"How's it going outside? Have they defeated those pirates yet?"
"I don't know. The shelling stopped a while ago, so the battle should be over. We have no idea which side won."
At the restaurant's ball, all the passengers stood there quietly, anxiously awaiting news.
" Viscount Kos, should we send someone to find out which side has won?"
While everyone was anxiously pacing around, a subordinate in black approached Viscount Kos and asked for instructions.
"Okay, you can go check the news. Just be careful not to get caught in the crossfire."
After hearing his subordinate's suggestion, Kos nodded in approval and then ordered him to go and gather intelligence.
"Yes!!"
After paying his respects, the man in black quietly left the ball and walked out.
Bang...
He had just stepped out when he bumped into Lucas, who was about to walk in. Upon seeing him, Lucas kicked the man in black back, slamming open the tightly closed door and drawing everyone's attention to him.
"Hey! Where are you headed?! Don't you know this ship, along with you all, is now my private property?"
Lucas's teasing remark made all the passengers tense up, staring at him with alarmed expressions.
clatter...
clatter...
clatter...
The heavy footsteps, like those of Reaper, pounded on everyone's hearts. Then, Lucas and his men slowly walked up to the passengers, their faces contorted with rage as they sized them up like merchandise.
"Who sent that guy out? Step forward and admit it right now, or don't blame me for being ruthless!!"
After scanning them with his eyes, Lucas began to speak.
"..."
Everyone lowered their heads and dared not utter a sound when his fierce gaze swept over them, for fear of angering him.
"None of you dare admit it, huh?! Very well, then don't blame me for getting rough, you guys!!"
Seeing that they still dared not admit it and step forward, Lucas waved to his men.
"Exist!!"
His men raised their weapons in unison and echoed his sentiments.
"Since they all dare not admit it, then kill them all until they confess and step forward."
Lucas's cruel voice rang out again, causing all the passengers to tremble and press their heads to the ground, afraid to make a sound lest their actions anger them.
"Hehe, the captain's already given the order, let's go, brothers, let's show the captain our loyalty!!"
One of the pirates chuckled and then led the charge towards the passengers.
"Hey!! Stop it! I admit it, this is all my fault. I sent my men to gather information so they could report back to me."
Please disregard the lives of others; this whole affair was caused by me alone, and I will bear the consequences alone.
Upon seeing this, Viscount Kos sighed, stood up, and spoke to stop them, admitting his mistake.
"Stop!! Very well, since you've admitted it, what are you going to offer to compensate us, or what price will you pay to save your life?!"
Lucas gestured for his men to leave, then walked up to Viscount Kos, scrutinized him closely, and said...
"I was wrong in this matter, and I am willing to use all my wealth to compensate you for your losses, Lord Lucas. Please, please spare the others!!"
Viscount Kos composed himself and then addressed Lucas with a respectful demeanor.
"Oh!! Interesting, you actually know me?!"
Upon hearing that Viscount Kos recognized him, Lucas became interested and asked a question.
"Of course, Lord Lucas, your name has spread throughout the Grand Line; there are very few who don't recognize you..."
Kos answered him.
"My reputation? More like infamy. But since you know me, that makes things easier. You must have heard of my exploits. Do you think your current wealth is enough to make me let others go?"
Lucas quipped to the polite Viscount Kos before him, "The moment he stepped onto this ship, everyone's belongings, including himself, became his private property."
Now that Viscount Kos knew him, he must have heard of his deeds and couldn't possibly be unaware of this matter, so he patiently listened to him continue.
"Of course, I know some of Captain Lucas's exploits. This ship, including all of us, is your spoils."
I only want to exchange the property I left in my hometown for our lives and freedom. I wonder if you agree.
Viscount Kos nodded, indicating that he was already aware of the captain's misdeeds and therefore wanted to exchange their lives for the treasures of his homeland.
"Very well, I admit your words have swayed me, but the only thing I can get in return is you. Now get down and await our judgment!"
Lucas first indicated that he had been persuaded, which made Viscount Kos's eyes light up, but then his next words extinguished all his hopes. Lucas kicked him back into the crowd and then spoke without any mercy.
"Alright, I'm tired after saying all that, guys!!"
Lucas glanced at Viscount Kos, who was being helped up by the crowd, then turned his back to them and raised his right hand, saying...
"Exist!!"
Knowing their leader's thoughts, the pirates' interest was piqued again, and they echoed in agreement.
"Get them! Loot all their valuables, then take them all back. Remember, don't cause too much damage; they're my money..."
Lucas gave the order as he walked.
"Understood, Captain. Don't worry, we will bring them all back safely."
The group of pirates scanned the passengers as if they were sizing up prey, then strode towards them.
"Oh, there's one more thing!!"
At this moment, Lucas, who was about to return, seemed to remember something and suddenly turned back to his men.
"Is there anything else you need us to do, Captain?!"
A pirate walked up to him and asked with a fawning expression.
"Yes, remember to keep a close eye on that old man. He's our big spender now, you know?"
Lucas pointed at Viscount Kos and gave the order.
"Yes, we will certainly do as you say. Is there anything else?"
"That's all, go now!!"
Lucas waved him away, then walked back to his ship.
"Hehe... did you hear what our captain said? Quickly hand over your valuables and come over here obediently so we can tie you up, or don't blame us if anything goes wrong..."
The pirates continued to carry out Lucas's orders, cornering the passengers and threatening them with weapons.
Soon all the passengers were tied up with ropes by the pirates and dragged back to their cells on the ship.
Some resisted and were killed, and several beautiful women were coerced into refusing to submit, were forcibly taken by them, and then led back like livestock.