One Piece; Full Counter!

Chapter 41: will you join this journey?

The midday heat in Alabasta was merciless, but within the shadowy alleyways of the bustling market, the sun's blazing rays found it difficult to penetrate. Narrow streets wound between the towering sandstone buildings, their windows wide open to let in the faintest trace of a breeze. Above, ropes strung between windows and balconies bore colorful laundry, fluttering gently despite the oppressive heat. The scents of fresh fruit, spices, and baked bread mingled with the occasional tang of seawater carried in from the distant docks.

A faint shimmer caught the eye as a figure descended slowly, as though defying gravity itself. Harliequin, known to some as King, floated effortlessly downward. His light brown hair, tousled and swaying with his descent, framed a face of quiet intensity. His hazel eyes, calm yet observant, scanned his surroundings as he set his bare feet on the cobblestone street. With a faint smile, he broke the silence.

"Carrying a pillow around, knowing full well it might brand you a thief—why bother?" he asked, his voice gentle but tinged with amusement.

Before him stood a young man cloaked in a plain brown fabric, his head and features obscured save for his sharp green eyes that carried a mischievous glint. In his hands, he held a pillow—a rich green cushion intricately embroidered with darker emerald designs. Beside him stood a young woman, her light blue dress swaying gently with her movements. Her silver hair shimmered in the dim light of the alley, and her soft blue eyes focused curiously on the newcomer.

The cloaked young man, still holding the pillow, grinned as he addressed King. "This pillow… it radiates energy. You can't tell me it's ordinary. Feels more like an artifact someone would fight over."

King chuckled softly as he extended his hand. The pillow, as if responding to an unspoken command, floated out of the young man's grasp and hovered half a meter off the ground. King lowered himself onto it, crossing his legs. The sight left the silver-haired girl momentarily stunned.

Her blue eyes widened. "It's really… floating?" she whispered, reaching out tentatively with a slender finger.

"Indeed," King replied, his calm demeanor unwavering. "I cannot hand it over to anyone, even at an international auction."

The cloaked young man's grin grew as he drew a blade from the sheath on his back. The polished steel of Lostvayne gleamed faintly in the dim light of the alley. His gaze lingered on the blade's reflection before he spoke. "This pillow of yours—it feels like it's on par with this sword. A treasure. And if there's one thing I know about treasures, they choose their owners."

King's eyes softened in thought as the woman lightly touched the floating pillow. She marveled at its texture and levity, her fascination apparent.

"My name is Harliequin," King introduced himself with a faint smile. "Though most call me King, the Sin of Sloth."

The cloaked man nodded, his playful demeanor barely masking a certain seriousness. "I'm Meliodas. And this is Elizabeth."

King tilted his head, his fingers brushing against his chin in contemplation. "Meliodas…" he murmured. "Where have I heard that name before?"

Elizabeth spoke, her voice carrying a gentle curiosity. "Harliequin-san, why were the Marines chasing you? And if this pillow is truly yours, how did it end up in the market?"

At her question, King's hazel eyes flared with a quiet anger, his hands clenching into fists. "I'm just a victim of this cruel world," he began, his tone laced with bitterness. "Three years ago, I crossed paths with a rogue. He called himself Ban. I'll never forget that name."

Meliodas glanced at Elizabeth, silently asking if she recognized the name. She shook her head in response, her expression pensive.

King continued, his voice steadier but still simmering with frustration. "At first, I traveled with him because he claimed to know a way to reach the New World. But all I saw was a thief who survived by stealing from others. Three months of watching him swindle and plunder—and then he stole my treasure. My sacred artifact. He sold it off like it was nothing. I lost everything because of him, including my freedom. The Marines branded me a criminal, all because of that scoundrel."

He exhaled deeply, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I spent three years searching, and by chance, I found it here in Alabasta's market. Stealing back what's rightfully mine—I suppose irony has a sense of humor."

Meliodas bit his lip, clearly suppressing laughter. Elizabeth gave him a sharp nudge, her voice a soft reprimand. "Don't laugh. This isn't funny."

King sighed, waving off their reactions. "It's fine. My own foolishness makes it a story worth laughing at. Anyway, thank you both. This is where we part ways."

The green pillow began to rise, carrying King upward once more. But before he could ascend far, Meliodas reached out, gripping the edge of the cushion. King stopped, his calm eyes meeting Meliodas's.

"I'm looking for a crew," Meliodas said, his voice firm. "A strong crew to sail to the New World. Harliequin—no, King, the Sin of Sloth—will you join me?"

King tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his gaze. "Why? Why risk the dangers of the New World?"

Meliodas's smile softened as he looked down at his own hands. "My life before this… was dull. No adventure, no excitement. But fate decided to throw me into this journey. Chasing the One Piece will be fun, sure. But it's the journey itself that excites me."

King hummed thoughtfully, his eyes shifting to Elizabeth. "And the two of you? You're the only members of this so-called crew?"

Meliodas looked up, his gaze tracing the sliver of sky visible between the alley's towering walls. The sunlight streaming down highlighted a few scattered clouds drifting lazily across the azure expanse. He chuckled softly. "There's one more. He's waiting for me—probably fuming by now. I've kept him waiting far too long."

King considered his words, a faint hum escaping his lips. Finally, he exhaled. "Alright. I'll join your journey. After all, I've got nothing else to do in these waters."

Meliodas grinned, turning to Elizabeth, who returned his smile with a bright one of her own. The Sin of Sloth had joined their crew, and the adventure ahead promised to be anything but dull.

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