RISING OF THE WHITEBEARD PIRATES

by Inferno999

His Era ended, his name was forgotten over the years, his legacy is extinguished. The man who challenged an entire government for his son. And in his death, he revealed to the World the existence of a great treasure that was believed to be a myth for several years. This man who died standing, decided to leave this world, believing that his time was over. But he was wrong.

2. Wave of Catastrophe

FOOL! YOU FELL FOR IT!

THUNDER CROSS SPLIT ATTACK!

JUST, KIDDING!

HEYA THERE FELLAS! HERE WE ARE WITH A NEW CHAPTER, AND NOW! THE MOMENT YOU WERE ALL WAITING FOR!

QUESTION TIME!

X KING 014: THANKS, FINE GENTLEMAN, I HOPE THIS CHAPTER WON'T DISSAPOINT YOU

VICTOR JOHN FOXFIRE: GLAD TO KNOW THERE ARE MAN OF CULTURE WHO GOT THE REFERNCE, AND ABOUT YOU QUESTION, WELL, I DUNNO, I JUST WANTED TO MAKE IT FOR THE LOLS, OR…PERHAPS…THERE ARE GONNA BE MORE FUNNY MOMENTS! THIS IS ONE PIECE GOD DAMM IT! XD

GUST QUESTIONER: SO YOU SEE, GUESSING A CHARACTER HEIGHT WASN'T EASY. FOR EXAMPLE, WHITEBEARD IS FREAKING HUGE, DUDE IS LIKE 21 FEET TALL AT HIS 70'S, SO I JUST CUT THAT IN MORE THAN HALF, HE WAS 6,66 METERS, NOW IN HIS 20'S HE IS 2,66 METERS, STILL FRICKING TALL BTW!

PERSEUS 12: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT, I APPRECIAT IT!

R1VN: "WE ALL FLOAT- I MEAN CRY HERE!"

THATONEGUYUPSTAIRS: GET IN FIRST FLOOR, I MADE BREAKFAST! :D, JUST KIDDING! WHITEBEARD IS WHITEBEARD, HE IS EVERYONES DAD, AND EVEN NAOFUMI ACKNOWLEDGES HIM MORE AS LEADER THAN HIM! SO IS STILL THE WHITEBEARD PIRATES! BUT EDWARD WOULD GIVE HIM HIS OWN DIVISION AS A COMANDER, THE SHIELD PIRATES!

REKMAR: AWWWW! YOU ARE GONNA MAKE ME BLUSH! AW SHIT, SEEING ALL THE SUPPORT THIS STORY IS GETTING, REALLY IS MAKING ALL FUZY AND WARM TOO! THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUUUUCH! FOR YOUR CONSTANT SUPPORT!

SILVERSHADOWLEAF: FUCK YEAH! HE BOUT TO CRACK SOME HEADS AND SLAP SOME ASS!

GUEST 1: NAME'S KITAMURA MOTOYASU THE SPEAR GUY, AND EDWARD WILL GAIN EXP THE SAME WAY AS THE OTHERS, NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT THAT, BUT HE WILL ADQUIRE SOME INTERESTING SKILLS NEVERTHELESS.

GHOST644: YOU MIGHT FIND YOUR ANSWERS IN THIS CHAPTER, MY DUDE! STAY TUNE FOLKS!

KILLER BEE: HAVEN'T THINK OF OC'S STUFF REALLY, BUT IT MIGHT HAPPEN!

GUEST 33: HERE IS WHAT YOU WERE WAITING FOR! HOPE YOU LIKE IT!

GUEST-QUESTION: THE OC SITUATION MIGHT HAPPEN OR MIGHT NOT, I'LL SEE AS THE STORY PROGRESSES

ARTZILLA406: THERE WILL BE MORE WHERE THIS CAME FROM! HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!

ZANRI: AWWW YOU ARE SO SWEET! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING YOU TIME TO READ THIS! I HOPE YOU LIKE THIS CHAPTER AS MUCH AS THE PREVIOUS ONE

AAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNDDDDDDD! I THINK THOSE ARE ALL THE QUESTIONS! I HOPE YOU WERE SATISFIED! THIS IS FOR THE Q&A CORNER!

TIME TO GET INTO THE MAIN EVENT!

RISING OF THE WHITEBEARD PIRATES

Chapter 2: Wave of Catastrophe

"... Naofumi, I think I found what we were looking for ..."

The Shield Hero hear his partner from the other hall, going as fast as possible, he wonders what kind of slave could someone like Edward, a man who lives with a strong philosophy on freedom, have found that it can fit with what they needed. All demi-humans in this tent were creatures whose main highlight was their murderer instinct. Everyone looked as they had lost what was left of their humanity; so, find someone here who is going to join them and listen to them rationally, seemed rather unlikely.

"Edward!"

...

"Huh?"

Naofumi saw his partner coming out of the tent where the cheapest slaves were; incredulously, he saw his partner carrying what appeared to be a little girl in his arms, whose hair, ears and tail were brown, she was strongly clinging to Edward, her tail wrapped around his arm, her head buried in his chest, she seemed very spoiled.

"Isn't she adorable?" He began poking her pink cheeks with his finger, making her laugh a little, the hero could not believe it, of all the monsters in this place, it could have a creature to keep a face so innocent.

"W-What's her name?"

"Raphtalia"

"I-I see, well, if that's all, let's talk to that freak, and get this over with"

"W-Who is he, Pops...?" Naofumi got surprised seeing the little one, in her eyes was there a bit of fear and distrust, that put Naofumi a little nervous, how a creature so small and cute put that expression after seeing him, made him feel bad.

"He is Naofumi, he's also here to take you, the two of us actually" Edward explained calmly.

"Oh, t-that's right, my name is Naofumi Iwatani, in summary, I am also your master"

He presented himself, but it was but a few seconds until he realized a small detail.

*Wait a moment ... did she called him "Pops"?!* Naofumi got worried about that ... because ... he felt that something was about to get out of context here.

The little raccoon girl seeing the situation, an idea, very innocent idea formed on her head, with a question mark and a curious look, posed a question to the duo of adventurers who caused some discomfort.

"I have two daddies?"

If they had a drink in their mouths, probably had spat, Naofumi and Edward face were to face a moment, as if to speak with his eyes, obviously the hero realized that this has to be Edward's doing, so he apologized telepathically, not really, but it is understood the gesture he is doing. Anyway, they made their way back to the seller.

"You must've said something weird when you meet her, don't you?"

"N-No, not at all ... of course not" looked away and pretended to whistle pointing his lips the other way, obviously on his face was tattooed a big lie.

"Sure, you did. Listed Edward, you can't go around telling every ally you met, "son", it sounds bad"

"The blood ties aren't important; because we are all children of the sea"

"Does it seem that we are pirates? Well, you certainly give the image unless you dress like that, for a hobby"

Edward looked at him with an "insulted" expression.

"What's wrong with my outfit?"

"Just saying, well…your vest, black leather boots, head scarf, belt with protruding loop... at the beginning I thought you were cosplaying as a pirate. Whereas in this world it is about magic, knights and dragons"

Edward was upset this time

"Are you saying that my presence is not real"

Naofumi shrugged.

"I do not know, you never told me anything about you when we first met"

Edward looked away, upset.

"You didn't ask"

Raphtalia seeing the mood of the situation, could not avoid having another innocent idea forming in her childish mind, to the see the two adventurers argue that way, she found a similarity to her original parents, so she couldn't find other words to describe this situation, except for the following.

"Are Dad and Dad having a couple fight?"

That was the straw that broke the rum jug, at the hearing that, although innocent words of the little demi-human, a vein formed in Naofumi's head

"I AM NOT YOUR DAD!"

Raphtalia stood then quietly being lectured by Edward, even If he thought it was funny, he had to explain her how the things are, but she seemed not to have understood at first, Naofumi make her to know that she should address them as "Master" or some other honorific that respects their relationship of master and slave. That way, they returned to the seller of slaves, Raphtalia obviously clung to Edward feeling scared of that man.

"It seems you've found a product to your liking ... but ..." the midget man saw the demi-human raccoon girl in a socket, which coughed slightly.

"Let me tell you that raccoons are not very good for fighting, they're weak, and they spend staring at nothingness all day, even foxes have better instincts. Not to mention, she's sick and has a mental disorder. Her previous master liked to torture her, or so I heard" obviously the tall adventurer got upset by his words.

"All creatures have an incredible force inside them, sometimes the most unexpected animal can emerge victorious in the battle for survival, in my opinion, this little girl showed me her great willpower. Is the only slave who kept her sanity and conscience after all. What happened to her before, is not important now"

Naofumi give him reason about that, that little one well behaving despite the mental state of the other slaves, it was something to remark.

The slaver was pretty ominous for such thing.

"Hm, all and all, if you don't regret your purchase, then is fine by me, now, about the price, and the Slave Crest to conclude our deal. Should know, only one of you can be the owner of this girl, the contract can only have one master"

With this revelation, the two saw each other for a moment and discussed who was to become the owner of this little girl, it was not easy, the moral guilt of knowing you have a girl as a slave, comes to have great emotional weight if you have remained a good man most of your life, however, one of them was more than willing to accept that weight.

"I will make the contract"

Naofumi stepped forward.

"Are you sure about this? I think that I ... "

"Edward" He looked at his companion, the hero showed a straight face and well determined expression. "You are a man who has lived with a strong moral about freedom. I am the most hated man in this kingdom, taking this girl as a slave will not make things worse for me, let me be the one to bear this responsibility." The pirate seeing the conviction of his friend, had no doubt he was serious, so he let go the small girl of his arms, so that the seller could make the seal.

"Are you sure?"

He smiled a bit.

"I've never been surer about anything in my life"

With that, he put the seal on the small Raphtalia, although it looked painful, the spell was fast, leaving a tattoo of a magical circle, with some signs, deeds and other artistic details, Edward had a feeling of disgust about it, just like the Celestial Dragons used their slaves, sickening him, so, impulsively went directly to the seller, who this time really could feel a furious presence in the man he thought was, "An illusionist"

"It will be 30 silver coins, dear customer"

"Oi"

"Hm?"

He notices the menacing aura emanating from Edward, one could realize that he probably will cut off his head, the least that he felt in his neck, Raphtalia could feel the threatening presence, she hid behind Naofumi.

"There is a possibility that can cover that seal with something else? I'd prefer not to draw much attention"

The seller peek his chin, thought about his proposal.

"It's possible, but what kind of coverage could be? Some kind of tattoo?"

Edward thought and ended up coming to a quick conclusion, without thinking twice, put his things on the floor and vest off, sat with his back showing it to everyone, they were quickly shocked, seeing such a large tattoo on his back, Naofumi shocked, could not help but feeling he saw that before, when he was rescued the last time, this logo appeared on his fist when he call his naginata during the court. The seller on the other hand, could not help but be astonished at seeing such a brand, covering much of Edward's back, which in itself was quite large.

"T-This is ... did, did ... you also are ..."

Edward interrupted him in his suspicions.

"I'm no slave to anyone. This here you're watching, is a symbol"

"Symbol?" Naofumi saw the great tattoo, seemed creative logo for a pirate ...

*Flag ... Edward, perhaps you ... really are…?* he did not think about it before, but now could not help but feel more curiosity about the true identity and past of his partner.

"I may ask, what does that represents young Illusionist?"

Edward kept a serious but calm expression, thinking of all the things he did under the name of Whitebeard, and using his name and what the flag meant for those countries, islands and kingdoms who received his flag as a symbol.

What symbol represents that flag?

He turned his head to show a proud smile, no doubt the words he would say.

"Freedom"

All were surprised expression of the crowd, definitely he was serious, which made the craving for asking more about him, and where he came from, were imminent, but the hero preferred to wait for him to speak on his own.

"This was the elite flag of a great man. His name was ... Whitebeard, but of course, I heard that he died, but I think he died happy for what he had accomplished. Gurarara~" he smiled to himself, the seller said nothing, as long as he pays for the extra, had no problem, on the other hand Naofumi thought of his words for a moment.

*White…beard?*

The name crossed his mind slowly, no doubt in that he will think about it when he goes to sleep, when he met Edward, he thought it was just another random adventurer who just heard the legendary heroes needed help, and he wanted to join to earn EXP and treasures, even fame. But since he met him until today, there are many things he does not know about him, too many in fact, he have a legendary weapon too, his peculiar powers that none other magician or fighter of this world has. There were many things about him that intrigued him.

"Naofumi"

The hero was pulled from his thoughts.

"Let me pay this time, you already took responsibility for having the girl under your name, let me make the payments"

"Ah yeah sure. If you do not mind"

With everything said and done, they retreat it, but Edward stayed to "talk" to the seller for some time. Naofumi did not know what happened, only that the tent was moving too much, and the occasional cry was heard, at the end his friend came out wiping his hands, saying he already finished his "business" with the seller.

---

The doorbell rang, saying that customers had entered the shop, the old blacksmith came out of his cellar to his banister to find nothing more and nothing less than his friends, the thieves.

"But if they're not the shield kid and my barging pal, did you find what ...? Huh?" His speech was cut when he saw Edward saddled with what appeared to be a small demi-human girl, her clothes were dirty and ragged, but could see the drawing on her chest, was quite striking.

"Do you have clothes that are available for someone like her, price is no problem, also a small sword can be good" suggested Naofumi, the blacksmith could not look away from the little one, she looked tired, weak and her eyes closed several times, seemed as she was about to fall asleep

"Do not worry, we'll be careful to raise her, just help us with what is necessary, okay?" Edward also asked, at this point could not refuse to get involved with them.

"Guys…"

The dressing room

The small demi-human girl look at the mirror for a moment, she really was a disaster, the blacksmith left her clothes and a chainmail of good quality, protective clothing colored brown, looked like a dress, but what she was actually watching the most right now, was the drawing on her chest, a white skull upon crossed femurs colored purple, with a big white mustache shaped in a crescent moon, it give the image of a smiling skull, she thought it was cute, but most of all, she liked the meaning behind this drawing for her.

"Freedom"

It was what it meant, what Edward said, a symbol that shows courage, will, an unstoppable force, which fights the fear and despair, the power to change the world and make everyone follow you and trust you. She touched the reflection in the mirror ... and smiled at seeing the tattoo above the Seal Crest which, until recently, was saddening her.

At the exit of the dressing room, she showed in her new clothes and her small sword hanging from her belt, the expression tired and exhausted that she on the arriving was vanished, she was now more enthusiastic, somewhat nervous and scared, but now showing a little more confidence.

"You took your time, but I see that it looks good ..."

"Those new clothes make you look like a true adventurer, Gurararara~"

"I gave her my best design for someone her age, I can even say that I surpass myself this time, hehehe ~"

The small one receiving praise from the three grown men, she could not help but blush, her tail moving from side to side, *So cute*, was what they three thought, she was looking pretty nervous, as if she didn't know what to do when receiving compliments.

In any case, Edward approached her and knelt down to be a little closer to her, and put his hands on her shoulders.

"Raphtalia, listen to me"

The little one put full attention to what her "not father" had to say.

"Right now, I want you to be brave. And pay close attention"

He gestured to Naofumi, and he raised his cloak to show several orange balloons biting his torso and back, the blacksmith got shocked for a moment, while the small demi-human who didn't expect to see one of these monsters here, got scared and hid behind Edward.

"Wha…a…a... demon?!" she clung tightly behind the taller adventurer, who was worried, Naofumi after seeing the result, although expected, could not help but sigh in defeat.

"This will be a long day"

Edward look him with a judging expression.

"Hump, like you didn't had the same problems when you fought them the first time" Edward recriminate him with a smirk, Naofumi got bothered for the little reminder for that embarrassing moment.

Edward got up again, although Raphtalia refused to stop her hold, the had no choice but to ask her to let go, with a slightly angry expression, she released her grab, now a little scared. The Tall adventurer sighted and plucked one of the demons that Naofumi had on his torso, who felt a chill when he ripped off his body.

"You could've warned ... ouch"

"Crybaby"

That way, Edward showed the demon balloon to the little demi-human, who was trembling with fear. But Edward did not hesitate to be hard on her.

"Raphtalia, pull out your sword"

He puts a threatening tone in his words, to what the little girl, whose fear of the orange demon, drastically change to the fear that Edward make her feel with his aura, so she drew her sword and pointed it directly at the orange balloon

PLOP

Still, Edward crushed the balloon with his own hand, in the line of sight of both, it was shown that gained 15 EXP points, implying that the requirements for the 'Restriction Break' are completed. Anyway, Edward grabbed another demon Naofumi body, although this time the other was ready when I pulled away.

Edward put it in front of her again.

"Raphtalia in this world there are dangers that go beyond our understanding, the strength you possess now may not be enough. But one day in the future, you will carry in you a great power, you will be one of the strongest swordswomen of this kingdom, and I know that day will come sooner or later. Now ... show me that your courage is real!"

The little girl hearing the sincerity in the words of Edward, the man who not only helped her out of that hell, but now was giving her a chance to prove herself, that she is a person worthy of his trust , admiration and respect, this was the time to show she could live to his expectation. However, seeing the creature, and what it represents, brought painful memories of her past, her trembling legs and hands making indecisive movements with the sword, Edward sharped his expression, seeing the little one was still scared.

He sigh.

"If you are not able to defeat this fear ... then you cannot come with us. We will have no choice but to leave ... "

She opened her eyes tightly, she did not want that at all, she tight the grab on her sword, and charged ahead fearlessly against what's in front of her, not only the balloon demon, but also the dark and huge shadow that gave dread.

Her sword strongly pierced the demon, she put all her effort into her legs and arms.

"Yah!"

PLOP

She finally cut through its body, making it burst and giving the adventurers the EXP points, the two saw the result satisfied. Edward once again approached the girl, who was agitated and breathing weakly, her eyes still closed and wet, he wiped her tears with his handkerchief, and patted her head when she opened her eyes, saw Edward I showed a smile considered

"Well done" his kind words made her blush to the point of turning to hide her face, the two adventurers and the blacksmith could not help laughing, thereby both nodded seeing that his new companion seemed ready.

"How do you do that, Edward?"

The tall adventurer saw his partner, Naofumi saw the little girl who until recently was trembling with fear, now he seemed more determined to face the adventure that lay ahead.

"Do what?" He replied innocently

"That ... make people lose their insecurities, motivate them to move on, and to trust in what you say. I mean, you did the same with me, don't you?"

He just went to the door ready to start their new adventure, followed by his two companions, he looked at Naofumi with an expression evoking nostalgia.

"Ah ... that. Well, you see. When you reach my age, you'll know, you two are not the first children who I have to take care of"

The answer was a small laugh from his companion.

"Again, with that, I still do not understand why you talk about yourself like you're an old man. You know that, right?"

This just laughed

"Do you think so?"

---

Once in the fields outside the confines of the city, the three adventurers, or rather, Edward and Raphtalia were proposed to eliminate as many enemies they could find. From typical orange demons to another variant thereof, a mushroom-shaped, other fruit shaped, and one of them seemed to have a clear with yolk inside, Naofumi was proposed to collect all materials, and get upgrades for his shield ... ding this made him got a question that was biting his mind for some time.

"Hey, Edward"

"Hm? What is it?"

"Well, your weapon is legendary, right?"

"That's right, you should know it, I showed you in my Stats"

"Yeah, I know, it's just ... I was thinking. Does your weapon also have the ability to absorb materials from defeated enemies, for improvements? Something like what my shield does" he showed the shield that had reformed in a mushroom, by the demon of the same name that they defeat. That put the high adventure to think.

"Could be…? I don't know, honestly, I never got to consider it" he looked his weapon for a moment.

"Afraid of trying?" The hero put a smug smile.

Edward narrowed his eyes, knew that he was challenging him, without hesitation, picked up one of the pieces of the demon mushroom, and look where to put it, but ... he had no idea where

He grimaced in annoyance.

"As I said, your shield has that jewel that can absorb these materials. I do not see where I could ... "

"!?"

Former pirate look surprised as suddenly the material was absorbed by the blade of his spear, was then further ramifications and effects of his spear was appearing in his line of sight, seemed crazy, so much for a single weapon, didn't even seemed fair, no matter how you put it, he also saw the new option that had been unlocked ...

"Blue Mushroom Axe...?"

The spear started to shine, its bright figure began to change and molded, the blade became more wide, crescent and expanded the backside of the blade a little bit more, like a one-dimensional figure of a mushroom, the handle did not have many changes, except that the colors were red and black before. They were now light-blue and white, it also became smaller, the three meters naginata, became an axe of one and a half meter, the blade was now a mushroom, the metal was still black, and the edge of a bright marine blue.

"M-Murakumogiri ... now is a mushroom axe?!"

Edward swing his new weapon, it was a strange feeling, since he got this spear he has become used to its weight, shape, size and attack range, he spent several decades using his Bisento, so this new form, for him, it felt too weird.

"Wow, it really changed"

Naofumi did not look so surprised, has seen his shield change several times already, so you see the gun from his friend, although impressive, was not so surprising

"Wow, I really change. MY ASS! THIS IS AMAZING! It never did this before, so cool~!" Edward looked at his new axw with bright eyes as a child watching a giant lollipop candy, the hero could not recall an anecdote after seeing his partner react like, looking at his weapon.

*Hm, this is almost like the time I showed my grandfather my game Age of Emperies*

"Um ... I'm s-sorry ..."

Naofumi turned to be surprised by a Raphtalia soaked with the juices of that egg monster, the smell could be felt by kilometers, while Edward was still marveling, making his weapon change shape to the original and vice versa, laughing to himself.

---

At the end, and after Edward calmed his excitement, he had to go to the nearest river to give it a good washing to Raphtalia's clothes, he also said he would go "hunt" while Naofumi made a recount of the objects obtained throughout the day. Night had fallen over the group of adventurers, the hero managed to make a decent campfire.

Naofumi organize their items, huge strips of demon mushroom, plants, roots and other tubers of rare origin, not surprised him, he was not expecting to find any similarities with things of his home world.

"Combine, cooking are all different types of abilities, Edward said he would be responsible for making dinner tonight. But combine these herbs will be difficult ..." the hero began experimenting using his newly learned skills, many were of the kind of common basic medicine, of course, blew it on his first try.

"Cof…cof"

Naofumi turned listening to the cries of the little demi-human, her clothes were lying and were drying up, right now was using the Edward's enormous vest to keep her warm, Naofumi showed he was worried about the delicate state which she looked, even though she tried to hide it, she was coughing several times

"Is a cold ...?"

She tried to hide it from Edward, but the adventure did not hesitate to tell him not too overwork if she was unable to fight, so in the end, Edward finished killing the most enemies, the small demi-girl couldn't avoid shown sadness, seeing that it was not helpful during the fight.

Raphtalia seeing her whimpers interrupted Naofumi's work, she quickly restrained herself from her cough and coat herself tightly in the vest.

"I'm sorry! I... I did not want to disturb you ... sir ... "

Naofumi squinted for a moment, she was still nervous and unsure about him it seems, so, remembering the words of his companion, decided to try to offer the friendliest smile he had.

"Don't worry, you didn't do anything wrong" he laughed to himself, the little girl who was shaking a little nervous for bothering him, she was surprised when he showed himself apathetic, funny and pious attitude, thought he was stricter compared to his friend.

"You shouldn't be so nervous. We are not so different from you, neither Edward nor I really think of you as a slave, or anything like that. He said that we are like a family now, so don't worry, no one here sees you as a nuisance "

The hero, having finished what he had to say, quickly got back to combine medicinal herbs, the little girl stared at him a moment, then looked at the fire, thinking about what he said, she smiled slightly seeing the fathoms consume firewood, snuggled into his waistcoat, a tender gleam in his eyes, thinking of the words of its owner

*Family…* She looked at the campfire, an adorable glow lighting up his eyes at the thought of thinking about that word, it make her fell ... warm, comfortable with herself throughout this somewhat chaotic situation, this stage of his life, from the bottom his heart, he could describe only as happiness.

"GURARARA ~! I AM BACK, YOU BRATS! "

Whitebeard bumped from the depth of the forest, with a satisfied smile on his face, Naofumi turned to greet his partner.

"It took you a long ... time ... uh ..."

His face was a little white to seeing the bastards brought with him a giant boar on his right shoulder, even Raphtalia was left open-mouthed at the sight of such an animal, but her empty stomach and hungry, was more expectation they will eat roast beef in large portions, so she could not help dropping a little saliva, without looking away from the animal, Edward took the beast and carried the other side of the camp, where he began skinning, spicing and prepare it in the fire, which had to be made larger to cook.

Thus, he brought huge cuts of meat, ready to cook.

"Awe ...awe gowing to eat awll dat ... my Shir ..."

Edward seeing the face of the little girl, showing bright eyes fixed on the meat cooking and mouth completely wet, he could not help but laughing.

"Gurarara~! Of course, and as the new member of the group, you won the biggest part! Heh, I might not be a great cook, but even I can roast meat! Isn't that right, my laddie Naofumi?"

He stopped thinking about how he got such an animal in a forest like this, so he could only accept what was happening as "normal"

"S-Sure, no problem, well, I doubt I can even be able to finish my part..." he replied nervously

Edward smiled mischievously, this time the little girl

"Do you know what that means?"

She saw him with an adorably happy expression

"W-What?"

Edward pulled out a huge piece of freshly grilled meat and began serving the three, the little girl and he were having the biggest ones.

"More for us!"

"YAY~!"

Both gave him a big bite, just to mourn tears of happiness

"DELISHIOUSH~"

Both the adventurous man and the little raccoon, began to swallow food as if there were no tomorrow, Naofumi seeing the scene laughed nervously as he tasted his part, was a middle cut, although the try, could not help feeling fine texture, taste so exotic, softness, and the touch of fat chewing meat, for him, who until recently the food tasted like trash, right now, he had such a delicious taste, he thought was to cry.

*You did it again ... Edward ...*

He thought to seeing the scene of his companion smiling cheerfully silly for the taste of his food. After all, Raphtalia was then surrendered after two huge slices of meat, Naofumi couldn't even finish half of his meal, got plenty filled, and Whitebeard literally just left the bones of the animal, devoured it completely. Raphtalia leaned back with a swollen stomach, her brain told her to stop after reaching half of the second plate, but the taste so irresistible seduced her, Edward gave a great belch that seemed to shake the ground, Naofumi just rubbed hands and back to what he was doing, calling attention to his companion.

Edward noticed that was grinding medicinal herbs they collected.

"Are you trying to make medicine?"

"More or less, this combine thing is a bit difficult, but I'm already picking up the pace, I made some test bottles are over there"

He pointed three small bottles containing green liquid, Whitebeard analyzed for the moment

[COMMON MEDICINE level 1]

"I see, it's for the little one, right?"

The pirate gave him a worried look at the girl who was resting food, seemed to sleep.

The hero nodded

"I think it can only cure light colds, but I think it's my best for now, can you make her drink it before bedtime?"

"Are you sure it's effective?"

He laughed a little.

"Hey where does this distrust comes from, now? I spent all afternoon doing test and error, I am confident that will work"

Edward stared at him for a moment, but still nodded and walked to Raphtalia, who was yawning, her metabolism digested all the food, and oddly enough, also return to her normal physical condition, she reached into her old clothes, preparing to sleep.

"Hey, little one"

"Hm?"

She looked at Edward holding some bottles with green liquid.

"I know about your disease"

She got nervous for a moment, looked down, embarrassed and remorseful, as if she had done something wrong, Edward to the notice, tried to soften his expression and his words.

"Don't worry, seeing how something like a disease gets in your way, it's something I had to deal with too in the past. But you're too young to worry about that, okay, I'm not angry, heh, I could never be it with you at least ... "

She looked up at seeing his serene face and a smile and expression that showed her understanding and concern, a bit of embarrassment, grief that she is giving another life lesson on the same day.

"I'm sorry…"

He put his hand and pat her head.

"Do not be sorry, be better. Now, here, drink this, you will see that you will feel better. If Naofumi says this will help you heal, then I have no doubt in his words"

He gave her the bottle with green liquid, she hesitated, but seeing Edward's full confidence, she grabbed the bottle and started drinking, at the time, felt the urge to vomit, but was held, and took the whole bottle without flinching.

Whitebeard showed her a proud smile

"Well done!"

She blushed at the praise of admiration.

"Now there are only three more left..."

The girl's ears fell for a moment listening she had to do that, other three more times, but steeled herself and went straight to the wolf's mouth and the three vials gave was taken.

It was not long until she finally falls exhausted, wrapped with quilts removed from Naofumi's bag, Edward put his jacket back and sat at the fire, the hero sat down again beside him as he began to grind more medicinal herbs, the pirate turned to talk to his companion.

"It seems that after several bottles is still quite effective. Enough to trade it, don't you think? "

"It was a good practice, Raphtalia's breathing seems to get better, I can say it was a success, which is a good thing, maybe we can sell this at a good price"

"So it is; I'll watch the fire and the little one, you can continue to make more bottles if you like. But you shouldn't stay up so late"

"Hey, I know the age difference between us is a little big, but you don't have to treat me like a child. Anyway, I keep doing more medicine "

The pirate laughed his way of being, so he dedicated to carefully watch the fire, watching all this atmosphere brought back memories quite warm, living in the open, with new teammates and having hilarious conversations.

*Seriously, this brings me to the past ...*

He thought looking at the starry sky with a smiling expression evoking a sense of nostalgia.

"Ugh ... Ahhh ..."

The slight whimpers of pain that were issued in the place where the little girl slept, who began to press strongly her clothes, began to hyperventilate, sweat, and complain in her dreams. The Pirate and the Shield Hero did not notice this ...

Until…

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The cries of horror and sadness make them both stop what they were doing, the little Raphtalia suddenly was wrapped between her sheets, screaming her lungs out, as if she was suffering a horrible experience of life and death. Quickly alerting Whitebeard to see her in that state of terror, He did not hesitate to rush to her.

"GIRL!"

Edward even see her eyes closed and a state of crying, did the sensible thing to do as his paternal instincts come into action, snuggled her in his arms and tried to calm her.

"You're fine! Don't worry, I'm here, quiet, there's no danger, everything is okay!"

The little one held tightly to his chest, still trembling with fear in your child's mind, images of beasts and hideous creatures were projected, but at the same time, a bright light destroyed the creatures of the underworld. The small demi-human whose breathing was agitated and exasperated, slowly began to calm down, for those who had haunted her dreams had faded for now.

"Is that what he meant by panic attacks and mental disorder?"

Naofumi approached analyze the situation, but it seemed that his partner kept under control, which did not surprise him.

Edward had a hard expression and serious face

"Naofumi, you must understand. This little girl has been a slave for much of her childhood. The things she must have suffered and experienced before coming to us, it is clear a psychological damage was left in it. Our best option is to try to help her overcome her fears "

"Isn't it a bit brutal, make her overcome something like that so early?"

"No, actually, I think is the most sensible method. Help her now, means she'll no longer hesitate to act and take action on their own will. We must restore her confidence and strength to face adversity. Only then did she grow"

Edward looked at the little girl in his arms, but with tears streaming down her face, remained calmer in her sobs, the rustle of her weak and sad voice heard.

"Mom…Dad…"

The two adventurers could not help feel sorry for whatever she have waylaid in the dreams of the little girl, thus, they set out to finish their activities for that night, and concentrated on looking for new targets for the next day, they agreed sleep close to her, if she had another attack again.

---

Another productive day, collecting the debris that dropped the monsters they found no problems, exchanging it for monetary goods, medicine created by the hero of the shield was well received by some traders, increasing their income a bit more, so that they could now be more luxuries of certain types.

The two bumped fists seeing the success of their efforts, having planned to celebrate with his new partner, Edward set out to check the status of Raphtalia, after what happened last night, wanted to make sure everything was in order, only to find it looking carefully to a group of children playing with what appeared to be a ball made with orange skin.

"You want that?" The voice of the adventurer startled her and then proceeded nervously to fervently deny with her head.

"Not at all!"

Reluctant attitude evoked laughter in Edward, who unhesitatingly approached the seller and asked for an orange ball, with a cost of 20 copper coins, and proceeded to put it in front of the little girl.

"You don't have to retain your desires; we will play with your new ball when we finish our work for today"

She grabbed the ball hard and a little embarrassed at seeing the adventurer returned to fulfill their whims.

"T-Thanks ..."

Naofumi approached him to see both so happy all of a sudden, soon notice the orange ball in the hands of the small demi-human.

"I see you bought her something"

"Well, she's been doing a good job. Once we finish our duty day, isn't it a good idea to strip stress, playing with the little one?" explained the adventurer, what the hero put a smile of defeat.

"Okay, but I'm not good with sports balls"

"Afraid of trying?"

"Okay, Okay. I try to give my best "

GROWL!

A roar was heard unsophisticated in the group, the two who were attentive, they realized the noise came from the little girl, who slowly began to blush fervently, to the point of wanting to hide his face with the ball.

"I'm sorry…"

They both sympathized, but, even so, they were not angry

"Don't apologize for being hungry. What do you say If we go for our lunch?" Edward suggested.

"I'm surprised you're hungry after last night's banquet"

"She's a girl in her growing age. Make sure you eat well. As for me, I always had an insatiable appetite, Gurarara~"

The hero chose not to ask more about it, so just went to a nearby bar, of course, were not as well regarded by other customers or kitchen staff, nor is that they cared, the waiter approached take their order, with an expression of disgust on his face sculpted.

"May I take your order, gentlemen ..." almost seemed to spit out the last part, it's not as if they cared, Edward noticed how the girl was carefully watching the food the other children had in their dinning table, so he made his decision

"Give me three cheap meals-"

"I want two of your best dishes, a kids meal and a jug of liquor, a good liquor! Did you hear me clown?! "

Naofumi was startled by the sudden change in attitude of his companion

"E-Edward Are you sure? I thought you wanted to give the impression that we were poor"

"Before, maybe, but we have now increased our income, so I feel it's good time to give us a little reward, is fine from time to time. Rejoice boy, this is how it feels when you earn money, just spend it on things you like"

"Even so…"

However, Edward was upset at seeing the waiter was still at his table, it seems he continued to process a criminal has been shown so demanding in his presence, in fact, he was about to say they should leave, if not for the adventurer befell about it, showing the vast difference between the two.

"Do you have freshwater in yer ears, ya' maggot? If ye still there gawking, I'll turn this place into pile of debris. I don't like when people make me wait"

The menacing aura withering Edward, made any boldness presented in the waiter and the rest of the staff fade, this one just bowed and retreated to kitchen as quickly as possible.

"What a terrible service" Edward got back to his table, his violent attitude quickly changed his relaxed and calm, with an "adorable" smile

"Your food will arrive in no time, Raphy"

At the mention of that, a little confused reaction was shown in his two friends.

"Raphy?"

Edward laughed nervously.

"W-Well Raphtalia makes me a very long and difficult name to say, so I decided to give it a shorter nickname. Of course, if that bothers you then ... "

"I like it…"

They both saw the little girl, who spent a surprised face an incredibly cheerful smile

"I-Is the first time someone gives me a nickname, that's ... that's something only friends do ... right? Are we friends?" She saw them with those pure and innocent eyes, both men were almost blinded by the brightness of her innocence.

*She's so pure ...*

*I'd sink an island for her ...*

Soon after came the Yonkou orders, abundant variety dishes from steak bathed in sauce, to noodles, fried shrimp and stir-fried with vegetables, fried rice color, mostly easily the food quality was noticeable. Soon after, the staff also brought the jug full with quality liqueur who Edward ordered. Raphtalia also looked at her food while drool dripped from her mouth, of course it was impossible to compare it to the banquet last night, but this was the first time she saw more variety on her plate than just a huge piece of meat.

"C-Can I really eat this ...?" She looked totally amazed her food, not realizing that Edward had finished his plate and was now gulping his drink with delight.

Naofumi as he is, he just ate at his own pace, savoring every detail.

"I told you, right? Feel free and in full confidence, or do you want me to order you to eat?" Mentioned after trying the noodles with vegetables

"Hm, this ... taste pretty good"

"Yeah, not bad, but I've had better meals" Edward cleaned his teeth with his spear, which was frowned upon by other customers, for the simple fact that it was dangerously impossible and should not be imitated by anyone.

Raphtalia saw how her two owners enjoyed their meals with delight, she went to the attack with fervor, using her hands, unlike the other two, earning him a puzzled look of the young hero squire.

"I think we'll have to teach her how to use cutlery, one of these days ..."

Edward gave loud belch after finishing his liquor, again, it seemed made the ground tremble, earning the looks of disgust of diners.

"I'm sorry. Leave her be for now, don't you see how happy she is?"

The hero to the see the face of delight that had the small girl, could do more than just let it be, so that also proceeded to finish their food and drink quietly. Your lunch cost a total of 550 silver coins, precisely because Edward demanded to bring its finest and good quality liquor, and still exclaim saying it was as simple as orange juice mixed with alcohol.

Thanks to Naofumi, avoided problems with the kitchen staff and other adventurers, by the merciless critics of the pirate.

---

And with a balanced and full lunch, they set out to use the rest of the day to continue hunting more demons to the outside of the castle, this time, deeper into the forest. Small Raphtalia had a fervent motivation, squandering enemy after enemy without hesitation, making each attack counts, Edward meanwhile, went looking for prey to larger inside the forest. Naofumi leaving entrusted to the care of Raphtalia.

"Hyah!"

SLASH!

The little raccoon girl had successfully removed all the balloons demons and variants in the area, this time, if stain of his remains, the Shield Hero looked proud to the achievements the little girl had won on the course of the last few days.

"Well done, at this pace we will be ready for bigger enemies!" encouraged the young Japanese boy, which she responded with an incredibly positive attitude more than the previous

"Yes Master!"

Both proud adventurers saw the fruit of their efforts, however, when they set out to collect the materials left by monsters, a creature had shot out of the wild bushes.

[A WILD BULLET BUNNY DEMON HAS APPEARD]

"Raphtalia behind me!" The hero tank the attack, letting the wild animal bitten his arm, his initial concern disappeared seeing that the attack of the enemy was incredibly weak, or maybe his defense is ridiculously high, anyway the hero subject to the animal tightly, and prepared so she can kill it

"Raphtalia don't waste time, slay this demon!" The wild rabbit began to stir and strongly biting the arm of Naofumi.

"B-But ... if I do it, blood will…come out... b-blood frightens me ..." she was again, nervous and scared, the confidence that had so far with the other demons had vanished, which put the hero in an unfortunate situation.

*Sure, it's true that it is the first time we encounter an enemy of flesh and blood, compared to those amorphous demons. But sooner or later we will face stronger enemies that will be more or less like this. This little girl, she has never killed another living being like her, I don't blame her for being scared* he reflect on seeing the undecided movements of the little girl with hold her sword.

*Tch, c'mon Naofumi, think, What would Edward? ...*

The hero thought deep into his next words

"I ... I'm sorry, my lord ..."

The little girl shred tears by throwing her sword, and find a way for the young man to simply release the rabbit, but this one showed an unexpected attitude.

(One Piece OST - After Eating, Grand Line Pirates Part 2)

"Raphtalia ..."

The small girl now, sum paid attention to the words the young man was to declare.

"Huh?"

"Are you afraid to face what's coming? Are you afraid to fight? "

Little saw the incredibly serious face showing Naofumi

"B-But ... even if I don't grow as you ... then Lord Edward still could ..."

"What will happen if Edward is not there to protect us?!"

Naofumi unexpected cry made little broader perspective in shock

"Edward is the strongest man I know, maybe the strongest man that you'll ever meet! But we cannot just wait to ask for his help all the time! Are you getting what I say?"

She was afraid to answer, causing it to sigh.

"In this world full of strange and dangerous creatures, we cannot just wait for someone else to fight our battles. We must improve ourselves, to prove to those who believe that we are weak, those who mocked our dreams and goals. And rub on their faces, we have gained power, the power we use to protect what we love. Raphtalia, what was the most loved thing you had and lost for not being able to do anything to prevent it? "

The words were direct, too much, even to inquire into the painful memories that haunted the psyche of the small Raphtalia, which, listening to the question of its owner simply found it impossible not to think about her home, her friends, her country, her parents, everything was taken away by the waves of terrifying calamity that day, all because there was nobody to stop them, someone with the strength to oppose the monsters. That is why, she thought. If someone as strong as Edward had been there.

Would things be different?

She looked at Naofumi with teary eyes.

"…I lost everything…"

The hero pitied, perhaps it was too harsh in his question, perhaps overstepped want to show the reality in which they live, and how to deal with it, even though she is so young, but he is aware of the truth.

"Raphtalia, I cannot fight ... I'm cursed to bring this useless shield. Because I'm the Shield Hero, therefore, need someone to fight for me. Edward will not be enough company to fought the dangers. We need to stay together, we cover the backs of everybody, and if we were to die ... well, we'll fight with everything we have. But now, I want you to listen. We will fight against the waves! And for that we need to become stronger! You and I!"

She, who recently showed a sad expression, and about to surrender. Look with bright eyes, the words of his master.

"You are ... the Hero of the Shield?"

He nodded.

"Will you fight the demons?"

He was a serious and determined expression.

"YES! But I cannot do it alone ... so I- "

"I see…"

CUT!

The small one pushed hard, crossing the body of the little bunny demon, the term blood spatter and soil her clothing at the end when withdrew her sword is drenched, but he showed the hero once again a tired, but serious expression, a weak smile.

"If you are the Shield Hero, who will save us all from the demons of the Waves. Then I'll fight alongside you... bloods still terrifies me. But I promise that I will become stronger, my lord! "

Naofumi to seeing development as the following events, he could only respond with a proud smile.

"Yes, let's make sure to show our worth to that big guy"

They both smiled at their recent achievement, happy and with great courage, returned to the field in search of more enemies, but also had to clean Raphtalia's clothes again. They did not know, there was a figure listening behind the leafy trees, and the figure was none other than Edward himself, proudly watching from afar the incredible advances his two companions had achieved in his time off.

With a broad smile, he marched towards the camp.

"Heh, these children ..."

---

That night, another small feast with the creatures had brought Edward and Naofumi and Raphtalia which could hunt. The pirate took a big bite of his flesh, also seeing what others brought

"I see you did well, we have acquired a decent amount of experience"

"Well, I could not have done much without her by my side" congratulate the hero to the little girl who was eating her food.

Of course, she was embarrassed by the sudden compliment

"J-Just… ...filling my duty ..." covered his face with his food, the other two could only laugh.

"Hey, Edward ..."

"Hm? What is it, boy? "

"About that tattoo. Could you tell me about that? And also, a little about this guy, Whitebeard, was it?" Naofumi look a little serious curious about what might answer his companion, he took a bite of his food. "Of course, if you do not mind" Edward stared at him for a moment.

*So is already beginning to make questions. I didn't expect less from you, kiddo*

Edward took a big bite, then a shot of liquor that brought from the village, he smashed the ground sharply with the bottle, and go to his companion with a serious expression.

"Would you mind waiting for Raphy to sleep?"

Naofumi saw him a little confused, *He don't want her to know?* Must be something important thought at the end just left their conversation when the small one finished her meal, take her medicine, and finally get sleeping arranged. Of course, she did not ask about what they would discuss the two elders, because she felt it was important and did not want to disturb them.

Thus, now with a more relaxed atmosphere, maybe too quiet, Edward took a few glasses of liquor, and served for both, of course, was not Naofumi sure about.

"No thanks, I'm not very good with alcohol"

"Drink"

In the view of Edward unusually serious expression, the hero did not object to take the glass of liquor, and give a small sip.

"Drink with passion"

He saw Edward take his drink as if it was water, making the hero nervous for his sudden attitude, he took the drink with more desire, as long as meet the expectations of his partner.

"This is some kind of ritual?"

Edward raised an eyebrow in question.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Huh? W-Well, that suddenly all this turned very rare and unusual... and then ... "

Edward showed a worried expression and simultaneously concerned.

"We're just sharing drinks, as partners ..."

The hero now appeared embarrassed.

"A-Ah I ... I see! Sorry, this is not something I've done before ... "

"Hm, I can tell" Edward took another swig of liquor.

Naofumi finally ended his glass, only to have Edward refill this now looked a little nervous, he is weak against alcohol, at the least it was in his other world, usually one or two glasses is enough to feel dizzy, but now, it seemed that were taking orange juice.

"I see that finally you've been asking questions about me ..."

Naofumi took another sip.

"Well, it's just, you highlight a lot, compared to the other characters that I've come across. As I say, you look like someone very real. It is hard to put into words that make sense, sorry if I cannot explain myself well ... "

Edward finished the first bottle.

"Don't worry, in fact, I think you are quite clear about something boy."

He won questioningly of the young hero.

"Seriously?"

Edward nodded.

"Iwatani Naofumi. Kitamura Motoyasu. Kawasaki Itsuki. Amaki Ren. Don't you think those are pretty strange names for a kingdom or world like this? "

The hero is not perfectly understanding the point he was trying to prove by this companion.

"That's because we are the heroes who literally were summoned and torn from our homes, the world where we lived. You should know this, isn't that what the Adventurers' Guild told you when they mentioned that the heroes needed help?"

Naofumi felt a bitter taste remembering the events of the day was invoked, of course, his home world was not exactly paradise, but its simplistic life was much better than the problems he has had to endure, or not so much anymore, thanks his new companion, an adventurer who came out of nowhere, whose name is not known by anyone, despite being part of the Adventurers' Guild, he has an appearance and power that is also not known by anyone ... it was then that something made click on his mind.

*Wait a minute… ?!*

He looked at Edward who had finished another bottle with a satisfied sigh, hit the base of the bottle to the ground, now looking at Naofumi with a rather smug face.

"Tell me boy ..."

"The name Edward Newgate. Doesn't it sound strange to you too?"

Naofumi walked quickly into a hard state of shock, as if suddenly many things started to make sense. The fact that his partner skills are so strange, his appearance and way of being standing out over the others, and that show and came the same day as the others. Someone which hasn't been seen or recognized by absolutely no one in the Kingdom, that not a single soul knows who he is...

Now everything made sense.

Naofumi got up from his seat, glaring at Edward with his eyes in shock

"Y-You ... are also from Another World?!"

He simply smiled at seeing his companion, finally hitting the spot, could not help but burst out laughing

"GU~RARARARARA~! TAKE YOU TOO MUCH TO REALIZE IT ISN'T IT, NAOFUMI BRAT?! GURARARA ~!"

The adventurer rise, showing himself in all its glory, doing his pose of grandeur with his fist clench, and Naginata on his shoulder, glared at Naofumi with a smiling and serious expression

"Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates! The Strongest Man in the World, who commands more than 16 Fleets around the Grand Line and the New World! That's me! Edward Newgate, The Great Pirate "Whitebeard"!"

His strong statements echoed through the forest, his words soon stopped in shock to the young hero, but his expression quickly calmed down, because this was one hundred percent sure of anything ...

"That ... does not sound like something I know"

Edward stayed with face completely dry

"What?"

Naofumi shrugged

"It's just ... never heard of that name before. In my world I mean ... "

Edward slapped his forehead with his hand, to the realization of what the child was trying to say.

"It's because I am not of your world, boy ..." he replied. *I think so* he thought

Naofumi was then that hit the palm of his hand with his fist, giving extensive 'Ohhh~' to seeing how that made sense, his expression quickly changed to one of surprise

"Wait! ANOTHER, ANOTHER WORLD?! "

Finally, Edward sighed and nodded in confirmation.

"That's right, where I come from, the mere mention of my name resounds in the ears of everyone. Well, I did not expect the same result when I was sent here" he explained, sitting back and taking a swig of his liquor.

"Wait ... 'I was sent here' ... You were also summoned in this world?"

Edward shook his head.

"Nope, I was reincarnated"

Naofumi raised an eyebrow with a question expression.

"Reincarnated you say? Then you died in your original world"

He nodded.

"I see, I'd not like to investigate in your past too much, but I find it too surprising."

Edward chuckled.

"My past? I'm sure it just has been a few days since I came here. "

Naofumi also sat down to take another glass of liquor.

"Interesting, I thought you spent more time here than I do, when did you reincarnate?"

"The same day as you"

The hero frowned

"The same day? And then you suddenly join my team. Don't you think is too convenient?"

The pirate laughed to himself.

"Who knows? Maybe it's fate. Anyway, things are as they are now, we are a team, and we'll fight against whatever is threatening this world. Isn't that an incredible adventure? That's a blessing in this wonderful world, snotty Naofumi"

Finally, Edward all the liquor he had finished, and prepared to sleep, leaving very concerned and Naofumi speculator, dumbfounded by the recent shocking information.

*A Blessing in this Wonderful World, you say ... I don't know If the role I play in this world is as important as yours, Mr. Whitebeard*

Naofumi look at the endless starry sky, thinking about what kind of twisted purpose would fate have prepared not only for him but also for each of his new teammates, perhaps even the other heroes, who may not know that the world where they live now, it is one as real as the one they used to inhabit.

---

Memories of an innocent demi-human girl...

"Raphtalia You know the story of the Four Saints?"

"Of the four, it appears that the Shield Hero has always been kind to the Demi-Human"

"Really? I want to meet him!"

A little innocent Raphtalia sharing a nice conversation with her parents

"Silly little girl, you should know that the heroes are not summoned during times of peace ..."

... But something was wrong ...

"But you know…"

"Huh ...?"

"You're a very lucky girl ..."

The scene broke, the little girl was now cornered on a cliff

His parents defending her from a gigantic and ferocious beast, a three-headed canine monster

The beast thirsting for the blood of the innocent, and hungry for destroying everything in its path

"The Waves of Calamity ... will swallow everything in its path ..."

The beast followed by thousands of creatures straight out of the pits of hell, he attacked the small and his family, who were willing to sacrifice for her, throwing the little girl from the cliff and saving her from a cruel fate.

"Gurarara~"

Or at least, that's what usually should happen.

CRACK!

Both demi-human parents, as the little Raphtalia, looked with expression of shock, as a man of high mass had fallen from the sky, his strange and unique laughter resounded in the air, making the beasts roaring in frustration

"So, you are the bullies, who have been pestering my little Raphy ...?"

The man in question threw a powerful punch to the air, startling the family, because the air in front of the man's fist, began to crack, like glass breaking

"Why don't you go bother someone your own size, you stupid circus animals"

The powerful shock wave when the air got broken, drove the monsters disappear from the landscape. However, when the man turned, he noticed that now only the girl was there, and began crying.

"…Dad…Mom…"

The Man pitied, he approached her, he knelt down and used his index finger to lift her saddened face by the sudden disappearance of her parents. The little girl noticed the big smile of the tall man, and his huge and funny white mustache.

"Little one ... Would you like to join my crew, and form part of my family?"

She seeing the big, warm welcoming smile on the man's face, the darkness that engulfed the landscape had been completely eclipsed, in bright, angelic presence of this man, Raphtalia sad face slowly turned into a smile, and jumped to clung on his big chin.

"YES, POPS-!"

FALL!

"AUH!"

.

.

"Huh?!"

When she awoke, Raphtalia realized she was now in a bed, but she could swear that last night was in her sleeping bag. Now she was in the room of a hostel.

*H-How did I get here...? Where…*

Looked around, she realized that Edward was still asleep in his bed, heavily snoring, while her other owner, seemed to be counting coins on the table of the room, this one noticing that the little girl was out of her bed, he greets her.

"Good morning, Raphtalia. I'm glad that this time you've been able to sleep better"

She was confused ...

"M-My lord, umm ..."

"Hum? If you are looking for the bathroom, is over there, but after that accidente during you first night, we to had to made sure you went to the bathroom before bedtime"

The small one strongly blushed with embarrassment.

"N-No ... what I meant! It's just that ... When do we…?"

The hero finally realized what she tried to say.

"Oh that, well, last night we began to hear noises coming from the forest, might been monsters. Although Edward could take care of them. We would be unnecessarily wasting energy, not to mention exposing yourself to danger. So, we mobilize a hostel as quickly as possible. It is also the reason why Edward still asleep ... I think" the hero look his friend, who was still snoring, reason why he could not sleep much last night.

Raphtalia could see small purple mark under the hero's eyes, as he counted the money.

"I-I see ... thanks"

"Don't worry, we have what we wanted, now what remains is, thinking what to do with what's left ..."

"Hm?"

The hero rubbed his forehead a little frustrated.

"We're running out of money, well, we have our hidden 'treasure', but I'd prefer not to call attention to the matter. We need to find more sources of income today"

She didn't know what to do about the stress the hero had, because she is not exactly good with matters such as finance or monetary management and commercial, so she could only pity him.

"What about accepting enlistment in the Adventurers' Guild?"

They both turned to see Edward, slowly rising from his bed, stretching and yawning, Naofumi showed indecision for that option.

"Are you aware that they hate us, right?"

"They hate you"

"Ok, that hurt…again"

"I mean, I have seen the income they receive for completing high-level missions. I might be low level for now, but my raw power is still over some high-level adventurers"

The hero gave him reason.

"Is true that your strength is enormous, even though we are the same level. But what would you do if the adventurers you're doing the mission with, tend you a trap? "

Edward looked at him with an eyebrow raised

"You distrust them that much?"

Naofumi berated him with a face pointing obviousness.

"So much confidence you have in them?"

Small Raphtalia watch her two owners having a glance fight, she realized the strong disagreement between the two, she was worried that it might start a fight.

But in the end, the two left the subject for another time. And they got ready to look for other traders who sell what they collected yesterday

---

"Hmm, I could give you 50 silver coins for the tail and bullet bunny demon skin, and 15 gold coins for the Wild Boar Demon skin, and 100 copper coins for everything else"

Naofumi while talking to the peddler, Edward and Raphtalia prepared to play with the ball he bought her again, a small and innocent pass game.

"Well done Raphy! Throw it harder!"

She threw the ball up and he grab it with a small leap.

"Well done!" he praised her

"T-Thank you, Mr. Edward!"

They seemed having lots of fun. Meanwhile, Naofumi was talking with the merchant.

"Do you know a way to make money here ...? Although this is the second village, we visited being this empty"

The seller began to organize the purchased items.

"Well, you see boy, since the wave came, it seems that some dangerous demons have begun to live around here. I heard the Heroes had been summoned, but ... I don't know what the hell are they doing now, at least to help the people of this Kingdome. The Ryute Village hadn't been so empty before, since the demons invaded the last time" he complained about the deplorable situation in which they were, Naofumi squinted to see the place, a village battered and empty

"As for the money ... well, there is a coal mine near here. If you bring me a good quantity of such material could give you a good reward" He asked what this nodded, and turned to his companions.

"Well, although we got enough for everything. We need to make more money to move on the week without problems"

Edward keep the ball and turned to his companion.

"Something good?"

"Yes, in fact, it may be easy. There is a coal mine near the village. If we collect a lot of said material, not only we increase our income. But we also could save it for upgrading our weapons and other artifacts"

"Hm, sounds like a piece of cake"

With that in agreement. The three headed in the direction where the Mine was, using the description of the merchant. They soon spot it on a hill, some wagons were derailed outside, it looked completly abandoned, causing a bad feeling for Edward.

"Naofumi"

"What it is?"

"That old man said some monsters and demons had escaped and hidden around this land, right?"

The hero nodded. "What's up with that?"

The Pirate pointed to the mine

"Isn't that a perfect place to ambush innocent people? Adventurers or villagers coming to collect minerals, then end up as monster food"

The hero perfectly understood his reasoning.

"I guess we'll have to keep our eyes open, to mine and fight. Let me check what they have in that shed, may have tools or a map" the hero inspect the wooden house, he found ropes and harnesses, a map, mine peaks.

"Hey kid, don't take too much time ..."

Edward came to see what was taking him so long.

"Air Shield!" Naofumi made a huge shiny green shield appear, somewhat transparent but tough, clearly startle Edward a little.

"Hey, be careful where and when you test your powers!" The hero apologized, but also scoffed a little scene.

"It seems I unlock a pretty useful power. Here, take this, so we can finish this quickly, also I have a map" he gave him a peak.

And that way, the three entered the mine, with eyes and ears alert to anything unusual. It was not until they reached deep in the mine that they began to notice a dense hostility in the environment.

"Huh?" The little Raphtalia stopped in her footsteps, drawing attention from their owners.

"What happen little girl?"

"Here ... seems like traces ..." she point it the floor where, indeed they were footprints, footprints with claw marks.

"They look like they belong to some kind of dog. Although judging by the size, I don't think it's that much of a threat. It won't be a problem" remarked Naofumi.

"Don't be so sure, judging by how messy the floor is. I think it's more than one. Keep your eyes open…"

Both were serious about the situation were, but for the little demi-human they gave her a shiver, seeing those footprints.

"A dog…?"

"Raphy!"

The little one was brought back to reality.

"Y-Yes sir!"

She watched Edward who, though remained serious, he showed her a brave smile.

"Don't worry, there is a reason why you're still fighting even now. Remember why you haven't surrendered yet"

She nodded, fear and insecurity still present in her, but now knowing that Edward and his owner would be here, increasingly began to see that she didn't have to worry anymore.

*This time, I'll help, I'll show them I'm growing ...*

At least not for now.

Once they reached the end of the tunnel noticed the vast cavern, full of minerals, crystals, and of course, coal, while Raphtalia carried the torch to light the place, there was still natural light seeping into the mine, they were in an area ravine, aside from the shore, at the bottom there was a lake that connected with the ocean.

Edward put his hand on the ground, feeling the vibrations of the cave and structure.

*Hm, it is quite stable. But if we go into battle, I shouldn't use my tremors, the last thing I want is this whole cave falling onto us*

That done, he grab the biggest peak Naofumi found in the shed, covered it with Haki and began to mine any useful material with relative ease. Naofumi was equipped with newly unlocked Peak Shield that provided him with mining ability to do the job.

In the use, he notice how in his line of sight was the target and the place had to strike

"Well, just have to hit it there, this is quite convenient"

He also began to mine with relative ease.

Minutes passed from the excavation, got several prime metals, such as copper, silver, platinum, and other metals, not to mention the coal deposit Edward found.

[Light Metal Acquired]

"This could sell well" Naofumi collects looking with quite covetous eyes.

"Naofumi, I think I found another silver beta" announced his companion, seeing that already had a wagonload of good value materials

"Best of the mines abandoned, is that metals and other minerals are free to form naturally"

"Hm"

The hero look elsewhere in the cave that was without mining.

"Well, the next will be there, let's go Edward, Raph-"

"Raphtalia?"

The hero stopped seeing his companion was paralyzed for some reason.

"What's going on?"

Edward had his Bisento in hand

GRRRR

ROAR!

Faced with the demi-human, girl was a black two-headed giant dog, his big mouth drooling and uttering fierce and menacing growls

[A Two-Headed Dog Demon has appeared]

"That ... is bigger than the traces we found" the hero was a little worried.

"Be careful, Raphtalia" said Naofumi his companion, who nodded, however, the monster dog had pinned his gaze on her, White and animalistic eyes perpetrating her soul.

*I-I have to fight ... ... to prove I-I'm worthy of being with them ... that ... that is ... *

RRROOOOOOOOAAAAARR!

The monster lunged straight at them, more specifically Raphtalia, the little one, once again, had frozen in fear, the monster that went straight toward her, had created the very image of the demon that destroyed her life, and therefore, her family.

The beast had pounced on them, even with her sword in hand, again she trembled, she dropped her sword, and rant a cry of absolute terror and panic.

"Ah ... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH~!"

SLASH!

However, didn't manage to make contact, the dog had been split in two in a matter of seconds, previously worried, saw Edward used his axe version to eradicate the monster, then obviously calling her back to his hand

"Child, once again, you let your fear overcome you" the pirate lectured her again, the small one cover herself with her tail in shame, bent down to pick up her sword.

"Give her time, it seems that monster awakened some sort of trauma in her"

The pirate squinted.

"I can tell. Nevertheless…"

GROWL!

"I think we will have more than on opportunity to help her overcome that fear ..."

It was then they realized, they were surrounded, the cave was filled with those demon dogs, and on top of one of the peaks, was one that stood out, his saber tooth protruded from his mouth. This time, I had three heads, the middle two horns protruding from his head, his eyes bright red, obviously, he was the pack's leader.

"An ambush ... that little maggot was nothing more than a scout..."

Edward decapitated another demon dog that was approaching.

"I told you."

"That doesn't help now ..."

"Uuuugghhh"

Raphtalia grabbed her little sword with force, now they were in a situation that could only be described as unfortunate and terrifying, but at the least she felt more courage, given what Edward said, now she had the opportunity, not to mention many of them, so she could prove that she has grown to overcome her fears.

"Raphy, be sure to attack only when I tell you. Naofumi, make a perimeter with your new shield. We all three back to back now! Turtle Formation!"

They joined shoulder to shoulder, the pack howling at their leader's orders to begin the attack, they knew who they should attack first.

HOWL!

That was the signal, the pack roared in anger among all the butting against the group of adventurers who dared to venture into their dungeon.

(One Piece OST - Difficult)

The hellhounds went first to the member who seemed the weakest of the three, going directly against Raphtalia, then a distraction group against the other two, Whitebeard snapped his teeth, his Emperor Haki managing to stun most of them, he threw his axe as a spin attack, cutting down two of the five dogs that were after him.

"Air Shield!"

Naofumi block four of the dogs in front of him, but the shield was cracking pretty fast, while Raphtalia looked in horror as 10 of those dogs went straight to her, even if she was steeled in this situation, she really thought she will die.

"Hey...Naofumi ... do you know how to swim?"

The incoherent question for this type of situation took the hero by surprise, who was holding barely hard to keep the monsters in front of him while Edward decapitated the others, and the 10 monsters who were on the run against Raphy were getting closer and closer.

"You really choose this moment to ask that?! Of course, I can swim! Are you serious right now?!"

Edward smiled at this, a decapitated the last dog front of him, the ten-pack jumped rising against Raphtalia, the monsters already been launched with open jaws to the delight of young flesh. Edward looked at the animals with a dangerous smile on his face.

"Is good to know, that's all"

Edward punched the air with the base of his fist.

And the cracks were formed slowly, leaving not only a Naofumi surprised, but Raphtalia to seeing the act that resembled her dream of this morning, she visualized in horror as the cracks in space were expanding and the sound was so terrifying and anti-natural

CRACK!

BREAK!

TREMBLE!

When the air got destroyed into pieces, a powerful shock wave made all the cave tremble, the 10 demon dogs were beaten by the powerful wave of power that came afterwards, pounding them against the wall, until the pressure finally crushed their bodies, followed by the rubble of stone falling. However, the unexpected earthquake cracks expanded to the ground where our group remained formed.

"Trust me!" Edward grabbed Naofumi and Raphtalia, and throw them to the other side of the cliff putting them safe, but the ground beneath Edward finally collapsed and he fell into the pit, where the great lagoon was, the beasts also fell with him.

"EDWAAAAAA~RD!"

"SIR!"

The two watched in horror as his friend fell into the water, or so they thought, the bastard managed to jump using large debris falling from the top of the cave, and decapitated another demon dog that was on the way, at the end he turned his Axe back into his Naginata and nail in the stone wall that was the other side of the ravine. However, the wall slowly began to subside.

*Damn it…*

BREAK

The wall collapse, Edward fell back to the precipice of the lake, he knew better than anyone that, if he fell there, it is more certainly he could die ...

"EDWARD, CATCH!"

He noticed he fired a rope tied automatically from his hand, he did not hesitated and clung to the rope, to seeing, he realized that Naofumi had used another new skill, Rope Shield, really strong rope, as he was tied firmly resistant to his arm, thus, Edward could swing to fall into a reef of rocks, being in sight of his two companions who were on top of the cliff.

"Boy, you have no idea how useful are those shields!" Congratulate the pirate seeing now found a stable place.

"What the hell was that?! Can you tell me when you were going to mention you had that ability?!"

The pirate shrugged laughingly.

"You never asked!"

The hero felt a drop of sweat from his neck down.

"Seriously?"

"SIR EDWARD!"

The Pirate saw the little demi-human came to his aid too, her eyes a little teary.

"I'm fine Raphy! I'll be with you in a moment! ... I only have to look for a way out of here ... "

Edward looked in several directions, but the only thing he noticed was something peculiar, the whole pack of dogs trying really desperate to escape from the water ...

*Hm ... that, that doesn't look good, what has them so scared? *

It was then that he noticed one of the dogs, one of the largest had stalled in a tide near where he was standing, Whitebeard strongly broad look at what was about to happen.

(One Piece OST - Difficult)

The dog had been dragged to the bottom of the lake, after that, the water had been painted red, the same happened with the others who had failed to find land outside the lake, all were dragged to the bottom and therefore had the same fate.

EMERGE!

BWUUUUOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRR!

A giant beast serpentine like had emerged from the water; however, his body was black and slimy, and his head was quite out of shape, was entirely a gigantic round mouth full of sharp teeth ...

[GIANT DEMON LEACH "BOSS" - LVL 25]

"WHAT IS THAT?!"

Raphtalia was terrified at the monster that emerged from the lake, but what most terrified her was that the monster was now looking at Edward.

"The earthquake from early ... must have had awake him ..."

Edward looked at the beast with concerned eyes, look at his Bisento and then looked at his companions, he knew that this was a completely unfortunate situation in which hope seemed lost ...

SNARL

ROOOAAAAR!

The Shield Hero and Raphtalia watched in horror as the three-headed demon dog had survived the initial collapse, you could tell he was hurt, because one of his horns was broken, and his front leg was bleeding to the same as other parts of his body.

[GREAT DEMON DOG "BOSS" - LVL 20]

"Ah ~! AAAAHHHHHHHHH ~! "Raphtalia cry of terror, unlike the other demon dogs, this, it was almost the spitting image of the creature that plagued her memories and dreams whenever she slept in the past.

"Calm down Raphtalia! That creature is not the same that killed your parents! "

GROWL!

"B-But ...it looks almost ... almost the same ..."

Naofumi frowned-

"Listen to me, maybe you can't do anything about your parents, but what you can do now is to save other children like you who may have the same fate if we don't fight now!"

She remained scared.

"I will definitely protect you! I don't have this stupid shield for nottin'! "

Naofumi cursed, he knew that in this situation they were finished, Edward was dealing with his own problems, and now, Raphtalia had lost her sword against one of the demon dogs that survived during the collapse. This situation was difficult

Groar!

The infernal beast lunged at the young heroes! Iwatani Naofumi cursed his bad luck! Raphtalia, terrified to the core, looked helpless as they were going to be massacred by a three-headed beast, just like in her nightmares!

(One Piece OST - Luffy Moukou)

BUT…!

Right now, there was a bright light of hope!

"[TRANSPHER TO RAPHTALIA]"

SLASH!

The giant axe had shot out of nowhere, cutting off one of the legs of the monster dog, knocking him in his run. Both heroes, surprised saw as the axe went straight to the little demi-human, she got scared for a moment, she closed her eyes, putting her hands to defend herself, however, she didn't feel the cold steel cutting her flesh, opening her eyes.

THE HUGE AXE WAS NOW IN HER POSSESSION! HOLDING IT AS IF IT WAS MADE OF PAPER!

Naofumi, in utter surprise bent down to the cliff, only to see Edward standing over the body of the monstrous creature, his body cut in half and bleeding in the water, however, the reef was beginning to sink, leaving a young pirate at the mercy of the salt water.

He raised a thumps-up, as the water was getting on his foots.

"Make sure she gives him a beating for me, ... boy"

The hero, though surprised, nodded with determination and return with his partner who was still shocked by recent events, turned to his companion with a very serious expression but proud

"Beat that piece of dog meat ..."

She looked at his owner, and then look at the beast, that hardly stood again, his stump cut slowly began to close and regenerate, the little girl, which until recently remained insecure on many of the decisions she make at this point. Realized something important, if she keeps hesitating as of now, she will not survive for much longer

Now they had given her another chance to prove she was ready.

She frowned furiously and charged straight to the monster, who had already recovered, she was more than willing to fight.

*If you don't move and act! Then it will happen the same thing again, like the last time! Everyone will die! Even with Lord Edward with us! We shouldn't feel too comfortable that he will solve everything! Because I…!*

She attacked the monsters, she swept beneath him and cut down his two back legs, causing him to fall, the dog growled angrily, his head in the middle opened his mouth throwing a fireball.

"WATCH OUT, RAPHTALIA!"

She protects herself with the axe, and averted the attack as if it were nothing, definitely the weapon she had was incredibly special because the fireball did nothing to it.

*I'm also…!*

She grunted and went directly against the monster who was now on his knees, his three heads thrown fireballs against her, which was kept dodging and reflect using the mighty axe, in a blink of an eye, she had jumped in front the creature, who was charging a powerful attack with his heads together.

"AIRE SHIELD!"

She stop thinking for a moment, in her eyes were seen flames of determination, shining strongly, the horrid and painful memories of her parents and home being destroyed by these monsters were the fuel for her courageous decision, embodied that anger and frustration in her weapon, pressed it with all her strength.

"BECAUSE I'M ALSO HERE TO FIGHT!"

ROOOOOAAAAARRR!

The beast spat a powerful flare who got blocked by the air shield, she roared a powerful war cry, when the flames broke the shield, the flames and metal collided, the flames were completely obliterated by the powerful weapon whose power was driven by Raphtalia's willpower, a foundation a color polished black metal could be seen in her small arms.

SLASH!

It was a quick, clean cut. Raphtalia had slay to the Great Demon Dog in half, the body fell to the ground completely inert, little one fell on her knees, her breathing becoming heavy leaving the axe at her side.

The hero rushed to help her, seeing that she had put a great physical and mental effort in that attack, this one could only embrace her.

"You did good, you fight with all your might, you really have grown a lot"

She showed a weak but happy smile, and clung to its owner

"Thank you ... my lord ..."

This he smiled to himself and rubbed her head.

"It's Iwatani Naofumi, I told you, didn't I? We are all comrades, stop calling me that ... "

She smiled hint of blush on her cheeks.

"T-Then again, I'm glad we met, Naofumi-sama"

He smiled ... felt could finally relax ... until something picked in his brain.

(One Piece OST - Funny Extended)

"Edward?!"

The two left their cozy moment to look out at the edge of the cliff, the sight of it almost make them feel as if their eyes were out of their heads. Edward was drowning, his blue face screaming for air, until at the end he gave up, with a comic smile and foam on his face was finished to sink, but not before making a thumbs up gesture with his hand before sinking completely.

Naofumi and Raphtalia's jaws dropped all the way to the floor.

"UUUUHHHOOOOOO! YOU'RE TELLING ME THAT IDIOT CAN'T SWIM?! BUT HE IS A PIRATE! AH~AH~AH~! WHAT DO I DO, WHAT DO I DO?!"

Finding himself short of options and Raphtalia running and screaming in circles also thinking on what to do, in the end the hero left all his equipment, leaving himself off only with his shorts on, leaving his things to the racoon girl, this did not hesitate to jump from the cliff right into the water...

"HAND IN THERE EDWARD! I'M GOING IN! GERONIMO!"

XXX

Using Rope Shield he managed to bring the unconscious body of Edward back to the surface and climb the cliff, Naofumi felt that he was going to burst the veins on his forehead and muscles while shouldering the huge body of Edward back to the cliff. Raphtalia started jumping on his stomach afterwards to help spitting all the water.

Naofumi also ended on the floor completely exhausted.

"This is ... the last time ... that we make a Quest involving water ..."

"Bwah!"

Finally, Edward term for spitting a fountain of water, then started coughing, slowly returning to the real world.

"I-I thought I'd die ... again"

He realized the small Raphtalia handing back his axe.

"Thank you, Lord Edward" she smiled happily, it was thanks to him that she could destroy what she hated.

He smiled in response.

"Gurarara~, I knew you would give'em a beating for me, well done, Raphy!"

She also laughed at his side, Naofumi tired, could only sketch out a chuckle also.

Edward rise to settle, he notice that the wagon where all mined materials were, was still intact, the way back also seemed stable, just as he wanted

*Hm, didn't expect less, I made sure to control that earthquake perfectly. Well done, me* he pat himself in the back, without losing time, grabbed Naofumi with his equipment, and Raphtalia with his other arm

"Next stop, that stupid seller who sent us on a suicide mission"

This alerted the hero.

"W-What do you plan to do...? Edward ...? "

He made a strong jumped across the ravine, of course, laughed innocently as Raphtalia while Naofumi shouted from the depths of his being, thinking that this time they would die.

---

And so, they followed their days. They spent a month since their adventure in Melromarc held until today. They returned to the main town to replenish everything they need, saving a lot of money and accumulating material to better their equipment. Not to mention that Edward almost forgot he had a deal with a certain blacksmith friend, that need to take care of.

"It's been some very productive weeks" mentioned Edward

"Mhm, I finally reach a decent level, Raphtalia being also pretty high, as yourself…you damn monster ..."

Raphtalia followed him in the middle.

"Well, we couldn't have made it without Lord Edward doing most of the heavy work, thank you very much"

This one laughed innocently.

"Well, it's not like you haven't done anything, Gurara~. After all, Look at you!" The pirate pointed to his companion demi-human.

Indeed, the small Raphtalia they had met that day was no more, now she was slightly higher, possibly at a stage of preadolescence compared to the girl no less than 8 years, now appeared to be in her 13-14. She laughed a little.

"W-Well, demi-humans physically grow when we level up, though I am still mentally a child..." she explained.

"Hm, anyway, I'm happy about how strong you have become, so I think we're fine with that" Naofumi was showed the least reaction to the development of the no more little Raphtalia-

"You are so mean Lord Naofumi, you say it as if I were still a child ..."

GROWL!

She blushed at the hearing of her stomach rumbled again ...

"That's because you're still a child, fufu~" Naofumi scoffed looking her blushed face got even more red.

"Hey let her be, well, I'm hungry too, let's go get some breakfast, after finishing, we can go to improve our equipment"

They both nodded.

---

The doorbell rang, alerting the smith that he had customers.

This was surprised to see his favorite band back.

"Well, well, well! I've hadn't seen you three in a long time! Must have been busy!" the blacksmith flatter, as he sees the three adventurers, although their clothes and equipment were pretty disastrous to say the least.

"We came for some repairs ..." explained Naofumi somewhat embarrassed about the state of his attire.

"I came to retire what we agreed. Since we were out for too long, I didn't get a chance to come and get it. Also, something new for Raphy, the one she had already doesn't fit as good as it was before ..." what Edward said, gained a tantum from her.

"L-Lord Edward please, you make it sound like I got fat!" She complained.

"Whoa! But just look at her, she has grown so much!" He got sentimental. "And to think you were a little rookie girl when you came here, time flies definitely ... "

Naofumi gave his armor and leather armor to the blacksmith.

"Hump, I understand that little girls are cute. But seriously, lately people have been making much fuss with her, all the guys we dealt with laugh and smile like idiots when they see her"

The blacksmith raised an eyebrow in question.

"Boy ... Haven't you noticed?" The hero was confused about what he said.

"Notice what?"

Raphtalia approached the blacksmith.

"Let him be, he doesn't like to talk about that"

"Hm, I see. Anyway, I'll have your equipment fixed and ready in a few hours. And Edward, the breastplate is back here, if you would be so kind ... you know, it's just that this thing is incredibly heavy ..."

He pointed him into cellar, so he nodded and go to retire the item, earning the curious stares of his colleagues, especially Raphtalia.

"What did Lord Edward brought?"

The hero stared at her a moment, remembering on that day.

"Ah, it's true. You were not there when Edward and I came to this store the first time ..." he showed a serious look and somewhat painful, but quickly replaced it with a smile. "The first day I was summoned, Edward helps us get a very good equipment, I've been using it so far, yeah, I remember that day very well. Also, He asked the blacksmith to make an armor piece for him, but as it was hard work, we wait until they had it ready, and that is pretty much today"

She looked up with bright and curious eyes.

"Oh ~, and what could someone like Lord Edward ask for? Although he already has incredible strength"

Naofumi shrugged.

"A single piece breastplate. I think, it didn't seem like a big deal "

HEAVY FOOTSTEP

The ground shook for a moment, and the two were alerted when they saw his friend out of the door leading to the cellar, their jaws almost dropped, it was super thick armor! The breastplate completely covered his torso, abdomen and partially covering his shoulders, also seemed to protect some of his back. Not to mention it to the front, he had embodied the symbol of Edward, the smiling skull with the mustache, gray glazed with protruding black armor.

Edward began to move his arms and hips.

"Hm, doesn't bother me so much to turn around. And my arms don't feel limited, I must say, you did a good job "

The blacksmith laughed to himself.

"You could say that this is my serious work, Hahaha~"

"I can tell"

Raphtalia and Naofumi had left their old equipment and damaged clothes. Leaving only its protective garments, brown and green respectively.

The blacksmith takes them to their respective repair.

"As I said, this will take to the least a few hours, but if you want to add a few more things. You tell me boys, outside their 'hidden treasure' How much is your budget right now?"

Edward stepped to the front.

"We are not poor, at least not now. I'd say about 700 copper coins, 500 silver coins and 200 gold coins. We have been doing business selling prime materials of an abandoned mine "

The blacksmith was shown in surprise and started laughing

"Hahaha~ I did not expect less from you, my bargain friend! Easily I can say you all are living a good life! Well, that's what this humble artisan can do for you"

Three thought in the regard.

"Well ... I'd like some small improvements to my outfit, the breastplate is good, but I would like shoulder pads" Naofumi asked what blacksmith started scoring

"T-Truth is…I'm not sure if I should be picky about it ..."

Edward put a hand on his shoulder

"Don't worry Raphy is your adventurer outfit, be sure to look as it's meant to be ..." she blushed a little to what she started playing with her fingers.

"W-Well then ... a pectoral plate ... Please?"

The blacksmith smiled slightly.

"Anything else?"

She got nervous.

"A new sword, and ... And reinforced leather pieces!" She finally let out what she wanted

The blacksmith laughed to himself.

"You're very modest girl. I do not see that very often around here. Well, I'll have your order ready today after noon until then relax, Wave Of Calamity is coming ... "

His words worried the trio of adventurers

"If that's true, then more than ever, we must be ready. That's why we've been fighting ... " Edward tight the grab on his Bisento, showing their unwavering confidence

"So, the time is almost here ..." Raphtalia showed a bit of concern, she has improved her skills as much as possible, thanks to training with Edward and her battles against monsters, but she was still worried of what the Waves might hid in its darkest spots.

"Now that you mention it. I ask myself this since I arrived. How do you know where and when are the Waves going to happen?" Naofumi asked to the blacksmith

"Boy, did nobody told you? In the city there is a church where you can see a clocktower. There you will find something called 'The Hourglass of the Age of the Dragons' when all the sand fall. Heroes and their companions will be transported.

The three looked at him a moment, especially Edward

"And~ How long you were going to wait to tell us that?"

He shrugged with a grin.

"You never asked? Anyway, little girl, sword and reinforcements are complimentary. Of course, for my dear friends here. As for his armor, you can come for them this afternoon or evening"

Thus, the three just sighed and left, going straight for something good to eat.

---

Raphtalia saw their food with delight, simply could not get enough of the kids meal, fried shrimp, pasta and dessert was delicious, of course, now had more table manners and ate quietly. The other two also had their respective feast and Edward, who became more demanding with liquor, as always.

"Edward"

He was slurping tons of noodles from his soup.

"Hm?"

The hero gave him a poker face.

"Haaa~, finish what you have in your mouth"

He drink all he could in the process, ended up passing down the entire meal with a full jug of liquor

"What's going on?"

The hero now looked serious

"Will you use 'that power' during the wave?" He asked, referring to what happened few weeks ago in the mine, the image of the space cracking and splitting into pieces, was still fresh in his memory.

The pirate raised an eyebrow in question. "You mean my earthquakes?"

"There is no way those are earthquakes"

"Yes, they are"

"Edward that's not scientifically possible"

"Hmp, where I come from there's no such thing as 'scientifically impossible', I am the man who ate the Gura-Gura Fruit. I'm a Quake Human, simple as that"

The hero of rubbed his forehead thinking about finding logic in that, failing miserably.

"Anyway, the point is, I don't want you to use it; at least not in front of others"

Edward was upset after hearing that, as he sipped his drink.

"Why? It's like telling you to suddenly stop using your shield"

"Because this shield is all I can use. You have more things than your strange power. What I'm trying to say is, I don't want gather too much attention"

The pirate looked confused.

"You didn't want to bash your friends in their faces about how strong your team is?"

SLAM!

The hero had made clear his anger on the table.

"They are not my friends…"

He gave Edward a challenging stare.

"They were nothing but puppets of an elaborate hoax, if you convince them that you told the truth, they might apologize" He took his drink quietly.

"What if they don't?"

"Beat the apologies out of them, with some of theirs teeths in the process. Friendships and many other conflicts get resolved that way where I come from" he said taking another shot of beer.

"U-Umm, S-Sorry…"

They both looked at the young girl.

"Who are the other three heroes?" She asked innocently.

"They're idiots, obviously, don't try getting along with them, that's an order" she nodded.

"Raphy don't listen to the crybaby, they are simply stupid brats who haven't learned how to live by themselves. I am sure that with the right lesson, they could make a good team"

"Why are you so stuck with the idea of getting us to work together?"

Edward finished his drink.

"The story is called 'The Legend of Four Saint Heroes' not 'Naofumi and Friends', you are all destined to work together. Therefore, I am sure that with proper guidance, all of you might become an unbeatable team"

The hero narrowed his gaze to the realization of something.

"Guidance? Lesson? Am I feeling that bizarre paternal instinct of yours again?"

Edward shrugged.

"Maybe, maybe, I dunno. You tell me?"

Naofumi frowned.

"Don't you even dare to think I'm will cooperate with them"

Edward Edged look more seriously.

"I see you're still a fool stubborn child. Okay, we'll see ... "

---

Once returned to the blacksmith shop, spending a few hours after lunch, they rushed to see how the repaired and improved equipment would look like.

Of course, Naofumi did not have many changes with its new "Tribal Armor" as the blacksmith calls it, except chains and leather reinforced in his arms, his new epaulettes and some pieces of metal to cover his hips, feet and knees.

"I look like a Bandit Leader ..."

"You look more like someone worthy of being an adventurer, it doesn't seem so bad, Shield boy"

"Gurarara~, if you ask me, you look like a sophisticated villain, but it looks good!"

"I-I think Lord Naofumi looks handsome with his new armor!"

The three flattered, seeing the new amor set the hero is wearing. This felt quite welcomed by him.

"Thank you, well, you took the trouble to add quite a few things. I'll be sure to put it to good use."

He smiled.

"Of course, if you bring more material, I can make more improvements, after all you and your friend have a mine full of materials to explode! It would be a shame not to take advantage of it" he explained.

"Yeah, how much will all this cost?" Naofumi asked including the set he gave to Raphtalia.

"Well, since you are good customers and good acquaintances. I'll let cha a good discount, not to mention the 'extra' that his friend had overpaid for his ironclad. Don't worry about the price, enjoy your new equipment, that's what I say"

All three showed grateful smiles.

"You're pretty friendly. Of course, with the 'good customers' of course" remarked Whitebeard, to which this laughed.

"The quality of my work is reflected in my vision of my clients, that's a fact, Hahaha~"

And with all say and done, they withdrew.

---

Finally, they reached the square where a huge religious building was in front of them, they could see the huge altar where already made the insignia of 4 Legendary Weapons

"It's the first time I'm in such a beautiful place" mentioned the raccoon girl

"Hm, I'm surprised they just let us in, and alone now, no vigilance. By the way, in your world you have something like this, Edward?"

The pirate thought to the matter. But the hero could feel like the veins in his forehead, his expression was unusually serious.

"No boy, where I come from the 'gods' behave worse than demons, there is no such thing as a religion, people like me live in freedom sailing the beautiful ocean, where there are no rules. For me, things like 'gods' are concepts way more than dead, and I'm happy about it ..."

Naofumi take the very clear message, others who hear the dirty words of Edward about his beliefs were insulted, but after seeing the pirate, they decided that they respected the integrity of their faces a lot, to even try to pick a fight with him.

"Shield Hero and company. May we lead you to your destination?" The team was stopped by a pair of nuns, they seemed with no bad intentions, but their expressions showing hatred Naofumi, quite hidden behind her expressionless faces.

"Sure, it was time for us to see that darn clock" Edward led the rest following the nuns, who, despite felling attracted to the young pirate, their dedication to their religion held them from having any impure thought.

"Here…"

Hallways to the bottom and after two floors, they noticed the giant sand clock, which left them worried, since the top was almost empty.

"That means it's almost time…"

It was then that something was manifested against the vision of the two adventurers, a reaction expressed concern on their faces.

[WAVE OF CATASTROPHE: 20H15MIN REMAINING]

"So, this is all the time we have left ..."

"It must be a joke, just twenty hours, don't have time do tourism we have to-"

"Oh, how nasty, ew ..."

A familiar and irritating voice echoed in the room.

"But If isn't none other than the Shield Criminal in person"

Naofumi frowned when he saw the people who had entered the room, the voice was none other than Mein Sophia, the girl who accompanied him on his first day as an adventurer, and also, the woman who betrayed him.

However, Naofumi is well aware of what he learned that day and those who came after, not to mention the new companions he has now

"What do you want, Mein?" He responded very arrogant way, not even bother to turn, was busier reviewing his Stats.

"What it isn't obvious? My Lord Motoyasu has come to check how much is left for the Wave. You should be glad to be in the same room as him, you sick pervert"

"You also came to see the Hourglass, thief?" Asked Motoyasu who was also with his group, which was literally a harem of adventurer girls

He ignore the spear hero.

"Hey, Lord Motoyasu is talking to you!"

The Shield Hero laughed to himself a little.

"What's so funny?" the spear guy felt a little angry, knowing what could be the cause of his laughter.

Naofumi addressed them with a cynical and annoying smile.

"I heard you caught a cold from sleeping in pajamas in the royal castle" the hero began to laugh just from remember, after all they caused this event.

Motoyasu got a tiny vein in his forehead, just remembering that.

"Yeah ... was very annoying ya'know. Not only that, you disappeared after that day. Not to mention the rumors about you and your friend ..." this time went to Whitebeard who was with his arm crossed, with a keen expression and staring him with disappointment.

"What?"

The hero approached him with a haughty attitude.

"I know the truth about you, Edward Newgate!"

The pirate raised an eyebrow.

"Seriously? Which one?"

The spear hero chuckle.

"You're a magician, a Fake Adventurer who deceives people, using your weird magic to alter their sense of perception. I bet that behind this huge, muscular body, there may be a puny dwarf, or even some fat disgusting bastard! Ya can't fool m-!"

PUNCH

The pirate had given him a direct blow in the stomach, at high speed, none of the women companions had even glimpsed such an act with great precision, even for experienced fighters in the guild. The hero fell on his knees, spit a lot of saliva and then threw a little of his lunch.

"Oh? What's wrong?" Whitebeard look him deeply with contempt, then he crossed his arms again, looking at the ground, where the spear hero was left in pain. "Have you dropped a coin or something?" The hero grabbed his stomach hard.

"Lord Motoyasu!" Mein succored him with healing magic as fast as she could.

"That seemed like an illusion to you, shitty brat?" His gaze withering brake furious at the other girls try to defend her hero, felt that if they did something against that man, they'd end up in a worse state.

Naofumi smirked.

"See what happens when you believe in stupid rumors? It is possible that the rumor about Edward's true stranght, might not be the only one who they made up" He and Edward pointed out their poisonous words to Mein herself, the aforementioned began to sweat, nerves and fear showed in her mind.

*That damn muscle head ...* she cursed at Edward with a frown and a stern expression

"I'm still disappointed. Snotty Spear kid, at this point, cooperate to solve this problem with the waves, it may become more difficult"

The hero of the spear slowly stood.

"C-Cooperate you say ...? With that sick rapist? "

It was then that Raphtalia came from behind Edward, having heard the daring accusations against her lord.

"Excuse me, but Lord Naofumi is not a monster"

The Full view of the girl had, so to speak, revitalized HP Motoyasu

"WOOOO! WHO IS THIS CUTIE?!"

The Spear Hero left his companions to greet the young girl who had suddenly appeared, obviously was a human-demi, a girl in the flower of her youth and in plain growing, although she had already shown her growth in several "areas"

The Pirate was bothered to see the hero acting so friendly with her.

"How did you get a creature as beautiful as this young lady making you accompany, Shield Rapist? I mean, it's not as if she hadn't heard about that rumor, right?"

Raphtalia raised an eyebrow in question. At the same time Naofumi continued to have a poker face, without even given a damn about his threatens.

"Go ahead, tell her, see what happens, shall we?"

The Spear Hero was quite upset by the bold and haughty attitude Naofumi had, so He look at Raphtalia with serious eyes, emphasizing each word that came out of his mouth.

"Oh ~, young demi-human with such a tragic origin, I can only tell you about the worst of misfortunes. This man!" he pointed the Shield Hero who just waved his hand in greeting. "He is responsible for the lowest of acts. Physical and sexually abuse of a young innocent lady, her" he pointed to Mein began to do her crocodile tears. "Don't you think it's horrible follow a man so vile as him? Would you like to join my harem-! I mean my team?" he offered with a rather, creepy smile.

PUNCH

Again, the Spear Hero was hit, only this time she went straight to his "beautiful" face, the hero fell on his butt as he rubbed it, getting quickly aided by Mein, again.

Raphtalia being the responsable, whose fist was covered by a black metallic color, looked at the Hero of the Spear with the most disgracing glare she had.

"Lord Naofumi and Lord Edward warned me that there would be people like you. Whom believe in stupid things, that only damage their reputation. So, Motoyasu-san please cease from talking back to my Lords that way, thank you"

That way she returned to the group, both men smiling about the progress and application of its teaching methods being successful, thus, all three withdrew leaving Spear Hero's team completely powerless to defend their hero for fear what Edward or that girl Raphtalia or even Naofumi himself could do.

---

[17 MINUTES LEFT]

Both they looked counter and sighed. As they walked through the streets of the kingdom.

"Well, that could have gone better ..."

"Are you still thinking about what happened in the church?"

Edward took a sip of his drink from his canteen.

"I told you, I know they are foolish brats. But we should find an irrefutable way to prove your innocence, perhaps they may want to cooperate too"

The hero sighed.

"Do you think that bitch Mein will let that happen?"

Edward looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Do you think she can stop me from doing it?"

The hero could not argue against that logic.

"Touché"

"That was one of the heroes?" the raccoon girl asked

"Yeah, well, the nastiest of the three." Naofumi answered

"Hm, I wonder if the other two had an improvement in their attitude to the least"

Both continued their trek waiting for the moment to be called.

"What is the plan?" the Shield Hero asked

The pirate crack his knuckles.

"Kill monsters, getting goodies to upgrade our equipment. Level up, and prevent any outsider or spectator to get hurt in the crossfire"

"It sounds like something you would devise, Lord Edward ..." Raphtalia laughed nervously at his master way of thinking.

---

?

---

It was instant, in the blink of an eye, the group was now a different location, but not unknown, the three reacted just a second after.

"Have we been summoned?!" Naofumi looked around to know in what part the where.

"I must say, this Wave thing doesn't like to make people wait! Well then, let's fight!" Edward unleashed his Bisento, ready to charge in.

"Where are we?!" Raphtalia drew her sword.

CRACK!

The three noticed the loud noise of something breaking, quickly attributed this noise to Edward, especially when they saw the giant crack opening in the sky.

"The sky is breaking?" Raphtalia saw really desturbed

"EDWARD!" Naofumi shouted

"Hey! ... that wasn't me…yet!

It was then that they witness it, from the cracking sky, it began to emerge and rise a countless beasts and monsters, mostly undead creatures with swords, axes and armor

"Lord Naofumi, Lord Edward! Look!" The girl called out their attention to see a section of the place where they were. "It's the coal mine! We are in the Ryute Village, the ones who had been helping us during the past weeks! "She pointed

Both adventurers frowned.

"Naofumi." Edward call the hero. "I doubt these people had been evacuated before the attack began. Let's hurry up"

Although the other three heroes with their groups went in another direction from where de village was. They did not expect less because they wanted to kill the leader of the wave to end this as quickly as possible. However, the three rushed to the village.

---

"Naofumi, be sure to protect as much civilians as you can. Raphy, you with me, let's beat up this bastards"

"Yes sir!"

On their way to the main town, they realized a flare light coming in their direction, which caused them to worry.

"They are marking the place for a bombing attack?!"

"Those idiots, surely they went to kill the strongest monsters. Meanwhile the people there hasn't been evacuated yet!"

"I'll take care of that, you two brats, just focus on the instructions I gave you!"

The two nodded, once they arrive at the village, they saw nothing but chaos, the village was under attack by Undead type monsters, and and wasp demons with huge stings.

A family of villagers was about to be charged by a horde of enemies, as the Shield Hero acted quickly.

"SHIELD PRISON!" a column of shields tied with chains, trapped the villagers inside and protect them from the monsters, whom couldn't break its defense.

"Hah!"

SLASH!

Monsters and bees had been cut to pieces by Raphtalia and the largest ones were pulverized by Edward, while Naofumi focused on maintaining the safety of the villagers.

"Can you hear me in there?! That shield will disappear soon, when it does, flee in the opposite direction to the rupture in the sky!" he ordered to the group of innocents, they quickly recognized the source of that power.

"Are you the Shield Hero?!"

The hero smiled to himself.

"Be sure to escape, I swear I will not be able to sleep tonight if I see any of you die here"

Another Undead tried to approach Naofumi, he blocks him, and bash in the face with his Pipe Shield, next he got decapitated by Edward, giving a thumbs up.

Another Undead Champion had made its way behind the two, but when he lashed out with his huge axe, Edward blocked easily, the monster was confused to see the incomparable strength the pirate wielded

"You are in our way, Oi"

SLASH

Raphtalia jumped behind the Champion Undead, decapitating him in the process.

"Well done, Raphy!" Edward gave a thumbs up

"Thank you, Lord Edward!"

Bzzzzz

The three saw a swarm of wasps stop lashing out adventurers and soldiers to go straight to them, Edward stepped to the front, he knew this would not work against the Undead for they are dead beings without will, but these wasps were different.

"Hm!"

It was something only Edward could see, in the blink of an eye, in a fairly large radius, all the wasps had fallen to the ground completely unconscious. Edward looked at the villagers, soldiers and adventurers who were confused by what just happened.

"What the hell are you doing? Greeting the footage?! TAKE YOUR WEAPONS AND FINISH OFF THIS MAGGOTS! DON'T YOU ALL WANT TO PROTECT THIS TOWN?!"

With a war cry, Edward raised the morale and command all forces to defeat all monsters with overwhelming force, slowly began to clean up the town of Ryute with minimum possible damage.

Until they saw something in the sky that made them get in shock.

"A BOMBING ATTACK!" Shouted a villager to seeing fireballs were to rain on the people and the houses, even though the monsters were to be eradicated anyway, they watched in horror as all the innocent people were going to be killed by a mistake made by others ...

Edward looked at Naofumi, who, with a serious look, nodded to his companion, though he was going to do it anyway.

"HM, HAH!"

Edward took a mighty leap skyward, and when he was about to collide with the arrows, a bubble of unknown color formed in his fist.

"RAH!"

PUNCH

BREAKING SOUND!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

All villagers and soldiers watched in utter amazement as the hit man had cracked the sky; for a moment they thought it was a Wave of Catastrophe, if not because at the time it broke into pieces, a powerful unimaginably shockwave had extinguished the fire balls within seconds, after that, the wind started to become erratic for a moment. In any case, the only thing remaining in charge of the last monsters.

But Edward had something in mind.

"Naofumi"

The hero looked at him, could not avoid seeing that look of 'I'll do something risky' on his friend's face.

"If you go to take boss down, be sure to show that trio of idiots what we can do. I'll stay with Raphtalia to clean up this place"

Edward nodded and hurried briskly to the place where he could feel the fight was developing.

It was there that the Spear, Sword and Bow Heros were bombarding the boss monster who was commanding the wave, there were only two ways to end the event. Until time runs out or killing the boss, and this was the best solution.

But the three heroes and his team were taking too long to do so.

"We just have to wear him down! We need to keep the other monster to spawn so we can gain more EXP" Ren ordered to his fellow sorcerers who commanded spells against the monsters.

"But what about the villagers that are being attacked?" Itsuki mention worried.

Motoyasu continue killing demons.

"They are just NPCs, we shouldn't worry about that, now we must kill as many monsters as possible!"

ROAR!

The three heroes saw the boss monster, a Chimera, a legendary beast part of his body from a lion, the other of a donkey and his tail was a venomous snake, whose level was quite high but their attacks and strokes was slow and easy dodge. The three were not going to have any problems against this monster, but they wanted to continue to reap the EXP of the other monsters that appeared in masses.

The beast roared with rage at seeing them playing with him, he wanted to get close to them, to devour them all and feast on their innocent flesh and blood.

GRAB!

"ROAR?!"

The beast had no idea what just happened, and the three heroes, when suddenly saw something or someone had grabbed its tail, when they realized it was none other than Edward, who had a dangerous smile on his face.

"So. you're the one I shall kill?" the beast began to sweat a lot, this man was dangerous, he gave off an aura of confidence and security in the task of killing him, which made him tremble with fear.

"What is it Fido? A Sea King got yer tongue?"

Edward cut off the Chimera's tail with his axe, the monster roared in pain, but did not end there, Edward wanted to finish quickly, so he covered his weapon with Haki and strike with full force.

"ORAH!"

SLASH!

The cut was so powerful that it not only split the beast in two, it did the same to the ground, leaving a giant crack cleanly cut it. Edward noticed that not only won the EXP for killing the boss, but it had also leveled up twice, with a satisfied smile, he retired from the scene. Not before looking at the heros from above his shoulder.

"Brats, ya should consideh gettin' strongeh. At this rate, yer 'ill become a nuisance ... "

Despite hearing complaints from Motoyasu for stealing the glory of killing the boss, the other heroes sighed, they were taking their work in an unprofessional way, obviously their pride were also crushed again.

So, the beast being defeated by the hands of Whitebeard.

The Wave began to disappear, returning everything back to normal.

He returned with his team, the three met to check the damage, some houses were burned, other structures were quite destroyed, but managed to keep damage to a minimum, for them this was a very satisfying victory.

"Gurararara ~! You should have see their faces, Naofumi brat! When I finished with the monster, the Spear Kid began to mourn like a baby! Gurararara ~!" The pirate was splitting with laughter now.

Naofumi could only accompany with his own laughter.

"I'm glad you destroyed their pride, Gahahaha~"

"I didn't expect less from Lord Edward" Raphtalia also congratulate

"Shield Hero!"

The group twist to spot the commander of the knights, the man with whom Raphtalia began to fight for the fireballs bombing incident, which could cause a lot of damage if it wasn't for Edward being there, in any case, he approached the group, notably had a look of disgust on his face.

"And do you want now?" the Raccoon girl threatened the commander, he didn't even flinch at the threat.

"The King ... will organize a party to celebrate the victory against the waves, also to celebrate those who contributed, and of course ..." He bit his lower lip with complete disgust. "He who took the head of the Wave's Boss, we will make a feast and party in his honor ..."

The three looked at each other, now, putting a winners smile to see that the corrupt reign had succumbed to their feats, Edward meanwhile, was eager to rub this on the king's face.

"GURARARARA~! WHO I AM I TO DENY A BANQUET IN MY NAME?! BETTER IF IT'S FREE! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU LOOKING AT, YE TIN-CAN MAN?! WE HAVE A CELEBRATION AHEAD! GURARARARA~!"

His companions gave a smile of consolation for the chefs who would cook that night ...

But certainly today. Iwatani Naofumi have proven to this twisted world, that he can win against them, even if the person who did it wasn't him, he is one of the most important friends he had ever met since he can remember.

*For once since I came here ... I'm excited to see what will happen next, Edward Newgate ... or should I say, Whitebeard*

The hero looked to the horizon, beyond borders, waiting to see what kind of new adventures awaits him and his group.

.

.

.

.

／|＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ _ _

〈 To BE CONTINUED…/ |

＼|￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣~ ~ ￣

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS TRANSLATION! I ACCEPT HAVING BETA READERS FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER IF SO.

YOU CAN ALSO LEAVE QUESTIONS THAT I WILL ANSWER IN THE NEXT CHAPTER! SEE TOU SOON!

HOPE YOU LIKE THIS SECOND CHAPTER. AND QUICK QUESTION. SHOULD RAPHTALIA ADDRESS BOTH OT THEM AS "LORD" OR "SAMA" CUZ I DON'T WANNA GO FULL WEEB THING ON MY WRITING.

ANYWAY, SEE YA IN THE NEXT ONE!