet Emperor; she was far too formidable.

Camio slowly rose from the rubble, dusting himself off. The nearby pirates quickly turned away, resuming their drinking or flirting, but kept a wary eye on the fiery maiden who dared assault the legendary Violet Emperor—and Camio hadn’t even retaliated. She was clearly not to be trifled with.

Camio found a chair and sat down again, glancing at the pouting Ice Phoenix beside him, a bit apprehensive. If she tried that again, he’d have no choice but to throw himself off a cliff.

“Well, did you enjoy yourself?” Camio asked angrily, though he wasn’t truly angry. This creature was centuries older than him, yet still acted like a spoiled girl. He’d spent eighty years living in a ring, always with Robin for company—not exactly mature, but nowhere near as childish.

The Ice Phoenix turned to Camio, her eyes suddenly misty. She reached out and gently touched his reddened cheek. Camio didn’t resist, but her next words sent him crashing to the floor.

“Does it hurt, brother Camio?” she asked, like a maiden newly awakened to love, her soft voice giving Camio goosebumps. But her smiling eyes betrayed her amusement—she must be laughing inside.

The pirates nearby were even more stunned. This beauty changed moods so quickly—if someone married her, they’d... No, best not to think about it; it was too much.

Camio shivered at her words, speechless. He’d brought a disaster upon himself—should’ve left her on that island. Bringing her along was nothing but trouble.

He glanced around; the pirates had all turned away, but their barely suppressed laughter was obvious. Camio snorted, grabbed the Ice Phoenix, and strode out. He couldn’t stay on this island any longer—if the story spread, he’d never live it down. The thought of pirates watching him with strange eyes made him tremble again. What a disgrace!

As the Violet Emperor left, a silvery laugh rang out nearby. The pirates felt as if they’d just survived a great battle, drenched in cold sweat. These two were just too terrifying.

...

Satch, captain of the fourth division of the Whitebeard Pirates, was relaxing in the stronghold, sipping his drink, when one of his men burst in, panting heavily. Satch was startled—he hadn’t heard any commotion. Who would dare make trouble here? If Camio were present, he’d recognize this pirate as one of the bar’s patrons.

“C-captain, the Violet Emperor, he... he was beaten up.”

“What? The Violet Emperor got beaten? By whom?” There weren’t any major pirates on this island. Who would dare challenge the legendary Violet Emperor? Satch couldn’t fathom it.

The pirate quickly explained, recounting the events in disbelief.

Satch was even more incredulous. After confirming the story twice, he decided to report it to Whitebeard. Someone had dared to strike the Violet Emperor, and he hadn’t fought back. Who was this mysterious beauty? If the two were just playing around, it could be explained, but that punch looked anything but playful.

“Brrr brrr brrr...” On the Moby Dick, flagship of the Whitebeard Pirates, the future Emperor Red Shanks was preparing to leave after a long conversation with Whitebeard. Just then, the Den Den Mushi rang, piquing Shanks’ interest.

Whitebeard picked up the receiver; Satch’s voice came through.

“Hello, is that you, Pops? Satch has something to report!”

“Go ahead, what is it?”

“The Violet Emperor was beaten by a young maiden—seems she sent him flying with a single punch.”

“What?!” Whitebeard and Shanks both shot up, faces full of shock and disbelief. The Violet Emperor, Camio, KO’d by a single punch from a girl? Impossible!

“Hey, who’s over there, Pops?”

Whitebeard took a deep breath, calmed himself, and nodded to Shanks. “It’s Red, that rascal. Hurry up and tell us about that kid—he got sent flying with one punch? Impossible.”

On the other end, Satch was frustrated. He didn’t believe it either, but it was true.

“That girl seemed to have a special relationship with the Violet Emperor. The men said that after Camio stood up and spoke to her, he just took her and left. No one knows where they went.”

Whitebeard and Shanks exchanged knowing smiles, beginning to suspect the real story—a lovers’ quarrel. Perhaps Camio let himself be hit on purpose. If another monster appeared who could rival Camio, how would they ever compete?

If they knew the truth, laughter would quickly fade.

As for Camio and the Ice Phoenix, they were now sailing into the depths of the New World. The Ice Phoenix remained in her human form, evidently not intending to revert, while Camio brooded in silence.

...

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