One Piece: Scourge of the Seas

Lagren wasn't the type to overestimate himself.

Although he wouldn't follow Wolfrat's so-called friendly advice, the unease Wolfrat had displayed made Lagren take note of the peculiarities surrounding the weapon shop.

Thus, instead of rushing in recklessly, he spent a small sum to send a hapless pirate inside to gather information.

As Wolfrat suggested, the shop was indeed run by an old man and a scar-faced girl.

Apart from them, there was a black-haired boy around fifteen or sixteen years old.

Which meant, the boy was likely the one who had committed the attack.

While Lagren didn't know the boy's motive, that wasn't his concern.

His task was to resolve this before his crew returned.

If the situation allowed, capturing the perpetrator alive would be ideal.

The captain would surely enjoy spending time tormenting the attacker.

Quietly leaving the weapon shop, Lagren headed to the bar district.

He wanted to dig up information about the shop's background.

His cautious approach stemmed primarily from Wolfrat's indirect warning.

Otherwise, he would have already barged in, blade in hand.

After all, it was just a small weapon shop tucked away in an alley—not like those protected by the Rules in the main streets.

Causing trouble there wouldn't have any serious repercussions.

Lagren believed he hadn't been exposed.

However, from the moment he and Wolfrat stepped into the residential area, everything had already been observed by Sol.

This naturally included the shifty pirate sent in to scout.

At 6 p.m., the weapon shop closed as scheduled.

"Net profit: 50,000 berries."

Sunny carefully recorded the day's earnings in the ledger.

When asked why it was net profit, Maude could only shrug and smile.

After jotting it down, Sunny headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner while Maude stayed behind to clean up.

As for Sol, it was unusual for him not to immediately retreat to the second floor.

He remained seated behind the counter, his gaze repeatedly landing on Maude.

After cleaning the floor, Maude looked up at Sol and asked, "Do you... have something to say to me?"

"Oh, you caught on, huh?" Sol knocked out the ash from his pipe.

How could I not notice?

Your gaze was practically hanging around my neck.

Maude thought to himself, suppressing a sigh as he adopted a listening posture.

Sol studied Maude and casually asked, "Want to learn how to shoot?"

"Huh?"

Maude was stunned, utterly unprepared for Sol's question.

For a moment, he didn't know how to respond.

He was well aware that Sol wasn't an ordinary person—someone close to Shanks and respected by Yasopp couldn't possibly be average.

In terms of marksmanship, Sol's expertise must be exceptional.

Yet, having been influenced by countless iconic figures in the original series, Maude was more inclined toward swords or martial arts than guns.

To him, guns were merely a stepping stone for the early stages of his journey. Once his physique improved sufficiently, he planned to delve into martial arts or swordsmanship.

This was why he hadn't written a second request in his Hunter's Notebook. The three remaining blank slots were reserved for his future needs.

Seeing Maude's hesitation, Sol wasn't bothered. He patiently waited for an answer.

In Sol's eyes, there was no reason for Maude to refuse.

After a moment, Maude cautiously replied, "Actually, I'm more interested in learning swordsmanship. Do you know how to use a sword?"

"..."

Sol's eyelid twitched as if struck a nerve. He abruptly stood on his chair and bellowed, "You want to learn the sword? That trashy thing can't compare to guns!"

Seeing Sol's intense reaction, Maude wisely clamped his mouth shut.

He had heard from Sunny that Sol planned to bid on a Grade One Blade at the auction later that month.

This led Maude to believe Sol must be a skilled swordsman.

But now, it seemed there was more to the story.

"I'm telling you, learning the sword will get you killed faster! Guns, on the other hand, let you take down enemies from a distance, giving you a chance to retreat if things go south. Can a sword offer you that kind of advantage?

"Anyway, kid, you're a natural with guns. Forget about swords and just focus on learning marksmanship with me. Got it?"

Sol spoke earnestly, trying to convince Maude.

He had expected Maude to jump at the opportunity, but instead, it felt like he was the one doing the convincing.

If not for recognizing Maude's innate talent for marksmanship and potential for Observation Haki, Sol wouldn't have wasted so many words.

Just like his store's motto—if you want it, great; if not, get lost.

What Sol didn't know was that what he saw as "innate talent" was actually the result of Maude's relentless training in the Hunter world. Similarly, his aptitude for Observation Haki stemmed from an ability called Heart Rhythm Fist.

That afternoon, Maude had avoided Arthur's probing hand thanks to this ability, which functioned like early-stage predictive observation.

Otherwise, in his physical state at the time, even with preparation, dodging Arthur would have been impossible.

Sol, witnessing the scene, had concluded that Maude possessed the potential to develop Observation Haki—an essential skill for snipers aiming to become top-tier marksmen.

Without it, no matter how skilled one's marksmanship was, they would never cross the threshold of greatness.

Meanwhile, innate "gun sense" wasn't as crucial but still vital for a sniper of the highest caliber.

"Got it, got it!"

Maude didn't know why Sol suddenly wanted to take him as a student, but given the circumstances, he didn't dare refuse.

Besides, upon reflection, learning marksmanship from Sol wouldn't hinder his plans to later explore martial arts or swordsmanship.

Moreover, this was a chance to cling tightly to Sol's "big tree."

Why not seize it?

Seeing Maude finally agree, Sol sighed in relief.

Huh?

Why am I relieved?

Sol's lips twitched slightly.

As a veteran pirate, even aboard Shanks' ship, a single shout from him would draw eager juniors ready to learn.

Yet now, he had to practically beg Maude to accept.

"Forget it. Considering your talent, I'll endure it."

Sol grumbled internally.

He was genuinely worried Maude might waste his potential by pursuing the path of a swordsman.

If Sol knew Maude's true intentions, he'd probably flip the entire shop.

"Alright, go do your chores."

Sol waved Maude off.

Without hesitation, Maude grabbed his bucket and mop and dashed away.

Watching him leave, Sol thought about the man who had come for Maude earlier that day.

"Daring to mess with my people?"

Sol's eyes glinted with a protective light.

He walked to the third shelf, which housed second-hand goods, and casually pulled out a flintlock pistol in decent condition.

Having witnessed Maude's talent the night before, Sol's perception of him had fundamentally shifted.

Now that their relationship as teacher and student was established, he wouldn't let small fry threaten Maude.

That night, a lead bullet traveled thousands of meters, striking down Lagren as he gathered intelligence in the bustling tavern.

One shot, one kill.

Panic erupted in the tavern.

The pirate Lagren, with a bounty of 19 million berries, had met his end.

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