At that moment, the sound of rhythmic footsteps echoed across the deck as three figures emerged from the gloom, walking toward Drake and the rest of the crew.
It was Carina, Perona, and the newcomer, Nami. They were returning from the warehouse, lugging heavy bags overflowing with looted treasures. All three looked visibly exhausted.
"Phew... Good grief, there was way more back there than I expected. Next time, I'm definitely making Burgess do the heavy lifting," Carina panted, wiping sweat from her brow. She turned toward Drake with a playful, endearing smile. "By the way, Drake, while I was scouting the warehouse, I ran into someone who's dying to join us."
Carina gestured toward the redhead beside her. "Her name is Nami. She's a genius navigator who can predict the weather and draft professional nautical charts. She's incredibly talented—exactly what our crew needs to dominate these seas."
Floating lazily in the air, Perona nodded in agreement, a mischievous grin on her face. "She's the real deal. She's been obsessed with navigation since she was a brat and has been drawing charts since she was ten. She's a total prodigy! Horohorohorohoro~~!"
Following the introductions, Nami took a step forward and bowed deeply toward Drake. Her voice was respectful, yet laced with a hint of desperation. "Captain Drake, if you allow me to join your ranks, I promise to use every bit of my skill to provide you with the most efficient routes on the Grand Line."
Nami hesitated, her fingers clenching into tight fists as she looked Drake in the eye, her nerves getting the better of her. "But... before I officially commit, I have a request. Can you help me resolve a crisis in my home? Please, Captain."
Carina quickly jumped back in to bridge the gap. "Here's the deal: Nami's home, Cocoyasi Village, is under the thumb of the Fishmen. They've been ruling the place with an iron fist, treating the villagers like cattle." She looked toward Baccarat and the other girls with a pleading gaze. "Those Fishmen are so arrogant, thinking they can just bully humans whenever they want."
"Drake, let's go wipe them out," Carina added, her eyes flashing with a mix of charm and cruelty. "Let's see if they're still so cocky once they face us."
Perona chimed in again, bobbing up and down. "Exactly! I've never even seen a Fishman before. It'll be like a field trip! Horohorohorohoro~~!"
Burgess let out a boisterous laugh, shrugging his massive shoulders. "Gahahaha! That's a first. A newcomer setting conditions before they've even stepped foot on the ship? Captain, don't waste your breath on her. Joining this crew is an honor; who does she think she is to bargain with us?"
Doc Q let out a sickly, wheezing chuckle. "Hehehe... don't mind that muscle-bound idiot, Captain. Let her on the ship. A navigator with that much talent is a rare find—it would be a waste to let her rot." He leaned in closer, his smile turning sinister. "As for her little village problem, it's nothing to fret over. Once she's on the ship, she's ours. Whether we help her or not... well, she can't exactly leave, can she? Hehehe~~"
Hawkins, draped in his usual shroud of gloom, didn't look up from his tarot cards. "The cards are clear," he said flatly. "She joins us today. The outcome is already determined."
Laffitte twirled his cane, a thin, elegant smile playing on his lips. "If a man stood there and tried to demand terms, I'd have slit his throat by now. But since it's a lady... well, that's the Captain's prerogative. We have no say in how he handles his 'recruits'."
Hana gave Drake a supportive look. "Drake, let her join. Having a navigator like her will save us a lot of headaches in the future."
Betty took a long drag from her cigarette, blowing a cloud of smoke into the salty air. "Genius navigators don't grow on trees. Bring her aboard."
Reiju watched Drake closely, her expression soft but knowing. "I agree. Nami's skills are indispensable. Let her join us, Drake."
Drake remained silent, his expression unreadable as he looked at Nami. Without saying a word, he stood up, shoved his hands into his pockets, and began walking toward the door.
Nami froze, her heart sinking. What does that mean? Did he just reject me? She stood there, paralyzed by confusion.
"Nami, what are you waiting for? Move it!" Carina patted her on the shoulder with a reassuring grin. "That's just Drake. He's the 'strong, silent' type. If you didn't catch the subtext: he agreed. You're officially part of the crew now."
Perona drifted past, nodding sagely. "You'll get used to his moods eventually. It's an acquired taste."
Burgess stood up, stretching his arms. "Well, if the Captain says yes, then that's that."
"Oh, you could always protest," Doc Q said, eyeing Burgess with a mocking grin. "She's being awfully demanding. Why don't you go tell the Captain he's making a mistake? Go on, Burgess... hehehe~~"
Burgess glared at the sickly doctor. "You bastard, you're trying to get me killed! Questioning the Captain? I'm not that stupid."
Law added coldly as he walked past, "I doubt the Captain would kill you. He'd just break every bone in your body for being a nuisance."
"No need for the Captain to lift a finger," Laffitte whispered, his cane whistling through the air. "If anyone dares to question his authority, I'll be the first to show them the error of their ways."
Nami followed the group out, her face glowing with relief and gratitude. "Thank you... thank you all so much!"
As the crew departed, the remaining patrons of the Baratie finally exhaled, the suffocating tension lifting from the room. The whispers started almost immediately.
"Who the hell is that Drake guy? To have monsters like those following him..."
"I couldn't even breathe while he was sitting there. That aura... he's not human."
"We'll know soon enough. The Marines are going to lose their minds once they find out the East Blue 'Overlord' was taken out. Just wait for the next bounty posters."
"I'm just jealous. Look at the women around him. It's like a dream."
"Power attracts beauty, my friend. Maybe if I get strong enough... but who am I kidding? Back to work."
In the kitchen, the chefs were equally rattled. Paddy let out a nervous laugh. "Finally! They're gone! They scared the life out of me!"
Carne nodded fervently, his hands visibly trembling as he wiped a counter. "I've never felt pressure like that. That crew is on another level."
Zeff turned to Sanji, his expression stern. "Well, brat? Aren't you going to see your sister off?"
Sanji took a slow, deliberate drag of his cigarette, staring at the door for a long moment. "I've said what needed to be said. There's no point in a long goodbye. Let's get back to the kitchen before the orders pile up."
Back on the Drake, the atmosphere was business as usual. Drake didn't linger on deck; he headed straight for the training room.
"Come on, let's head to the lounge and catch up," Hana suggested, smiling at Moodie and Nami.
Moodie nodded. "Drake really is a workaholic, isn't he? He doesn't waste a second."
Betty chuckled, leaning against the railing. "We call him the 'training maniac' for a reason."
Carina laughed, covering her mouth. "Just wait until you see his routine. I was shocked when I first joined. The man doesn't know the meaning of 'rest'."
The women followed Drake's lead, heading below deck while chatting. Pato hopped up onto a crate, grinning at Bepo. "The ship is getting crowded! I love it! Nukikiki~~!"
Bepo grabbed a fishing rod, pointing it at Pato. "I'm catching more fish than you today! Just watch me!"
Gin watched the girls leave, his expression stoic. "The Captain is a lucky man. Surrounded by beauties... it's a hell of a life."
"You're too weak," Burgess grumbled, looming over Gin. "I wanted a real fight, but it turns out the Captain just picked up another shrimp." He turned and stomped away, clearly bored.
Doc Q sidled up to Gin with a creepy smirk. "Those women are lovely, aren't they? Maybe you should try talking to them. Who knows? Hehehe~~"
"You're playing with fire," Law said, his voice cutting through Doc Q's laughter like a blade. "One day, they'll actually kill you." Law didn't wait for a response, heading off to start his own training.
Hawkins looked at Gin with a hollow gaze. "The cards don't predict your death today. Your luck holds... for now."
Laffitte twirled his cane, stopping in front of Gin. He offered a polite, terrifying smile. "Doc Q loves to stir the pot, but don't let it get to you. However, if I ever find myself in a particularly foul mood and decide to kill you... well, I hope there's no hard feelings."
Gin gripped his tonfas, a cruel smile touching his lips. "Don't worry. I'm going to train until my bones break. I'm coming for that Vice-Captain spot, Laffitte."
Gin had recently learned of 'Haki' and was obsessed. If Drake spent every waking hour training, then Gin would do the same. He wanted to be a monster.
Hawkins glanced back at him. "You'll have to work twice as hard to catch up to Burgess or Laffitte. And with a face like that, the 'Vice-Captain' title is mathematically improbable. Some facts simply cannot be changed."
Laffitte, however, seemed amused. "I like the spirit. You're a ruthless one, Gin. I'll enjoy seeing how far you go. But remember—the position of Vice-Captain is reserved for the strongest. My door is always open for a challenge."
Inside the training area's lounge, the atmosphere was much lighter.
Carina looked at Nami, her eyes sparkling. "Don't mind the guys outside. They're all violent, ruthless, and generally annoying."
"That's why we usually hang out here," Perona added, floating upside down. "It's better than listening to Burgess yell about lifting things."
Nami looked puzzled. "Really? They didn't seem that bad. I thought they were just... intense."
Betty sank into a plush chair, crossing her legs. "You're misjudging them. The only reason they're 'behaving' is because Drake is an absolute beast. He rules through sheer strength and intimidation. Without him, this ship would be a bloodbath."
Hana nodded, brushing her hair. "Exactly. Every one of them is a killer. Take Laffitte—he looks like a gentleman, but he's the most sadistic of the bunch."
Perona made a face. "And Doc Q? He's a creep. He spends all day trying to trick people into getting hurt just for the entertainment."
Reiju rested her chin on her hand, looking at Baccarat. "Honestly, if anyone else tried to captain this crew, it would fall apart in an hour. No one else could keep those egos in check."
Baccarat smiled confidently. "But Drake is the captain. So they'll stay in line." She turned to Gin, who had just entered the periphery of the room. "Even the new guy. He looks normal, but you can see the coldness in his eyes. He's a shark."
Carina leaned in close to Nami. "Just a word of advice: don't trust the men on this ship. Stick with us."
Suddenly, a high-pitched ringing filled the room.
Pere Pere Pere Pere Pere!
The girls went silent, looking for the source. It was a Den Den Mushi. Drake, who had been lifting weights in the corner, dropped them with a heavy thud and walked over to answer.
Katchak!
"Master Drake... please! You have to save my sister!"
The snail's face morphed into a frantic, tear-streaked expression—it was Marigold. Behind her voice, there was a chaotic symphony of explosions and screaming.
"The Empress... she's met a powerful enemy! Her life is in danger—"
BOOM!
A massive explosion cut her off, and the line went dead.
In a blur of speed, Drake vanished from the room. The air where he stood was still rippling from his departure.
The girls were left in a stunned silence. They knew exactly how dire the situation had to be if that faction was calling for help.
"Who was that?" Moodie asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Hana's expression was grim. "There's only one 'Empress' that call could be about. Boa Hancock."
Betty nodded, extinguishing her cigarette. "That Den Den Mushi frequency is private. It's her."
Perona looked confused. "Wait, didn't she swear she'd never ask Drake for a favor? She's too proud for that."
Reiju stood up, her eyes narrowing. "Pride doesn't matter when you're dying. But knowing Hancock, she didn't make that call. Her sisters must have reached out behind her back."
Baccarat tried to calm the room. "If Drake is on his way, then the fight is already over. No one survives him when he's in a hurry." She then turned back to Nami, trying to shift the tension. "Anyway, Nami... you were going to tell us about these Fishmen. What's the situation?"
Nami took a shaky breath, trying to process the chaos she had just witnessed. "Right... my village... it was peaceful once. Until he arrived..."