Chapter Fifty-Two: Returning "Home"!

The Moby Dick truly deserves its reputation as the flagship of the Whitebeard Pirates. Not only is its deck impressively spacious, but the cabins within are equally grand. Kamiel and Ice Phoenix followed Whitebeard and soon arrived at the reception hall.

“Take a seat,” Whitebeard said as he settled into an enormous chair.

Kamiel nodded slightly, pulling Ice Phoenix down onto the plush sofa beside him. The sofa was so comfortable that he wondered what kind of leather it was made from.

“Alright, Whitebeard, just say it. What do you want?” Kamiel took out a pack of cigarettes, swiped his finger across the sofa to conjure a tiny flame at his fingertip, lit a cigarette, flicked his hand, and blew several smoke rings.

Ice Phoenix, watching Kamiel smoke again, frowned slightly but said nothing. Was this man trying to turn her into a smoker as well?

Whitebeard glanced at Kamiel, as if pondering something. After a moment, he spoke with a deep sense of curiosity, his gaze full of expectation: “Kamiel, why are you so strong?” Clearly, Whitebeard was eager to know the secret that allowed Kamiel to become so powerful in just over a decade.

Kamiel’s hand paused as he flicked the ash, scattering dust on the floor. He looked at Whitebeard with a strange expression and asked, “Do you really want to know?”

Beside him, Ice Phoenix also looked at Kamiel with anticipation. This bastard seemed barely in his twenties, yet his strength already surpassed hers. She was deeply curious as well, though Kamiel never spoke of it, and she had never asked.

Whitebeard nodded gently, his eyes brimming with hope.

Kamiel saw the expressions on their faces and felt a bitter sea within his heart. He had lived peacefully on Earth, only to end up getting shot after bumping into someone. Everything that followed felt like an illusion, as if he were living in a dream. Though he hadn’t fared well on Earth, it was still his homeland. After living in this world for over ten years, he had developed some sense of belonging, but deep down, he knew that returning to Earth was his ultimate goal.

Ice Phoenix noticed the flicker in Kamiel’s eyes and the somber look on his face. She tightened her grip on his left hand. This man certainly harbored many secrets.

“Heh, luck. I suppose I just have good luck, haha!” Kamiel glanced at Whitebeard and laughed loudly, though his laughter was tinged with bitterness.

Whitebeard’s confusion deepened at this answer, and hearing the bitter laugh, he didn’t press further. Instead, he shifted the topic: “So, what are you planning to do? Start your own pirate crew? Or go solo?”

Kamiel took a couple of drags, blew out some smoke rings, as if trying to vent his inner frustration. Without thinking, he replied, “I won’t start a pirate crew, so don’t worry—I won’t compete with your business. I’ll just wander the seas with my lover. That’s a better life than yours, isn’t it? Heh!” His gaze became playful at the end. Being the head of a pirate crew wasn’t easy—always ready for attacks from rival pirates, responsible for countless subordinates. It was nothing like the Straw Hat’s small group; this was a massive crew with thousands of members. Living a carefree life alone was far more enjoyable. Only a fool would start a pirate crew.

Whitebeard felt a huge weight lift from his heart. Kamiel’s strength was unfathomable. If they ever fought, Whitebeard would surely lose. If Kamiel formed a pirate crew, countless pirates would flock to him, many of them powerful. In no time, he could build a massive crew and plunge the New World into chaos. Whitebeard had no desire to become Kamiel’s enemy. As long as he didn’t start a crew, even if Kamiel wandered the New World and killed many, it wouldn’t matter.

Ice Phoenix was equally pleased. Not forming a pirate crew meant much more freedom and fewer complications.

“So, you don’t want to be one of the Emperors?” Whitebeard, now relieved, asked again.

Kamiel paused, considering his answer carefully before replying, “Well, aren’t there three Emperor positions? Let those go to others. When everything settles, you’ll all gather for a meeting. Then I’ll show up to intimidate them. Heh, I’ll just take the fifth Emperor title for myself—just me and my lover, no pirate crew. I doubt anyone would object to that.”

Whitebeard’s expression hardened as he thought it over, then nodded slightly. “Yes, I don’t think anyone would oppose it. Of course, they’d need to be strong enough to try.”

“You must have a good grasp of the strength of those pirate crews. That Red guy is my good brother—you probably know his crew’s power. Taking an Emperor position shouldn’t be difficult, right?” Kamiel said, his tone serious.

Whitebeard paused. He was indeed familiar with Red and his crew’s capabilities. Claiming an Emperor position wouldn’t be a problem. He thought for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, it shouldn’t be hard. If needed, I’ll lend him my support. Ha!”

Kamiel smiled slightly and nodded. “Thank you, then.”

“No need for thanks. Just don’t cause me trouble in the future,” Whitebeard said with a wry smile. His wariness toward Kamiel ran deep. He harbored a persistent idea: Kamiel alone could wipe out his entire pirate crew. That thought lingered constantly, and the woman beside him was equally inscrutable—her strength likely beyond measure. Kamiel’s own power was formidable, and even his woman was so strong. Could luck really be all it was? Did he himself lack luck?

If Kamiel knew what Whitebeard was thinking, he’d laugh himself sick. Luck? That word hardly existed in this world, but truthfully, Whitebeard’s luck wasn’t bad—otherwise, how could he become the greatest force of evil in the New World?

“Enough talk. Let’s drink and see if I can get you drunk. I refuse to believe that just because you’re so strong, your drinking capacity matches!” Footsteps sounded outside—Whitebeard recognized them as Marco’s. With a thought, he addressed Kamiel.

Kamiel smiled. “In the end, you’ll be the one sprawled on the floor.”

Soon enough, Marco entered, glanced at them, and could tell they’d had a pleasant conversation. He said, “Dad, everything’s ready outside. The other captains have arrived.”

“Alright, Kamiel, let’s go and see who wins,” Whitebeard said, standing and fixing his gaze on Kamiel.

Kamiel grinned, “Who’s afraid? Let’s go.” He pulled Ice Phoenix along and followed Whitebeard out onto the deck.

...

The sky was cloudless for miles, and the sea was perfectly calm, disturbed only by the occasional splash as a Sea King leapt from the water in the distance.

Kamiel had left the Whitebeard Pirates over a month ago, now sailing through the Calm Belt. Naturally, he’d managed to drink Whitebeard under the table. The next day, after bidding farewell, he and Ice Phoenix departed. After considering where to go, Ice Phoenix suggested visiting Kamiel’s most beloved person. Kamiel hesitated, but decided to return—surely she missed him dearly. He wondered how she’d react to Ice Phoenix. Would she be angry? He felt apprehensive.

Ice Phoenix glanced at the man frowning on the lounge chair, feeling restless herself. Who was Robin? To be Kamiel’s greatest love, she must be extraordinary. Would she accept her?

...

“Robin, when will Kamiel come back? I miss him so much.” Hancock sat on the enormous bed in the palace, looking at Robin beside her.

Robin heard Hancock’s words, her eyes shining with longing. She gently tapped Hancock on the head and teased, “Missing your Kamiel? Heh, do you want to become his wife, too, you little rascal?”

Hancock’s face instantly flushed red, and she nodded shyly. Robin burst out laughing.

Kamiel, out there alone, surely you’re not lonely. When you return, let’s see how many you bring. Just don’t let it be more than five, or I won’t speak to you...

If Kamiel knew what Robin was thinking, he’d probably cough up blood and die!

...

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