The tavern owner had finished preparing the supplies.
In addition to running a tavern, they also provided provisions for pirates. Simply operating a bar wasn't enough to survive in these times.
After all, they weren't like Makino's tavern, which had the protection of an Emperor of the Sea and a Vice Admiral of the Navy Headquarters.
"Alright, since you're handymen now, get these supplies loaded onto the ship."
"Remember, the captain you serve is none other than Lord Lu Yu, captain of the Dragon Hunter Pirates!"
"Move it!"
Akame, acting like an authoritative big sister, issued the orders.
Upon hearing her command, everyone had long forgotten about their earlier lustful thoughts toward her.
This beautiful woman harbored a terrifying demon inside her.
"Yes, ma'am!"
The pirates scrambled to carry the supplies.
As they left, Lu Yu stood up, preparing to depart the tavern.
"My lord! I…"
The tavern owner hesitated, as if struggling with something.
"Speak your mind," Lu Yu said calmly.
"Sir, these pirates only show you respect on the surface. If you take them with you, they may rebel one day. I fear for your safety..."
Having witnessed Lu Yu eliminate the troublemakers in his tavern and place a hefty order, the owner gathered the courage to speak.
Lu Yu raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering across his face.
"I think you misunderstand. I don't need their loyalty."
"They just need to be afraid—so terrified that it seeps into their very bones."
With that, Lu Yu turned and walked away.
Only after Lu Yu had disappeared for several minutes did the tavern owner collapse to the ground, trembling.
"What kind of being was I just speaking to...? Is this... the embodiment of absolute evil?"
His voice quivered as he muttered his thoughts aloud.
Of course, Lu Yu neither knew nor cared about this.
He had recruited these pirates purely for convenience—handling the mundane chores of a pirate crew.
With them aboard, he wouldn't need to handle trivial tasks personally.
Beyond that, they were meaningless to him.
---
"Ding! You have annihilated two pirate crews worth two million belly each. Rewarding..."
"Ding! You have subdued three pirate crews worth three million belly each. Rewarding..."
A system notification rang in Lu Yu's mind.
"Tch, this system sure has a delay."
By the time Lu Yu arrived at the port, the pirates had already finished loading all the supplies onto the ship. Some had even started wiping down the hull.
He had to admit, their labor skills weren't bad.
Moreover, the three pirate captains—Roelki, Alec, and Dor—had some decent strength.
They might just be passable as enforcers.
Upon seeing Lu Yu and Akame approach, the pirates immediately ceased their work, lined up, and stood at attention before the ship in two orderly rows.
Thud… Thud… Thud…
As Lu Yu and Akame walked toward them, the pirates felt their nerves tighten.
After all, mere moments ago, they had barely escaped death at the hands of this man.
"Captain! Lord Akame!"
The entire crew bowed at a perfect ninety-degree angle.
Seeing their obedience, Lu Yu's mischievous side surfaced.
This feeling... wasn't bad at all.
"We'll rest for the night and set sail tomorrow."
He issued the command without any further words.
There was no need to formally welcome them—they were just handymen, nothing more.
With that, Lu Yu returned to his lounge chair on the ship, stretching out lazily.
"Yes, Captain!"
The pirates responded in unison, then rushed to finish their preparations.
Lying on his lounge chair, Lu Yu shut his eyes for a nap.
---
This journey had begun to shift his mindset.
Strength, power…
These things inevitably changed a person's outlook.
As someone reincarnated from Earth, Lu Yu had initially held onto his old way of thinking.
But in the world of One Piece, that mentality was far too naive and powerless.
In fact, it was beginning to feel like a burden.
Suddenly, a thought echoed in his mind: Then don't be human.
The truth was evident—destruction led to creation.
His perspective was being reshaped by the sea's harsh reality.
Pirates weren't just about freedom.
Look at Luffy—he was practically a Marine disguised as a pirate.
The trouble he caused for pirates across the world made the Navy's job easier.
No wonder Akainu wanted him dead so badly—he was practically taking over his job!
As random thoughts drifted through his mind, sleep finally took over.
---
The next morning, Lu Yu and his crew set sail for Shells Town.
Meanwhile, at a Marine base...
"What? You claim to know the whereabouts of the newly wanted pirate, Lu Yu, captain of the Dragon Hunter Pirates?"
"He's still in your town and has killed two pirate crews?"
"Understood."
"Hmm… Once verified, your reward will be issued."
The Marine put down the Den Den Mushi and immediately reported to his superior.
"Not bad. A pirate worth 18 million Berries, and he's already wiped out two crews worth tens of millions."
"No need to act immediately. Report this to headquarters."
"Increase his bounty. That'll get me more merit points!"
A Marine officer chuckled slyly.
The information quickly made its way to Marine Headquarters, and soon, they began verifying it.
---
"Ding! Congratulations, host! The Marines have taken notice of you! Your bounty has increased! Reputation points +3,000!"
At that moment, Lu Yu was practicing his swordsmanship when the system notification rang in his head.
"Huh? The Marines?"
He paused, puzzled.
He didn't recall encountering the Marines at any point.
"What's up with them? Have they got nothing better to do than randomly increase pirate bounties?"
However, Lu Yu didn't dwell on it. Gaining reputation points wasn't a bad thing, after all.
With his newly recruited handymen, their travel speed had increased significantly.
Akame no longer needed to handle lookout and navigation duties.
This meant both of them had ample time to train.
As for the pirates' former flags, they had all been replaced.
Even for a crew of mere handymen, Lu Yu would not allow other pirate insignias to fly under his command.
This was the basic principle of being a pirate.
---
"Brother Lu Yu, he says he has something to discuss with you."
While Lu Yu was mid-swing with his sword, Akame approached with Roelki in tow.
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