"It's Captain Jack Sparrow." Jack didn't seem particularly interested in Ethan's offer, his focus remained on correcting his title. "And I don't think you have a deal worth making with me."
"Don't be so quick to dismiss it, Jack."
For some reason, Ethan couldn't help but think of another movie, one where a different Jack met an unfortunate end at sea. But that wasn't the Jack standing in front of him now.
"How about I help you get your ship back?"
Jack Sparrow, who had been about to leave, suddenly froze. He turned mid-stride, pivoting in place before stepping back toward Ethan.
"You said my ship? Do you know where she is?"
Ethan shook his head. "I said I'd help you get your ship back, not that I know where she is. Besides, you don't need anyone to find her for you."
Jack's most valuable possession was his compass, a unique artifact that always pointed toward what its owner desired most. Given Jack's desperation to reclaim the Black Pearl, there was no doubt the compass was constantly directing him straight to the fastest ship on the ocean.
Hearing Ethan's words, Jack took a half-step back and studied him carefully. This young man was different from what he had initially assumed.
"You know quite a bit about me."
"I'd say I have a decent understanding."
Of course, all of it came from the movies in his past life. Anything beyond what was shown on screen was outside Ethan's knowledge.
Jack continued eyeing him warily.
"You said you could help me get my ship back… Do you know who has her now?"
"Your former first mate, Hector Barbossa."
"But you definitely don't know Barbossa's current situation…" Jack watched Ethan closely as he spoke, trying to gauge his reaction.
Yet Ethan showed no confusion, on the contrary, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
Jack immediately realized he had been wrong again.
"You do know Barbossa's current situation!"
For the first time, Jack was genuinely interested. He was finally willing to have a proper conversation with Ethan.
"I have to admit, you've piqued my curiosity. So… what should I call you?"
"Ethan."
"Ethan?"
"Just Ethan."
Jack scrutinized him again, this time not missing a single detail. His clothes were pristine, not a single frayed edge or loose thread.
A noble.
That was the same conclusion Governor Swann had reached. More importantly, a noble who didn't want to reveal his true identity. "Ethan" was almost certainly a fake name.
"Alright then, Ethan." Jack made no effort to hide his irritation at being given a false name. "So, what's the price?"
He didn't bother asking how Ethan planned to help him retake the Black Pearl. Those details could be discussed later. Right now, Ethan had made his offer, now it was time to name his price.
Jack didn't believe for a second that Ethan had sought him out just to offer his help for free.
"I need you to help me find something."
"What?" Jack gestured for him to continue, making it clear that if Ethan didn't explain his request properly, their conversation was over.
Ethan didn't hesitate.
"Blackbeard and the Fountain of Youth."
Jack froze for a moment, his expression shifting unpredictably.
"Sorry, I think I misheard you. Could you say that again?"
"Blackbeard and the Fountain of Youth."
Ethan repeated himself word for word, same tone, same cadence. Then he fell silent, watching Jack's reaction.
"Blackbeard? You mean Edward Teach?"
"Yes, that Blackbeard."
Jack was now convinced his first impression had been correct, Ethan was just another arrogant young noble with an overinflated sense of importance.
The so-called "negotiation" wasn't about enlisting Jack's help at all. It was about using him as a stepping stone to chase after an even bigger legend.
"Listen, I think you should go back home and find a good doctor to check your head." Jack tapped his temple for emphasis, then turned to leave.
As for the Fountain of Youth, he ignored it entirely.
Blackbeard was not someone he wanted to cross, not even to humor some reckless noble. The man was ruthless, and worse, he never forgot a grudge. Even just pointing this fool in Blackbeard's direction could bring unwanted trouble.
But Ethan's next words stopped him in his tracks.
"If you think my offer isn't enough… I can throw in Davy Jones."
Jack stiffened.
For a moment, he wondered if he was hearing things.
After a long silence, he turned back to Ethan, his voice uncertain.
"You mean Davy Jones? The Davy Jones of the Flying Dutchman?"
"That's right. The octopus-faced one."
Ethan's response erased any doubt.
Jack no longer thought he was hallucinating.
This noble—whoever he really was—not only knew about Davy Jones but also knew Jack's personal connection to him.
And that was a problem.
Jack felt an overwhelming sense of unease. This conversation was rapidly spiraling into dangerous territory.
He knew nothing about Ethan, yet Ethan seemed to know everything about him.
"I don't believe you."
"Don't believe in my character, or don't believe in my abilities?"
"Both."
Ethan nodded. If Jack had agreed too easily, he wouldn't be Captain Jack Sparrow.
"In that case, I'll give you part of the payment upfront."
Jack almost laughed.
At this point, he was seriously wondering if he was dreaming. The way things were unfolding today was far too ridiculous.
The offer Ethan had just made was far too good.
"Aren't you afraid I'll just take the advance payment and disappear?"
"Oh, I fully believe you're capable of doing that."
Davy Jones was proof enough, Jack had struck a bargain with him before and had no intention of ever repaying his debt.
But Ethan offering part of the payment upfront wasn't just about making a deal. It was a demonstration of strength, proof that he wasn't someone Jack could just scam and walk away from.
"I also believe that when you get the Black Pearl back, you won't want to risk losing it again by crossing me."
A chill ran down Jack's spine.
His instincts were screaming at him to walk away.
This man, this young noble who he couldn't see through was not a safe business partner.
And yet, his instincts as a pirate, his thirst for adventure, wouldn't let him refuse.
More importantly, Ethan did seem capable of fulfilling his promise.
And Jack desperately wanted the Black Pearl back.
Not to mention, dealing with Davy Jones was a problem he needed to solve.
"…Alright then, Ethan."
Jack exhaled, pushing aside his lingering unease.
"Let's hear your plan."
The plan was simple: Jack would locate the Black Pearl, and Ethan would take care of the enemy.
Upon hearing it, Jack had the unsettling realization that he might have forgotten to take his medicine today because this plan sounded utterly reckless.
"Isn't that a bit too simple?"
"The simpler, the better." Ethan was firm. "Overcomplicated plans have too many points of failure. One unexpected variable, and the whole thing falls apart."
Jack had to admit that logic made sense. He couldn't argue against it.
But there was still one critical issue.
"You do realize Barbossa can't be killed unless we find—"
"The last Aztec gold coin."
"…Right." Jack blinked, then frowned. "Wait—do you know where it is?
"Yes, I know."
Ethan pointed toward the mansion on the upper floor.
"It's in the hands of the Governor of Port Royal's daughter."
In reality, Ethan didn't need to go through all this trouble just to deal with a crew of cursed, low-level undead. However, since the gold coin could be useful for luring out Barbossa, obtaining it in advance was still a good choice.
"The Governor's daughter..." Jack turned to look at Ethan again. "You know the Governor well?"
"Not really." They had only known each other for less than two days and had shared a single meal.
"Then you must be close to the Governor's daughter?"
"I've only met her twice."
"Twice is enough."
Jack suddenly clapped Ethan on the shoulder.
"I believe you can get that gold coin, no matter where the lady keeps it."
Ethan spread his hands, feeling that Jack was clearly misunderstanding something.
"Honestly, whether I get the gold coin or not doesn't really matter. Its greatest value to me is as a backup plan, if you can't locate the Black Pearl, we can use it to draw out Barbossa instead."
In truth, simply gathering the gold coins wouldn't be enough to lift the curse.
What was also required was the blood of William Turner—specifically, Bill Turner, who had already been tied to a cannon and sunk into the sea by Barbossa. At this moment, Bill Turner was serving aboard the Flying Dutchman, working under Davy Jones, though no one knew it yet.
As a substitute, his son's blood—Will Turner's—could also be used.
In fact, had Jack realized Will was Bill Turner's son in the original timeline, he would have had a way to break Barbossa's immortality. Even if the Black Pearl was right in front of him, he wouldn't have been so dead set on chasing it.
That was precisely why, despite being able to locate the Black Pearl, he hadn't taken any action yet.
After hearing that Ethan wasn't concerned about Barbossa's immortality at all, Jack finally began to question where Ethan's confidence came from.
"With this..."
They were in a secluded corner where no one was paying attention.
Ethan extended his empty palm and a sphere of water materialized out of thin air.
"Magic."
***
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