"Not bad, Liszt!"
Teach knew about the power Liszt had kept hidden, but this was the first time he had seen Liszt use it to its fullest.
He still remembered what Liszt had been like when they first met.
The Black Emperor Pirates had been recruiting new members on an island in the West Blue, as they often did.
Then Liszt had shown up.
Back then, Liszt had been far too weak. Teach could see no sign that he had ever trained his body or even fought.
One look at Liszt's hands told him that much.
At the time, Teach had not known Liszt had eaten a Devil Fruit.
Since arriving in the West Blue, the Black Emperor Pirates had been wandering wherever they pleased, recruiting anyone fate brought their way.
They knew little about the region.
Liszt was famous, but mostly among music lovers—nobles who appreciated his performances and some local residents.
"Captain, this guy's a famous musician in the West Blue!"
One of the crew waved an arm and shouted, a newspaper in his hand.
It was a local West Blue paper, and Liszt's picture was plainly visible on one of its pages.
It showed him performing in a splendid concert hall before an audience of nobles and wealthy patrons.
"Listen, kid. You may be a musician, and we could use someone like you aboard."
"But you're too weak. When the fighting starts, no one will be there to protect you."
Teach glanced at the article, folded his arms, and spoke in earnest.
Liszt was only a musician, but Teach still held a measure of respect for him.
In the Kronos Kingdom—or rather, on Paros Island—musicians held considerable standing.
Everyday music and rousing accompaniments were a pleasure for the competitors at the Sky Arena.
Then there were the