How can I become the Pirate King if you don’t work hard?.

Chapter 396 He's just unlucky (The third installment of the blind date series!)
Hey!
Hey!
Hey!
Ivankov, in his high heels, walked toward Sentomaru, who was sitting awkwardly in the corner, and filled his glass before he could speak!

"This is to welcome our benefactor!"

"Zhan Momomaru~boy~"

"Oh~"

"Ah~"

Sentomaru glanced down at his wine glass, then downed it in one gulp. He placed it beside him, turned to Ivankov, and hesitated, as if he wanted to say something.

"you……"

"Are you wondering why I don't leave this dangerous place and rejoin the revolutionary army?!"

Sentomaru nodded.

After all, the military force stockpiled within Britannias was already outrageously large.

He had met several of the Knights of the Round Table, and even those seated towards the back were incredibly strong, like monsters. It was no exaggeration to say that they were on par with the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

As for Kuro and Arkin, who are ranked at the top, among the people he knows, only a handful of people standing at the pinnacle of the Navy can fight them.

And then there's Gawain, the world's strongest knight...

With such an impressive lineup, they are already capable of facing the Navy head-on on their own!

Unlike Whitebeard, who risked his life to pave the way for a new era.

It's a real war!
Pirates capable of challenging the Navy...

Looking at the eight-hundred-year history of world governments, the one who came closest to doing this was Lockheed Martin more than thirty years ago.

However, Rocks was defeated, and the knight Gawain...

At its peak, the Spring and Autumn Period was invincible!

Even the revolutionary army would avoid such an adversary.

For Ivankov, the best option was naturally to leave as soon as possible; otherwise, if Gawain changed his mind and decided to use his identity to his advantage, he would have no power to resist.

"This place... surpasses the future that Long and I envisioned!"

Ivankov plopped down next to Sentomaru, his eyes gleaming with fervor.

Now, he is even somewhat grateful to Kro for bringing him to this country as a prisoner.

Otherwise, he would not have been able to witness what a country without nobles, where everyone is equal under the law, truly looks like.

But now...

He saw it!

"Fight Momomaru boy!"

"Have you ever experienced this country, this country ruled by the knight Gawain, and seen how it differs from other places?!"

Sentomaru reached up and touched his chin, closed his eyes and pondered for a moment before slowly opening them:

“It’s stable, peaceful, and… the people here have a different look in their eyes.”

"He's unlike anyone I've ever met, whether they're from Mary Geoise, Mary Geoise's marines, pirates, or civilians!"

between words.

Sentomaru looked up at the dance floor in the distance.

The music in the bar grew increasingly boisterous.

In the dance floor, people dressed in various costumes swayed their bodies freely to the music.

A businessman in a suit, soldiers who have shed their armor but whose training is still evident, and even a lady who exudes a certain self-satisfaction yet laughs heartily—clearly a former noblewoman…

On the dance floor, everyone shed their labels and freely stretched their bodies.

Such a scene would be bizarre, even astonishing, anywhere in the world.

The ideology of hierarchy and class, which the Celestial Dragons had spent hundreds of years imprinting in the minds of the entire world, was shattered in Britannias.

"That's right!"

"It's the eyes!"

Ivankov nodded and followed Sentomaru's gaze into the distance.

Neon lights flickered as countless individuals from different social classes, possessing different resources, and whose identities were, in Ivankov's eyes, vastly different, enjoyed this moment of leisure together.

Even though Ivankov had seen this scene countless times in recent days, he still felt a deep sense of awe.

It's not just on the dance floor; in every place you can see in this country, a certain barrier between people is gradually being broken down!
Britannias is different.

Ivankov sensed this from the very first day he set foot in this country.
But I still can't quite put my finger on what's different.

It wasn't until Ivankov gradually integrated into the community and witnessed firsthand the living conditions of the Britannians that he understood the difference between the two.

Although some outdated habits still remain, and although there is still an unconscious tendency to show a fawning and humble attitude when facing certain important figures.

But the people here are gradually straightening their backs!

Although the process is slow and can take years or even decades to erase what is etched in people's hearts.

Even the smallest change could not escape the notice of Ivankov, who had led the revolutionary army to witness the most tragic aspects of the world.

Fair laws granted former nobles and serfs equal rights.

The invincible military might of the Knights of the Round Table brought stability and prosperity far exceeding that of any other country in the world.

But two years ago, before Knight Gawain entered the country, it was known for being closed off, xenophobic, and dangerous.

At that time, the revolutionary army made several attempts to enter Britannias, but was blocked by local forces each time. However, they also learned about the country. Britannias at that time was definitely not as prosperous as it is today.

All of this was accomplished by the man who had just stepped on Whitebeard's shoulders and ascended to the top of the world's strongest with an almost crushing force.

As long as Gawain's banner continues to fly over Britannias, the prosperity here will continue.

Inexplicable.

Ivankov had this feeling.

He now even regrets his haste to get away.

If he had known what was happening here, and that this country had undergone a complete transformation in just two years, he would have risked his life to see that man.

here……

"Although it is different from the future I imagined, there is no doubt that even among the countless possible futures, Britannias is one of the most wonderful possibilities!"

"This is the world that Long and I have been chasing!"

Sentomaru stared blankly at Ivankov.

He had only met the latter a few times.

The first time was when Ivankov saved her, and she traded her life for Ivankov's freedom.

The second time is now.

But this time, Sentomaru saw something on Ivankov's face that he had seen before on Vegapunk's face!

A burning passion for truth, for faith, and for dreams!
"I made a decision!"

"I want to stay here!"

"I want to use my eyes to witness the possibilities of this country!"

"I want to see just how far Knight Gawain can go!"

Sentomaru nodded blankly:
"And what about your companions...?"

Ivankov shook his head:

"Although my Den Den Mushi have been lost, Dragon has my Vivre Card, so it's not difficult for him to know where I am."

"If I'm not mistaken, the Revolutionary Army should already be on their way. It'll either Raven or Sabo; only these two are best suited to find people."

"Is this so..."

Sentomaru nodded, and seeing that Ivankov had made arrangements for his subsequent actions, he got up to leave, but was stopped by Ivankov:
"Zhan Momomaru boy~"

"Since you have nowhere to go after parting ways with Vegapunk, why don't you come with me and take a look at this country?"

“Take a look at their laws, and see if there is any hidden evil beneath their bright exterior.”

Sentomaru was taken aback, scratched his head, and responded:
"Then I'll be your bodyguard for now."

Sentomaru glanced at the table in front of him, ignoring the exquisite desserts, and reached for the rice ball in the middle that no one else was paying attention to.

"As for the payment, this will do."

"Hmph, what a strange hobby."

Ivankov shook his head. Although he didn't understand why Zhan Taowan was so obsessed with rice balls, he didn't dwell on it and said calmly, "However..."

"There's plenty of this stuff!"

The next morning.

Ivankov then left the bar with his second-in-command, Lightning, and Sentomaru, who was temporarily acting as his bodyguard.

A group of people set off on a journey through the country, ready to see for themselves what this possible future might hold.

Gao Wen was aware of this news, but he didn't pay much attention to it.

Most areas within Britannias were open to the outside world; merchant ships could enter, and so could the revolutionary army and remnants of Future Island.

Even if someone causes trouble, it will be suppressed in an instant by the royal guards led by Bevel and Smoker.

Now, Smoker is becoming more and more familiar with the guard job.

After all, this was no different from his previous patrols and pursuit of pirates in the East Blue. In fact, because of Bevel's teleportation portal, he could quickly provide support to the entire Britannias.

On the contrary, Smoker's connection with this land has become even stronger.

……

Time flies, and half a month later.

The sea churned as a merchant ship docked in a port off the coast of Britannias.

Having changed into a suit and carrying a suitcase, Sabo, disguised as a tourist, stood on the deck, gazing at the distant port.

Pedestrians come and go, and countless merchant ships pass by. Even when pirate ships occasionally enter the port, they will lower their pirate flags before entering.

These once arrogant and domineering thugs became unusually docile after seeing the sword and shield flag flying high in the harbor.

call--!
The sea breeze howled.

The banners of the Knights of the Round Table fluttered in the wind.

Even before setting foot on Britannias soil, Sabo felt an overwhelming sense of oppression.

It was as if some irresistible force existed within this country.

Once it erupts, all the grand theories will be overturned!

"This is……"

"The intimidating power of the world's strongest person?!"

Sabo reached up and pressed down on the brim of his hat, took a deep breath, picked up his cane, and stepped off the merchant ship.

After a brief inspection, the port guards let him leave.

just.

Unbeknownst to Sabo, a steam-powered motorboat sped toward the port from the distant sea.

"Why would a high-ranking figure in the revolutionary army choose this time to secretly infiltrate Britannias?"

Smoker took a deep drag on his cigar, his expression serious.
"but."

"No one, no matter who, should lay a hand on this country!"

Rumble——!
White smoke filled the harbor.

Smoker's motorcycle docked, and he immediately summoned the marines who had been conducting the search and asked them about Sabo's whereabouts.

After receiving a definite answer, Smoker reported the situation to Beville.

"Hmm, that guy headed towards Pearl Harbor, right?!"

Smoker nodded:

"The intelligence says it's a high-ranking member of the revolutionary army, which is a bit troublesome."

"No problem."

The voice coming from the Den Den Mushi's receiver made Smoker frown slightly:
"What's the meaning?!"

"His life is there, and unless the top leader of the revolutionary army comes in person, no one can easily escape from his grasp."

Smoker breathed a sigh of relief and said sarcastically:

"That's his bad luck."

"Mr. Yisheng's abilities, in a sense, are best suited for capturing him alive."

"what."

Beville responded:
"He's just unlucky."

……

Night had fallen.

Pearl Harbor was illuminated as brightly as day, and countless tourists and vendors strolled through it, making it extremely bustling.

After putting down his suitcase at the hotel, Sabo picked up his cane and went out.

Following the contact provided by Kerla, they headed towards a nearby casino.

Gamblers come and go at the main entrance.

Some lost all their money and were as if they had lost their parents, while others were radiant with pride and high spirits.

However, the former group was the majority, while the latter group consisted of only a handful of people.

Sabo wasn't surprised by this. Casinos are businesses too, and even if they take a cut from the betting and don't participate in the games, the money still comes from the customers.

There's some truth to the saying that nine out of ten gamblers lose.

Lift the door curtain.

A sudden burst of excited noises made Sabo frown.

But what truly piqued his interest was a middle-aged man with a cane and who was blind, sitting at the table in the center of the casino, where the largest bets were placed.

Even if you go blind, you still can't forget gambling?!
Sabo sighed inwardly, but couldn't help himself, leaning close to the man's ear to whisper a reminder:

"Uncle."

"You can't see it on the gambling table, but it's easy to be deceived. Even if you win, others may not admit it."

"After all, the cards you hold in your hand can only be told verbally by the dealer next to you."

“Once someone colludes to set a trap, gambling loses its meaning.”

"Oh~"

Fujitora stroked his chin, a smile spreading across his face. He picked up his trump card, placed it in front of Sabo, and asked:

"Then help me see whether my hand is stronger or his hand is stronger."

Sabo's expression froze.

Seeing that everyone around was looking at him, he realized that he had made a mistake because of his momentary soft heart, but he couldn't very well refuse to admit it.

He glanced at Fujitora's hand, then at the exposed cards on the opposite table.

I couldn't help but shake my head:
"You only have two pairs, you can't beat the dealer's straight."

"Is that so?"

Fujitora laughed heartily, pushing aside the mountain of chips piled up in front of him, and said:
"I lost all the money I had in one go."

"Hahahaha~"

Seeing this, Sabo sighed, then took out a few more banknotes from his pocket and stuffed them into Fujitora's hand:

"This money won't get you into a casino, but it will help you get through the next few days."

"Stop gambling."

Say it.

Sabo was about to turn and leave when Fujitora grabbed his hand. It wasn't until Fujitora stood up that Sabo realized the man in front of him was much taller than him!

His strong physique made him stand out even among the group of thugs surrounding the casino.

"Bro."

"A man once said that meeting is fate."

Fujitora rubbed the banknotes in his hand and said:

"Walk."

"Let me buy you a drink!"

(End of this chapter)