The Arrogant Hanafuda

On a small island in a certain sea.

The sky was overcast, thick clouds hanging low over the sea.

The sea breeze, carrying a salty fishy smell, swept continuously across the shore, making the tattered flags flap loudly.

In the distance, waves crashed against the reefs again and again.

A massive pirate ship was anchored in the shallows.

Its hull was black, and its prow bore a carved, ferocious beast's head.

Pirates carrying weapons and supplies were everywhere on the deck.

At the prow, a towering man leaned against the railing.

He wore a heavy fur cloak, with a massive build and thick arms.

His entire body radiated a violent, dangerous aura.

He was none other than—

Shichibukai Hanafuda.

At that moment, he held a piece of intelligence he had just obtained on credit from the underground black market under the name of the Shichibukai.

The intelligence paper trembled slightly in the sea breeze.

There were only a few lines on it, but they were enough to drive countless pirates mad.

—A Devil Fruit that was about to appear.

—Zoan, Ancient Zoan.

Hanafuda stared at those lines, his eyes slowly narrowing.

Then the corners of his mouth gradually split into a grin, exposing pale teeth like a beast that had caught the scent of blood.

"The status of a Shichibukai..."

He chuckled softly, his voice hoarse and cold.

"It really is useful."

The sea breeze rustled the intelligence paper. Hanafuda casually clenched it in his hand, producing a faint crumpling sound.

His tone was filled with undisguised greed.

"As long as it isn't a member nation of the World Government."

"I can take whatever I want."

"The Marines won't interfere either."

The pirates on deck immediately burst into laughter at those words.

"HAHAHAHA!!"

"The boss is right!"

"Those little countries