I Am Willing to Submit (1)

On an unknown island in the Grand Line, a travel-worn man and woman seemed to be fleeing from something, panting heavily.

"Mom, I don't want to run anymore. At worst, we'll fight them."

Covered in wounds, Weevil's trademark beard was gone. A scar stretched from his right cheek down to his chest; he had nearly been cleaved in two. Even so, he was still alive.

Beside him, Bakkin looked terrified. Hearing Weevil's words, she jumped up and slapped him, then quickly dragged him into hiding. "Stupid son, even if we fight, we need equal strength. You're no match for him right now."

"I'm sorry, Mom. It's all because Weevil is useless!"

Sniffling, Weevil was filled with self-blame like a fool.

"This isn't your fault. That old monster is too strong." As she looked around, Bakkin had long since started cursing inwardly. Useless trash. If I didn't still need your protection, I'd have killed you, you idiot.

"Then what should I do now, Mom?"

Weevil knew nothing of Bakkin's malicious thoughts. He still believed that his mother simply did not want him to die.

"We can't beat him, so we can only hide. That monster hasn't chased us these past few days. We should be safe now, right?"

Tears welled up as she spoke. She still remembered taking Weevil treasure hunting a few days ago. Not only had they found no treasure, they had nearly lost their lives. If they had not run fast enough, they would both be corpses by now.

The one who had terrified Bakkin so badly was none other than Red the Aloof, Patrick Redfield.

"Let's find somewhere else to hide first."

"I'll listen to Mom!"

With his intellectual deficiency, Weevil obeyed Bakkin in everything. The two of them changed hiding places repeatedly before vanishing from the