One piece: Establishing a Pirate Family

Chapter 234: Breath of the Beast

"What? Are you scared?"

Charlotte asked, walking forward and looking at Kozuki Toki.

Mitsuki Toki trembled with nervousness, unable to hide her fear.

"You haven't told me your name yet. And why are you here?"

Charlotte continued, closing the distance between them and locking eyes with her.

Standing at 2.3 meters tall, he had to lower his head slightly to meet her gaze. The sheer difference in size made the pressure unbearable for the 1.7-meter-tall woman.

"M-Me? My name is Kozuki Toki! I… I was shipwrecked!"

Startled by Charlotte's intense gaze, Kozuki Toki stammered through her words.

"Oh? A shipwreck? You're not lying to me, are you?"

Charlotte smirked, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

"No! No! I swear I'm not lying!"

Hearing his suspicion, Kozuki Toki's expression grew even more anxious. She shook her head frantically.

"Is that so?"

Charlotte nodded, watching her closely.

Kozuki Toki stood there nervously, unsure of what would happen next.

"Alright, then! We'll drop you off at the next inhabited island."

Charlotte spread his hands nonchalantly.

"Thank you!"

Kozuki Toki blinked in surprise before bowing deeply.

She hadn't expected the infamous pirate to let her go so easily.

But it was a relief.

"Captain! Why not dock here and rest for a while? The crew has been drifting at sea for more than half a month."

Barrett's deep voice interrupted their conversation as he approached.

"Oh? Do they all want to get off the ship and stretch their legs?"

Charlotte glanced around and immediately noticed the expectant eyes of the surrounding crew members.

"Alright! We'll rest here for the night. There seem to be plenty of wild animals on the island—perfect for a barbecue!"

Hearing Charlotte's decision, the entire crew erupted into cheers.

"Yeah! Long live the captain!"

Charlotte smiled, then turned back to Kozuki Toki.

"Well, looks like we'll be staying here for a day. Are you in a hurry?"

Kozuki Toki quickly shook her head.

"No, not at all!"

Satisfied, Charlotte gave the order to bring the ship ashore.

The crew eagerly disembarked, ready to enjoy their time on land.

"Let's go! Adventure time!"

Caesar grinned, waving for his siblings to follow. He was the first to jump off the ship.

"Brother! Wait for me!"

Tesla, Robert, and the others rushed after him. Even Esdeath quietly followed, ensuring her younger siblings were safe.

Led by Caesar, the group of energetic children quickly disappeared into the island's interior.

"Don't run too far! Be careful of the beasts!"

Charlotte shouted, watching them vanish into the forest.

"Don't worry, Dad! As long as I'm here, nothing will happen!"

Caesar called back confidently.

"Idiot! I'm worried because you're there!"

Charlotte growled, rubbing his temples.

"Lohahahaha!"

Caesar's carefree laughter echoed as he disappeared into the woods.

Charlotte sighed, pressing his hand against his forehead.

These mischievous kids are going to drive me insane someday!

Just then, Elena, Martha, and the other six women were helped out of the cabin by their maids.

The oldest among them was seven months pregnant, while the youngest was four months along. Their rounded bellies were unmistakable.

Seeing Charlotte fussing over the children, the women smiled affectionately.

But their gazes soon fell on the green-haired woman standing beside Charlotte.

Strange clothes. Pretty, but clearly fragile.

Their smiles faltered.

Seriously? Charlotte's been off the ship for less than an hour, and he's already picked up another woman?

Are the maids on board no longer enough for him?

Seeing his wives approaching, Charlotte quickly walked over.

"Haha! We're staying here for the night. The crew has been at sea for half a month—it's time they stretched their legs!"

Charlotte grinned.

The six women exchanged amused glances, their smiles radiating maternal warmth.

Kozuki Toki, observing from the side, immediately realized the truth.

These women must be Charlotte's wives.

And those children must be his.

"Let's go! Let's enjoy the island together!"

Charlotte said, guiding the six women off the ship.

The crew began unloading supplies for the overnight stay.

Only a skeleton crew remained aboard to guard the ship.

---

Night fell quickly.

Everyone gathered around a large bonfire, sharing food and laughter.

The island echoed with joy.

With Charlotte's children running around, the atmosphere was more festive than usual.

Even Kozuki Toki, initially hesitant, couldn't resist the warmth of the gathering.

For the first time in a while, she felt… safe.

---

The next morning.

Due to the late-night festivities, most of the crew slept in.

The sun was already high in the sky when they began to stir.

"Pack up! We're setting sail soon!"

Charlotte stood at the edge of the camp, watching the sleepy crew rise.

"Dad! No, wait! A huge pirate ship is approaching from the other side of the island!"

Caesar suddenly burst out of the forest, pointing frantically toward the horizon.

Pirate ship?

The mood shifted instantly.

Everyone stiffened, instinctively reaching for their weapons.

Charlotte narrowed his eyes and turned in the direction Caesar pointed.

Without hesitation, he activated his Observation Haki.

Interesting…

Charlotte smirked.

What are the odds?

"All hands! Prepare for battle!"

Charlotte barked, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

On the open sea, the owner of the massive pirate ship froze.

Then, a booming laugh rang out.

"Ku-lalala! Boys, get ready for a fight!"

Edward Newgate—Whitebeard himself—stood at the bow of the ship, eyes fixed on the island.

"It's Dad!"

A member of the Whitebeard Pirates shouted, eyes wide.

This was the Moby Dick, Whitebeard's flagship.

"An enemy? Let me handle it!"

A bloated man, his clothes damp as if he'd been soaked for days, stood up.

Kozuki Oden.

Without waiting for orders, he jumped off the ship and sprinted toward the island.

"Oden! This isn't a fight you can handle alone!"

Whitebeard shouted after him, but it was too late.

Kozuki Oden was already charging ahead, eyes blazing with excitement.

"Is that… a samurai?"

Barrett stepped forward, fists tightening as he prepared to engage.

But Charlotte raised a hand, stopping him.

"This opponent is beyond your current level."

Charlotte stepped forward, eyes glowing red.

"Kozuki Oden?"

Oden grinned, unsheathing his swords.

"Hahahahaha! Gun-Phantom!"

He easily bypassed several swordsmen, slicing through their defenses like paper.

Nothing slowed him down.

Oden's excitement grew as he spotted Charlotte running toward him.

"A blond swordsman, radiating raw power?

"Breath of the Beast!"

Oden roared, gripping his swords tighter.

This was it.

His first true battle at sea!

---

Read up to 20 Chapters ahead on patreon.com/Fanglin

[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]

*Thank you*