Storm followed the two, Kid and Killer, as they made their way into a small town on Belfast Island. As they walked, he listened to their conversation, learning more about the so-called "one-man revolution" that had taken place in the South Blue.
According to the reports, in the Kingdom of Sorbet, a man known as "Kuma" had single-handedly destroyed the royal palace, crushed the nation's army and dismantled the entire monarchy in one swift action. The newspapers had branded this powerful man with an ominous title:
"Tyrant!"
Storm, however, knew that the information circulating in the news wasn't necessarily the full truth.
"Kuma the Tyrant"
This man, after leading the revolution in Sorbet, would eventually embark on the path of piracy.
"The future Warlord of the Sea, the user of the Paw-Paw Fruit... Bartholomew Kuma."
Storm's thoughts lingered on this significant figure as they continued walking.
At that moment, Kid and Killer stopped in front of a building.
Kid crossed his arms and declared with a smirk, "This is my headquarters!"
Storm blinked and glanced at the structure in front of him. It was a multi-story building, nothing particularly impressive, but it had an air of importance to its owners.
After a brief moment, Storm gave a polite clap.
During their earlier conversation, Kid and Killer had given him a rough overview of their status. To sum it up simply—
They were the top gang leaders of Belfast Island.
Compared to someone like Capone Bege, it was hardly a noteworthy title, but it was something.
Storm, however, was uninterested in their self-proclaimed dominance over the island. He looked at them expectantly.
"So, where's the hotel I asked for?"
Kid's eyebrow twitched. "What?"
Storm glanced at Killer, who stood silently beside Kid. "And the restaurant?"
A vein popped out on Kid's forehead. If he had the strength to fight back, he would've yelled right there and then!
"You're in my territory! Of course, I'm treating you!" Kid shouted.
Storm didn't hesitate. "Thanks for the treat."
Kid almost coughed up blood.
Not long after, the three of them were seated inside Kid's headquarters.
A massive amount of food was brought to the table.
But despite the sheer quantity, the food disappeared faster than anyone could process—Storm was eating everything in sight!
"You can't finish this little food?" Storm asked in between bites.
Kid and Killer sat slumped over the table, their stomachs bloated beyond recognition. The two of them were pale, completely defeated.
Storm glanced at them with amusement. "Physical strength is the foundation of everything! No wonder you two are so weak."
Kid and Killer wanted to retort, but their stomachs were so full that they could barely breathe, let alone speak.
In their entire lives, they had never seen a human being who could eat as much as Storm.
Their headquarters' food reserves—which should've lasted weeks—were nearly depleted in a single sitting.
This guy isn't human. He's a monster!
Meanwhile, Storm casually cleared his plate before finally stopping.
Kid and Killer, after struggling for a few minutes, managed to sit upright. They still looked as if they were nine months pregnant, but at least they weren't collapsing anymore.
Then, Storm clapped his hands. "I want to ask you two something."
Kid and Killer looked at him, already wary.
"Do you have a map?" Storm asked. "Or at least something that marks the location of the Kingdom of Sorbet?"
The brothers exchanged glances.
Storm had originally planned to rest on this small island before returning to the Grand Line. The South Blue, or any of the four outer seas, held no real interest for him.
However, upon hearing the news about Kuma, his plans shifted.
In the first half of the Grand Line, he had intended to recruit capable allies to accompany him into the New World, where he would face the Four Emperors.
But now—
He saw an opportunity.
A worthy ally had already made his presence known.
Bartholomew Kuma.
A man with both incredible strength and a trustworthy character.
A perfect candidate.
Storm had no intention of letting this chance slip away.
He would go to Sorbet and try to recruit Kuma himself.
Kid, meanwhile, frowned at Storm's request.
"The Kingdom of Sorbet?" Kid asked. "You seriously want to meet that 'Tyrant'?"
Storm chuckled. "Why not?"
Kid shook his head. "That guy overthrew a monarchy by himself! People say he's not human!"
Storm simply smiled and repeated, "So, do you have a map?"
Unlike the unpredictable Grand Line, navigation in the Four Blues was relatively easy.
As long as one had a map and a compass, reaching any island was simple.
Kid hesitated for a moment before answering.
"I do," he admitted. "Not only do I have a map—but I also have a ship."
Storm raised an eyebrow.
Kid grinned. "I'll go with you!"
Before Storm could respond, Killer immediately stepped forward.
"Kid," Killer warned. "Are you sure about this?"
Kid turned to his closest friend and said firmly, "Killer."
"We always said we would set sail together, didn't we?"
"The sea isn't going anywhere."
"All we need to do now is raise the sails and go!"
Killer stared at Kid in silence.
They had been together since childhood. If anyone understood Kid's convictions, it was Killer.
And he knew—Kid had already made up his mind.
There was no point in stopping him.
Storm suddenly clapped his hands, breaking the tension.
"Nice speech," he said. "But don't you two think you should ask for my opinion first?"
Kid and Killer froze.
Right.
They weren't on equal footing with Storm.
If anything, they were at the mercy of a beast.
If Storm decided to kill them, they wouldn't be able to resist.
Kid swallowed his pride and cautiously asked, "Storm… would you let us join you?"
Storm gave them a long look before asking, "You two haven't officially set sail as pirates yet, have you?"
Kid and Killer hesitated before answering.
"…No," Kid admitted.
"So you're just street gang leaders?" Storm pressed. "Have you killed any civilians?"
Kid scowled. "I only kill those who deserve it!"
"Tsk." Storm clicked his tongue in disappointment.
What a pity.
If Eustass Kid had already been Captain Kid of the Worst Generation, Storm would have killed him on the spot and plundered his Devil Fruit.
Paramecia-type Magnet-Magnet Fruit.
A fruit powerful enough to influence one of the four fundamental forces of the universe.
And yet, this guy is just using it as an oversized magnet...
Storm was also quite interested in the Magnet-Magnet Fruit. Although difficult to develop, once mastered, its power would be unimaginable!
Unfortunately, Eustass Kid was far too immature at this stage…
Still, Storm had no intention of taking action against Kid, who had never committed the crime of massacring civilians. He only killed those he deemed garbage—like the sea scum rotting in Impel Down.
It was just a pity about the Magnet-Magnet Fruit…
A brief glance from Storm made Kid feel as if a ferocious beast had locked onto him. A cold sweat instantly drenched his back, soaking his clothes.
Killer, standing beside him, noticed Kid's odd reaction but didn't sense anything himself. He simply patted Kid's arm in silent reassurance.
Storm continued speaking.
"Although I don't mind having one or two people around to chat with, you two are too weak right now!"
Raising his right hand, Storm conjured a ball of clay from his fingertips and flicked it into the air. The moment it touched the ground, it expanded rapidly.
A tall and mighty Blugori materialized in front of Kid and Killer.
In its hands, it wielded a double-bladed white axe made entirely of porcelain clay—just as tall as itself!
Impel Down, Crimson Hell, Jailer—Blugori: White Clay Version!
Storm had taken Kid and Killer's strength into account, ensuring that this Clay construct was roughly on par with an actual Bluegori—the standard level of jailers in Crimson Hell.
"As long as you two can defeat this white gorilla, I'll consider taking you with me."
Storm waved his hand, and the white gorilla, hefting its massive axe, slowly advanced toward Kid and Killer.
"This test is available until I leave Belfast Island."
Under the silent pressure of the looming creature, Kid and Killer slowly got to their feet, eyes blazing with determination.
The next moment—
The white gorilla swung its giant axe, and the battle erupted instantly!
Storm, uninterested in the sight of these kids struggling, dusted off his coat and left Kid's headquarters, wandering through the town at a leisurely pace.
Relaxing. Shopping. Enjoying himself.
On this small island in the South Blue, outside the World Government's jurisdiction, Storm allowed his tense nerves to unwind.
One night passed in the blink of an eye.
The next morning—
Dressed in a fresh outfit, Storm returned to Kid's headquarters. He could still hear the sounds of battle raging on.
Clearly—
Kid and Killer had been fighting the white gorilla all night!
When Storm appeared before them again—
The battered brothers, Kid and Killer, collapsed once more beneath the white gorilla's giant axe.
After an entire night of battle, their bodies were utterly exhausted—yet their eyes still burned with unyielding determination.
"It seems you two still haven't been able to defeat it."
With a casual wave of his hand, the white gorilla dissolved back into a pool of clay.
"However, your will is commendable!"
Storm smirked. "How about this—I still have business to handle in the South Blue. You two can tag along for now!"
"Now—set sail for the Sorbet Kingdom immediately!"
"Got it!"
Kid, forcing his tired body upright, responded without hesitation.
"I'll have someone prepare maps and a ship right away!"
"Ship?"
Storm shook his head.
"We will use my dragon..."
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