Chapter 38: CH 38: VAN AUGUR
The vast ocean stretched endlessly before them, but after hours of flying, Yuji and his crew finally spotted land. The island was dotted with thick forests on its edges, and a sprawling town lay further inland, its bustling streets visible even from the sky.
"Captain, there's an island ahead," Law said, pointing toward the large settlement. "Looks like it has people on it."
Yuji, his body battered and bloodied, glanced at the town with weary eyes. "Good. We'll land on the edge of the forest. Keep us hidden from the civilians," he commanded, his voice strained but firm.
As Yuji guided his massive Ghidorah form toward the island's outskirts, his golden scales shimmered faintly in the sunlight. They landed deep within the forest, far enough from prying eyes. Once they touched the ground, Yuji reverted to his full form, collapsing onto one knee from exhaustion.
"Law," Yuji growled, clutching his side, "hurry and treat me. If not, I'll lose consciousness."
Before Law could respond, Hancock rushed toward him, her face filled with panic. "LAW! Get to town and rob some medical supplies!" she shouted. "I will not let Yuji feel any more pain!"
Law raised an eyebrow, his usual calm demeanor unaffected by her outburst. "Hancock-san, I think you're overreacting," he said.
"SHUT UP!" Hancock snapped, glaring at him.
Bepo, standing nearby, muttered under his breath, "I think she's really worried about the captain…" He avoided her gaze, trembling slightly.
"I'm sorry!" Bepo stammered when Hancock turned her fiery eyes toward him.
"Alright, alright!" Law said, dragging Bepo along. "We'll head to town and get the supplies. Stay here and keep the captain alive."
As they disappeared into the forest, Hancock knelt beside Yuji, her gaze softening. Her hands hovered over his battered body, frustration bubbling inside her as she scanned his injuries.
'Why couldn't I help him more against that Marine Hero?' she thought, clenching her fists.
Yuji, meanwhile, lay against the ground, his mind racing despite his exhaustion.
'That old man... he almost killed me,' Yuji thought, his brows furrowing. 'If it wasn't for my regenerative abilities in exchange for a large amount of my stamine, I would've...' His thoughts trailed off as darkness began to creep into his vision. "Damn it…" he muttered before finally losing consciousness.
"YUJI!" Hancock's voice rang out as he collapsed completely, her panic rising.
The world was quiet when Yuji finally stirred. He blinked against the dim light filtering through the window, his body aching as he sat up on a small cot. The unfamiliar room smelled faintly of herbs and seawater.
Before he could assess his surroundings, Bepo burst through the door, his wide eyes filled with relief. "Captain! You're awake!"
Yuji groaned, rubbing his temples. "What happened?"
Bepo didn't answer immediately. Instead, he called out, "Law! Hancock! He's awake!"
Moments later, Hancock burst into the room, her expression a mix of worry and anger. "Yuji!" she exclaimed, rushing to his side. "You've been in a coma for almost two days!"
Law followed behind her at a much calmer pace, his hands tucked into his coat pockets. "I treated you, but your body's recovery depended on your own stamina. You're lucky to have woken up so quickly."
Yuji nodded slowly, his thoughts still foggy. As Hancock fussed over him, recounting every moment of his unconsciousness, her tone suddenly shifted.
"We encountered someone," she said.
"Who?" Yuji asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Van Augur," Hancock replied.
Yuji's eyes widened. "Van Augur? Maybe this is really fate"
Hancock nodded. "He was in the town. I didn't engage him, but I thought you'd want to know."
Without hesitation, Yuji pushed himself off the cot, though his body protested. "Find him. Bring him to me."
Hancock hesitated for a moment but then nodded. She and Bepo quickly left the room.
It wasn't long before Hancock and Bepo returned, accompanied by Van Augur. The sniper's calm and calculating demeanor was unmistakable, his long rifle slung across his back as he entered the room.
"Well, Yuji," Van Augur said, his voice steady, "long time no see. You don't look so good."
Yuji chuckled, despite the pain in his ribs. "And you look the same as always sharp and composed. Glad to see you again, Augur."
Van Augur tilted his head. "This lady said that you are looking for me. Why?"
Yuji leaned back slightly, his eyes locking onto Augur's. "There's a saying from my homeland," he began. "The meeting between people, the first time is coincidence. The second time is by necessity."
Van Augur raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Yuji's smirk widened. "I want you to join my crew as my sniper."
"A pirate crew, huh?" Van Augur mused.
"Yes," Yuji replied confidently. "We're the Absol—"
Before he could finish, a loud squawk interrupted him. A seagull landed on the windowsill, its small bag of newspapers hanging from its beak.
Bepo reached for the paper, handing over a coin in exchange. As he unfolded it, his expression turned pale.
"Captain," Bepo stammered, "this is bad news. Look!"
Yuji snatched the newspaper from Bepo's trembling hands. His eyes scanned the headline, and his expression darkened.
"WHAT THE HELL?" he shouted, his voice echoing through the room.
Hancock and Law leaned over to see the headline as well, their faces mirroring Yuji's shock.
****************************
If you like my story and enjoy the chapter kindly leave some review and comments, It will greatly motivate me and also I will very much appreciate it. Thank youu!!