Pirates: Invincible from the Start

As he spoke, he slipped a hand beneath the girl's chin and lifted her head, making her look forward.

"Everyone dies eventually. Don't worry, I'll send him down to meet you soon. When he gets there, make sure you give him a proper welcome!"

The girl stared at the figure sprawled before her—the one she feared, loathed, and found utterly repulsive. Boundless hatred filled her eyes, followed by a flash of fierce satisfaction.

"Heh... hahahaha!"

She kept looking at him and burst into laughter.

"Cough, cough!"

Blood spilled from the corner of her mouth. Her laughter faded, and she breathed her last.

Kuta rose and looked at the girl, at the eyes she had refused to close even in death, at the last trace of madness and laughter in them. He sighed inwardly.

At least she had died with a smile on her face.

It was a smile full of madness, but it was still a smile, wasn't it?

By the door, A-Tao leaned against the frame, smoking.

She withdrew her gaze from the room and turned to Stainless. "So this is your Marines' justice? What an eye-opener!"

Stainless had no answer.

His face remained calm as he looked at the scene inside, but irritation churned within him.

He looked away and lowered his head. Taking a box of cigars from his trouser pocket, he opened it, pulled one out, clipped the end with the cutter built into the box, and put it between his lips.

He slipped the box back into his pocket and felt around inside. Then he paused, looked up at A-Tao, and asked, "Could I borrow a light?"

He had come out in such a hurry that he had forgotten his lighter.

He rarely smoked, but after seeing what was inside the room, he needed a