Chapter 369: Recommendation
Laugh Tale—finally reached.
Throughout the journey, Brett had certainly invested some effort, but calling it arduous would be an exaggeration.
Though Fish-Man Island's Road Poneglyph had long been lost, having been stored in the Sea Forest for eight hundred years, Ryugu Palace possessed a rubbing.
The Road Poneglyph on Zunesha's back—good friends had led him to view it. Obtained without effort.
The two Road Poneglyphs held by Kaido and Charlotte Linlin proved slightly more troublesome.
Wano's—Brett had cleverly seized the opportunity, acting while Kaido and Charlotte Linlin battled fiercely. Easily obtained. Achieved without lifting a finger.
Charlotte Linlin's was actually quite simple to acquire. After all, he hadn't even appeared in the previous war, just quietly observed from the sidelines while offering Katakuri some advice that enabled him to overthrow Charlotte Linlin.
If Brett were a pirate, he could now be called Pirate King.
No one would question it, surely. After all, he was already called an Emperor, possessing extraordinary strength and influence. Such a person finding Laugh Tale—if he didn't claim the Pirate King title, who else qualified?
But unfortunately, Brett wasn't a pirate and had no intention of becoming Pirate King. Nor would he reveal news of reaching Laugh Tale so quickly.
Though Shanks and Hawkeye—who'd accompanied Brett to Laugh Tale—were both pirates, naturally neither had the nerve to call themselves Pirate King. After all, they'd just hitched a ride with Brett.
So the Pirate King should have been born but wasn't. And in the future, probably never would be.
The man named Gol D. Roger would likely be the first and last Pirate King in this world's history.
Though currently, it seemed no one knew this.
Time: The following morning. The Red Force quietly floated up from the deep sea, enveloped by flame clouds, once again ascending skyward.
Now, Brett's group and the Red-Hair Pirates members all sat on deck.
"...So this is the Void Century's history?"
Nico Robin hugged her knees, chin resting on her arms, expression still somewhat dazed.
She felt like she was dreaming. Ohara's century-long aspiration realized so easily.
Though her wandering years in the West Blue had been extremely difficult, shortly after entering the Grand Line she'd immediately turned fortunate.
"Brett-san!"
Robin stood, looking toward Brett sitting to one side. "Truly, thank you so much!"
She bowed deeply to Brett.
"No, I should be thanking you, Miss Robin."
Brett also stood, bowing slightly toward Robin. "Without you, even collecting all four Road Poneglyphs, I couldn't have reached this island so easily."
Yes—without Nico Robin, he'd have needed that old man from the Kozuki clan. Brett really didn't want to do that until absolutely necessary.
Though he bore no malice toward the Kozuki Family, he held no particular fondness either.
"Hahahaha! Enough thanking each other back and forth!"
Shanks suddenly laughed and jumped up, hooking his arm around Brett's neck. "We just accomplished what only Captain Roger and his crew accomplished before! Time to have a banquet and celebrate properly!"
Banquet, banquet—another banquet.
Did this guy think about nothing but banquets all day?
Brett shook his head helplessly, then grinned. "Not bad!"
Indeed quite joyful.
"Ohhh!!!"
The Red-Hair Pirates cheered. "Banquet time!"
Thus another lively banquet began.
"Really lacking any sense of crisis, Brett."
Tesoro—who'd been sitting on the gunwale in contemplation since earlier—said somewhat helplessly. "Now you should realize how terrifying the opponent we're about to face truly is."
After reaching Laugh Tale, the world's greatest secret had unveiled its hazy veil before Brett.
Brett now knew what had happened during the Void Century, knew the mysterious Lord Imu's origins and the love-hate relationship between him and Joy Boy.
And regarding what power Lord Imu wielded—he understood completely.
But this didn't make Brett feel any more relaxed. Rather, it gave him tremendous pressure.
No helping it—Lord Imu wielded truly overwhelming power. To defeat him in that final war, they'd need to gather every possible force!
"Moping around serves no purpose."
Brett said casually. "Would frowning make Lord Imu abandon his ultimate weapon and face us in fair combat?"
"..."
Tesoro's lips twitched, but he said nothing more.
"He's quite a remarkable individual!"
Hawkeye sat to the side polishing his sword. "Never imagined before—such an existence in this world!"
"Brett—" He looked toward Brett. "When war with that person breaks out, remember to notify me."
"If you're willing to help, naturally I have no reason to refuse."
Brett's lips curved slightly upward. "Welcome aboard, Mihawk."
"Don't misunderstand."
Hawkeye chuckled softly. "I simply want to cross swords with the strong!"
Ha—battle-crazed fellow. Should get along well with Kaido.
"So, Brett—"
Shanks suddenly said seriously. "What do you plan to do next? Directly wage war with the World Government?"
Robin also quickly looked toward Brett, awaiting his answer.
"Not yet time."
Brett shook his head.
Though Poseidon's power had awakened, Pluton wasn't yet obtained.
At minimum, wait until Tom-san finished constructing that Pluton. Wait until excavating the original Pluton from Wano.
"Then the Void Century's secrets—will remain hidden temporarily?"
Robin hurriedly asked.
"No rush."
Brett said. "That would only alert the Government prematurely."
He looked at Robin. "Let this secret remain preserved a bit longer."
Robin nodded. "I understand."
She'd only wanted to explore the Void Century's secrets anyway, not necessarily broadcast them immediately.
"By the way, Miss Robin—"
Brett said. "What are your plans going forward?"
Robin froze slightly.
Yes.
What next?
Her only dream had been fulfilled. What should she do now? Where should she go?
After all, home had long since vanished.
No family. No friends. No place to belong.
"Well then—"
Brett smiled. "How about I recommend somewhere? A certain someone has been wanting to meet you."
"Eh?"
Robin tilted her head.