One Piece: My Name is Jack, I'm Very Resistant to Beating

"Stop hitting me! And stop dripping venom on me, you freaking lunatic!"

"What the hell, why are you stepping on my face? Do you even wash your feet? And why are you dripping venom on my back?"

Bam!

Jack flipped Black Maria onto the ground and pinned her down, yelling:

"Do you have any idea I just saved your life? Did you see the way Orochi was ogling you?"

"What were you thinking putting on makeup? If it wasn't for me, he'd be all over you by now!"

"We're supposed to be allies with them. If he asks Kaido about having you spend the night with him, what are you gonna do? If Kaido refuses, Orochi might get mad and jeopardize the alliance. But if he agrees, would you really go? Orochi may be a joke, but he's got nearly ten thousand subordinates under him!"

Black Maria glared at Jack, unwilling to back down.

"But did you really have to smear snow all over my face without warning?"

"Now my makeup's ruined!"

"Let me go!"

Jack smirked as he released her. "Can't wipe it off? Want me to help?"

"Get lost, you perverted idiot!" Black Maria retorted, furiously scrubbing her face with snow. After a while, she managed to clean herself up, and the two hurried toward the banquet hall.

When they arrived, the party was already in full swing. Under the direction of Queen, the event's host, lead singer, and renowned rapper of the Beasts Pirates, the atmosphere was electric. Minions from both crews were dancing and reveling together, utterly lost in the festivities.

Jack tugged Black Maria by the hand, heading toward the upstairs chambers where the officers had their private quarters. Despite their young age, their status meant they belonged there.

As they climbed the stairs, Jack spotted King leaning casually against the railing, watching Queen's performance. The music was vibrant, and the crowd was wild, yet King exuded a profound sense of solitude.

Ah, the lonely listener. In another life, King would've been the quintessential brooding poet, always lost in his melancholy. The scene brought to Jack's mind a classic tune:

"Snowflakes drifting... wind softly sighing..."

"Cough, cough." Jack snapped himself out of it and approached. "Hey, King! Why aren't you joining in?"

King tilted his head slightly, his gaze falling on Jack and Black Maria's tightly clasped hands.

Smack!

"Let go, you shameless brat!"

Black Maria slapped Jack's hand away and stormed into the room where Yamato was waiting.

"What the hell? I was just trying to make sure you didn't get lost!" Jack muttered, rubbing his stinging hand. "Ungrateful much? Typical! Use me and toss me aside. A classic case of crossing the river and burning the bridge!"

King chuckled. "You've been studying hard, Jack. Quite the repertoire of idioms you've got there." He clapped a hand on Jack's shoulder. "Now get inside. Kaido's expecting you."

King's tone grew quieter as he leaned in. "Kaido heard about you mastering Armament Haki. He's pleased. Don't be surprised if he rewards you with some treasure."

Treasure? Perfect timing! Yamato's been bugging me for a gemstone necklace. If Kaido rewards me, I'll gift it to her. Heh, the old man's loot used to win over his future daughter-in-law—what a plan!

King's voice cut through Jack's daydreams.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Jack. The Beasts Pirates aren't what they used to be. Kaido's gearing up for bigger conquests, more recruits, and new territory. For now, your potential has earned you a spot just below Queen and me. But once the crew grows, rivals will rise, and not everyone will accept your position."

He fixed Jack with a serious look. "Even if Kaido doesn't let them challenge you now, you'll need to prove yourself. When you're older, if you slack off, your rank won't last. Don't put Kaido in a difficult position."

Jack thumped his chest confidently. "Don't worry, King! Look at these pecs—I'm only eight, and I've already got muscles like this. By the time I'm grown, anyone who dares challenge me will regret it!"

King sighed, turned Jack around, and raised a leg.

Thud!

"Ow!" Jack yelped, clutching his backside. He looked at the room's occupants, grinned awkwardly, and stammered, "H-Hey everyone! Long time no see! Happy New Year!"

Kaido's laughter boomed. "Worororo! Jack! What did you do to piss King off this time? Sit down."

Kaido gestured toward Orochi, introducing Jack. "This is Jack, someone I have high hopes for. Only eight years old, and he's already mastered Armament Haki—a rare talent."

Orochi eyed Jack skeptically, his wineglass trembling. "This is the same Jack from last year? He's grown quite a bit, hasn't he? The kids in your crew really develop... differently."

"Haha, they grow fast, that's all," Kaido said. "Jack, after the festival, go to the treasure room and pick out a few jewels as a reward."

"Thanks, Kaido!" Jack's face lit up.

As he started eating, Jack noticed Fukurokuju's disapproving gaze. The ninja quickly averted his eyes, but Jack seethed inwardly.

Who does this guy think he is? With those lychee-like ears and a head shaped like a pillar, he's got the nerve to look down on me?

Resigned, Jack decided he'd wrap things up quickly. He approached Kaido with a raised glass.

"Kaido, I want to thank you!"

Kaido blinked, puzzled. "Thank me? For what?"

"For finding me a wife! Black Maria, of course!" Jack declared proudly. "I know you were worried I'd grow too big to find a match, so you brought her to Onigashima for me. You're so thoughtful!"

Kaido choked on his drink. "Wha—?!"

Orochi, equally stunned, managed a sly grin.

"Your Jack certainly knows a lot for an eight-year-old. Seems like the Beasts Pirates have a rather... advanced curriculum."

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