The Greatest Disgrace in Marine History-Chapter 239 - 141: Seven... Seven Times...

Two hours later.

The door suddenly creaked open.

One hand braced against the doorframe, Darren staggered out, pale-faced, clutching the wall for support.

He all but fled the housing complex, collapsed onto a nearby stone bench, and wordlessly pulled out a cigarette.

Lighting it between his lips, he took several harsh drags before finally catching his breath.

"Insane... That was insane..."

"A woman possessed by her need to win... truly terrifying..."

Four times!

And that was with Gion holding back because she was still sore.

Unlike the delicate and gentle Toki, Gion had the stamina of someone trained for combat. Her long legs were toned, powerful—utterly relentless.

This was the same girl who could launch Rankyaku kicks with ease!

Sure, the view from below was... pristine, dazzling—no, beautiful. But still!

Feeling his trembling legs and aching lower back, Darren wore an expression that screamed silent suffering.

Seven times...

His lips twitched. He violently stubbed out the cigarette.

What good is this monstrous physique if it only gets me tortured like this!?

Shaking his head, Darren let out a long sigh.

Slowly rising, he looked around to get his bearings, then limped off toward a nearby restaurant.

Time to replenish nutrients.

Holding his back the entire way, Darren ignored the strange, pitying stares of passing civilians. He'd long grown numb to them.

"Darren?"

The moment he entered, a familiar voice rang out. Kuzan, beaming with surprise and joy, waved him over.

"What a coincidence!!"

"Sit here! I just ordered—let's eat together!"

Darren blinked, then shrugged and took the seat opposite him.

"What are you doing here?"

He raised a hand to the owner for a bottle of sake.

Kuzan frowned.

"I live in this neighborhood, you know? You're supposed to be my destined rival, yet you don't even know that much?"

Darren rolled his eyes.

Accepting the bottle from the owner, he poured them each a drink and downed his in one go.

Kuzan eyed his gloomy expression, curious.

"Why so down? You just got back from a mission—you fought monsters like Kaido and Whitebeard!"

His eyes sparkled.

"Marines all over Marineford are talking about your incredible exploits!"

Darren's eye twitched.

Yeah... the whole Marineford is buzzing about my glorious accomplishments...

Just then, servers brought out dish after dish:

Roast wild boar with fat marbled through the meat, fragrant strawberry pie, a heaping bowl of fresh salad, two bowls of hellfire ramen, and an assortment of sashimi...

Ignoring the babbling, hot-blooded Kuzan, Darren, already famished, launched at the food, devouring it like a wild beast.

"That eating speed is unreal..."

Kuzan muttered in awe, then suddenly his eyes lit up with fervor.

"Wait! Is this your secret to getting stronger!?"

Darren: ...

Before he could reply, Kuzan's fighting spirit ignited.

"I get it now! This is a duel!!"

With that declaration, he also began shoveling food into his mouth at lightning speed.

Two red-eyed men, like ravenous ghosts, tore through the meal with shocking ferocity.

Every few minutes, they shouted for more food.

Gradually, the rest of the diners noticed this ridiculous display, staring in stunned silence as the plates stacked like miniature mountains.

"Is this even humanly possible...?"

"The poor waiters can't keep up..."

"How long has it been since they last ate?"

Half an hour later.

Belly bloated, the two finally slumped back in their chairs, breathing heavily, stomachs grotesquely round.

"So full..."

Kuzan burped, then grinned at Darren.

"You're truly my destined rival. You won again."

Veins popped on Darren's forehead.

I was just hungry!!

He hadn't intended any duel!

But arguing with this hot-blooded youth was pointless.

"How's the headquarters treating you? Settling in alright?"

Kuzan scratched his head.

"Doesn't feel much different. Every day it's train, eat, rest, repeat. When I get home, I just sit around."

"But you! I heard you got yourself a girlfriend? Don't let love dull your edge now..."

He sighed with mock solemnity.

...Not just one, apparently.

Darren muttered inwardly.

But Kuzan's words sparked something in him.

Toki was sharp—she'd surely pick up on anything suspicious.

If he went home tonight and she sensed something, she might want a rematch.

Even iron would break.

Despite her gentle demeanor, Toki's competitiveness was no joke.

Maybe I should disappear for a few days...

More importantly, Darren now had enough strength to go after certain "treasures" only another worlder would know about.

There was one item he never stopped thinking about.

If he could get it—though he wouldn't use it himself—it would greatly benefit his growing power base.

Decision made, Darren stood.

"Kuzan, do me a favor. Ask Zephyr-sensei for a few days off on my behalf. Also, send a message to my house... and to Gion."

Kuzan blinked.

"Leave?"

His eyes lit up with excitement.

"You're going out again? Who this time? You've already fought Whitebeard and Kaido—going after Big Mom? The Golden Lion?"

"Take me with you! I won't hold you back, I promise!"

He flexed his biceps with pride.

"Together, we'd be the Navy's strongest duo!"

Darren shook his head.

"You're overthinking it. I'm just returning to the North Blue. It's been a long time—I'm feeling nostalgic."

Kuzan wasn't great at keeping secrets. Darren couldn't risk bringing him along.

"Alright..."

The moment he heard "North Blue," Kuzan lost all interest.

He was born in the South Blue—he knew the Four Blues were weak.

He wanted stronger foes, the endless peril of the New World.

"Thanks."

Darren clapped him on the shoulder and stepped outside.

On the street, he paused, turned, and raised his hand. Sparks of electricity crackled between his fingers.

Three seconds later—

A long, jet-black blade whistled through the sky and hovered before him.

One of the 21 Great Grade Blades, the demon blade: Enma.

Seeing how docile the blade had become, Darren smiled in satisfaction.

A metallic hoverboard materialized beneath his feet. Riding the magnetic field, he shot into the sky, disappearing at high speed.

"So cool..."

Kuzan watched Darren's silhouette vanish, eyes shining with admiration.

"Excuse me, sir."

The restaurant owner suddenly appeared behind him, smiling politely.

"Your bill comes to 916,000 Berries."

Kuzan: ...

He shakily pulled out his wallet, tears brimming in his eyes.

---

To be continued...