[Episode] The Knockout Punch! Worley Vane Appears!

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Landing on Spider Miles to restock ships wasn’t an unusual practice, and the Nox Pirates needed supplies for the journey ahead. As the ominous vessel docked in the harbor, murmurs around the town spread of the famed pirates arrival, especially after the incidents on Lvneel. Being spread through only rumors, no one had any clue what happened to the country that's been known for its military prowess but anything involving the Three Eyed Captain was bad news.

Disembarking the ship, Castor searched around the port markets for any usual books that’d peak his interest. He didn’t really have much time since his ‘return’ to the world to catch up on reading, actually, the last time he’d read for pleasure was as a child before his untimely marronage.

“Tell me… Do you have an interest in novels, boy?” the merchant inquired, watching Castor’s movements around his catalogs, as thieves were quite common in the port.

“Interest… Hmm… Could you call it that?”

Adjusting his headband to cover his third eye properly, at times the sweat from the material caused it to burn if his eyes wasn’t fastened tight enough.

“A wise man once said… Books are the gateway to another man’s soul.”

“Oh-ho-ho… Do tell… What’s that wise man’s name?” the merchant engaged in banter, stuffing his pipe with his daily medication, a handful of tobacco lit by a timely match.

Before the man could’ve offered his response, a crowd seemed to gather around, it’d seem as though a fight of sorts had broken out. Tossing a few bills in the man’s direction, Castor selected three books from the assortment, and hustled off towards the crowd. The man’s wooden sandals clacked against the port’s aged make, shifting through pockets of the crowd, utilising his height to siphon through the herd of fight enthusiasts.

The scuffled seemed to originate from the ship, and the chase made its way dockside. Honestly, Castor was just hoping it wasn’t any of his men. A peaceful arrival with no schemes involved was all he wanted moving forward, it’s the reason why he’d conceal his race’s identity anywhere he’d visit. Racism geared towards him was grounds for a civil war in his eyes, and that was a price paid in blood, resolution wasn’t cheap. Hence, he’d opt for a more logical route, removing his identity from the situation, unless necessary.

Just then, the first punch was thrown.

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“Look at them go!” one of the onlookers shouted. Finally making it to the front of the crowd, Castor examined the conflict between the five strangers. Extending his hand towards a nearby merchant’s stall, Castor quickly nabbed dried squid, obtaining some snacks for the showcase before him. The blue haired sluggers movements were slick, it definitely wasn’t his first rodeo.

As for the other burly built men, it was clear their rage blinded proper decision making. The exchanges were violent and messy but for the most part, the blue haired fighter came out on top, maintaining a confident smirk on his face the entire time. Castor was indeed intrigued, nibbling on the squid, eyes firmly locked onto the action.

The sound of the gauntlets clanking against the first strangers chin was loud, the shocked expressions on the other assailants faces couldn’t be suppressed, or at least, if they tried, the men had done a terrible job at it. Instantly, any doubt of jumping into the squabble increased, the seeming leader’s followers were reduced to mere cheerleaders, as their Captain, from the looks of it, swung his blade in rage to combat the man’s bare handed style.

Castor’s eyes almost popped out when the blue haired male headbutted the slightly larger male, even from his position it’d look like it hurt. The sweat on the man’s body flew onto the spectators, Castor wiping the splatters of sweat and blood that subsequently accompanied the droplets.

“They better finish this quickly… It’s bad for business.” one of the merchants onlooking, ran around quickly wiping the blood from his produce, as some of the splatters had made it to his stall. “If Master Gero finds out about this… It’ll be a bloodbath.” another merchant chimed in. “Eh. That hot head will have their heads on stakes. He’s the residential protector… I get it but sometimes he goes too far.” the final merchant chimed in, shining the weapons he’d have on sale.

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Nibbling on the squid, Castor watched as the Blue Haired brawler lost the upper hand and was sent flying into the stalls, meters away from where he was standing. Walking over to steal another few pieces of squid, Castor stuffed his mouth and then turned to the Blue Devil to offer some advice.

“Hey kid. You should aim for his left side. From the looks of it, it seems to have a slower reaction time.” Castor commented, resuming to chomp down on the squid. “Also, your movements are way too wide. A sloppy swordsman like him… You’ll be an easy target. Keep as close to him as possible, the more distance you put between yourselves, the worse it’ll end up for you.” Castor explained, adjusting his red and black kimono, as he’d watch the conflict at hand.

“Oi! This is my produce for the day! You think you bums can just come here and do whatever you like-” the merchant of the squid stall complained, arguing with Castor who robbed him and the Blue Haired Man who destroyed his stall. Tossing the man a couple thousand of beli, “There. I paid. That should be more than enough to buy yourself a new stall too. Now if you don’t mind… Shshshshsh!” Castor declared, looking up at the man in a childish manner, silencing him with a finger gesture over his mouth and the accompanying sound that followed.

The other strangers who’d been watching their Captain scuffle, rushed towards Castor, thinking he was an accomplice of the blue haired man from their small exchange. Pointing his finger in a gun like fashion, Castor quickly shot lightning bolts through the foreheads of the men, leaving them motionless on the floor.

A woman’s scream wailed out loudly throughout the port as one of the deadman’s bodies had collapsed on her, making a quick breakneck pace towards the ground once neither her, or the freshly departed corpse could support the incoming weight. Folding his legs seated, continuing to chow down on the shrimp, Castor turned his attention to the drama at hand, while in the distance, a slew of reports were sent to the port’s residential bully.

The murders would happen so quickly, to the onlookers eyes, the men had simply collapsed from maybe fatigue or stress, but anyone who’d take the time to flip over their bodies and examine their forehead would notice the telescope hole in their skulls.

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In the bar further down the street, gobbling down barrels of rum at a time, the pirate captain dressed in a thick army green jacket sat enjoying the company of a few Northern peaches. The woman touched against his chiseled chest, which was absent of an undershirt, running their fingers through each cut on the man’s abdomen perversely. Bursting through the door, ending the merriment of the man on the banjo, the grunt panting screamed out for his captain.

“Captain Gero! There’s a brawl in the port! Some Blue Haired Bastards messin’ with The Fat Bard - Lucas!” the grunt reported.

“AH!” Gero shouted, finishing the contents of his flagon.

“No matter how much I fucking drink I can’t seem to get drunk anymore…. Lord. Have you finally forsaken me? Is that rash on ass the beginning of your curse?!” Gero shouted, the women who were caressing him paused, either out of disgust or anxiety.

“Boss!” the grunt shouted again, as Gero had a habit of ignoring those who’d call for him.

“AH! I need more rum! Fill my cup Jacob!” Gero shouted, calling for his Vice Captain, who was busy with a young charlot of his own. “Poor ya own rum, Capt’. My hands are full~” Jacob responded, squeezing his hands against the ladies mountainous blessings. The man’s rough hands caused the woman great discomfort but due to her own sick perversions, it brought her pleasure at the same time, bad boys were her type after all.

“Captain!” the grunt shouted once again. Tossing his empty cup at the door’s entrance, shattering it against the grunts head, blood began to slowly drip onto the pub’s floor.

“WHAT THE FUCK DA YA WANT PUNK?!” Gero shouted.

“There’s a fight in the port! The locals who pay us for protection are gossiping about you slacking off on your duties!” the grunt shouted with immense spunk.

Sighing, “Another fight… Who is responsible this time?” Gero inquired, cleaning his ears with his pinky finger.

“Some unknown. A blue haired brat’s messing with the new recruit. Lucas. The fat swordsman with the 5,000,000 dolla bounty!” the grunt responded, using his garment to wipe the blood from his face.

“A bounty hunter on Spider Miles, ha? Even if he makes it out of the port… He won’t last long here.” Gero declared, jumping to a wild conclusions as per usual.

“Eh. I don’t think he’s a bounty hunter Captain…. His style’s too wild for that.” the grunt chimed in.

Throwing the women off his body and grabbing the snarky black haired Vice Captain, by his ear, Gero dragged the man as he’d go inspect the situation.

“ARGH!” Jacob shouted, scrambling to reach for his muskette. “Easy on my ears Capt’. Why are we going personally to check out some little squabbles? We got thirty men under our care, send them! I was just about to-”Jacob exclaimed, his whining came to an abrupt stop as Gero stopped his advance, dropping the man onto the ground crudely.

“My gut feeling. Every time my stomach feels like this… Like a shit that can’t come out… Some bad shit goes down.” Gero declared, a single drop of sweat trickling from his forehead. “Ah. Your sixth sense.” Jacob responded, quickly springing to his feet, dusting off his cape and puffy leggings. “Well. Say that next time.”

Looking over his shoulder, “I’ll take a rain check babes. I’ve known this fucker for years… and his sixth sense is the real deal. It’s what stopped him from having a bigger bounty than he does now… It’s also saved our asses from death too many times. So, I’ll meet you at my Inn later.” Jacob explained to the lovely lady whose bosom was blessed by the Gods of Eros and Sensuality.

Cocking his muskette, and resting it on his shoulder.

“Let’s go Capt’” Jacob stated.

“Let’s celebrate tonight! We’ll collect some extra tax and have a feast! Boys! Let's' move!” Gero shouted, signalling for the rest of his twenty five men, the informant included to follow his stride.

The Sober Brawler - Gero Staxx, 75,000,000 Bounty
Crimes: Robbery, Murder, Arson, Destruction of Property, Racketeering.

One Shot - Jacob Pollard - 43,000,000 Bounty
Crimes: Mass Shootings, Murder, Assault and Ship Hijacking

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The sound of the cowering sheep didn’t phase Nox much, actually, he was quite accustomed to flocks of humans running away. Though, usually, he’s the cause. The Green Jacket Captain Gero entered into the area with authority, his odd army and right hand man each equipped with stern faces and the nastiest of attitudes.

Gero’s eyes locked onto the blue haired man at first, from the amount of blood, dirt and sweat that accompanied his garment and skin, the signs of a scuffle was evident. His eyes would shift next to the kimono wearer. Long black hair held together by a head-band that carried Kanji, snow white fabric with crimson patterned logos and wooden sandals, with an unidentified object strapped across his shoulder which seemed to a staff of sorts.

However, Castor didn’t carry much flare, and Gero was known for jumping to conclusions.

“I take it you’re the man in charge, hotstuff.” Gero declared, picking his nose as he’d get face to face with Worley, sizing up the man’s physique. “That fat tard ya’ just fucked up, that’s my guy. I didn’t like him very much between you and me.” Gero declared, kicking the corpse of the deceased Lucas.

“I could use a man like you in my lot. How about it?” Gero inquired.

Walking over to the seated male, as Castor nibbled on squid and examined the situation. Jacob progressed, aiming his muskette’s barrel at the man’s skull.

“Yer Captain over their messed up bigtime shrimp.” Jacob declared, fire arm steady aimed to shoot at any sign of resistance.

“My Captain?” Castor inquired, stopping to scratch his head momentarily. Scanning the area, actually more intrigued by the exchange between Gero and The Blue Haired Devil, Castor only noticed after an awkward pause that Jacob was talking to him. Stuffing the purchased squid into his mouth from the stall that was abandoned by the merchant, Castor looked up to the lanky marksman.

“Impossible. The only person I’ve ever followed in life’s dead. I’m the Captain of my own destiny.” Castor retorted, giving the marksman an ominous, strange and out of context response purposely. Blocking his line of sight, “Could you shift to the side… This is about to get good-” Castor declared, gesturing his hand in a flapping fashion, signaling for Jacob to get out of his way.

As soon as Castor’s sentence concluded, Jacob would rally off five shots at the squid connoisseur. The orphan’s body dropped in response to the unfriendly fire, dramatically of course.

“I hate chatty men. I only have time for cheeky women. Oi! Capt’ This one is dead.” Jacob shouted.

The posse used the Vice Captain’s exchange with their Captain as an indirect signal to block the perimeter. Surrounding The Blue Haired Brawler and the ‘deceased’ Castor, in a circular fashion.

Pulling out a small gourd, Gero popped the rubber screw, emptying the beverage into his mouth.

“AH! No matter how much I drink…. I can’t get drunk.” Gero shouted, wiping his mouth clean of any droplets of rum. “So annoying! Look. Yer buddies dead. We got a ton of damages to my clients property. I’mma ask you directly this time. I don’t like teases. Join me and you can work off ya’ debt.” Gero declared.

“Or else… Me and my boys are going to make an example outta ya.” Gero declared, as he’d raise his hand in a fist like fashion. Surrounding his arm was a cast of rum, it was as if the pores in his skin acted as a tap, the liquor poured out, and hovered in a suspended manner, covering the man’s arm in a fist of alcohol.

The crew members howled at the sight of their Captain’s Devil Fruit abilities, which allowed him to manipulate the properties of any liquid that contained alcohol.