The Hunter of Pirates

The unexpected question made Mobin glance at Tatamu with a slightly puzzled expression.

Pirate?

Mobin didn't consider himself a pirate, nor did he have any interest in such a title in the future.

"No."

Without much thought, Mobin answered Tatamu's question.

Hearing this, Tatamu instinctively glanced at the stairs leading to the second floor, then lowered his head and silently resumed wiping the glass he had been cleaning.

Mobin looked at Tatamu and said, "You still haven't answered my question."

"I sell."

Tatamu belatedly answered Mobin's query after being prompted.

This bar of his was indeed a place for intelligence trading. That was also why Ratsnout often lingered here and eventually befriended him.

Mobin gave a knowing smile.

To him, any bar located in such a hidden place was bound to serve as a venue for information exchange beyond just serving drinks.

This reminded him of the world of hunters, where similar underground spots often functioned as hubs for gathering intelligence.

Once again, Mobin glanced at the bar's empty seating area and smiled. "This place is nice. I'll be coming here often in the future."

Tatamu was momentarily taken aback but eventually nodded. "Welcome."

Their brief interaction left Tatamu with a good impression of Mobin.

However, the thought of Ratsnout and that dangerous woman targeting Mobin made him glance again toward the staircase.

Friends, huh…

Tatamu continued wiping his glass in silence, choosing not to intervene.

Despite his positive impression of Mobin, his loyalty lay with Ratsnout, who was already a close friend.

Over the few minutes of conversation, Mobin noticed Tatamu rarely spoke, and when he did, his sentences were short, barely exceeding five words.

Still, Mobin could understand.

As a man with such an unusual voice, anyone in Tatamu's shoes might be reluctant to speak freely.

Mobin turned his gaze toward the staircase. "Does Ratsnout live here?"

Tatamu nodded.

Mobin nodded in understanding and lowered his eyes to the untouched glass of liquor, pondering Ratsnout's motives.

What intrigued him most was how Ratsnout had managed to locate him earlier.

Like a bloodhound.

This implied that disguising himself in front of Ratsnout was pointless.

Yet today, Ratsnout pretended to be a stranger approaching him.

Was it to get back at him for that shot yesterday?

If so, why did he step in to block Kazt?

Mobin thought deeply but found many contradictions, making it hard to discern Ratsnout's intentions.

"Tatamu, Ratsnout—this name doesn't sound like his real one, does it? It feels more like a nickname."

Tatamu glanced at Mobin but chose to remain silent.

"Well, that's fair," Mobin chuckled and didn't press further. He placed a banknote under the glass and rose to leave.

"Leaving?"

Tatamu glanced at the bill under the untouched drink.

Normally, he wouldn't bother asking.

"Yeah, I'll come again next time."

Mobin stood up, casually picking up the stoat, which had somehow crawled under the chair during the conversation.

Its survival instincts were strong, but alas, it had encountered Mobin.

"I'm off. Tell Ratsnout I said goodbye," Mobin said as he headed for the bar's exit.

Tatamu silently watched him leave.

Ten minutes later, Ratsnout came downstairs after tending to his injuries.

Seeing the empty bar, he froze.

As for the stoat, it had long since been forgotten.

"Where's Usopp?"

"Gone."

Tatamu glanced at the bandages on Ratsnout's hands.

"Damn it, he just left like that!"

Ratsnout plopped onto the barstool, clutching his hair in frustration.

"I finally made a friend, and I was planning to build on that while the iron was hot."

"Tatamu, you know that guy Usopp? He really screwed me over today."

"Look at my hands, my back, and even my ass! These injuries are all thanks to him!"

"If I weren't so tough, I wouldn't even be standing, let alone drinking!"

Despite his grievances, Ratsnout pocketed the bill that Mobin had left behind.

A single drink didn't cost 10,000 Beli.

Tatamu shook his head, accustomed to Ratsnout's antics, and didn't bother commenting.

After pocketing the money and finishing his rant, Ratsnout downed the untouched drink in one gulp.

"Another one."

Tatamu nodded, quickly fixing him another drink. "He's your target?"

"Who?"

Ratsnout reflexively asked.

"Usopp."

"Wow, Tatamu, that doesn't sound like you."

"…"

"Let me tell you, Usopp might seem unbothered by your voice, but trust me, that guy is trouble. Stay as far away from him as you can!"

"…"

"Besides, you shouldn't meddle in this. Even if you know something, just pretend you don't. If it weren't for me holding her back last night, that woman would've had a thousand reasons to cut you down just for being a pirate. Of course, I know you're not a pirate."

"He isn't either."

Tatamu looked at where Mobin had been sitting earlier.

Ratsnout stared at Tatamu in surprise.

"Tatamu, I don't care if he's not a pirate now. What I do know is that he'll definitely become one—and not just any pirate, but one the Navy will find troublesome."

"What do you mean?"

A trace of confusion appeared on Tatamu's face.

Ratsnout slowly put down his glass, spinning it with his thumb. "It's complicated, and I'd rather not say. Don't ask."

Tatamu nodded and said no more.

"Honestly, if the circumstances allowed, maybe…"

Ratsnout's playful demeanor turned somber, and his eyes revealed a cold killing intent.

Crack.

Ratsnout accidentally crushed the glass in his injured hand.

"This…"

Looking at the broken shards, Ratsnout grimaced. "Tatamu, where did you get these glasses? They're junk! You should take these shards and demand a refund."

"Ten thousand."

Tatamu said flatly.

"Really?"

Ratsnout's mouth twitched.

"Ten thousand."

Tatamu repeated.

Reluctantly, Ratsnout handed over the same 10,000 Beli bill he had just pocketed.

Meanwhile, Mobin returned to the weapons shop without a hitch.

As soon as he stepped inside, he felt a sharp gaze on him.

Ignoring Sunny's piercing glare, Mobin walked in as if nothing had happened.

"Sunny, Sol's not up yet, right?"

"Don't know."

Sunny replied curtly.

"Alright."

Mobin approached the counter and held up the stoat for Sunny to see.

"Look, I brought back something good."

"A snack?"

Sunny asked, eyeing the stoat with suspicion.

The stoat shuddered violently.

"What kind of people are these???"

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