"Did you hear? Kang Shun almost got into serious trouble yesterday."
"No, what happened?"
"I know this one—his fleet strayed into that devil's region and nearly got attacked by Sea Kings."
"That island again? Looks like we really can't sail near that area anymore."
"Exactly."
Baccarat had just returned to the port, carrying some cosmetics, when she overheard the conversation.
A spark flashed in her mind, and she quickly stepped forward to ask:
"Excuse me, that island you mentioned—where exactly is it?"
The group of locals paused their conversation.
Some ignored her and simply walked off.
Finally, a middle-aged man pointed to the northwest and replied patiently:
"Just sail in that direction, and you'll reach it in less than half a day."
"But it's dangerous. Sea Kings are all over the place. Best not to go there."
With that, he turned and followed his friends, quickly disappearing into the crowd.
Baccarat gazed toward the northwest—endless blue ocean, no island in sight.
"I'll let Chris know—seems like another adventure is calling."
Without lingering, she headed back toward the ship.
Aboard the Chris.
"Captain, why's our new crewmate a woman?"
Burgess eyed the red-dressed beauty with a slight shrug, looking less than thrilled.
Doc Q lay sprawled on the deck as usual, barely breathing.
"If the captain chose her… there must be something special about her…"
Chris leaned against the railing, ignoring their chatter. He introduced her calmly:
"She's our new crewmate—the Paramecia-type Encouragement Fruit user, Betty!"
Betty glanced at Doc Q, took a drag from her cigarette, and said coolly:
"What's up with him? Looks like he's on death's doorstep."
"Welcome aboard, new crewmate~"
Baccarat approached with graceful steps, smiling warmly.
"With you around, I won't be nearly as bored anymore."
Betty looked over this elegant woman, exhaled smoke, and remained aloof.
"You're the Lucky-Luck Fruit user, Baccarat, right?"
She had heard Chris mention Baccarat's ability on the way back, and it left her shocked.
A Devil Fruit that manipulates luck—how unbelievable!
Just then, Chris raised his voice:
"Everyone, count heads! Prepare to set sail!"
"Aye, Captain Chris!"
The whole crew sprang into action—hauling anchor, raising sails...
Baccarat brushed a lock of deep red hair behind her ear, smiling softly:
"Chris, let's head northwest first."
"Did you find something, Miss Baccarat?"
Burgess perked up instantly, eagerly asking.
Chris stayed silent, simply waiting for Baccarat to explain.
"I overheard some locals earlier. They said there's an island to the northwest where Sea Kings always appear."
"My instincts tell me… that place holds great fortune for us."
She smiled elegantly, without even a hint of pride.
Chris was decisive. He shouted immediately:
"Set sail—head northwest!"
"Aye!"
The ship shifted course and quickly advanced toward the destination.
Burgess raised his arms, laughing wildly:
"I wonder what kind of treasures that island's hiding. Wehahahaha!"
"Kinda excited now… cough cough…"
Even Doc Q, face as grim as always, looked oddly energized.
Betty leaned back in her chair, legs crossed, and took a long drag.
"Didn't expect something this fun right after boarding. Not bad at all."
"I'm off to train. Call me if anything comes up."
With that, Chris turned and headed back to the training room.
Baccarat glanced at Betty with a sweet smile:
"Betty, want to go watch Chris train?"
"Sure. Good chance to see what kind of captain we've got."
The two walked off together, chatting and laughing.
Burgess shook his head with admiration:
"Captain's got crazy talent—and works harder than anyone. That's scary."
"His ambition's no joke…"
Doc Q wheezed.
"I'm starting to really believe in this ship's future."
Six hours later.
"Alert—!"
From the lookout tower came a loud shout:
"Island ahead! Island ahead…!"
It echoed several times.
"So we've arrived! Wehahahaha!"
Burgess rushed to the rail, arms wide, visibly thrilled.
Doc Q, seated in his chair, murmured slowly:
"This isn't about a new crewmate. I bet… it's a Devil Fruit."
Just then, footsteps approached—and Chris's calm voice followed:
"Whatever it is, we'll know once we land."
Betty looked toward the horizon.
The island was lush and overgrown with plants.
"With Sea Kings roaming nearby, I'd bet no one's set foot on this island for a long time."
Burgess frowned and turned to Chris:
"Captain, what if Sea Kings show up? What do we do then?"
"On the open sea, those monsters… I've got no idea how to handle them."
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T/N:
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