Ideo was dead. His motionless body laid on the ground. Eyes and mouth open. A giant hole in his abdomen from Drago's attack.
Although the cyborg had won, he felt a great sorrow wash through him. Kneeling on the ground, he spoke softly to the dead long arm. "It didn't have to be like this my fellow pirate. You could have simply joined us. May your soul rest in peace."
The crowd was dead silent. Not a single word, chirp, or crick. They were too shocked to even cry. They have posted their leader, champion fighter and now they're being taken over by pirates. What a day for the Kenzan citizens.
The silence didn't last long however
“You all heard Ideo, if this man could beat him then he'd be worthy to rule us. So stand up and cheer for our new champion.”
Drago scowled at this man.
Who is he to claim victory of all things when he should be mourning? The scientist stepped into the podium beside the long arm; his metallic feet clinking with noise.
"Would you to say a few words my champ-" and just like that, Sancrin was dead. He first staggered about the podium, clutching a donut sized hole in his chest, staring wide-eyed at Drago. The cyborg grabbed the long arm before he took his final breath and said with all the disdain and contempt he could muster, "may you rest in neverending chaos, my friend."
*Slump* Sancrin dropped to the floor. It wasn't that Drago suddenly had morals about what's good and wrong. Even though he had wanted the civilians to give uo, the sight of Sancrin trying to switch sides when Ideo sacrificed his life--albeit in vein--to protect the island made Drago sick and disgusted. His dear friend and pirate in arms, Straw had sacrificed his life to protect Drago and the crew. There wasn't a day that went by that Drago didn't think of Straw.
The cyborg turned to the onlooking crowd and spoke to them in a powerful voice that boomed across the square.
"Citizens of Kenzan island. I will assign a governor--Alias--to watch over this island under the name of the Silver Hair Pirates. We are not tyrants. You guys may keep your customs and go about each day with your same laws and practices. We only wish for your cooperation, loyalty, and tribute in return for safety from us. Thank you."
-On the Ship-
Drago sat idly in the chair of the Captain's quarters. The rainstorm continued thundering its way about, massively delaying the crew's departure from the island. The cyborg didn't mind at all as he was more interested in the newspaper he was reading.
"Vacant shichibukai position. World government looking to recruit more marine officers for the Navy. Hmm, such an intriguing circumstance." Drago looked at the paper with a peculiar hunger in his eyes. To the right of that particular section was a small but noticeable bounty poster of Caribou of the Caribou pirates. A whopping 300 million berri was what the World Government was willing to offer for his head. Drago whistled to that. "How interesting would it be for someone to just take his head and offer it for a position in the Government instead of money? Has anybody done that yet?" The scientist continued to mutter to himself.
*Knock knock!*
"Come in."
"Sir! We found this girl standing outside the ship. Apparently she wanted to talk to you."
Drago took a long glance at the girl. A plain, thoroughly soaked cloak strapped her body. It's good covered her face. She looked to be about average height and from the strip of hair on her face, her hair was brown. What intrigued Drago the most was her poise. She stood erect and confident, making eye contact with the cyborg. Before Drago could formulate a response, she spoke.
"I'd like to join your crew."
Drago's eyebrows shot up. "Join, my crew? Tuh, first of all, I'm not the captain. He will have to ultimately decide. Second of all. We're pirates if you couldn't tell. You risk losing all you have right now and wish for in the future by joining us. This is not anything to just outright claim to be a member of."
"I'm not claiming anything. My only wish for the future is to join your crew. I can't possibly lose such a wish like that. If that makes sense."
A smirk arose on Drago's lips. He was starting to like this girl. "Barris, find her a room with fresh blankets and some food. She must be terribly cold and hungry. Tell the rest of the crew that we depart as soon as the storm is over while you're at it. Ask Eve when it'll end too so we can prepare properly."
A hearty "yes, sir!" responded the cyborg.
"As for you, girl. What's your name?"
"Elise."
"Well, Elise. I hope you enjoy the Silver Hair Pirates."
Fin