Barn held out his hand to Dragon, who sat opposite him. The gruesome wound in his palm was still bleeding, and drops of bright red blood fell onto the table with soft splashes.
Barn's earlier words had stunned Dragon. To him, Barn was one of the few comrades in this world who shared his aspirations. He had wanted to recruit Barn before, only to be politely turned down. Now, however, Barn's sudden gesture was exactly what Dragon had hoped for.
Dragon stood as well and, without hesitation, wrapped his rough hand around the blade of the First-Generation Onikiri embedded in the center of the table. The sharp edge sliced easily into his flesh, drawing blood.
Dragon glanced at his injured hand and smiled faintly, then firmly clasped Barn's equally bloody hand!
The wounds on their hands pressed together, and their blood mingled into a single stream that trickled down between their hands...
"Hahahaha!"
Then both men burst out laughing at once, their laughter loud and joyful. The awkwardness that had lingered behind their earlier smiles was completely gone.
Dragon and Barn sat back down, looked at each other, and exchanged smiles.
Dragon briefly tended to the wound on his hand, while Barn's had already healed on its own. Noticing this, Dragon gave Barn a surprised look.
Barn simply smiled and said,
"Just a Devil Fruit ability..."
Dragon smiled and nodded, silently taking note of his ability.
"Well, Barn, can we discuss the cooperation you mentioned earlier now?"
Dragon spoke with a smile. This time, it was far more genuine, unlike the mask-like smile he had worn before.
"Hey, Dragon, don't be so formal with me. It feels strange."
Barn spoke with a smile, and Dragon laughed in agreement.
"Haha, you're right."
But Barn only gave a brief laugh before his