Defeating Drake

"Though this sea is vast and beautiful, it is not the sea you once lived in." Fujimaru Ritsuka's expression was grave. "This is an anomaly, and we crossed through time to come here precisely to resolve it."

Drake fell silent.

She looked into Fujimaru Ritsuka's eyes, and the two stared at each other without moving.

After quite a while, Drake finally looked away with a laugh. "What's this, you little girl? You've still got some guts!"

Fujimaru Ritsuka sighed. "I have to."

"Well, I was planning to ignore all that nonsense you were saying about worlds and eras, but since you've brought up the sea we depend on for survival, there's no way I can just turn a deaf ear."

"Then, are you willing to—" Ritsuka's eyes lit up.

"But—" Drake stood up, cutting Fujimaru Ritsuka off. "I think this world as it is now is pretty interesting."

"Huh?" Fujimaru Ritsuka froze.

Lawrence and Mash both frowned.

Hijikata Toshizo had already placed a hand on his sword hilt.

"Don't you agree, mates?!" Drake threw up an arm with a wild grin.

"Ooooooh—!" The pirates erupted into cheers, shouting, "Long live Drake!"

"Captain Drake, what do you mean?" Fujimaru Ritsuka stood as well, asking with a frown.

"Huh? You still don't get it, gutsy little girl?" Drake turned to glance at Ritsuka, grinning broadly before letting out a drunken belch. "We pirates can tolerate any act, no matter how vile or despicable, for the sake of freedom. So if you really want to convince me—"

"Then first, let me see what you're capable of!"

"So it still has to be settled by force," Lawrence sighed.

"Could it be the alcohol?" Roman analyzed with a frown.

"More like she's taken doing whatever she wants too far." Fujimaru Ritsuka held his head.

*I