One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 92 Eating a Buffet as a Free Meal

A glass of fresh, iced milk—simple and unpretentious—this is the breakfast of the infamous monster general Kuzan today.

Although he could have eaten a more substantial breakfast in the cafeteria or cooked a hearty breakfast in his fully equipped kitchen, his overwhelming sleepiness still prevailed.

But the knocking on the door caught his attention.

Judging by the time, it must have been a newspaper deliveryman.

Newsbird is just one way to purchase newspapers. As long as you discuss it with the administrators at Marineford headquarters, it is perfectly acceptable to have Newsbird collect the newspapers and then have a delivery person deliver them directly to your house.

This also aligns with Kuzan's laid-back style.

Kuzan took the newspaper from the mailbox and casually flipped through it.

He was serious at first, but after a while, he looked relieved: "I didn't expect what she said was actually true."

That's right, the newspaper published information about the complete annihilation of the Marine branch on Dorati Island, the capture of the great pirate Gecko Moria, and the arrest of dozens of pirates.

Morgans was undoubtedly the most daring journalist, using biting language to satirize the incompetence of the naval branch.

At the same time, he wrote down his speculations about who would defeat Gecko Moria.

If Roman sees this, he should be glad he ran fast.

Wherever a major event is discovered, Morgans' reporters and newsbirds are like sharks smelling blood, daring to go anywhere.

"Oh dear, it seems she did it. What a formidable girl." Kuzan quickly deduced that Roman was responsible. Looking at the photo of Moria, badly injured beyond recognition, Kuzan couldn't help but marvel at Roman's strength. (Roman: To be honest, those injuries have nothing to do with me.)

However, there was one thing that Kuzan found strange: there was no information about Roman published on it. Could it be that she personally handed the pirates over to the branch?

Perhaps they also felt it was too much trouble.

After putting himself in Kuzan's shoes, he found a reasonable explanation.

Now that things are settled, she should be back soon. Let's tell Professor Zephyr; that would be another great achievement.

Once relaxed, Kuzan put his eye mask back on and fell fast asleep.

……

West Sea.

An unnamed passenger ship.

"Fresh steak, delicious vegetables, and high-quality fruit—it's true, there are advantages to being expensive, right, Bucky?" Roman began to chew his food heartily. Supplementing with adequate vitamins was essential during his long period at sea.

"Hey kid, why did you choose such an expensive passenger ship? And I have to pay for your ticket!" Bucky snatched the juice from Roman's hand and drank it all in one gulp. Although he preferred to savor fine wine, Bucky knew he needed to keep a clear head in this unfamiliar environment, and besides, he didn't completely trust Roman.

“Even in the vast ocean, a storm is no joke. Our small boat can’t withstand the wind and rain at all. You’re an ability user, and we can’t possibly swim across the island. Besides, expensive passenger ships are much safer,” Roman explained with a smile.

However, that wasn't the whole reason. The main reason was that the ship was offering free high-class cuisine, which she happened to want to try.

But then again, if it weren't for the fact that it was a passenger ship, Roman would have thought he had accidentally boarded a gang's private vessel.

Perhaps it is because of the large number of gangs in the West Sea that the local people are so fierce. In particular, those who dare to sail around in this chaotic world must have some courage.

Guns, swords, longbows, and daggers were practically essential items for every guest, and even a child like Roman carrying a long knife didn't seem out of place.

These are just the guests; the sailors and captain seem to be quite skilled. After all, it would be incongruous to make a living on the dangerous high seas without some ability.

"The crew here doesn't seem to be to be underestimated." Bucky looked around and seemed to agree with Roman's assessment.

"I've always admired your eye for quality," Roman said objectively, taking another bite of his steak without haste.

Expensive items, aside from being expensive, are indeed hard to fault.

For example, this passenger ship provides hot water 24 hours a day, three meals a day on time, and has waiters on deck to meet customers' needs at all times.

On such luxury passenger ships, passengers are usually wealthy and noble, dressed in fashionable clothes, adorned with luxurious jewelry, and glittering with precious stones.

Bucky's eyes were starting to wander, fixed on the ruby ​​brooch on a certain gentleman's chest, unwilling to look away.

Although he calls himself a pirate, Buggy never minds being a thief, especially when he sees something that suits his taste.

Roman turned a blind eye to the matter, since theft was not under the Navy's jurisdiction, and she didn't care as long as Bucky didn't cause any major trouble.

With Bucky's skills, it would be quite easy for him to snatch an ornament from an ordinary gentleman.

After observing a three-second silence for the gentleman, Roman resumed enjoying his meal.

Although it was Bucky's money he was paying for, Roman felt an urge to get his money's worth. The food provided made her feel like she was eating at a buffet, or even a high-end buffet.

Roman's gaze was fixed on a piece of roasted meat, and he was about to reach for it when he was unexpectedly drawn to some high-quality fruit.

On the high seas, fresh fruit is much more expensive than regular meat, so Roman changed her target and picked up a lemon. But when she looked at the plate, the roast meat was gone.

There was no one there just now.

Roman looked around carefully, making sure he was alone in this corner. Even Bucky had moved closer to his prey to lock onto his target.

This made Roman feel a little uncomfortable. Perhaps he was overthinking it, but with a cautious attitude, Roman still used Observation Haki.

Then she realized something was wrong; there was someone under the dining table.

The sound of chewing food could be clearly heard even with Observation Haki.

This is free food, but they've made it feel like they're trying to dine and dash. Does anyone actually have that kind of fetish?

Thinking of this, Roman quietly unfolded the tablecloth and turned his eyes around.

She had dark green eyes, short hair that reached her ears, slender limbs, and wore only an old gray dress. Her face was thin and lacked a healthy glow. A piece of roasted meat was stuffed into her small mouth, with sauce smeared on the left corner of her lips. She was a little girl, a little girl who could be described as pale and thin.

Although she didn't look very presentable, the girl had a faint floral scent.

Roman's sudden action filled the girl's eyes with terror, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Roman was clearly faster, first covering her mouth and then putting his index finger to his lips in a "shh" gesture.