"It's a deal. The Beasts Pirates will do everything we can to find Vitality Crystals. Just make sure you have plenty of Artificial Devil Fruits ready when the time comes."
Tillman understood Werther's intentions, so he gave his answer directly.
Werther toyed with a Vitality Crystal in his hand. The longer he looked at the green gem, the more he liked it.
As it happened, Tuski liked gems too, though only rubies.
A piercing eagle cry rang out from the horizon.
The King of the Sky had arrived. He soon landed on the deck, his enormous weight tilting the entire ship and drawing cries of alarm from the Beasts Pirates.
For some reason, the King of the Sky's black-iron feathers were ruffled and flecked with blood.
He had clearly just been in a fight—and won it handily.
How did Werther know? The answer was simple: clutched in the King of the Sky's hooked talons was an enormous head, probably from some kind of Sea King.
Once he landed, the King of the Sky dug in. Blood sprayed everywhere, forcing Werther to dart aside.
Werther didn't mind. Aside from carrying him on his travels, the King of the Sky was generally free to do as he pleased.
When the King of the Sky had eaten his fill, Werther brought Ruri Chie onto his back.
"Is he your pet?"
Ruri Chie studied the King of the Sky with open curiosity. She had apparently never seen a bird of prey like him.
"No. This stupid bird is my partner. He just carries me when I need to fly."
The King of the Sky turned his head and studied Ruri Chie with his piercing eyes.
"Stupid Bird, this is Chie. If she gives you an order from now on, listen to her."
The King