Chapter 29
“Phew…” Bonney’s hometown friend lets out a relieved breath at my words. He doesn’t doubt me—why would I lie when I’ve got them at my mercy?
His eyes glint, and he leans forward slightly. “Since you’re also after Kryhiss, how about we team up? That guy’s been holed up on Half-Moon Island for years, with a big crew and serious firepower. Even with your skills, taking on that many enemies might be tough, right?”
He’s got a point. I nod. “Not bad.” I’m new to South Blue, and Kryhiss is called the “King of South Blue” for a reason. Even Hina, from what she told me back in Chapter Nineteen, said the local Navy struggles to take him down. Having some extra hands—or cannon fodder—couldn’t hurt. Plus, the Bonney Pirates are no slouches; they’re future Supernovas, after all. “Alright, I could use some… helpers. Good idea.”
“So, we’ve got a deal?” he asks, not flinching at my “cannon fodder” slip. He’s probably thinking the same thing—cooperation’s just mutual exploitation, plain and simple.
“Deal. Happy teamwork,” I say with a grin, nodding at him.
He glances at Bonney, his expression softening. “You’re okay with this, right, Captain?”
“Hmph.” Bonney tilts her head, playing it cool. “This guy’s strong enough, I guess. I’m fine with teaming up.” She’s brash, but not like Luffy, who’d insist on handling everything himself. If it helps her mission, she’s practical enough to go along.
Her friend sighs in relief, clearly worried his fiery 10-year-old captain might’ve thrown a curveball and done something reckless.
“Happy teamwork, sir,” he says to me, then looks pointedly at the ropes binding him and the crew. “So, since we’re partners now…”
“Got it. Untie them,” I say, waving at Nami and the two sailors.
In no time, the fifty-plus pirates on my ship are free. I step up to Bonney, putting on a polite tone. “So, we’re allies for now. Sorry about earlier—hope you don’t hold it against me.”
Bonney grumbles but nods. “Whatever, that’s water under the bridge. We’re working together now, so I won’t hold a grudge.” She pauses, frowning. “But just so you know, this is temporary. I’m still settling the score with you later for today.”
“Yeah, yeah, sure,” I say, brushing off her threat with a wave. I glance at the horizon, then turn to Nami. “We good to keep sailing, Miss Navigator?”
“Wait a sec!” Bonney cuts in before Nami can answer.
“What now?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
She rubs her stomach, looking dead serious. “Before we go anywhere… can you get us some food?” Her crew nods eagerly behind her, like they’re starving.
---
On my little ship, Nami and the sailors dig out all the food we’ve got and set it out for the Bonney Pirates. The second it hits the deck, they swarm it like locusts, grabbing whatever they can and scarfing it down right there on the floor, no manners whatsoever.
Nami watches them, shaking her head. “You guys look like you haven’t eaten in days,” she says to one of the pirates.
“Burp. Yeah,” he says, nodding. “A week ago, we ran out of everything except water.”
“Seriously?” Nami blinks. “You’re pirates, and you didn’t bring enough food for the trip?”
“It’s not like that,” he says, scratching his head. “Our vice-captain planned it out perfectly. We had enough to reach Half-Moon Island with plenty to spare. But then… something unexpected happened, and we ran short. That’s why we’ve been starving.”
Nami raises an eyebrow. “Wait, don’t tell me you tried to rob our ship just for food?”
The pirate’s face turns red, and he nods sheepishly. “Yeah, it’s embarrassing, but that was the plan.” He grabs a big mug of ale, downs it in one go, and lets out a satisfied belch. “Burp. Finally full.”
Most of the pirates are done “fighting” the food, leaning against the ship’s railing with bloated bellies, looking like they haven’t eaten this well in ages.
Nami, still curious, prods the pirate. “You don’t seem like big eaters, though. How’d you run out?”
He doesn’t answer, just glances toward a table nearby.
Nami follows his gaze and sees Bonney at the table, devouring food like there’s no tomorrow. The mountain of provisions we set out is already half-gone, but her mouth’s like a black hole, still shoving in more. I’m across from her, chin in hand, staring in disbelief. I’ve seen big-eater streams in my old life, but those guys look like picky kids compared to this slim 10-year-old girl. It’s unreal.
“So… that’s the ‘unexpected’ thing, huh?” Nami says, her mouth twitching as she watches Bonney.
The pirate gives a wry smile. “Yeah. The vice-captain factored in the captain’s appetite, but her stomach went into overdrive that week. So… here we are.”
I glance at Bonney, still going strong, and feel a headache coming on. “Hey, Bonney?” I call.
“Hm? What’s up?” she mumbles through a mouthful, glancing at me. Her eyes lock onto the big mug of ale in front of me. “You drinking that?”
I sigh, shaking my head, and push it toward her. “Go for it.”
“Sweet!” Her face lights up. She grabs the mug, chugs it down with a loud glug glug, and slams it on the table. “Ahh, that hits the spot! So, what were you saying?” She picks up a massive bone and starts gnawing on it like it’s nothing.
I force a smile. “How about… we call off this partnership? You go back to your ship, we go our separate ways, and pretend this never happened.”
“No way!” Bonney snaps, dead serious. “I said we’re working together, and I don’t go back on my word! I’m not that kind of person!” She smacks the table, eyeing the dwindling food pile. “Hey! Bring more food! I’m only, like, thirty percent full!”
I stare at her, starting to question my life choices. I was half-joking before, but now? I’m seriously regretting teaming up with this bottomless pit.