Settsetse! The Pirate Nemesis

"Besides..."

Sett skillfully opened the hidden liquor cabinet in Zephyr's office, effortlessly unlocked the combination lock, and stole a bottle of fine wine.

How do you know I haven't learned it?

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Let me explain the update schedule. I'm currently updating three times a day, with a minimum of 1.5k words per chapter... This is because I need to maintain a balance between exposure and word count to ensure a proper recommendation process before publication. More importantly, although the minimum is 1.5k words, I will ensure the completeness of a story segment in each chapter. (Therefore, there are often many extra words.) Once it's published and I no longer need to worry about the recommendation process, I will guarantee a minimum of 2k words per chapter, updating three to four times a day.

67. The Skull-Crushing Gang (Third Update)

"Reporting to the boss, the casino's revenue has increased by 72% year-on-year, and overall customer satisfaction has risen by 5%. The mid-month promotion three months ago was very successful, and the Walker family is trying to contact us about cooperation!"

Wearing a green sweatshirt, Pad stood up straight with a determined look on his face.

Looking at Robin, a hint of envy flickered in his eyes—after Sett left… no, even when Sett was around, Robin had been the one maintaining the Skullcrushers' operations. From initial unfamiliarity to current proficiency, it was all thanks to Robin's tireless study and deep thought.

That is to say, she was precocious from a young age; otherwise, someone else would probably have lost all their hair by now.

Robin didn't have any objections to this. It wasn't that she was willing to be exploited, but rather that she could feel Sett's trust in her.

However, even with all that trust, Robin still felt a bit lonely after suddenly disappearing for a year—Tina's house was suddenly empty except for him, and this feeling of loneliness reminded Robin of his past when he was adrift at sea.

However, precisely because of this, Robin now wields absolute power.

But what Pad and the others envied most was Robin's freedom—the freedom to dress as she pleased!

Unlike the standard green West Blue uniforms worn by ordinary henchmen, Robin's status grants her the freedom to dress as she pleases... Even so, Robin seems to rarely change her clothes. Perhaps it's because Sett chose this outfit for her, so even if she changes, it's only because her body has grown larger than before.

"Don't call me 'Big Sister'," Robin said without looking up, her voice perfectly calm. But those words made Pad jump, and he hurriedly replied, "Yes! Guanyin Paper Fan!"

The White Paper Fan is Robin's title, while Guanyin... is simply a nickname Robin made up because, as the child of a demon, she received special treatment from the World Government and it was not appropriate for her to spread her real name.

Ignoring Pad's tension, Robin glanced down at the table in front of him. Aside from the recent turmoil on Antuo Island, there were also reports of events at sea. However, these weren't Robin's concerns. After confirming his work for the day, Robin asked, "Any news about the Great Dragon?"

“Yes!” Pad answered, straightening his back. “According to our informants in the naval branch, the elite class has now graduated. The Great Leader should be back soon!”

At this point, a hint of excitement appeared in Pad's eyes.

When Sett decided to go out and train when the Skullcrushers were first established, it scared many people in the Skullcrushers. At that time, the Skullcrushers were just a makeshift organization, and people were willing to join because of Sett's prestige and domineering presence.

Why did Sett suddenly decide to go out and train?

Although the underworld's higher-ups knew this meant Sett had returned stronger and with a more powerful background, they wouldn't tell the lower-ranking members—

It was around that time that Robin, relying on the connections left by Tina, managed to form alliances and hold onto the casino despite being surrounded by wolves.

It was through this incident that Robin solidified her position within the organization—at least, no one dared to question Robin's scheming abilities.

Now, Robin has secured the foundation of the Skullcrushers and demonstrated the wisdom to convince the gang members—with the terrifying power of the Big Boss, wouldn't the entire Antuo Island be within the Skullcrushers' grasp?!

As a founding member of the Skullcrushers, how could Pad not be excited?!

"Big Boss" is the title given to Robin by Sett before he left for the Skullcutter gang.

Although it's unclear where this started, almost every pirate group or organization with any real power in this world has a clear hierarchy of ranks to communicate with the outside world. For example, the three admirals of the Navy, the five elders of the World Government, the division commanders of Whitebeard's fleet, and Charlotte Linlin's three Sweet Commanders…

Too lazy to think, but still wanting to have its own unique style, Sett simply copied the job title system of Hong Kong triads.

The so-called "Big Boss" refers to the gang leader, namely Sett. Robin's title is "White Paper Fan," though it's usually shortened to "Paper Fan" for convenience. When the Big Boss is around, White Paper Fan acts as the strategist and advisor. When the Big Boss is away, White Paper Fan becomes the temporary leader.

She is the president's personal secretary and holds a prominent position within the Skull Crusher Gang.

Below the large dragon head, on par with the white paper fan, is the "double flower red stick".

In the Skullcrusher Gang, the status of a Double-Flower Red Stick is equivalent to that of one of the three Admirals in the Navy; they are the face of the organization. The selection process is extremely rigorous, requiring not only strength but also, more importantly, proper identity, conduct, and achievements. Therefore, even now, the only Double-Flower Red Stick in the gang is Mondo.

Even if Yi Xiao officially joined the Skull Shattering Gang, and even if he had enough strength, he still had to start from the next level of Red Stick, accumulating experience and merits.

Below the red stick is the green clothing—originally it should be straw sandals, but in the Skullcrushers, there are no straw sandals, only sneakers.

Furthermore, only those at the "Red Stick" level or above could be considered cadres and had the freedom to dress as they pleased. So, Robin, adapting to local customs, changed his clothes to green.

The man in green was a member of the gang, and below him was the henchman, also known as the "minion." Their daily duties included guarding the casino and cleaning the streets.

68. On the way home

"Don't worry about the Walker family for now. We'll have other plans when the big boss returns."

Standing up, well-nourished and with the added benefits of training and conditioning, Robin's complexion and posture were now far more perfect than when she first appeared in the story. Furthermore, due to her physical training, she possessed an indescribable youthful vigor.

“Since the Big Boss is about to return, let’s put everything aside for now and prepare for the handover. If the Walker family makes any moves during this time…” Robin pursed her lips, looked out at the city, and said, “Let Mundo handle it.”

“…” Upon hearing Robin’s words, Pad couldn’t help but shudder.

Mundo, the only remaining double-flower red-rank member of the Skullcrushers, is known as "The Mad Doctor" on Antwerp Island. He was one of the restless individuals who wanted to take over Sett's legacy after his departure. The Walker and Capone families remained neutral. Although Robin had the naval connections left by Tina, she didn't immediately utilize them—the first thing Robin did was to have Mundo deal with those who wanted to take over Capone Casino.

Mundo's approach was undoubtedly brutal, especially after learning that members of the opposing gang could be treated at will. In just one night, Mundo made himself unforgettable to everyone on Antuo Island.

"Dr. Mondo~ uh, he's here for rounds!!"

At that time, Mundo simply kicked open the door, his face full of confusion, and shouted incomprehensible words.

Pad still remembers the time he went to find Mundo. In the dimly lit, chaotic room lay a jumble of mutilated corpses. A large blue tongue dangled from its mouth, and a huge bone saw was being used to cut back and forth amidst the intense screams of agony.

His cloudy eyes held no reverence for life as he hummed a little tune as he cut: "Mundo is a good doctor! Mundo heals the people of Zaun, and he heals the people of Antwerp Island! Mundo has no borders!"

Parde witnessed someone plunge a long knife into Mundo's chest, only for Mundo to casually pull it out and continue his atrocities without a care in the world. The deep, bone-revealing wound healed completely in just a few seconds, leaving not even a scar.

If Robin used her intelligence to make other gangs and organizations see the value of the Skullcrushers, then Mundo used his own methods to instill fear and a sense of threat in them.

It's hard to imagine that such a madman would become the face of a gang...

"Go down and prepare for the many matters concerning the big boss."

"As ordered!"

He nodded in greeting, then Pad turned and left.

Returning to his seat, Robin glanced at the coastline where he had been standing, then at the spot in the center of the office. For some reason, he felt inexplicably relaxed.

She stretched out her arm and exerted a little force. A few strands of black energy wrapped around it. She nodded relaxedly—leaving aside her fighting spirit, Robin's academic abilities were top-tier even in the Grand Line. What would be tedious and boring training for ordinary people wasn't difficult for Robin. While her Armament Haki had only just reached the Hardening stage, still some distance from achieving Armament Haki Envelopment, thanks to the sharp intuition honed during her long years of wandering in her childhood, Robin's Observation Haki had already reached a level far beyond what one would expect for her age.

Even among the Navy's elite troops, Robin's Observation Haki is absolutely top-notch. Despite her young age, she already possesses complete control over it, and due to her childhood experiences, she can further perceive the hostility of everyone around her.

Even so, there is still something that gives Robin a headache—Mundo.

Yes, Mundo. Robin naturally remembered Sett's instruction to train diligently, but she also hadn't forgotten Sett's request to teach Mundo as well.

At the time, Robin felt it wouldn't be too difficult—personally, Robin thoroughly enjoyed the learning process. Whether it was reading books or exercising, the feeling of accomplishment gave Robin a sense of satisfaction. Therefore, young Robin once believed that others also found happiness in learning.

Then Robin experienced the differences between people and the inability of human emotions to be understood by one another...

It's very difficult to get Mundo to think systematically...

Even now, Mundo's mastery of Armament Haki is still only superficial... no, not even superficial. And Mundo's Observation Haki is even less than superficial...

The training of Observation Haki is for dodging attacks, but every time Robin attacks, Mundo just stands there without dodging or avoiding, or even actively walks in to let Robin beat him up. After he's done, he'll pat his chest and say, "Hmm~ Robin's really good! Mundo, let's play!"

He feels no pain and his thoughts are muddled. Mundo has absolutely no idea what dodging is... With a student like Mundo, every lesson feels like torture.

Just as Robin was pondering how to spend his teaching day, on the other side, a small sailboat was sailing with the sea breeze on the West Sea.

"Isn't it a bit too early to set off for the Grand Line now? It feels like we don't even have enough supplies." Ben Beckman stroked his chin and looked at the captain beside him, Shanks.

Shanks, with a relaxed smile, said nonchalantly, "Haha~ That's enough! If all else fails, we can just catch some sea monsters!"

“Sea monsters aren’t always around…” Ben Beckman had anticipated his captain’s eccentric personality. But just as Beckman was about to continue, suddenly, the small boat made a “plop!”

After a slight tremor and rocking, ignoring Shanks who was busy pressing down on his straw hat, Beckman looked up at the sailors on the mast and asked, "What happened? Did we hit a reef?!"

"No!" The sailor was also somewhat surprised. "It's not a reef...it looks like...a person?!"

Even the sailors found it hard to believe as the story progressed.

Upon hearing this, while Beckman was still in surprise, a pair of wet hands suddenly climbed up the deck of the sailboat along the outer wall.

"Damn it..." Spitting out a mouthful of salty seawater, Sett's face was full of displeasure as he said, "Don't you guys have your eyes when you're sailing?!"

69. Combat Sense

Some of his hair was disheveled and stuck to his forehead. As he stood up, Sett combed his hair upwards with both hands, revealing his resolute and handsome face.

I finally managed to go out to sea for a swim, wanting to test my endurance. The first time, I got hit by a slave ship, and this time, I was bumped into by a bunch of random passersby!

Once was bad enough, but now it's happening again. Even Sett himself is starting to wonder if this is retribution for his past life as the Maggot King in the Anti-Japanese War forum. The land-based vehicles were gone, but now the update has introduced mud-ships.

At first, he was a little nervous, but Beckman breathed a sigh of relief after seeing that Sett didn't seem to be in any danger. It was good that he was alright; it would have been really bad if they had gotten hurt because of him and the others.

Compared to Beckman's composure, Shanks seemed far more eccentric. Looking at Sett's unharmed body, and then at the animal ears on Sett's head, his eyes lit up: "Are you alright! By the way, what's with those animal ears? Devil Fruit users can't go underwater, right? Are you a Mink? Then why are you so thin? Are you a hybrid...?"

Seeing Shanks approaching, Sett's lips curled into a slight smirk as he impatiently grabbed Shanks' face and shoved it back: "Hehehe! Get lost, you bastard! We haven't even settled the score for hitting someone with the boat yet!"

“I see…that was definitely our fault.” Beckman was completely unconcerned about Sett’s rough behavior of shoving his captain’s face aside—perhaps Beckman was already used to any eccentric behavior Shanks exhibited.

Hearing the impatience in Sett's voice, Beckman scratched his head and said somewhat helplessly, "But I don't see you're injured... How about we be lenient about the issue of compensation?"

"No injury?!" Hearing Beckman haggling, Sett raised an eyebrow, pointing his thumb to his forehead; "Can't you fucking see this wound? I was swimming just fine, and then this mud boat came crashing down on me out of nowhere!"

"But you really don't look injured~"

Shanks, standing to the side, also shrugged with a grin.

Upon hearing this, Sett's face showed a hint of suspicion. He lifted his hair and touched it with his finger, only to find that there was indeed no stinging pain that a wound should have.

Although Sett's physical strength was already terrifying, he wasn't so idle as to activate Armament Haki hardening at any time—that was very physically demanding. Being suddenly hit by a sailboat traveling at full speed wouldn't cause any major problems, but Sett did feel a stinging pain—only wounds and pain don't lie.

But now, he felt absolutely nothing extra... At this thought, Sett couldn't help but spit out his saliva:

"Holy crap! The wound has healed!!"

Slightly annoyed, Sett scratched his head, then raised his head again, looking at the red-haired man and the others in front of him: "The healing of my wounds is my business, hitting someone with the boat is your problem! You guys better prepare the compensation issue first!"

"Is that so..." Shanks hadn't said anything after hearing Sett's words when Beckman, the vice-captain, scratched his head with a headache.

"If you absolutely have to pay compensation... how many peles are you planning to ask for? We can't afford too much..."

Hearing Beckman's words and realizing they were genuinely discussing compensation, Sett was taken aback. He then pointed to the flag on their mast and asked, "Are you fucking pirates? So easy to talk to?"

Upon hearing this, Beckman not only wasn't angry, but even gave Sett an approving thumbs-up and said, "I actually think the same way as you! But there's nothing we can do; that's just how our captain is, and we crew members can only follow suit."

"Tch, there's no future following a scumbag captain like that. You seem to have some ability, so how about joining me? Sett of the Skullcutter Gang, I always treat those who have served me well!"