Chapter Forty: The Red-Haired Pirates!

The dock was not large, yet there were no few pirate ships moored there—about a dozen in total, all flying the Red Pirates’ flag. With just a glance, Camus understood the situation: most likely, the latter half of the Grand Line had grown tumultuous recently, so these ships had gathered here for safety.

The three of them landed together on the ship adorned with a dragon's head—the exclusive vessel of the Reds, the "Red Force." The ship was still quite new, clearly not in service for long. The pirates aboard regarded the three with a mix of awe and respect. There was no need to mention Red, their captain. As for the other two, though the silver-haired beauty was dazzling beyond words, none of the pirates dared let their gazes linger with any impropriety. They had all witnessed her display of power only moments before and knew at once that her strength was, at the very least, on par with their captain—perhaps even superior. As for the man with the purple hair, he needed no introduction. The world called him the "Violet Emperor"—the one who had challenged, and defeated, the three Admirals. His power was beyond question.

“Hey, Shanks, your crew is quite something! In just a few years, you’ve gathered such a large group.” Camus released Ice Phoenix's hand and teased Shanks.

Shanks ignored Camus and suddenly struck a heroic pose before slouching down amiably. “Everyone, quiet now. You all know who this is, right? Heh, the legendary ‘Violet Emperor’—even stronger than me!” As he finished speaking, he patted Camus on the shoulder with a complete lack of captainly airs.

Ice Phoenix watched this easygoing captain with amusement, finding it rather interesting that Camus would know such a character.

The pirates below wore skeptical expressions. In their hearts, their captain, Red Shanks, was the mightiest of all. Yet, as much as they loathed to admit it, they had to acknowledge that their captain might not be a match for this youth, who was even younger than their leader.

With a flicker, Camus slipped to the side. Since Red was resting a hand on his shoulder, he nearly stumbled to the deck—though, of course, he was only pretending.

“Hey, Shanks, enough with the jokes. Want to spar instead?” Camus grinned with a challenging look.

Red’s face instantly fell, a wave of bitterness washing over him. To fight this lunatic would be nothing but a loss of face. He waved his hand. “Forget it. I won’t fight you. Everyone, bring out the wine! Let’s welcome this madman and his wife!”

Camus laughed as well. If they truly fought, whether to defeat Red or hold back, it would be awkward for both of them. It was better not to compare strength—each knew where they stood.

He glanced at the assembled pirates. They were hardly weak—Usopp’s father, Yasopp, was among them, as was the first mate, Ben Beckman. But Camus spared them little attention; to be honest, they were much too weak to be worth knowing. Only top pirates like Red were another story.

The pirates cheered at Red’s words. To see the famed “Violet Emperor” in person was an honor, even if they knew nothing of the woman beside him. Anyone traveling with the “Violet Emperor” could not be weak. The aura these two occasionally exuded made it clear they were beyond the pirates’ ability to resist. To meet such legendary figures was a rare privilege.

Camus took Ice Phoenix’s hand and walked to the ship’s rail, while the pirates began preparing a grand banquet. This island was truly impressive. From time to time, the roars of giant beasts echoed across the land, and enormous birds wheeled through the sky. These monstrous creatures seemed to avoid the town, evidently wary of the Red Pirates—no doubt they had suffered at their hands before.

“Hey, Camus, how have you been these years? You’ve found such a beautiful wife, while your big brother here is still single!” Red appeared, holding two bottles of wine, handing one to Camus.

Ice Phoenix blushed. She hadn’t expected that since becoming a woman, her fierce, demonic character would mellow to the point of blushing at such remarks.

Camus shot a glare at the clearly jealous Shanks. “Not bad. Ice Phoenix is very gentle, you know? If you don’t bother to find a wife, who can you blame?” Ice Phoenix, mortified, pinched Camus fiercely at the waist, making him grimace in pain.

Shanks took it all in stride, genuinely glad Camus had found such a beautiful wife. If only he knew Camus had more than one, who knows what he’d think.

“Hey, no need to worry! You think I won’t find one? Things are chaotic these days. Are you planning to make your name even more famous?” Shanks asked.

If there were more than four Emperors, would I even be one of them?

“Heh, that’s none of your concern. I’m just here for a tour, to see what the New World is like,” Camus replied, sidestepping the question.

“No more talk! I’m just glad you and your lady could come. Come, let’s drink!” Shanks beckoned, relieved that Camus wasn’t here to challenge for one of the Emperor’s thrones. If it ever came to a fight, he wasn’t sure he’d win.

Camus, holding Ice Phoenix’s hand, followed Red to the feast. The three gathered, eating and drinking together. The deck was spacious, so there was no need to worry about crowding. Camus and Ice Phoenix weren’t big eaters—just a bit of wine, a few toasts with the ship’s officers, and the time slipped away. Night soon fell.

Shanks found Camus and Ice Phoenix a room in town—not large, but clean—and they spent the night there.

The next morning, Camus and Ice Phoenix decided it was time to leave. There was nothing much for Camus to do here, and if a fight broke out, Red and his crew were more than capable of handling it.

As they reached the dock, they saw Red’s crew making ready to set sail, performing their daily inspection of the Red Force. Red himself sat on a wooden crate on the shore, drinking, and saw Camus and Ice Phoenix approach.

“Up early, aren’t you? We’re about to set sail—want to come along for the ride?” Red called, taking a swig.

Camus led Ice Phoenix to the water’s edge. The weather was fine, the sun brilliant in the sky, and the wind on the sea gentle—a perfect day for sailing.

“Sure, we’ll come along. What danger could there possibly be?” Camus replied with a smirk.

Shanks simply smiled. Never mind his own strength—just Camus and Ice Phoenix alone were more than enough. If any foolish pirates dared cross their path, it would be their misfortune.

Soon, after a breakfast at the tavern, Camus and Ice Phoenix boarded the ship. The core members of Red’s crew were gathering as well. Seeing Camus and Ice Phoenix, they paid them little mind.

Shanks turned to the sea and shouted, “Let’s go, brothers! Time to stir up some trouble with the other pirates and make our name shine! Ha ha!”

Camus laughed too. Such was the way of pirates—a united crew, seeking fame, eager for the whole world to know the name "Red Pirates." That was the only way to compete for one of the coveted Emperor thrones.

With Ice Phoenix in his arms, Camus faced the sea breeze and sailed forward!

...

Well, I'm back. Sorry, I've been working overtime lately! Not sure if I'll have to do so tomorrow—let’s hope not!

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