Brook hummed a tune from his past life, his bony face splitting into a goofy grin one moment and softening with nostalgia the next. Today was a day worth celebrating, and he soared through the air, carefree and elated!
His mind wandered to Stussy's captivating figure, and Brook decided he'd skip training for the day. No more serious thoughts—just a full-on vacation for his soul!
...\
Meanwhile, in Stussy's pink-hued cabin aboard the Golden Ark, the woman herself was a whirlwind of emotions. Blushing and giddy, she clutched her blanket, rolling back and forth on her bed. A faint ache lingered below, and she could still feel a chilly sensation in her stomach.
"No wonder not every woman can handle being Brook's lady!" she murmured. "Shakky's not quite at my level yet, but with that Mythical Zoan Vampire Fruit, she'll probably toughen up fast. As for Linlin…"
Stussy's thoughts drifted to Charlotte Linlin's terrifying physical might. Even her advanced Rokushiki—Shigan—couldn't pierce Linlin's defense!
But Stussy had noticed something: Brook seemed to prefer petite, delicate women. Linlin's towering height? Well, let's just say Brook might feel like a toothpick stirring a cauldron—not exactly ideal! This gave Stussy a surge of confidence in winning Brook's favor.
Her real rival, though, was the captain of the Hell Pirates' top affiliate crew, the Edward Pirates: Angelie, wielder of the Charm Charm Fruit. That woman's allure was undeniable, and she fit Brook's aesthetic perfectly. But Angelie wasn't an official Hell Pirate. That was her weakness!
"Absence doesn't make the heart grow fonder," Stussy smirked. Brook spent far more time with her, and their bond was growing faster than anything Angelie could hope for.
Lost in these scheming daydreams, Stussy drifted into a tired slumber, soothing her hoarse throat and aching body.
...
Inside the Tree of Knowledge, Shakky and Linlin were engrossed in their books, oblivious to Stussy's little victory. The last to join the crew, Stussy had somehow snagged Brook's affection first. A true CP-trained elite, she knew how to play the game—part innocent ingénue, part sultry enchantress, an irresistible mix that hooked men effortlessly.
...
Elsewhere, Newgate led a team to inform the Ohara people of their relocation plans. To prevent panic and mass exodus, the fearsome Kaido took point, bellowing orders to keep everyone indoors. No leaving, no trouble, no running!
Tiger and Scarlet were happy to let Kaido play the bad guy. They followed, reinforcing the lockdown: full curfew, no exceptions.
The islanders, aware of the pirate invasion, huddled in their homes, praying these intruders wouldn't loot or kill. To their surprise, the Hell Pirates didn't act like typical marauders. They issued stern commands to stay put but left lives and property untouched.
It didn't quite add up—pirates sparing them? What the islanders didn't know was the Hell Pirates' grand plan: to whisk the entire island of Ohara away.
They'd probably only realize it when the ground started floating!
...
Brook found Golden Lion Shiki hard at work, channeling his Float Float Fruit to lift Ohara Island. Shiki had been at it for hours, sweating through his task. Brook, meanwhile, had spent those same hours "working hard" in a very different, far more enjoyable way.
As a conscientious boss, Brook felt it was time to give Shiki a morale boost—paint a grand picture to keep him motivated!
Brook tossed a bottle of fine red wine to the laboring Shiki, who lit up at his captain's arrival.
"Brook! This is nothin' worth fussin' over. I'll have this whole island floatin' in no time!"
Shiki caught the wine, popped the cork with ease, and chugged it down with swagger. His tone dripped with pride, but Brook spotted the sweat on his brow. Floating an island this big, semi-permanently, was no small feat, even for Shiki's Float Float Fruit.
Still, Shiki was too proud to admit any struggle. He'd grit his teeth and make it happen, no matter what.
"That's the spirit, Shiki! With a powerhouse like you, the Hell Pirates can sail free and fearless! Your Float Float Fruit? Untouchable!"
Brook didn't hold back, showering Shiki with praise that made him beam. Shiki's ego swelled, and he itched to get back to work, eager to float Ohara in record time and show Brook his true strength.
He was determined to outshine Redfield, and claim the spot as the Hell Pirates' number-two man. His bounty was tied with Newgate and Linlin, but Redfield's was a cut above. Surpassing him was Shiki's burning ambition.
"Jahahaha! You're too kind, Brook, but just watch me! I'll have this island airborne faster than you can blink!"
Shiki downed the wine in one gulp, tossed the bottle aside, and went all-out with his Float Float Fruit. The ground trembled—Ohara was nearly ready to lift off!
"Shiki, when you pull this off, I'm gonna make a giant banner with your name and hang it high on Golden Island for the world to see!"
Brook kept stoking Shiki's fire, knowing the young pirate thrived on the spotlight. Shiki's eyes sparkled at the thought. A banner? In a pirate crew, only the Jolly Roger usually flew—personal flags were unheard of!
The idea of his name soaring above Golden Island, outshining Redfield, filled Shiki with boundless energy. He felt unstoppable.
"And that's just the start, Shiki. The Hell Pirates are gonna grow bigger, stronger, with more crew than we can count. I'm building a Hall of Fame on Golden Island, and every one of our legends will have their name up there for our affiliates and the world to admire. Keep pushing, and the first banner in that hall will be yours!"
Brook's smile widened as he laid out the grand vision, fueling Shiki's drive. After all, what pirate doesn't chase fame and glory?
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+240 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg