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The blue haired man looks much younger than most of them and out of place. Here, on deck with the Sea Emperor, former Shichibukai and most trusted pirate officers, he looks like a lost child. He may look like one, but carries himself with grace and attitude. They don't know much about this whole situation, only orders to find Buggy the Clown. Former Warlord, former crewmate, former childhood friend of Red-Haired Shanks. The "former" seems to be a permanent thing in a pirate's life
Buggy sits on a barrel and looks at Shanks.
“Why am I here, Shanks?"
He doesn’t acknowledge anyone else. Doesn't give them a second look..
“We need your help,” the red-haired pirate replies cautiously.
Laughter, but not hysterical or mocking, but loud and a little rough.
"Shanks, my strength barely matches that of your officers. Not to mention your…allies. You all here seakings and I’m a mere fish. How can I all of the people can help you?". The smirk is mocking.
"Map. The one the Captain showed us. We need this map".
Since that clown set foot on the deck, the Red Pirate has not smiled. A rare sight for all who know the good-natured Emperor.
The clown cackles, detached hand swirling the end of his hair, which is tied in a high ponytail.
"You kidnapped me here to ask about the map we briefly saw two decades ago? Emperor or not, you're still dumbass if you think I have the map".
His attitude irritates those around him, and the atmosphere takes on hints of a dangerous aura. But Shanks didn't bat an eyelid at the blue-haired man's rudeness.
"You memorized it"
He said it with such confidence.
"I’m flattered, but no, Shanks, I have not. And you wasted your time", he smiles pityingly and shrugs.
"Don’t bother to give me a ride, just a boat and some supplies will do".
He stands up, brushing his pants, when the red-haired pirate speaks again.
“I may be the stronger and more diplomatic of the two of us, but you have always been and remain smarter than me. Observant. Especially with maps, your memory works better than any ordinary person. Blu-”
The slap echoes across the deck. The clown's hand covers Shanks' mouth and he does nothing. The anger of those around is palpable, but Buggy still doesn't look at them.
"That's right! My memory is better than yours, and you've lost the right to call me that."
Buggy hissed furiously. After a few seconds, he removed his hand.
"Boat. Now"
There is nothing left of carelessness and calm in his voice, with a stern face, he turns his back to Shanks. To them. The clown is braver than he looks, or crazy.
"Please, Buggy"
One of the strongest people alive pleads, the Emperor himself.
Buggy stops. Turns and looks at Shanks.
"And what do I get out of it?"
"Anything"
Buggy's behavior changes very quickly. His eyes hardened and his lips formed into a thin line. Youth is gone from the face, and this is a grown man. Who has probably been in and seen hell or something close to it.
"Stop chasing me"
Crew and shichibukai relax, such a simple request!
But time stretches, and with it the silence. The red-haired captain's face darkened, and finally he became angry. But why now? Why for a simple request? Tension is in the air, the Emperor's control slipping over simpl…
Oh.
Every pirate who has chosen the sea is known for his love of adventure, but in addition, the pirates sailed for one more thing - treasure. They will chase it to the end of the world. The most desirable treasures lead pirates to hell and death.
It’s getting suffocating. Buggy leans back on the barrel and suddenly looks exhausted. This is not a haki effect, this exhaustion gives him a person who possesses that power. The rubber tie that holds Buggy's tail bursts under the pressure, and blue strands cascade down. They are like sea waves, bewitching. For a few seconds, they see a glimpse of what the Emperor saw seemingly a long time ago. And they understood.
"Drop it, Shanks"
His voice is equally tired.
"You said it yourself: anything"
Like a broken spell, they can breathe again. The weariness has washed off the clown and his aura screams freedom. Exactly what they couldn't see in him, fellow pirate, from the start. Understanding why tastes bitter.
"Where can I draw? Lead the way, Shanks"
A blue-haired man is in command, he seems upbeat. He looks painfully free.
The Red-haired Emperor obeys.
Still a strong captain, reliable leader and ally. But behind all this is a broken man who has lost everything. And if their eyes sting a little no one addresses it. There is no pity in their hearts. Just growing respect and maybe a little bit of hatred for the blue-haired clown.
There is a saying: a pirate without a purpose at sea is a dead man.