Vice-captain of Whitebeard pirates

-------------

If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 80+ chapters at patreon.com/Darkphoenix11

-----

"Do you still want to show off? Should I reimburse all your expenses on the ship?" Tsuru's voice was strained with suppressed anger. This was her first encounter with someone like Larson throughout her naval career—so infuriatingly unmajestic for a powerful pirate.

Generally, formidable pirates like Larson wield a certain majesty that commands respect. But Larson? He seemed to thrive on irritation rather than intimidation.

Larson replied with a grin, "No need for reimbursement. Just pay me Labelle's bounty. Isn't the navy's bounty system designed for others to eliminate these threats? I've done that for you. Isn't it fair?"

He ended the call abruptly, leaving Tsuru unwilling to converse further, baffled by him.

Larson shrugged, "Why does the Navy get such a bad reputation? Forget it, if she won't authorize it, I'll handle it at a nearby Navy branch. It's all the same in the end."

Whitebeard couldn't help but interject, "Larson, there's no need for this."

Larson countered earnestly, "It's about being prudent. Our pirate group needs funds. If we don't save a little now, we'll struggle later."

For Larson, earning through pillage wasn't an option; he wanted to steer the Whitebeard Pirates away from senseless villainy.

Whitebeard mulled over Larson's explanation. "Maybe we should issue more bounties for East Blue pirates and claim those rewards for compensation."

"Good thinking," Larson chuckled. "But don't worry too much. The East Blue pirates should be the Navy's problem. Claiming Labelle's bounty was just a bonus."

Just then, Larson noticed Planck and Thatch returning sooner than expected.

"What's going on? You're back so soon," Larson inquired.

Planck pointed behind him. "We didn't go far before encountering someone. He wants to see Dad."

"Really?" Whitebeard looked past Planck to see a young man with yellow hair approaching slowly.

When the yellow-haired young man emerged, Larson's eyes lit up. Though he couldn't recall his name, Larson recognized him immediately. This man would become the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates' Seventh Division, known for standing against Kizaru during the War of the Best. His prowess was formidable even within the crew.

Why was someone of his future stature in the East Blue and on this particular island? Larson pondered.

Whitebeard shared his curiosity but remained unworried. Confident in his power, no threat concerned him at this range, not even from Larson.

Whitebeard asked, "You want to see me?"

Rakuyo, facing the real Whitebeard Pirates, felt immense pressure emanating from Whitebeard up close. He took a deep breath to maintain composure.

"Hello. Please allow me to join you," Rakuyo requested.

Whitebeard chuckled, "An unknown person like you wishes to join the Whitebeard Pirates?"

"I'm sorry for my rudeness," Rakuyo lowered his head. "My name is Rakuyo. I was the first captain of the now-defunct Labelle Pirates."

Whitebeard grinned, "The Labelle Pirates are no more."

"I know," Rakuyo said, glancing at Labelle's body as he arrived.

"You probably saw signs of recent fighting here," Rakuyo continued, explaining the chaos was his doing. He revealed his identity and the preceding events.

His aim was clear: he sought to join the Whitebeard Pirates. Initially, Rakuyo intended to leave the group, but he realized a better opportunity beckoned.

Whitebeard laughed heartily upon hearing Rakuyo tale. "Gurarara! I like you, kid. If you want to join the Whitebeard Pirates, then come along!"

Rakuyo was thrilled, surprised by Whitebeard's easy acceptance—it felt surreal. He worried about rejection due to his previous affiliation, fearing his abrupt departure might deter acceptance. But Whitebeard's hearty embrace of his story provided immense relief and gratitude.

Still on his knees, Rakuyo solemnly declared, "If you accept me today, I promise to repay you in the future!"

Whitebeard extended a large hand, smiling warmly, "Get up, kid."

Rakuyo took the hand hesitantly—it was reassuring.

Larson approached, "Welcome to the Whitebeard Pirates, Rakuyo."

"You're Larson! Even more handsome than in your photos!" Rakuyo exclaimed.

"Charmer!" Larson chuckled, his smile broadening.

"Oh, right," Rakuyo remembered something and grew hesitant.

"What's up?" Whitebeard asked.

Rakuyo hesitated, "I have dozens of brothers who followed me. Can they join too?"

Whitebeard was about to agree when Larson interjected, "But our ship's full."

Planck was about to speak, but Larson's glance silenced him. Thatch was bewildered.

"I see..." Rakuyo bit his lip, clearly torn, and after a moment's hesitation, he resolved, "I'm sorry, I can't leave them behind."

Larson watched Rakuyo's decision with interest, recognizing the weight of loyalty Rakuyo bore for his crew.

-------------

If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 80+ chapters at patreon.com/Darkphoenix11

-----