Monster Hunter of the One Piece World

Sherwin once again activated his "three heads and six arms" mode, carrying a cat on each shoulder as he walked out of the inn.

To make it easier for the two cats to perch on his shoulders, Sherwin had even moved the katana Cody gave him to his waist.

Fortunately, it wasn't as long as the Longsword, and Sherwin had grown a bit recently, so it just barely avoided getting in the way of his movements.

Although letting the cats walk on their own and strapping the katana on his back would've been more convenient and more in line with Sherwin habits, he didn't dare let Klee Meow run around on her own in this gang-ridden place.

After all, the original character of this little one was notorious for wandering off. Coupled with a kitten naturally curious disposition, if he let her down, she'd be gone the moment he looked away.

Thankfully, the little ragdoll was also quite clingy. If he let her walk, she'd disappear in a flash, but once hoisted up on his shoulder, she'd obediently stay put...

Well, except for the part where she liked to paw at his ears and hair now and then, and her constantly swiveling little head made Sherwin neck itch.

Since he was already carrying Klee Meow, Sherwin naturally couldn't play favorites—Sanji Meow, of course, took up the other shoulder.

Though when Sherwin called out to him, the little yellow cat looked completely disinterested, he scrambled up just as fast as Klee Meow. Sherwin was long used to Sanji Meow tsundere little attitude.

Luckily, Felynes weren't heavy to begin with. With Sherwin current physique, it didn't affect him at all.

Though if he ended up with more Felynes later, things might get troublesome...

Looks like he really needed to summon a "parent cat" at some point.

As a hopeless cat addict, Sherwin had at least a bit of self-awareness—he knew he wasn't cut out to keep his Felynes in line. Especially when one of them was Klee Meow, a little ragdoll who was an expert at playing cute.

With the cats on his shoulders, Sherwin wandered aimlessly through the city, browsing the rows of dazzling goods lining the streets.

There were even a few weapons dealers among them. Unfortunately, he didn't find any weapons that qualified as "sharpblades," though he did pick up some special gunpowder for Klee Meow.

"Young master, would you consider parting with those two cats?" asked yet another merchant—Sherwin had lost count of how many had asked by now.

"Sorry, not for sale."

At first, Sherwin would explain that Felynes were partners, not pets, but after being pestered too many times, he simply began replying with a cold face and a curt refusal. Before the merchants could try to haggle further, he'd already turned and walked off.

Still...

Uncle Cody guess had been pretty spot on.

Sherwin had been wandering the streets with the cats for quite a while now, and though greedy eyes followed him everywhere, no one had made a move to snatch them. Everyone so far had tried to initiate a proper transaction instead.

Someone had even noticed Sherwin interest in a good blade and brought out a longsword at the sharpblade level, hoping to trade it for one of his cats—naturally, Sherwin turned that offer down without a second thought.

Under normal circumstances, once he'd "lit up" the city map with the cats in tow, Sherwin could've just headed back or kept aimlessly wandering the streets for Klee Meow entertainment. But he still had the task Uncle Cody had assigned him.

So, after covering all the main streets of the city, he started heading into more remote, out-of-the-way places...

Sherwin didn't even have to pretend that something had caught his interest and led him off the beaten path—Klee Meow had been curious and excited from the get-go. From the outside, it just looked like he was indulging the whims of a playful Felyne. No one would suspect a thing.

Come to think of it, that how I lured out Uncle Bucks in Colored Paper Town too...

Sherwin mentally muttered to himself.

Well, if it works, it works—no need to change what effective.

The reason gangs are gangs is because they don't play by the rules. Expecting them to behave and do honest business was clearly a fantasy. Sure enough, the moment Sherwin gave them the opportunity, a pack of jackals immediately started tailing him.

"Someone following us, meow," Sanji Meow whispered into Sherwin ear.

Sherwin gave a subtle nod, showing no reaction, and continued putting on the act of being led around by Klee Meow curiosity, drifting through the hidden corners and back alleys of the city.

"Strange, meow…" A little while later, Sanji Meow mumbled again.

"There were several groups tailing us before, but now almost all of them have backed off. Only two left… oh—they've just joined up, meow."

"Hmm… It probably those three major forces behind this country who drove the others out," Sherwin said in a low voice.

The situation on Gress Island was different from Color Paper Town. Here, the underground forces had already been consolidated, so with a bit of thought, it wasn't hard to guess what had happened.

The only question was: which branch of the three families was behind it? Or was it all three working together?

While it was unlikely that gangs would truly unite in purpose, with the joint trade fair about to be held, a temporary alliance for mutual benefit wasn't out of the question.

Whether they were getting along or not wasn't something Sherwin cared about. What he cared about was whether he could meet that Supernova named Capone...

Who knows—maybe there was a page in his Hunter Handbook meant for a story character.

After all, he had transmigrated, and he had a mysterious Hunter Handbook. That kind of possibility wasn't off the table.

That was why Sherwin was actually looking forward to seeing those jackals tailing them make a move.

The quality of the gang members on Gress Island really was a notch above the small-time punks from Color Paper Town…

They were way too good at holding back!

Sherwin was starting to get impatient, and still, they hadn't made a move—just kept following from a not-too-far, not-too-close distance.

If he hadn't confirmed it multiple times with Sanji Meow, Sherwin would've thought they had already turned back.

Even Sherwin was getting fed up, so Klee Meow had definitely gotten bored long ago. But since she knew Sherwin had something to do, she was obediently holding it in.

That said, a little plush like her didn't exactly have a high tolerance for boredom...

"Sherwin-nii, can we go somewhere else meow?" Klee Meow tugged on Sherwin ear, her voice soft and childlike.

"We're not going anywhere else. Let just head back!"

Well, he had already cast his line—if the fish didn't bite, there wasn't much Sherwin could do about it.

That how it was for anglers—coming up empty was just part of the game.

And then, those bastards finally made a move...

You guys are messing with me on purpose, aren't you?!

Sherwin complained inwardly, but he understood full well that they were probably only making their move now because they saw him trying to leave and were afraid they'd miss their chance.

So...

"You brought this on yourself, idiot. And now you've dragged me and little Klee into your mess too, meow." Sanji Meow lounged on Sherwin shoulder, stabbing at him with brutal honesty, completely devoid of sympathy.

"Shut it!"

"Sherwin-nii, Klee doesn't blame you, meow." The little plush gently patted the back of Sherwin head with the soft pads of her paw, then licked his hair in comfort, her voice soft and soothing.

Klee Meow was basically the most adorable little angel in the whole world!

Sanji Meow, look and learn!

If the situation weren't what it was right now, Sherwin would've scooped up the plush and buried his face in her for a good, soul-cleansing snuggle...

Mmm. But while they were talking, the gang members had already stepped out and blocked their path back.

You had to admit, the West Blue gangsters really had zero sense of style—every last one of them wore the same black suit, with no visible marks or symbols to distinguish which gang they even belonged to.

"Hand over those two cat Mink brats you've got with you, kid. If I'm in a good mood, maybe I'll toss you a few extra Berries."

Maybe they were trying to protect the reputation of the trade fair, because the gangsters actually offered money… Though judging by the look on their faces, they clearly didn't plan on offering much.

Sherwin swept his gaze across the crowd, but didn't see any familiar faces. Instantly, he lost all interest in making conversation.

Well, that made sense. They were just here to deal with what looked like an ordinary teenager—no reason to send any higher-ups.

"Which family are you with?"

Sherwin asked offhandedly while letting the two cats hop down from his body.

"What, planning to settle the score later?" one of the thugs sneered with a vicious face. "No problem—I'll tell you. We're with the Capone family! Come find me anytime, kid! Hahaha!"

The rest of the gangsters burst into raucous laughter along with him.

"Is that so? What a coincidence." Sherwin patted Klee Meow little head, calming her down before she could spring into action, then stepped forward toward the thugs.

As the gangsters furrowed their brows, unsure what he meant by that, Sherwin figure abruptly vanished right before their eyes—leaving only two wide-eyed, adorable cat companions staring at them.

"Where'd that brat go?!" one of the thugs shouted in alarm, suddenly feeling a chill.

Clack.

A crisp sheathing sound rang out from behind them, followed by Sherwin still-calm voice—

"Hmph. Another swing wasted on trash."