r18novel 19: Even a young lion king needs to band together?
19: Even a young lion king needs to band together?
Although the other person's youthful face lacked that signature lightning bolt, his distinctive short black and white hair was still striking.
He directly revealed his identity to Oro—the maritime overlord who would one day shake up the entire world, Lox D. Giebeck.
With a slight ripple of air, the light at the bakery entrance dimmed, and Lox was already standing there.
The other person wasn't wearing the iconic cloak that would later become his signature outfit; instead, he wore simple black leather armor with a tightly cinched belt that accentuated his lean physique, and his arm muscles were smooth and powerful.
The moment the other party appeared, Wang Zhi, who was suspended by golden threads, immediately changed his expression to one of mixed awe and smugness, and struggled to shout:
"Boss! It's those two arrogant brats! They..."
The noisy noise stopped abruptly.
Lockes grabbed Wang Zhi and tossed him aside. With a "whoosh," Wang Zhi, along with the gold thread on his body, was flung out of the bakery.
After clearing away the noise, Lockes finally focused his gaze entirely on Oro, his eyes filled with scrutiny and undisguised admiration.
He ignored Lingling, who was gripping the axe handle and looking wary, and he also ignored the bakery owner, who was already huddled up behind the counter.
"Golden Fruit".
Lockes spoke, his tone certain: "But your method is quite different from those guys who used to just manipulate gold nuggets to smash people."
"To be able to develop your abilities to such a meticulous degree... kid, you're quite interesting."
"In my hometown, being complimented on being funny by a muscular man wasn't something to be happy about."
Oro spoke in a relaxed tone.
"Heh, the domineering aura attached to the gold thread is not bad either. Kid, my name is Rocks, interested in boarding my ship?"
Rocks' recruitment was made without any preamble, carrying the pure recognition based on strength that is unique to pirates.
"This ocean will soon remember the name 'Lox'. Follow me, and you can get everything you want!"
"Power, wealth, fame, and even... the opportunity to overturn the world order!"
"Thank you for your high regard."
Oro spoke calmly, even somewhat lazily, as he patted non-existent dust off his hands.
"But sorry, I have no interest in pirate games. My ship, my course, are my own decisions."
The refusal was swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.
The air seemed to freeze for a moment, and the bakery owner's gasp was so faint that it was almost inaudible.
Lingling gripped the axe handle, her muscles slightly tense, ready to erupt at any moment.
Lox stared at Oro, remaining silent for about two or three seconds, and the invisible pressure in the air seemed to grow even heavier.
However, the other party chuckled softly in the end, a laugh that revealed neither joy nor anger:
Even the strongest male lions on the savanna, before their fangs are sharpened, need to band together to defend against more dangerous hunts and share more delicious prey.
"A lion that roams alone often doesn't live to see the day it dominates the savanna."
These words were so meaningful that they surprised Oro. Did this guy have the potential to be a riddle teller?
"The metaphor is well used."
Oro nodded, acknowledging the statement, then changed the subject, becoming more direct:
"Let's get straight to the point. I came to Beehive Island to find the permanent compass for the first half of the Grand Line and poison-resistant ferns. Among your so-called 'prey,' is there anything of comparable value?"
"If so, we could cooperate for the time being."
He deliberately emphasized "cooperation for the time being," drawing a clear line between himself and "getting on the ship."
Oro's straightforwardness and keen insight made Lox appreciate him more and more. He liked dealing with intelligent people, as it saved him time and effort.
"very good."
Rocks stopped beating around the bush: "I do have a 'prey'. One of my crew members has his eye on a Devil Fruit called the Magnet-Magnet Fruit."
"There are reports that this fruit will be auctioned off in just over two months at the Corida Roman Colosseum in the Kingdom of Dressrosa."
"The Magnet-Magnet Fruit?"
Oro raised an eyebrow, a name immediately popping into his mind, but he was more interested in Lox's attitude:
"The lion has its eye on its prey, and it has to acquire it through a 'trade'?"
Upon hearing this, Lockes let out a deep and hearty laugh: "Guhahahaha... Normally, there's no need for such trouble!"
"Unfortunately, my men and I are currently stretched thin because of this island. Sending ordinary crew members would be too risky, with too many variables and a low success rate."
His candor was surprising, which was both a sign of confidence and sincerity.
Oro immediately grasped the subtext: Lockes' offer of this deal was not because he truly needed them, but rather a convenient way to recruit and test them.
So eager to recruit talent... has he already made up his mind to fight against the World Government and Im at this point in time?
"so."
Lox's smile faded, and he stared intently at Oro.
"You can either take a picture for me, or 'retrieve' the Magnet-Magnet Fruit. In return, you can choose any three of the permanent Pokémons I possess, located on different islands in the first half of the Grand Line."
"Of course, I will pay for the auction of the fruit."
He paused, then added, "As for the poison-resistant ferns you mentioned..."
"Honeycomb Island may not have much else, but it has collected quite a few strange and unusual things. I can have someone fetch a little of each and send it to you right now as a deposit for this cooperation. How about it?"
They are very sincere and offer very generous terms.
"A very fair deal."
Auro extended his hand, a smile on his face: "Auro, that's my name."
"We will bring back the Magnet-Magnet Fruit. I hope the pointer and ferns you promised, Captain Rocks, will also be ready on time."
Looking at Oro's outstretched hand, and then at the composure and ambition in his eyes that were beyond his years, Locke grinned and shook hands with Oro firmly.
"Of course! I, Lox, always keep my word!"
He let go of her hand, turned around and walked out of the store, waving goodbye to Oro with his back turned.
"The ferns will be delivered to your ship later. I look forward to hearing your good news two months from now at the Coridad and Tobago arena."
"Auro".
Lingling then came over, still clutching the cloth bag full of snacks tightly in her hand, and still somewhat wary of Lockes.
"That guy with the zebra-like hair just left like that? Are we going to a new island again? Dressrosa... is the dessert there good?"
Auro looked at Lingling's more composed face, smiled, and reached out to wipe the chocolate stain from the corner of her mouth:
"I've heard that the area is famous for its sweet sugar and passionate dances, so the snacks must be pretty good."
He turned his gaze to the window, looking towards the harbor. The Golden Dawn stood out even among the many pirate ships.