Buro! Buro! Buro! ... Buro! Buro! Bur!
Western side of Cocoyashi Island
Buro! Buro! Buro! ... Buro! Buro! Bur!
"Hmm..."
Seth, who was lying on the beach, opened his eyes. He had been taking a short nap, but the annoying sound coming from his coat beside him woke him up.
Crack!!
He accidentally crushed one of the bones scattered around him, remnants of his recent meal. He pulled the Den Den Mushi from the pocket of his coat and answered the call.
Katcha!!
"Seth! You idiot! Was that really necessary?!"
The harsh voice of scolding came through immediately from the other side.
"Hmm? What's the matter?" he asked groggily, yawning as he sat up.
"You could've gotten rid of those fish-men without causing that much destruction!"
The voice was filled with frustration. Seth glanced at the Den Den Mushi imitating his mother's angry face and sighed, adjusting his posture as he sat up straighter.
"Alright, alright… How did you find out about the fish-men? Did the villagers tell you?" he asked, trying to change the subject.
"Sigh... Yeah. I didn't think a place that seemed this peaceful was actually under Arlong's pirate rule..."
"Anyway, you did good wiping them out. You're seen as a hero now in this village. They've been looking for you everywhere…"
A proud grin spread across Seth's face when he heard his mother's praise, but it quickly froze.
He grabbed the Den Den Mushi tightly and asked in alarm,
"What do you mean they were looking for me?! Wait, did you tell them I was the one who did it?!"
"Sigh, I wasn't the one who said it… It was that brat Luthor. His tongue slipped."
"Sorry, big bro..."
Seth heard the voice of his ten-year-old younger brother apologizing.
He let out a weary sigh.
"Forget it. Just don't do it again, alright? Remember, we can't trust others that easily."
"The people here are kind. Plus, that little display of power you put on made quite an impression."
"Anyway, what are you going to do now? What's your next move?"
"I found evidence of dealings between the Marines and Arlong's crew. Specifically, a Marine lieutenant from the nearby branch was helping Arlong's pirates cover up their control over Cocoyashi Village..."
The Den Den Mushi fell silent for a moment before Susanet replied in a grim tone
"This Marine system is rotten to the core..."
"So what are you going to do about it?" she asked, after swearing profusely against the Marines and the World Government.
Seth set the Den Den Mushi aside, pulled out a few documents from his coat pocket, and replied with a sly smile while staring at the papers in his hand.
"I've got evidence that implicates Lieutenant Nezumi in direct collaboration with the pirates. I'll use this to threaten him, make him back off from Cocoyashi and even guarantee the village's protection."
Susanet scowled.
"Hmph! Or you could just erase the man from existence."
Seth shook his head, disagreeing.
"No. That's dangerous. What if the Marines or the World Government grow suspicious? It could put your current location at risk, and I'm really sick of moving from place to place."
"Seth!!"
"What?!"
"You overthink things! He's just a lieutenant, not someone who'd cause waves. Besides…"
"You foolish boy! Do you really think the death of Arlong and his crew won't get out? That'll draw more attention than offing one lieutenant!"
She sighed and added,
"My dear son, stop overthinking everything. You'll burn yourself out. Just take out the lieutenant and anyone else who was involved, just avoid risking innocent lives."
"As for us, there's no need to worry. Or do you really think I'm weak?"
"No, that's not it. It's your illness…" Seth quickly replied.
"Forget that damn illness. Even if you don't believe in my strength, there's still Eel and Gran. You know better than anyone the
power of the Devil Fruits they've eaten!"
"You're right. Sorry for underestimating you guys…" Seth apologized.
"So? What will you do after you're done with the lieutenant?" Susanet asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Well, actually… I've been thinking about joining an organization that caught my attention…" Seth replied as he recalled the information he had read in the newspapers over the past few days.
"Hmm? Really? What's this organization called?"
"The Revolutionary Army."
Susanet went silent for a while before speaking again.
"The Revolutionary Army… hmm. I think I understand why you'd want to join them. As your mother, I'd rather you stay far away from them, or anything that might put you in danger. But..."
"But you're already a wanted man with a massive bounty on your head. You're constantly in danger anyway.
Not to mention the World Government chasing you down for killing that Celestial Dragon… and wanting to uncover the mystery behind your powers."
"So… do whatever you want. Just… don't die."
"Aye aye, ma'am."
Seth smiled, then changed the topic as he gazed at the sky, the sunlight already beginning to set.
He stared at a particular cloud and said,
"If you ever need money… tell Eel I left everything in that place…"
"Alright, I'll let him know. Anyway, goodbye for now. The villagers are throwing a feast to celebrate their freedom. Do you want to come? You can disguise yourself..."
Seth shook his head and said as he stood up, supporting himself,
"No thanks. You guys enjoy, but don't drop your guard. Talk to you later. You can always contact me through the Den Den Mushi."
"Okay, take care."
Katcha!!
Seth stared at the now-sleeping Den Den Mushi.
"This thing's useful. That black market really lives up to its reputation..." he muttered, remembering how he bought it from a hidden black market he'd found two months ago on a certain island.
He packed his things and tossed them onto the boat, which was now empty after being full of treasure. He had stashed it all in a location known only to him and his 17-year-old brother Eel, the Mythical Zoan user.