Strength And Treasure

Sebastian, sharing a passion for swordsmanship, was equally intrigued. Ulquiorra, too, was a swordsman, and his prowess with the blade was nothing to scoff at. Additionally, his striking appearance resembled that of the legendary Mihawk, known for his ability to cut through the very seas with a single slash.

And then there was the matter of beautiful women in the Pirate World. Ulti, Hancock to name just a few—all striking in their own right. When Sebastian attained greater strength, he couldn't help but think that he might have his pick of these beauties.

Among them, Hiyori caught Sebastian's attention as she smiled in his direction. This brief interaction led to a misunderstanding among the onlookers, with many believing that Hiyori had smiled at them, sparking a lively, and somewhat comical, debate.

"Hey, Hiyori smiled at me! She's into me for sure! I'm divorcing my wife to marry her!"

"Get lost! She was clearly smiling at me!"

"Nonsense! Hiyori was definitely smiling at me! You're all delusional!"

The heated discussion quickly escalated into a brawl.

Hiyori gracefully moved through the crowd, her eyes fixed on Sebastian. She couldn't help but be captivated by his exceptional handsomeness.

"He's quite the looker," she thought. Even in the midst of the countless guests who frequented the Flower District, there had never been a man as handsome as Sebastian.

Yet, fate had other plans. He was a member of the Beasts Pirates, and she, a sworn enemy with a mission to revive the Kozuki family, defeat the Beasts Pirates, and reclaim Wano Country. Their paths were destined to lead them to opposite sides of a bitter conflict.

"Too bad," Hiyori whispered in her heart.

"Would you like to hear a song, my lord? I can play one for you," she offered with a courteous bow.

Hiyori, with her green hair, delicate features, and elegant kimono adorned with peacock motifs, exuded an air of aristocracy that had charmed countless men. Even in a world as tumultuous as the one in One Piece, the spirit of a hero endured.

Sebastian grinned, "I'm very fortunate."

"Please, follow me, my lord," Hiyori gestured, her fan concealing the corners of her mouth.

Behind them, the voices of disappointed men were heard, as they tried to cope with the reality that the goddess of their dreams was now inviting men to listen to music in the Flower District.

Hiyori's true nature was known to most men. Some divas were merely performers, with their singing being just one facet of their occupation.

Hiyori extended a daring invitation to Sebastian, suggesting they enjoy some music at the flower building. It was a move that left a question mark hanging in the air: What did it imply?

As they strolled towards the flower building, Hiyori engaged in a light conversation with Sebastian. She couldn't help but comment on his youthful appearance, "Your Excellency looks very young, only fifteen or sixteen years old."

Sebastian affirmed, "I am indeed fifteen." Hiyori maintained her composure, recognizing the opportunity that age presented. Fifteen, a time when a young man's heart was brimming with fervor. She knew that men in this age group were the most susceptible to her charms.

With just a hint of allure and sweetness, she could easily ensnare their hearts, making them willingly abandon everything for her. Hiyori had employed this method numerous times, a tried and tested technique that had left a trail of deceived admirers in her wake.

In her eyes, the men of the Beasts Pirates were all cut from the same cloth, with their desires primarily focused on women. "My lord joined the Hundred Beasts at such a young age, it's amazing. I don't know why my lord wants to join the Hundred Beasts Group?" she inquired.

Sebastian's response was resolute, "For strength." His predecessor had sought the crew for treasure, but Sebastian's goal was clear: power. In a world marked by chaos and lawlessness, possessing formidable power was paramount. Everything else was mere illusion. Wealth lacked the strength to protect itself, vulnerable to the whims of those who could seize it at any moment and reduce its owners to beggars. With power, wealth would naturally flow.

Hiyori was taken aback by the sincerity in his response. She had assumed that Sebastian had become a pirate for financial gain, as pirates were often associated with the love of treasure. She probed gently, "What about money?"

Sebastian's answer was unwavering, "Money? What's the use of having more money? Without power, everything is a mirage." 

He turned his gaze toward Hiyori and continued with a hint of gravitas, "It's akin to the Kozuki family. They were incredibly wealthy, controlling all of Wano country, and their riches seemed boundless. But the Beasts Pirates seized Wano country, and the Kozuki family became like bereaved dogs, hiding in their own land, living a life worse than that of commoners."

Hiyori's body stiffened, her steps coming to a halt. She stood there in a daze, an icy chill creeping up her spine. It felt as if she had suddenly been thrust onto a glacier, the stark reality enveloping her in a frosty embrace.