Chapter 10

"Welcome back. You must have had a hard journey."

As soon as the ship docked, Shakuyaku led Rayleigh aboard. She first nodded to the captain, then turned her gaze toward Uchiha Chisato and Xunjing, her tone full of gratitude. "You're Jiri and Xunjing, the ones who saved my Kuja Pirates, right? On behalf of Kuja Island, I sincerely thank you."

"I heard about what Naki promised you."

"Simply taking you to Drum Island isn't nearly enough to repay this kindness."

"Just tell me what you want. As long as it isn't excessive, I'll do everything I can to fulfill it."

"Also, my information network is fairly well-connected. If there's anything you want to know, come find me. I'll provide it for free."

"Thank you again!"

If Uchiha Chisato and the others had not stepped in when they did, she did not dare imagine how badly the Kuja Pirates would have been hurt this time.

The atmosphere outside Shakuyaku's shop became somewhat delicate.

Those proficient in Three-Color Haki had always possessed sharp instincts. The strange aura surrounding Uchiha Chisato and Xunjing was impossible to hide. Especially that boy named Xunjing—his face was frighteningly pale, and even his breathing carried the scent of decay.

If they had not happened upon them today, the women of Amazon Lily would likely have been rounded up by those lawless slave-catching crews. Then the merchandise in the traffickers' hands would have been passed along to the Celestial Dragons for their pleasure.

The consequences were enough to make one's scalp tingle just thinking about them.

After all, the woman named Hancock was the indisputable next ruler of Kuja Island. If anything happened to her, all of Amazon Lily would be turned upside down.

"You're too kind. We merely happened to run into them and lent a hand."

Uchiha Chisato was not swept away by the gratitude before her. With just the right amount of modesty in her voice, she lightly waved a hand, a faint smile resting on her lips.

Shakuyaku had always been clear about favors and grudges, and she hated owing others. Hearing that, she immediately put on a stern face and shook her head firmly.

"You can't put it that way. A great kindness is still a great kindness. I know exactly what I owe. I can promise you right now—whatever you need, just ask. If you can't think of anything at the moment, come find me anytime to collect on that promise. No questions asked."

Just as the atmosphere was growing stiff, Rayleigh, who stood nearby, gave a hearty laugh and patted Shakuyaku on the shoulder, smoothing things over.

"Alright, what's the rush about repaying debts? The middle of the street isn't the place to talk. How about we take everyone back to the shop and sit down for a proper chat?"

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Uchiha Chisato, seeking her opinion.

Uchiha Chisato did not stand on ceremony and nodded. "Alright. Sorry to trouble you both."

The group did not walk far before arriving at the tavern run by Shakuyaku.

When Uchiha Chisato looked up and saw the sign reading "Shakuyaku's Rip-Off Bar," she froze for a moment before her eyes instinctively slid toward Shakuyaku.

Shakuyaku found that look a little hard to bear, but her skin was indeed thick. The next second, she returned to normal and waved with a grin as she explained.

"Well, you can see it yourselves. This place is full of **, thugs, and countless pirates. If I didn't give it a tough-sounding name, how could I keep the place under control?"

"Makes sense."

Uchiha Chisato and Xunjing both nodded, their faces plainly saying, "I believe you."

With that little episode out of the way, Shakuyaku no longer felt awkward and hurriedly ushered them inside. She swiftly brought out liquor, fruit juice, and pastries.

Only after everyone had settled in did she bring up the real matter again.

"I heard you're headed for Drum Island? To find a doctor? Want me to recommend a reliable physician? My husband knows someone quite skilled. Maybe they can cure this young man's illness."

Anyone who was not blind could see how sickly Xunjing looked. Even in the eyes of people like Shakuyaku and Rayleigh, who had seen all manner of storms, the physical condition of the one named Uchiha Chisato was not much better. The life force emanating from the two of them was absurdly weak.

It was truly hard to imagine that people with such frail bodies had just cut down several great pirates with bounties exceeding a hundred million as easily as chopping vegetables.

Of course, they could vaguely sense that a peculiar power seemed to be hidden within Uchiha Chisato. That was probably the true source of her strength.

However, neither Shakuyaku nor Rayleigh asked about a secret concerning the other party's background. It would have been too presumptuous.

"Thanks, but there's no need for now."

Before Uchiha Chisato could speak, Xunjing was the first to refuse. He paused, then continued, "We plan to first seek out Dr. Kureha of Drum Island, the one known as the Witch. If even she can't resolve my father's and my illnesses, we can trouble you two then."

"Oh?"

Xunjing spoke first, and even Shakuyaku and Rayleigh were taken aback. They could not help glancing at him.

Shakuyaku picked up the conversation. "You mean the Witch, Dr. Kureha? I've heard of her. That woman's medical skill is truly first-rate. In terms of ability, she may even be a notch above Crocus."

She paused, her tone becoming more serious. "But you need to understand that she isn't someone you can summon whenever you please. If you can't offer something that catches her interest, she won't even spare you a glance. You'd best be prepared."

"Mm." Xunjing nodded. "I know what I'm doing."

"Then that's good." Shakuyaku's expression relaxed somewhat. "Since you know what you're doing, I won't say any more. I wish you luck."

She continued, "Have you decided what reward you want? Don't be polite with me. I don't like owing favors."

"As for that, we already have an idea."

Xunjing spoke again, sweeping his gaze between Shakuyaku and Rayleigh. "I want to use this favor, along with information about where Roger's son is, in exchange for Uncle Rayleigh's experience in cultivating Three-Color Haki, as well as the cultivation methods and insights for the Six Powers and Life Return. Is that acceptable?"

Rayleigh's pupils abruptly contracted, and even his voice changed pitch. "What? Roger really had a child?"

He had no mind left to pursue how Xunjing knew who he was. This news alone was enough for him to digest for quite some time.

Shakuyaku was stunned as well. She stared at Xunjing several times. "Young man, that's quite the explosive piece of news. We had suspected it before, but we never dared confirm it."

Though she spoke aloud, what concerned her more was something else—from the moment they had entered the shop until now, it was obvious at a glance who among this mother and son was in charge.

Xunjing had been the one making the decisions and speaking throughout, which piqued her interest in the young man.

"This sickly-looking kid isn't as simple as he appears. You really can't judge by appearances."

"Uchiha... I've never heard that surname before. Interesting."

She thought silently.

It took Rayleigh quite a while to steady his emotions. Staring hard at Xunjing, he pressed, "Young man, that's not something you can say lightly. Are you sure it's true?"

"Of course." Xunjing answered without hesitation. "After the Roger Pirates disbanded, Roger went to South Blue. On Baterilla Island, he met a woman named Portgas D. Rouge. The two were together for a year, and Rouge became pregnant with Roger's child."

He continued, "After that, Roger turned himself in and ushered in the Great Pirate Era. At the time, the World ** vaguely caught wind of it and learned that Roger might have left offspring in South Blue, so they sent many people there and slaughtered a great many pregnant women."

"Aunt Shakuyaku, your information has always been well-connected. You should remember this, right?"

Shakuyaku nodded and replied readily, "I remember. Roger's affair caused quite a stir at the time. My husband kept a close eye on it too."

"But then there was no more news."

"Quite a few pregnant women and children died, though."

"So Portgas D. Rouge really escaped the World **'s search?"

The more she thought about it, the more unbelievable it seemed.

"That's right."