Brook looked at Morgans' family. At this time, the World Economic Journal had just begun to rise; it was not yet the dominant "Big News" power of the Big Pirates era—one of the Six Underground Dark Emperors.
"Mr. Morgans, I feel a strong connection to Morgans. I'd like to adopt him as my godson, if that's alright? Of course, this matter will remain between us; we won't publicize it."
Brook proactively stepped forward to play with Morgans, who was in Monice's arms. Monice, Morgans' wife, was a virtuous and kind woman.
"Mr. Brook, this is Morgans' honor. You are the savior of our family. From now on, we are family."
Morgans was also very happy to become so closely connected to his idol.
"Morgans, call him Big Brother Brook. 'Mr. Brook' sounds too formal."
Monice also felt that the powerful Brook could become a guide for young Morgans. The World Economic Journal was currently under pressure from the World Government and in danger, so they needed to prepare a backup plan.
"Yes, yes! Big Brother Brook, from now on, you are Morgans' godfather, and we are good brothers!"
Morgans rubbed his hands excitedly, very pleased with the title.
"I understand your current predicament. I'll develop my forces as quickly as possible, occupy Sky Island, and have you move there—it will be the safest haven."
Brook promised Morgans, but deep down, he intended to bring the newly rising World Economic Journal under his command.
"Sky Island? Big Brother Brook, that's just a legend. You mustn't believe those small island rumors; people can die chasing them!"
In this era, even Morgans—the president of a news agency—had never received concrete information about Sky Island, so he didn't believe in it either.
"Leave it to me. When you return to Sabaody Archipelago, be careful and keep a low profile for a while."
Brook held Morgans and played with him for a while, then ended the topic.
"There should be permanent pointers for sale in Sabaody Archipelago, right?"
Brook now needed to quickly develop his forces and expand his crew. He couldn't land on islands one by one along the Grand Line routes—it would take too long.
"Big Brother Brook, leave that to me. I still have some connections. Just tell me which island's Eternal Pose you need, and I'll get it for you!"
Morgans patted his chest and took on the task. Brook also suggested buying a batch of Den Den Mushi, which Morgans agreed to handle as well.
Thus, the two ships continued toward Sabaody Archipelago, one leading the other. The pirate flag on the ship Brook had seized was thrown into the sea and replaced with the World Economic Journal's artistic seagull flag.
Brook had finally passed his first peaceful day, recruited a crew member, and taken a new step forward.
"Big Brother Brook, we've arrived at Sabaody Archipelago."
Brook walked out of the captain's office and saw the silhouette of a giant red tree.
The Yarukiman Mangrove, known as the largest mangrove in the world, formed the Sabaody Archipelago because its roots were always exposed on the water, accumulating soil.
The most unique feature of Sabaody Archipelago is that the Yarukiman Mangrove's roots secrete a special natural resin through respiration. This resin expands into bubbles in the air and floats upward. It is also a critical material used for coating pirate ships to pass through Fish-Man Island.
However, the bubbles only work within the unique climate zone of Sabaody Archipelago. Once outside that zone, the resin will explode due to being unable to maintain its properties.
"How spectacular!!"
This was Brook's first time visiting this island, and the sight shocked him beyond words.
"There are 79 tree islands here, and each area has different power divisions. Our news agency headquarters is on the sightseeing street of Tree Island No. 49."
Morgans explained to Brook that their ship would dock at the port of Tree Island No. 50 and be entrusted to a shipping company.
Morgans had a guard escort the kidnapped ordinary slaves to the Marine garrison in the sixties and drop them off there.
The areas of Sabaody Archipelago are clearly divided:
Nos. 1–29: Human trafficking shops, auctions, and illegal zones.
Nos. 30–39: Soap Bubble Park and related attractions.
Nos. 40–49: Sightseeing areas and specialty shops.
Nos. 50–59: Shipyards and coating craftsmen.
Nos. 60–69: Marine garrisons and government-related facilities.
Nos. 70–79: Hotel and lodging streets.
Morgans' family and remaining guards took Brook and Antonio back to the World Economic Journal headquarters.
This made the family feel secure. With sufficient guards in place, the World Government likely wouldn't risk directly attacking them.
Brook was fascinated by the island—bubble cars, bubble Ferris wheels, houses floating on bubbles... bubble culture permeated every corner of Shabaody!
He exchanged the treasures he had taken from the Disco Pirate Crew for tens of millions of Berries in cash through Morgans, then chose to go sightseeing with Antonio.
His appearance had changed considerably. His formerly dark skin had turned pale, his top hat was gone, and his afro was tied up in a way that resembled a budget version of Yasuo's hairstyle. For now, no one should recognize him.
He and Antonio changed into new outfits at a nearby clothing store—white shirts, black overcoats, slim-fit casual pants, and combat boots. They felt refreshed and ready.
"Thank you, Captain!"
Antonio was truly overjoyed. This was better than anything he'd ever known—even better than his own family.
"Use your ability. Listen—where are there more Den Den Mushi sounds?"
Most Den Den Mushi were treated as strategic organisms and sold on the black market. Very few were sold openly. Official shops provided by the World Government were strictly monitored, mostly serving the Marine and certified merchants. Pirates generally avoided buying from official sources.
"Understood, Captain."
While Morgans could buy a few Den Den Mushi from official shops, Brook wanted more. He took Antonio out to explore the black market directly.
"Captain, I hear them! Lots of little snails chatting! I'll take you there!"
Antonio, dressed in his new clothes, was especially excited and quickly led the way, turning corners as they made their way into the illegal zone in the 20s.
Because this island was a necessary stop before entering the New World, many pirates, merchants, and bounty hunters gathered here. There were also many human traffickers, and the sale of rare races, mermaids, and Fishmen was quietly tolerated.
In a sense, this place was corrupt to its core. The Celestial Dragons often came here to shop for slaves, making the island both prosperous and dark.
"Captain, found it!"
Antonio shouted excitedly, drawing many eyes. He quickly hid behind Brook in fear. Brook's eerie, death-blue eyes swept across the crowd, and the temperature dropped a few degrees. Those around them felt the chill and returned to minding their own business.
End of the Chapter.
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