Chapter 35 - CHAPTER 35 - Moris

"Hahaha! A Warlord of the Sea is truly formidable! I'd love to spar with one myself, just to see what makes them different from other pirates." A loud, brash voice echoed from a distance as a towering figure, nearly three meters tall, strode forward with an unsteady, drunken gait. His long, wild hair cascaded like a lion's mane, his muscular physique so unnaturally defined that it looked more like forged steel than flesh. His chest bore a massive diagonal scar, so deep and jagged that it seemed as if someone had once tried to cleave him in half. At first glance, he didn't even seem human—he was a monster in human form. "A miniature Kaido?!" Rosen's heart skipped a beat. Regardless of his actual strength, the sheer size of the man was enough to leave an impression. Every inch of his body radiated explosive power. "Moris." Even Balm's expression turned serious. He hadn't expected Moris to personally attend—normally, he just sent a representative to make an appearance. "What's the matter? Not welcoming this drunken guest of yours? That won't do. At most, I'll just drink a bit more of your wine. Go on with your business—I won't interfere. "As for you, Warlord, are we going in? It'd be rude to keep everyone waiting, wouldn't it? Hahaha!" Moris brought no attendants, only himself and his jug of wine. He swaggered towards the building, seemingly carefree. Rosen felt the weight of the situation but wasn't afraid. Both Balm and Moris gave off an overwhelming aura of strength. No wonder the Marines couldn't take control here. Even the wineries had to divide power among three factions—after all, with so much wealth at stake, anyone with the strength to seize it would want their share. Sure, an admiral or a few more vice admirals could likely bring order to the island. But in the current global situation, such high-ranking forces were already stretched thin. And even if they did come, other problems would arise. "Let's go." Rosen gestured to Robin and Daz Bones before stepping inside. "Take him away. Try to keep him alive." Balm handed the gravely wounded Anlin to one of his guards before following Rosen back into the building. Inside, the structure resembled a grand commercial complex rather than a private estate. At the center was a large open area, surrounded by rooms arranged in a circular pattern. From the second floor onward, the halls were wide and designed for entertaining guests. Tables were set, red carpets lined the floors, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of fine wines. Merchants from all over the world gathered in small groups, engaged in lively conversation over drinks. The third through seventh floors followed the same format. By rough estimation, at least a thousand guests, including their bodyguards, were in attendance. Yet, thanks to the layout, the space didn't feel crowded at all. The eighth floor was reserved for private gatherings. Apart from the banquet tables along the hallways, every ten meters or so, there were private VIP rooms. These allowed guests to discuss business with the three major wineries in secrecy. They also served as resting areas for the evening's distinguished guests. However, the first floor was different. Rather than being set up for dining, it housed a fighting arena, a casino, and a bar—entertainment facilities for the attendees. If it weren't for the formal setting, Rosen might have mistaken it for an upscale club. Moris, upon entering, went straight to the first floor. He had no interest in mingling with the merchants—his representatives would handle that. He was here only to drink. But when he sat at the bar, those nearby instinctively moved away. Drinking with someone like him was simply too unnerving. As Rosen and his group entered, the room momentarily fell silent. Moments ago, many of these guests had witnessed the spectacular battle at the entrance. Now, their gazes carried a mix of awe and fear. The power Rosen had displayed was truly shocking. Logia-type Devil Fruit users were already rare. For many of these well-traveled merchants, seeing one in action was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then, Rosen spotted two familiar faces. Captain Luca. Rear Admiral Harry. The moment Luca saw Rosen, he enthusiastically approached. "Warlord of the Sea, your strength is truly humbling. If I had even half of your power, I'd be satisfied!" Flattery wasn't easy to pull off convincingly, but Luca did it effortlessly. His expression and tone were so sincere that it was hard to tell if he was being genuine or just putting on an act. Perhaps because Rosen had caused a scene outside, Balm wasn't in the mood to send anyone to formally welcome him. Rosen didn't mind. The only regret was not being able to finish off Anlin—he might become a problem later. It seemed that before leaving, Rosen would have to find another opportunity to deal with him. Harry, on the other hand, said nothing. He merely cast Rosen a glance before falling silent. Based on his investigation so far, it seemed Rosen had no connection to Luca. And, surprisingly, he really had done a good deed. Yet that was precisely what troubled Harry. A Warlord of the Sea killing and pillaging? That was expected. But standing up for the weak? Defending the innocent? That didn't fit the image of a Warlord at all. "Does Captain Luca need something?" Rosen frowned slightly. Luca had been keeping an eye on him for a while now. Because of the incident with the children, Rosen had his suspicions. So he wasn't particularly warm toward Luca. "The banquet won't start for a while. Would you mind stepping aside for a private conversation?" Luca's gaze was earnest. Rosen considered it. At this point, it wouldn't hurt to hear what Luca had to say. Especially since he had previously mentioned something related to Balm. Given the current situation and past events, Rosen and Balm were clearly at odds. If Luca was willing to share information, it might lead to an advantage. And if Rosen refused now, Luca would likely keep looking for other ways to approach him. "You two stay here. I'll be back soon." Rosen told Robin and Daz Bones before following Luca. "Thank you for your time." Luca raised his glass in a toast. Rosen didn't respond. He simply pushed open an unmarked door and stepped inside. Luca smiled, casually pulling out a cigarette as he followed. "Smoking is a wonderful thing," he mused. "It clears the mind... and it can take a life." Meanwhile, Robin picked up two glasses of wine from a passing waiter, offering one to Harry. "Nico Robin." Harry's expression darkened—he recognized the infamous "Demon Child." But after a moment's thought, he accepted the glass. Perhaps he could learn something useful from her. Of course, he had no idea that Robin was thinking the same thing. And unlike him, she was an expert at this game. "I heard the highlight of tonight's banquet is a Devil Fruit. "Is it in your care, Rear Admiral?" Robin smiled, leading with the perfect opening move. (End of Chapter)