One Piece: Circle Of Chaos

A massive four-layered cake rested at the center of a pristine white pavilion. The bottom layer bore an elegantly scripted name, while a regal crown adorned the top. The pavilion itself, crafted from rich wood, featured glass-paneled walls that allowed a clear view of the surroundings. A short two-step staircase led to the entrance, where inside, plush white chairs were arranged in a welcoming fashion.

Seated within the pavilion, Mayumi and Masashi's younger brother conversed quietly, while Mina lingered near the drinks table.

The door creaked open. Akira stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the scene.

"What are you doing, Mina"

Mina spun around, startled.

"Don't get into whiskey, Have wine instead. It's good."

Without waiting for a response, he strolled toward the cake, eyes narrowed on the chocolate.

"Who wrote this?"

He took the chocolate that was inscribed with Zenjiro while watching his sister Mayumi and took a bite.

"Everyone knows whose birthday it is."

Circling the cake, Akira examined it from every angle.

Masashi entered the pavilion, his footsteps heavy with irritation.

"It won't kill you to say hello to someone"

Halting beside the cake.

"You have upset a powerful man, He heard you"

The conversation pulled Mayumi, Mina, and Masashi's younger brother into an uneasy silence.

"If you want to take over the empire, Then you've got to change this attitude of yours."

Masashi pressed with a sharp tone.

Akira's lips curled into a smirk.

"I inherited this attitude, Masashi. It's in my blood. How do I get rid of it?"

Mayumi sighed from her seat,

"There you two go again with your argument"

Masashi exhaled,

"Mayumi, I'm just trying to explain to him that---"

A subtle movement caught his mina's attention. She shot a glance at Masashi's younger brother, signaling something discreetly.

Masashi carried on, his voice steady.

"---If he wants to do business in Seikatsu, he needs to think carefully about every move he makes."

Akira nodded and then asked,

"How far can you see?"

Masashi Frowned.

"Can you see where our business will be in five, ten, or even twenty years?"

Mayumi suddenly stood, irritation flashing in her eyes. 

"Alright, we get it you're smart. Now shut up."

Akira turned toward her, his expression unreadable. 

"It surprises me, Mayumi. Is 'shut up' and 'stop it' all you ever have to say? How sad."

Then, shifting his gaze to Masashi, he added, 

"Brother-in-law, does my sister not have the right to speak in your house?"

Masashi shook his head. 

"That's not the point. The Governor is our guest. We need to show him respect—"

Akira cut him off. 

"The point is, you're not just representing Masashi Murata. You're representing the Hawthorne.

You're representing Zenjiro Hawthorne." 

His voice carried a razor-sharp edge. 

"You don't need to bow to them."

Masashi's patience snapped. 

"Don't talk to me like that! I'm not bowing to anyone. He's my friend."

Akira let out a short laugh. 

"A friend? Then why is he still wearing his party sash? Why didn't his security leave their guns at the gate?"

Masashi clenched his jaw. 

"He's the Governor, for crying out loud! There are protocols to follow."

Akira scoffed. 

"There are no protocols in this compound."

Turning to his sister, he asked, 

"Mayumi, did you notice? They're carrying huge rifles."

Akira stopped, His gaze flickered to Mina, then to Masashi's younger brother, before returning to her.

"What's your deal, Mina?" 

He snapped, making her jolt. 

"You're not interested in any of this?"

"Are you planning to join the business in the future, or will you just keep repeating 'shut up' and 'stop it' like her?"

"Idiot."

Masashi exhaled sharply. 

"That Governor is going to be the Prime Minister in ten years."

"Then he will wait for me."

Akira's voice held unwavering confidence. 

A sudden knocking on the glass window shattered the tension. All eyes turned to the source.

Outside stood an old man, his white hair contrasting starkly with his deep black eyes, eyes identical to Yuri's. Though older than Zenjiro, he carried himself with a strength that defied age.

"Champ."

He greeted Akira.

"When did you get back from Dressrosa?"

The man walked around the pavilion and stepped inside. He approached Akira giving him a warm hug.

"Misao Uncle, How are you doing?"

Misao gripped Akira's hand and replied with a smile,

"I'm doing great."

He studied Akira for a moment before chuckling. 

"I heard you got a haircut as a gift for your father?"

"You haven't changed one bit."

Mina avoided Masashi's younger brother's silent gestures and feigned disinterest.

Misao patted Akira's shoulder. 

"Alright, let's grab a drink sometime. I want to hear your stories." 

Then, with a nod, he exited the pavilion.

The brief interruption didn't derail the ongoing tension. Masashi picked up where he left off.

"Why stop at Prime Minister? Even the Five Elders will wait for him."

"Masashi, Don't instigate him. Please don't do this right now."

Akira's jaw tightened.

"What do you mean don't instigate him?"

His gaze bore into her.

"Why are talking about me like I'm some ticking time bomb or something?"

"You should've said 'detonate' instead of 'instigate'."

Masashi shook his head. 

"I just closed a massive deal, and now he's trying to lecture me about business."

Akira's smirk returned. 

"Three billion berries, and not even one single partner."

"So you've been keeping tabs on him even while you were in Dressrosa?"

Akira turned sharply toward her. 

"What do you mean by track?"

"I didn't like the way you said 'track'."

Mayumi folded her arms.

"I didn't like the way you spoke to him."

"Whatever Masashi does, he does it for Hawthorne."

Masashi didn't like what Mayumi said,

Masashi frowned. 

"Listen, I don't need you defending me, alright? Just—"

He placed his hand under Mayumi's chin, pushing her aside with a little too much force.

Mayumi staggered back.

A sharp slap echoed through the pavilion.

Akira's hand had knocked Masashi away, His glare burned with unspoken fury.

"Hey."