Chapter 345: A Glittering Evening Turns Deadly

“Beautiful lady, would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner?”

The young heir’s voice brimmed with confidence and hope. His eyes shone with admiration for the orange-haired girl before him.

On a merchant ship, a lavish banquet unfolded. The music was soft and flowing, the lights warm and gentle, casting a romantic and elegant aura over the evening.

The young man wore a tailored suit, every movement polished and refined, clearly the makings of a true gentleman.

He’d never seen anyone so beautiful before. He was already imagining where their son would go to school.

Dreams of the future filled his heart, as if he could already see vivid scenes from the life they would build together.

“Of course!”

The orange-haired girl smiled back, her voice clear and crisp, as melodious as a nightingale’s song.

She didn’t turn him down; instead, she placed her left hand in his. Together they took to the center of the dance floor, twirling gracefully.

Her movements were light and elegant, every spin telling a story of its own. The young heir kept in step, determined to match her poise.

Guests all around cast envious glances, drawn to the pair’s graceful dancing and secretly cheering for the young heir’s luck.

Even the music seemed to weave a bit of magic for them, heating up the mood across the entire banquet.

“…”

“Hey, look! There’s something out there on the sea,” a tall, thin man called out from the deck, eyes fixed on the distant waves.

“Oh? Where? Let me have a look,” his chubby companion answered, shuffling over surprisingly fast for his build.

He moved to the rail and squinted at the sea. Sure enough, a wooden barrel floated on the shimmering surface, bobbing with the waves.

“My bet’s on it being filled with fine wine,” the tall man said, excitement flickering in his voice.

“Hahaha, doesn’t matter what it is, it’s still an unexpected bonus!” The chubby man laughed, his voice echoing across the deck.

Without wasting a moment, he grabbed a nearby rope, swiftly tying it into a loop and tossing it with precision over the barrel. He’d clearly done this before.

“Let’s see if there’s really wine in there,” the portly man said, pulling the barrel up and carefully placing it on the deck.

He crouched down, untying the rope, then eagerly reached to open the lid like he couldn’t wait another second, already picturing the aroma of fine liquor inside.

Curious sailors gathered round, all eyes on the barrel, eager to see what surprise it would hold.

Excitement and tension hung thick in the air. Everyone anticipated what this unexpected find would reveal.

Clap clap!

“Huh? What is it?” The chubby man asked with a puzzled look. His hand was just about to lift the lid.

Suddenly the tall man reached out, patting his shoulder and stopping him in his tracks.

“O-over there, what’s that?” The tall man’s voice trembled, clear unease in his tone.

Following his shaking finger, the chubby man saw a pirate ship adorned with pink hearts slowly emerging from behind the rocks.

Terror flashed in both their eyes. The last thing they wanted was to run into a ship like that.

Boom!

The pirates didn’t give anyone a chance to react. Cannons roared as a shell hurtled straight toward the merchant ship.

“Run! Quick, pirates!”

Shocked awake by the blast, the two men realized danger was upon them.

Without another thought, they turned and sprinted into the ship’s interior, shouting at the top of their lungs, desperate to warn everyone on board.

“We’re under attack! They’re here!”

“Pirates incoming! Prepare to fight!”

The tall man’s warning rang across the deck. Sailors dashed from their posts as disorder swallowed the merchant ship.

The captain strode out of the cabin, grave lines set deep on his face. “Everyone, arm yourselves, battle stations!” His commands hit like a hammer, jolting everyone to action.

Sailors snapped into motion. Some checked over their gear and weapons, others adjusted the sails, each preparing desperately for the fight to come.

The air was thick with anxiety. Every single soul on the merchant ship was bracing for combat.

Out on the sea, the pirate ship was closing in fast. Weapons raised and wild laughter echoing, the pirates set their sights on their prize—the merchant ship packed with goods.

Inside the cabin, the orange-haired girl peered through the window at the approaching pirates. Strangely, she looked calm as ever. “Another new target already.”

That’s right, some readers may already have guessed her identity. She was Nami.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

A volley of cannonballs rocked the merchant ship, sending people inside stumbling as the deck rolled beneath them.

“Everyone, stay calm! Follow my directions!”

The captain kept a cool head, calling out orders, but the terrified passengers ignored him, running around the deck and cabins, desperate for safety.

“Fire!”

A roar rang out as several pirates loaded cannons and fired again and again at the merchant ship.

More cannonballs smashed into the hull, forcing the merchant ship to a standstill.

“Koby!”

The moment that thunderous shout rang out, a pink-haired Koby answered quietly.

“Yes!”

“Tell me, who’s the most beautiful on this entire sea?”

The voice came again. Koby scratched his head, replying, “O-of course, it’s our captain, Miss Alvida.”

“Hehehe, hahaha!”

“Well said.”

Alvida swung her kanabo, standing tall on the deck, a devilish grin on her face as she eyed the merchant ship in the distance.

Soon, with the pirates drawing nearer, Alvida gave the word and the pirates stormed the merchant ship en masse.

“Looks like nothing has changed.”

“I was afraid I’d mess this up, but the world’s correction set everything back on its path.”

A figure composed of swirling elements stood atop the merchant ship.

That figure’s master was Karl.

Over the years, Karl had tried countless ways to test and disrupt the World Government’s plans.

But every time the crucial moment arrived, something would always go wrong—chaos or accidents would throw everything off course.

It didn’t take Karl long to realize it must be this so-called ‘world correction force.’ Not even the System could break the will of this world’s guiding hand.

Still, that didn’t mean the System was useless. Thanks to all those years, the World Government’s strength and reach had been beaten down to an all-time low, with only 70 allied nations left.

“I’m going to be King of the Pirates, no doubt about it.”

Hearing sounds from the cabin, Karl smiled faintly and drifted quietly into a corner of the room, waiting in the shadows for the story’s main character to appear.