Return to Lati Island
Charlotte Linlin was not in a good mood at all.
After receiving Lina's report, she discovered that the three ships she had captured contained no treasure—only a massive stockpile of weapons: guns, cannons, and swords.
This shocked her.
Golden Lion Shiki and Qiqiya had deceived her.
But that wasn't the real issue.
What did Golden Lion Shiki need with so many weapons?
A sense of unease crept into Charlotte's heart. She wasn't interested in stockpiling weapons for exhibitions. The implications were clear—Shiki was preparing for something big.
Her face darkened.
If Shiki was planning a major offensive, then she might be dragged into it.
Her bounty would inevitably rise.
The Navy would tighten its surveillance on her.
The thought sent a shiver down her spine, making the hairs on her arms stand on end.
---
At the Port
As soon as they docked, Charlotte saw Qiqiya, the woman responsible for all this, standing there with a nonchalant expression.
Displeased, Charlotte stepped off the ship and hurled the severed head of King Aeron at Qiqiya's feet.
Qiqiya barely glanced at it. She picked it up and tossed it to a subordinate behind her before boarding the three ships of the Golden Lion Pirates to inspect them.
Charlotte observed her reaction carefully.
She had been tricked.
Qiqiya had never cared about the King of Elon Kingdom—her true objective had always been the weapons.
Moments later, Qiqiya returned, smiling in satisfaction.
"Not bad! Charlotte, you did a great job! Do you have any small requests?"
Qiqiya, entrusted with minor decision-making by Shiki, had the authority to grant small favors.
Charlotte gritted her teeth but hid her frustration.
Since Qiqiya had offered, it would be foolish to waste an opportunity.
"The Elon Kingdom took a hit because of this. Any compensation?"
Qiqiya hesitated before shaking her head. "That's not possible. Unless… is there truly no other way?"
Charlotte clenched her fist. She wanted nothing more than to punch this woman in the face and remind her that the world was a cruel place.
Still, she had to swallow her frustration. At least Qiqiya wasn't actively trying to undermine her.
"Oh, by the way, I'm planning to set sail for a while," Charlotte added.
Qiqiya raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound like you."
Charlotte cursed internally. If it weren't for Shiki stirring up trouble, would I even need to do this?
She had no shortage of money, food, clothes, a house, or even a ship. A peaceful life was all she wanted.
"Well, better to act before the Navy sets its sights on me."
Qiqiya nodded. "Fair enough. I'll report it."
Once the troublesome woman was gone, Charlotte let out a sigh of relief.
She didn't need to handle the arms transport.
Ivan, his eyes gleaming with excitement, was already on it.
---
Inside the Office
Charlotte sat in her office, flipping through the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia with one hand, scanning for something of interest.
Her eyes soon locked onto an entry.
Paramecia-type Devil Fruit: Lush-Lush Fruit (also known as the Cluster Fruit).
An ability that controls plant life and accelerates its growth.
Charlotte's lips curled into a smile. This was an incredibly powerful Devil Fruit.
She carefully marked the page, considering who would be the best fit for its power.
---
The Banquet of the Silberfeller Pirates
That evening, the Silberfeller Pirates, celebrating their victory, threw a grand feast.
Banquets weren't just about indulgence—they strengthened camaraderie.
Inside the banquet hall, plates of roasted meat and barrels of sake were laid out.
The three gluttons—Giant Dal, Beta, and Barrett—devoured their food in a frenzied competition to see who could eat the most.
Sakya Lido and his daughter, Sakya Yaer, discussed their recent projects while enjoying their meals.
At another table, Ivan, Lina, Jillian, and Mitis chatted over drinks. Mitis, of course, only had juice.
Lina suddenly glanced around and asked, "Where's Sister Mitis? I don't see her anywhere."
Mitis smiled. "She's preparing for a performance. Just wait a little."
Lina nodded with a grin.
The banquet was lively. Pirates laughed, feasted, and drank without a care in the world.
For the first time in a while, Charlotte allowed herself to relax.
---
A Surprise Performance
Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and a soft melody filled the air.
A lone figure stepped into the spotlight.
Charlotte's eyes narrowed in surprise.
Mitia? That little girl? What is she up to?
The room fell silent as the young girl took a deep breath and spoke with a shy smile.
"This is a traditional dance from my homeland. I dedicate it to everyone here as a blessing—especially to Brother Charlotte. I hope all your wishes come true."
Charlotte felt a warmth in his chest. This was a good kid.
As the music played, Mitia began to dance.
She was still young, but her movements carried an elegance beyond her years. She had talent—real talent.
The lighthearted melody and her graceful steps lifted the spirits of everyone present.
The crew cheered, their enthusiasm growing.
Lina clapped, genuinely moved. "Amazing! Mitia will surely become a world-famous dancer one day."
Mitis, blushing slightly, nodded in quiet pride.
This was her sister.
A girl who would someday captivate the world—Mitia, the future Dance Queen.
With Mitia's dance, the banquet's atmosphere soared to new heights. Pirates swayed to the rhythm, singing and celebrating in unison.
For a fleeting moment, time stood still.
The world felt peaceful.
Charlotte gazed at Mitia with a rare, affectionate smile. This family—this crew of outcasts from across the world—was warm.
And in that moment, she made a decision.
The Lush-Lush Fruit belonged to Mitia.
After all, the fruit's abilities required dance to activate. Mitia's talent would allow her to unleash its full potential.
It was a perfect fit.
At the very least, it was better than wasting such a gift on some brainless brute.
Besides, at ten years old, Mitia was more than ready to eat a Devil Fruit.
The seas were dangerous, and she would need every advantage to survive.
The grand banquet ended in roaring laughter and celebration.
And the fierce eating contest between Dal, Beta, and Barrett?
It concluded with Dal's overwhelming victory.