Chapter 297: Judge's Freedom
As Charlotte's activities in the North Blue continued, the entire North Blue gradually became familiar with the Rockefeller Pirates. Over time, resistance to the Rockefeller Pirates lessened significantly.
Whenever Charlotte landed on an island, a large group of swordsmen would inevitably gather at the harbor, eager to challenge him. These individuals sought to make a name for themselves by defeating the world's greatest swordsman.
In the past, anyone who wanted to challenge the top swordsman had to travel to the New World—a daunting prospect for those unwilling or unable to journey so far. But now that the world's greatest swordsman had arrived in the North Blue, they were determined to seize this rare opportunity.
Charlotte never dealt with these challengers personally unless they reached the level of a sword master. Instead, he let his subordinates handle them. When facing a sword master, Charlotte would finish the fight in just a few moves, as there was little challenge for him. After all, true sword masters remained exceedingly rare.
During this period, Charlotte recruited a few capable and sincere swordsmen who were dedicated to the way of the sword. Even after just a few pointers from Charlotte, they would come bearing gifts and pledging loyalty, proclaiming their willingness to serve the great Rockefeller Family.
Yes, the Rockefeller Family. To reduce his presence, Charlotte had taken down the pirate flag and replaced it with a family crest. Though everyone knew the truth, it allowed them to maintain a subtle pretense. The Rockefeller Pirates and the Rockefeller Family were technically different entities, creating a convenient facade that allowed them to maintain their influence while giving the Navy and World Government some face. A win-win situation for everyone involved.
The world of piracy wasn't just about fighting—it was also about playing the game of politics and human relationships. This subtle approach allowed kingdoms to openly invite the Rockefeller Pirates into their territories without fear of reprisal from the World Government. After all, the Rockefeller Family wasn't labeled outright as a pirate organization.
From the beginning of the Sea Calendar year 1491 to late October 1492, Charlotte and his crew wandered across the entire North Blue, achieving the title of "North Blue Wanderers" and marking every notable location on the map.
Their next destination was the West Blue.
Just as they were preparing to leave the North Blue, Charlotte's thoughts turned to Vinsmoke Judge—the scientist he had kidnapped from Punk Hazard nearly eight years prior. He had promised Judge his freedom once the ship was completed, but time had dragged on, and Charlotte couldn't help but feel a little guilty.
After all, Rockefeller Charlotte was a man of his word!
(Golden Lion Shiki: Bah!)
"Judge, you've been following me for almost eight years now. You know how I've treated you. We're about to leave the North Blue, and I think it's time to honor the promise I made back then!" Charlotte said earnestly to Vinsmoke Judge.
Judge's expression, which had been blank, immediately shifted, his eyes filled with anticipation as he looked at Charlotte, waiting for the next words.
Seeing Judge's reaction, Charlotte couldn't help but feel a bit reluctant. After all, Judge was a valuable tool—a brilliant scientist who had served loyally for so many years. Letting him go was undeniably a loss.
But a promise was a promise.
"Sigh... I said I'd let you go once the ship was built, and it's been far too long. I hope you don't hold a grudge," Charlotte said, his tone a bit melancholic.
It hurt—losing such a good tool was painful!
Judge's eyes welled up with tears of disbelief. Was he really being freed?
Eight years! Do you know how I survived these eight years? Endless research on useless projects, just to entertain Charlotte—working overtime, pulling all-nighters, with a mountain of tasks never ending. If not for his dream of reviving the Vinsmoke family, he would have given up long ago.
Now that Charlotte finally remembered his promise, Judge couldn't help but feel a surge of relief and sadness.
"Don't be too sad. Every feast must end. From now on, you are free. If you ever need anything, come find me—I'll help if I can. That's my promise to you," Charlotte said, patting Judge on the shoulder.
Judge couldn't help but shed tears of relief. Seeing his emotional state, Charlotte felt uneasy.
"Go on, go! Don't look back!" Charlotte waved his hand, having prepared a small boat with some provisions.
Judge glanced at the small boat and the sack of rations onboard, and tears streamed down his face again.
"That bastard... After all these years of work, I'm being sent off like this... Heartless bastard!" Judge thought as he boarded the small boat.
"Goodbye!" Charlotte stood on the ship's prow, waving as Judge sailed off into the horizon.
Even Caesar Clown, who rarely left the lab, came out to see his old scientific rival off.
Judge didn't look back as he steered the boat away, disappearing into the distance.
"Sigh... I actually feel a bit sad," Charlotte murmured, patting Caesar's shoulder.
"Captain, I'm sure Judge didn't really want to leave," Caesar consoled him with a smirk, following Charlotte back to the ship's cabin.
"By the way, are Judge's research data and notes still around?" Charlotte suddenly remembered.
"Yeah, they're all here. Most of it is useless stuff, but the biological weapons have some research value," Caesar replied.
"Oh? Biological weapons? You mean those pain-resistant soldiers capable of combat?" Charlotte asked, intrigued.
"Something like that, but more advanced—they're designed to be fully integrated with various weapons. If perfected, they could become biological war machines," Caesar explained with pride.
Charlotte's eyes lit up. "Can you develop it?"
Caesar grinned confidently. "Of course! I, Caesar Clown, destined to surpass Vegapunk, will definitely succeed! But it'll take time."
"Speaking of which, how's your research on artificial Devil Fruits going? I've given you at least ten real Devil Fruits every year—don't waste them. I could've used those to build a whole army," Charlotte said pointedly.
Caesar scratched his head. "The progress is slow... Creating stable artificial Devil Fruits is complicated. Unlike real ones, the success rate is low, and they're prone to defects. I need more resources and time."
"Hmph. Don't disappoint me. We're heading to the West Blue soon. Make sure your research bears some fruit!" Charlotte warned.
Caesar nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes. The journey to the West Blue was about to begin, and Charlotte knew that with Caesar's scientific talents, their crew's power would only continue to grow.
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