Because he had eaten the Huangquan Fruit before his death, when his soul walked out of Huangquan and was about to return to his body, it got lost for a year. By the time he found it, his body had turned into a skeleton, his hair had exploded, and he had spent decades in solitude.
Then Gecko Moria came and cut off his shadow, making it completely impossible for him to sail or even see the sun.
Every time Bai Yu told this story, Ku Carlos was amazed and emotionally stirred by the ending.
"It's good not to die," he would say.
Even Laboon gave a surprising tweet in response.
"Thank you… It seems my years of waiting were not in vain…"
Ku Carlos thanked him solemnly and then added with an apologetic tone, "Please wait a moment—I'll repay you."
Bai Yu said nothing and simply took Kaya on a spin inside Laboon.
After a while, Ku Carlos's voice came through again.
"Hey, are you dead? Can you still use a sword?"
"I found the Rumbar Pirates, but only one of them is still alive. Brook is trapped in the Florian Triangle by Moria. I'll go with you in a few days."
"I don't need to go? You want to be active? You're in the Sabaody Archipelago, right? Then bring Brook and we'll meet halfway."
Bai Yu: "…"
Is that what it means to have connections? A single call and the matter is settled. Meanwhile, he still had to find a little brother to rely on.
And opposite him… was that Silvers Rayleigh?
After Ku Carlos arrived, his mood had obviously improved. He grinned and said cheerfully,
"Young man, there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. What do you want from me?"
"Anything but joining your crew is negotiable. Let's talk."
Bai Yu was just as direct:
"My girl Kaya is a ship doctor. Although she's very capable, she doesn't know much about actual medicine. Do you have any medical books?"
"Oh? Such a cute girl is your ship doctor? Mind showing me her ability?"
After Kaya demonstrated her powers, Ku Carlos fell silent for a moment.
Then—
He suddenly lit up.
"It's just… just…"
Ku Carlos couldn't find the words to describe Kaya's abilities and immediately said with excitement:
"Show me more! These medical books are all yours!"
"This is my number. If you don't understand something, call me anytime. No secrets between us!"
Kaya nodded sweetly, "Thank you, Grandpa Ku Carlos."
Ku Carlos was delighted:
"Hahaha, good! From now on, you're my granddaughter. Anyone dares bully you, I'll bury them myself!"
Bai Yu: "…"
Then I really must thank you.
Three days later.
Discussions about Bai Yu were heating up, but there was still no trace of his whereabouts.
"Best if he never shows up again," said Kizaru, clearly pleased by his absence.
Meanwhile, at Whisky Peak—
A town that pretends to welcome pirates, but is in fact a nest of bounty hunters. It also functions as a branch of the secret criminal organization Baroque Works.
They gather there in response to the bounties placed on pirates entering the Grand Line. Many naive young pirates fall victim to their schemes, and Crocodile is making a fortune from it.
At that moment—
In a room somewhere, a girl with long, waist-length blue hair and heavy makeup—dressed like a rebellious teenager—wore a serious expression on her face.
"Let me go to Twin Capes. If I don't contribute something, I'll never climb to the top."
"It's too dangerous!" snapped Mr. 8, who tried to dissuade her.
This girl, Miss Wednesday, was actually Princess Vivi of Alabasta.
Mr. 8 was Igaram, the captain of the Alabasta royal guard.
Both were undercover agents in Baroque Works, working to uncover the truth and bring down the organization from within.
"Since the day I chose to go undercover, I've accepted the risk of death. As long as my kingdom is safe, I'm willing to give everything for it!" Vivi declared, her heavily made-up face filled with resolve and sadness for her troubled homeland.
Igaram's heart ached. His princess, who should have grown up in happiness and peace—how long had it been since he'd seen her smile?
She was only 16 years old.
"Are you truly willing to give everything for your kingdom?"
"Of course!"
Vivi nodded without hesitation.
But then, a sudden voice interrupted them, startling both of them.
Igaram quickly stepped in front of Vivi, sword drawn: "Who's there?! Show yourself!"
Vivi also tensed up. "Could it be… have we been discovered?"
"You saw it when you walked out."
The dull voice sounded again.
Confused and alarmed, they cautiously stepped out of the room—and froze in shock.
Before them stood five women:
• Nami, orange-haired, summoning lightning from her thundercloud.
• Kaya, cute and swinging her blade with precision.
• Tashigi, eyes sharp now without her glasses.
• Nojiko and Makino, both wielding long blades with their eyes closed, cutting with frightening accuracy.
Five women were effortlessly subduing hundreds of enemies.
Seeing Tashigi now, her eyesight restored and her glasses gone, Bai Yu couldn't help but think of Kuina.
Bai Yu, sitting nearby and sipping juice, called out casually:
"Nojiko, Makino, if you're going to kill someone, do it with your eyes open."
"Nami, don't get too cocky just because you're a Logia now. Stay sharp."
"Tashigi, stop holding back."
"Kaya, you're so cute."
Nami rolled her eyes. Too biased…
"D-Demon King!"
"Bai Yu!"
Vivi and Igaram were terrified. They thought Baroque Works had found them and were preparing for a last stand.
But Bai Yu?
What could they possibly do against him?
"A princess of Alabasta…"
Bai Yu's first words made Vivi panic.
"You're clearly very beautiful. I get that you're trying to hide your identity, but this makeup, this outfit—way too flashy."
"Come on, let's go find you something more suitable to wear."
He stood up as he spoke.
The two of them were stunned.
He knew her identity?
Why? How? Did he investigate them?
Igaram stood between them, voice shaking: "D-Don't come any closer! Your Highness, run!"
"It's no use, Igaram," Vivi said bitterly. She gathered her courage. "If you want something… just don't hurt Igaram. I'll go with you."
"Your Highness…"
Igaram was in tears.
At that moment, the five girls looked over at Bai Yu.
"What are you looking at? You're not done here! Keep going!"
Bai Yu snapped, not turning his head.
The five women were speechless.
Was Bai Yu about to kidnap someone again?
And this time, it's a princess?
Then Bai Yu calmly looked at Igaram.
"I'm taking this princess. Any objections?"
"It's useless to object!"
Boom!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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