Rubick followed the dirt road into town. The place was almost too quiet, but to his surprise, he found it relaxing. Maybe it was the homebody in him; he liked the peace.
Lights shone in most of the houses, yet there were hardly any people on the streets. The two of them came to a bar, where voices and laughter spilled out from inside.
They pushed open the door. The bar was fairly large, with more than twenty tables, most occupied by small groups. No one paid Rubick or Kalifa any attention when they entered.
At the counter, Rubick asked, "Boss, I heard there's a man-eating monster in a cave nearby?"
The owner looked surprised. He studied Rubick and Kalifa, then seemed to remember something. His hands froze, and his eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"Rubick!"
Plenty of Bounty Posters still hung on the wall behind the counter. Rubick's was right at the top. Though he was now a Shichibukai, many people had kept his old poster, afraid they might run into him one day and fail to recognize him.
"No, no, no!"
The owner shook his head frantically. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty Rubick."
To ordinary people, Pirates were ruthless killers who could not be reasoned with. They were still terrified of Rubick.
The moment the owner called out his name, the bar fell silent. Every drinker sat watching Rubick in fear, too scared to make a sound.
Rubick tapped the counter. "I heard there's a man-eating monster around here?"
"Uh... yes, there is."
The owner worked up his courage. "Would Your Majesty take pity on us and help kill it?"
"Sure, but you'll have to pay me."
"Yes, yes, of course," the owner said quickly. "I've heard Your Majesty has a fondness for women. We'll choose the