The sight made Rossi glance sideways at the man beside him known as the "Red Count"
.
"Mr. Redfield,"
"I'd long heard that your fearsome reputation chilled people to the bone, but I never imagined it went this far."
He had not even needed to act. His mere appearance had driven these ruthless pirates, who had survived the first half of the Grand Line, to kill themselves en masse.
What did it mean to intimidate?
This was it.
"There's something I should make clear first."
Patrick Redfield lightly tapped his purple cane against the ground.
"Although my Observation Haki lets me read memories, I don't normally pry at will.
More often, I seal those memories away like 'books' and, when necessary, use Pato's ability to question the 'person themselves' directly."
"So you needn't worry about me looking into your past."
Yet as the rumors passed from mouth to mouth across the seas, they had long since twisted into claims that the Red Count could steal people's souls.
Thus, upon encountering him, the quickest escape was to end one's own life.
At least that way, there was no need to worry about remaining in this world as a puppet afterward.
Though, given this aloof man's temperament, ordinary pirates were not even worth his attention.
"Let's discuss this again once my Devil Fruit ability awakens, or once you know me well enough.
After all, you have nowhere you absolutely must go right now, and nothing you absolutely must do."
With that, Rossi turned toward Jinbe, who had finally extricated himself from a school of excited, glowing fish.
"Jinbe, sorry for the trouble, but please get in touch."
"Tell them the Family is willing to lend Fish-Man Island its flag."
"Welcome!"
"Mr. Rossi, and this gentleman-"
When his gaze fell on the