Hair Down

Cactus Island, Whiskey Peak Town, the hall Baroque Works agents used for banquets,

Oak lounged listlessly against a broad chair while Ms. Valentine carefully attended to him, occasionally feeding him a piece of cut fruit. Purple grape juice burst in his mouth.

"What a heavenly life!"

Comparing it to his time in the Rainbow Mist, Oak was living as comfortably as could be.

Now this is living!

He pulled Ms. Valentine's slender waist into his arms and lowered his head for a deep breath. A scent unique to a young woman filled his nostrils. Ms. Valentine did not dare resist in the slightest; she even obediently bent over, making his movements more convenient.

Ever since she had witnessed his terrifying strength at the Spider Café and seen her partner, Mr. 5, slapped into a mist of blood, she had developed an indescribable fear of this man. She obeyed him completely, terrified of provoking him in any way.

Outside, the once-lively town had become exceptionally quiet. No clamor disturbed Oak's comfort.

The reason was that, on the day he had arrived on the island, several blind lower-ranking agents had mistaken him for easy prey. He had then cleaned up the entire island, leaving everyone there terrified of him.

Oak had understood a truth long ago: fear was the best way to make others respect and revere you. Sure enough, ever since that cleanup, no one on the island had dared act up in front of him. They had all consciously given up their noisy ways, afraid of disturbing his peace.

"Boss!"

A moment later, someone knocked on the door. Oak recognized Robin's voice. Her voice was highly distinctive, the alluring, mature sort that made one's heart itch upon hearing it. He raised his head and waved for Ms. Valentine to step