One Piece: Rise of the Synthesis Pirate

The scene of blood and gore caused the women to scream in terror.

Some even vomited on the spot.

"Hey, you all, why are you still standing there? Go on! With One-Eyed Baryon dead, no one will bother you anymore!"

Ye Jia gestured impatiently.

The women froze, seemingly unable to believe what they had just heard.

Someone had come to save them?

One woman stood up, turned around, and bolted through the door.

Once the first person ran, others naturally followed. In no time, almost everyone had fled... except for one dirty little girl who stayed frozen in place.

"Hey, everyone else ran. Why aren't you going with them?"

Ye Jia asked curiously, puzzled by why this young girl wasn't fleeing.

"I... I... I..."

The girl stammered, twisting the hem of her clothes and speaking in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.

"I don't want to go back."

"Don't want to go back? You'd rather stay here and risk running into other pirates?"

Ye Jia's sharp senses allowed him to hear her clearly despite her soft tone.

"I... Big brother... Could I... Could I come with you?"

The girl finally mustered her courage, only to immediately lower her head again, unable to meet Ye Jia's gaze.

Ye Jia burst into laughter.

"Wow, so I've somehow become that charming, huh? Haha!"

But Ye Jia had decided before setting out to sea—he wouldn't take in random people. He was a pirate, and future battles with strong enemies were inevitable. Who had time to protect a little girl?

Although this little girl seemed... special. No, very special—those exaggerated curves definitely didn't match her petite frame and youthful appearance.

Still, as a young man chasing his dream and striving to conquer the seas, Ye Jia wouldn't let himself get distracted. Look at Luffy—even with Boa Hancock, the most beautiful woman in the One Piece world, chasing him, he remained utterly indifferent...

"Sorry, but I don't have the strength to protect others. And someone your age should be living peacefully in a village, not wandering around the sea," Ye Jia said firmly.

"Besides, I only accept talented individuals for my crew, and I don't think you meet the criteria."

"I... I... I..."

The girl's eyes sparkled with urgency as she looked up.

Although Ye Jia felt a twinge of guilt, he steeled himself. For both their sakes, it was better to refuse.

"I'm a navigator! I can help you!"

The girl's declaration left Ye Jia stunned.

A navigator?

"You... You're a navigator?"

Now it was Ye Jia's turn to stammer.

He couldn't believe it. This petite girl, barely five feet tall and seemingly no older than fourteen, was the navigator he'd been longing for!

"Really! I am a navigator!" the girl said earnestly. "My father was one, and he taught me everything since I was little. After my parents were killed by pirates, I've been studying his notes and perfecting my skills."

"I swear I'm a navigator! Please believe me!"

Afraid Ye Jia wouldn't believe her, the girl seemed on the verge of tears.

"Well, navigators need to prove their skills! Here's a map. Tell me, where are we now?"

Ye Jia spread out a map in front of her.

The girl's demeanor instantly transformed as she eagerly examined the map.

"This is the area around the Goa Kingdom. Look, here's the kingdom, and here's our village. Based on the ship's speed and the wind's strength during the last ten minutes, we should be... here!"

So I've been drifting in the same waters for two days without leaving the Goa Kingdom's region...

Ye Jia felt both embarrassed and thrilled. Finally, someone who knew what they were doing!

"This is amazing! My luck is incredible! Haha!" Ye Jia couldn't contain his excitement, picking up the girl and kissing her cheek.

The girl froze, burying her head in her hands as her face turned beet red.

"Alright! From now on, you're part of the Reaper Pirates! Welcome aboard! I'm Ye Jia, the captain of the Reaper Pirates!"

Ye Jia said cheerfully, shaking the girl's small hand.

"I... I'm... I'm Gaya Mani... Nice to meet you..."

Her voice grew quieter and quieter, until it was barely audible.

It was clear she was overjoyed to be accepted into the crew. But every time she looked at Ye Jia, especially when he held her hand, her heart raced uncontrollably.

"Gaya Mani—what a lovely name! Let's go! I'll take you to our ship!"

Placing her on his shoulder, Ye Jia flashed to the deck.

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T/N:

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