But this fruit was like a real devil, tempting whoever obtained it to step into the abyss of power. It brought them long-forgotten passion and the bold spirit unique to great pirates—and, of course, brutality.
"Jahahahaha!!"
Beside Jobiro, Pressure Hyde, who stood nearly three meters tall, bare-chested and built like an inverted triangle, burst out laughing.
Then he turned toward the brother who had stayed by his side ever since he first set sail. "Jobi, do you remember the dream we had when we set out to sea?"
"Our dream when we set out?"
Jobiro gripped his sword hilt, memories surfacing in his eyes. "How could I forget? I still remember the spirit you showed as you stood at the village entrance, facing the sea. That very spirit was what brought us this far!"
"Brother." Pressure Hyde glanced at Jobiro, then turned away and stepped forward onto the bow. Spreading his arms, he declared, "Now is the time. It's time to fulfill our ambitions."
Watching Pressure Hyde exude such brazen confidence, Jobiro felt the last trace of unease in his heart slowly fade, as though inspired by him.
"Yes, my captain."
Jobiro stepped forward to stand beside Pressure Hyde and spread his arms as well. "Then let's turn this world upside down, climb to the very pinnacle, and admire the view from the top!"
"That's more like it! Jahahahaha!!"
Looking at Pressure Hyde, Jobiro felt as though he were seeing that figure standing at the village entrance again, giving him courage when they first set sail.
He grinned.
"Hahahahaha!!"
He, too, burst out laughing.
There was no longer any unease in his voice,
only a swordmaster's soaring edge and hot-blooded bravado.
Of course, they were pirates—evil pirates—so there was undisguised brutality as well.
"Captain."
Just then, a man carrying a