The next day, at the headquarters of the World Economy News Paper on the Sabaody Archipelago...
"Captain Brook, your bounty has been updated again!" Shakky said excitedly, clearly proud of her captain's growing reputation.
"Your latest feat—defeating the 'Bloody Fist' Scarlet without even lifting a hand—along with your ability to hold your own against the Supernova Golden Lion, has raised your bounty to 120 million Belly! Though... you're still the lowest-ranked Supernova in terms of bounty."
"Looks like it's time to set sail and find some new crewmates!" Brook declared, feeling that his strength was now sufficient to take to the seas once more.
Meanwhile, Mortomas had already dispatched people to Jaya Island to establish a foothold, preparing for the future relocation of the news agency's headquarters.
Most of this year's Supernovas were still making waves across the Grand Line, and Brook knew he needed to build his own crew as soon as possible.
That morning, after discussing matters with Mortomas, Brook and his crew began loading supplies onto their pirate ship, which had been docked under the protection of the 50th Mangrove. They carefully transported their Eternal Poses and Den Den Mushi aboard. Under the watchful eyes of Mortomas' family, the three-person pirate crew set sail once more.
"Captain, is our first stop really that declining 'City of Shipwrights'?" Shakky, the crew's navigator, asked with a hint of doubt.
"Most of the top shipwrights are here in Sabaody now. Ever since the Great Aqua Laguna tsunami, the shipbuilding industry in Water 7 has been in decline."
She wasn't wrong. Water 7 had struggled in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami known as the 'Aqua Laguna.' Only thanks to the Fishman shipwright Tom and his revolutionary Sea Train had the city managed to reclaim its former glory, once again earning its title as the world's premier shipbuilding hub.
"Yes. That place still holds the greatest shipbuilding techniques!" Brook replied firmly.
He knew that the ancient weapon Pluton's blueprints were hidden in Water 7. At this point in time, Tom was probably in his thirties—older than Roger himself. Brook couldn't help but wonder... Had Roger already arrived at Water 7 to commission his legendary ship, the Oro Jackson?
Since Antonio was practically useless, Brook took charge of steering while Shakky monitored the Grand Line's unpredictable weather.
...
Meanwhile, on another ship, the Golden Lion Shiki had been busy collecting leaves from the Yarukiman Mangrove. However, he failed to obtain any from the legendary Sun Tree Eve or Treasure Tree Adam—Brook had already taken them all.
After a full day's rest, Shiki's personal Den Den Mushi, numbered 36, was finally functioning again. He eagerly picked it up, staring at the tiny screen to check the latest messages.
He wanted to see what the so-called 'powerful figures' were saying about him, and more importantly, he needed to time his responses perfectly to make an impact.
[No. 18: What do you guys think? Does this year's Supernova, Golden Lion Shiki, have the potential to become a top-tier powerhouse?]
[No. 15: A rookie is still a rookie. No matter how strong they seem, they're still weaklings. None of them even know Haki yet—total trash.]
[No. 9: The weather in the New World is far more unpredictable. His Float-Float Fruit could actually be a liability. If he rushes in without understanding how to navigate, he'll probably end up at the bottom of the sea!]
[No. 6: This generation's true 'Child of the Era' is Rocks D. Xebec. Terrifying mastery of all three types of Haki, a monstrous Devil Fruit, and an unstoppable will... I predict that most of the Supernovas will end up under his command—Shiki included!]
"WHAT?! ME?! Serve under someone else?!" Shiki erupted in fury. "I'm the damn Golden Lion! There's no way I'd bow to anyone! Three types of Haki? Ha! I'll master them all soon enough!"
[No. 44: Finally caught one of you... You criminals who dare to seek out the Poneglyphs will all be wiped out sooner or later. I am an Admiral of the Marine Headquarters, and I—]
[No. 2: No. 44 is dead. Don't worry, everyone. This space forbids revealing identities or making threats. If you violate the rules, your Den Den Mushi will be permanently disabled, and you will lose your place in the strongest circle.]
[No. 9: Hey, No. 2, you must be pretty strong, right? Are you another one of those old guys who's been around for a century?]
[No. 2: A century? I'm from a rare race. I'm already 256 years old.]
...
Golden Lion Shiki let out a sharp breath, staring at the now-dark Den Den Mushi with a mix of disbelief and frustration. The way those people talked about power... No way. He refused to accept it. He had to get stronger—strong enough to stand among monsters like them. He would master all three forms of Haki. No matter what it took!
With his Flying Pirates' ships fully coated, Shiki wasted no time setting off for Fish-Man Island. From there, he plunged into the New World, seeking out the strongest opponents and searching for a way to train in all three types of Haki.
...
"Captain Brook, I think the storm blew us off course."
Shakki spoke apologetically, but Brook shared some of the blame. With so few hands on deck, they hadn't been able to furl the sails in time, which led to this minor mishap.
"No worries! We'll just readjust our heading. Let's stop at that island up ahead and rest for a bit!"
Since they were already here, they might as well check it out.
"Understood, Captain."
Under their careful navigation, the ship soon docked at a small, remote island. Despite its isolation, it was surprisingly populated.
Brook hadn't reestablished a new pirate crew yet, nor was he flying a Jolly Roger, so the islanders only regarded them with wary curiosity rather than outright hostility.
Shakki, ever the smooth talker, used her friendly demeanor to gather some quick intel. Apparently, nothing much happened on this island—except for some recent strange occurrences.
With Belly in hand, Brook and his crew headed straight for the village center, indulging in a bit of shopping and enjoying the local cuisine.
"Grandma, I heard there have been some strange incidents happening on the island lately. Could you tell me about them?"
Shakki, with her short black hair and friendly tone, was naturally charming and easy to talk to.
The elderly woman gestured animatedly as she spoke.
"You outsiders should leave while you still can! There's a demon here that makes people lose their memories. Many on this island have forgotten their friends, even their own children! It's like their memories were stolen."
Hearing that, Antonio instinctively shuffled a little closer behind Brook.
"A creature that eats memories?"
Brook vaguely recalled hearing about such a being before. Had it really been around for all these years? His curiosity was piqued. He decided they'd stay on the island for a day and see if they could track it down.
...
Near the village, a small pond connected directly to the sea. Beneath its calm surface, a pink seahorse lurked in hiding.
Ever since it had glimpsed a migrating herd of Millennium Dragons flying overhead, a deep longing had taken root in its heart. It wanted to soar through the skies just like them.
Using its innate ability, the seahorse began to consume the memories of the island's residents. As it fed, it slowly grew stronger, refining its powers over time. One day, it planned to devour every last memory on the island, believing that doing so would trigger its evolution into a flying Millennium Dragon.
As night fell and the humans drifted into sleep, the creature leaped out of the pond, hopping toward the village in search of its next feast. It wasn't easy for a sea creature to move on land, but the promise of flight made the struggle worthwhile.
-----------
+100 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg