Chapter 21: Burufaruto
“We’re here. This is the executives’ residence.
But currently, only Lord Ember and Brother Burufaruto, another executive, live here.
Now with Miss La and you all, that makes five.”
Deke pointed to a short distance ahead, a row of two-story villas with yards.
The villa’s exterior walls were somewhat weathered, with bullet holes and cannon strike marks in some places.
“Because islands in the New World often change hands, no one really maintains these houses, and over time they ended up like this.
But the inside is still very clean.”
Seemingly noticing the trio’s curiosity, Deke glanced at La and the two others’ exquisite attire and explained further.
“Us ordinary members have dorms too, but we’re more used to living on the ship usually. Only the executives have independent residences near the stronghold for convenience in discussing matters with Boss Kaido.”
“By the way, that one over there is Boss Kaido’s residence. Internal pirate crew meetings are usually held there too.”
Deke pointed to a very spacious building not far away, in the same style as the villas here.
However, the walls and roof of that building clearly showed many repair marks, both new and old. It seemed Boss Kaido probably didn’t like using the front door much.
“That long building over there is the canteen. When mealtime comes, they’ll ring the big bell in front, and three meals a day are provided with food to eat freely.”
Deke finally pointed to a row of long, sausage-like houses at the foot of the nearby mountain.
It wasn’t mealtime yet, but smoke was already rising from the roofs over there, probably preparing in advance.
“Alright, those are the important places. Here’s the key to the villa.”
Deke took a silver key from his waist and handed it to La.
“If there are any issues later, just use the Den Den Mushi to find me. Here’s my number.
As for the Den Den Mushi and living supplies, someone will deliver them shortly.”
With that, Deke waved and prepared to leave, letting the three little ones familiarize themselves with the residence.
“I didn’t expect you, Uncle Deke, to look so burly but have such a thoughtful heart~”
Aoxi praised. She was very impressed by Deke’s attentive service and didn’t even use a nickname.
“Haha, not bad~”
Deke actually blushed a bit from the praise.
Unlike his burly appearance, this man’s personality was actually somewhat shy.
Just as he was about to leave to arrange for someone to deliver the living supplies, a four-meter-tall Fish-Man with ox horns on his head approached from afar.
Seeing La and the others standing in front of the villa, the Fish-Man asked puzzledly:
“Hey! Deke! Who are these brats? They look all delicate—did you rob them from some slave trader?”
“Brother Burufaruto, you’re back! How did the battle with that John Pirates crew go?”
Deke was a bit surprised to see him and quickly explained: “This is Miss La, newly appointed executive by Boss Kaido, and the other two are her sisters.”
“Huh? Executive?! Not some noble miss you robbed?”
The Fish-Man named Burufaruto looked the trio up and down again, then suddenly said: “Hey! Brats, you’re not Boss Kaido’s daughters, are you!”
“The three of us have no blood relation to Captain Kaido. We just joined the Beasts Pirates at his invitation, Mr. Burufaruto.”
La responded as politely as ever.
“Exactly, where do you see any connection between us and that guy with horns on his head.” Obei was less polite.
“Fair enough. Boss Kaido only values strength; even if they really were his daughters, he wouldn’t treat them differently.” Burufaruto nodded.
“So, brat, what strength do you have exactly to catch Boss Kaido’s eye?
Let me tell you, we don’t play house here like some pirate game. Without strength, you’ll really die on the sea.”
Burufaruto said sternly to La, face serious as he stared at her.
『Looks like a tough exterior but warm heart.』
La mentally tagged him.
“Oh oh oh! Is it coming? The legendary pretentious face-slapping segment essential for map changes!
Sister La, Sister La, can you let me have the opportunity?”
Aoxi, hearing this, immediately lit up with excitement, clearly not wanting to miss this chance to play weak and strike hard.
“Mr. Burufaruto is just kindly reminding us, not trying to trouble us. Aoxi, don’t be so rude.”
La gently patted Aoxi’s approaching little head.
“Got it~”
Aoxi clutched her head, turned away, then asked Burufaruto: “By the way, Uncle Buru-whatever, are you a minotaur? I see you have horns on your head like Boss Kaido~”
“I’m a Fish-Man, and the strongest Fighting Fish-Man at that—not some minotaur!”
Seeing Aoxi’s carefree attitude treating his words like wind past his ears, Burufaruto got annoyed.
『Still gotta teach these brats a lesson…
Tch, why did Boss Kaido bring back kids this young? Pirate life is too early for them~』
At this point, Burufaruto decided to correct Aoxi’s attitude first.
“From what you just said, brat, you want to spar with me?”
“Uh… probably not, Sister La won’t let me.”
“If she won’t let you, no problem—I’ll allow it.
Take this, let me see what you’ve got.”
With that, Burufaruto swung a fist at Aoxi.
This punch wasn’t heavy or fast.
But for an ordinary eight- or nine-year-old child, it would be hard to dodge, bound to swell a big lump on the head.
Of course, Aoxi easily dodged with a casual tilt of her head.
“Hm? Interesting.”
Missing with the first strike, Burufaruto threw another punch.
This one was much faster than before, nearing a normal adult’s reaction limit.
But Aoxi dodged it just as casually as before with a head tilt.
“Sister La, he attacked first, so I can counterattack, right~?” Aoxi said grinning to La.
La nodded, giving approval.
“Don’t go overboard. Mr. Burufaruto has no ill intent.”
La could tell he just wanted to test their strength, not really dislike them or want to hassle them.
“Hey, leave it to me, you’ll be fine~” Aoxi patted her flat chest.
“Oh? Red-haired brat, getting serious now?”
After two probing punches, Burufaruto realized she wasn’t an ordinary little girl, so he threw a third punch.
This time the speed far exceeded before—it was his normal punching speed.
Aoxi countered directly with her own fist; the big and small fists collided with a heavy impact sound.
『This brat, such huge strength!』
The moment their fists met, Burufaruto felt his entire right arm go numb.
Fish-Men have arm strength several times that of ordinary humans, let alone him as a top Fighting Fish-Man among the Fish-Man race.
Before Burufaruto could adjust, Aoxi’s follow-up attacks came in rapid succession.
Fists created afterimages, and due to the height difference, forced Burufaruto into an extremely awkward defensive posture.
Aoxi’s punches landed solidly every time, giving no breathing room; Burufaruto was actually suppressed and forced to retreat repeatedly.
『Can’t keep this up!』
After dozens of steps, seeing no sign of her stopping, Burufaruto coated his calf with Armament Haki.
He then kicked Aoxi’s fist away with one foot, following up immediately with a punch to Aoxi’s face.
