List

The gentle music, rising and merging from ordinary instruments, quickens its pace, becoming short and powerful, seemingly inspiring passion, hope for life, and a yearning for a bright future.

No one wanted to disturb them; their arrival was quiet, and the children, with their backs to them, didn't notice.

However, some people had already noticed them when they arrived, or rather, before they even appeared.

It was that thin young man, who seemed to be the teacher of these children, whose invisible senses precisely caught their trail. Teach and Rediat keenly noticed a scrutinizing gaze—no, a spirit—lingering briefly on them before sweeping away.

It seemed that they didn't sense any malice and therefore didn't care, but how could they not care?

Teach and his companions knew that their gazes had fallen upon this very thin and frail-looking young man, who was the person they were looking for, or rather, the person foretold by Baccarat's abilities.

Baccarat's ability, luck, while not prophecy, and certainly not knowing everything, sometimes plays a greater role; it can point in a direction, a favorable one.

It can bring good luck to Teach and the Night Pirates.

The music was melodious and pleasant, with the sounds of various instruments blending together. The most important part was the performance of the young teacher, who held a small piano in his hands. It had similar functions to a regular piano but was much smaller, with only half the number of keys, making it perfect for sitting on his lap.

His long, slender fingers danced rapidly across the small piano, leading the children in a chorus of fast-paced music, following the rhythm of the piano notes.

The resulting effect is like a small symphony orchestra.

Here, there are all kinds of musical instruments, small and simple ones. After all, they can't afford the expensive ones, as you can tell from the clothes they wear.

Teach four of them stood there and listened to the entire piece of music. As the music gradually faded and disappeared, it drifted on the wind, seemingly leaving a lingering echo.

It seemed to be a ritual; everyone closed their eyes, remained silent for a few seconds, and then slowly opened them.

At this moment, some children spotted Teach and his friends, and recognized Teach. Their eyes flashed with undisguised terror, and they hurriedly ran behind the young man.

Teach's appearance and Daimyo are now known to everyone in the West Blue, even these children know that the Dark Night Pirates are a notorious and infamous Great Pirate Night Pirates.

Ordinary residents are terrified even by the name of a pirate, let alone Teach.

Ordinary adults are fine, but children's thoughts can't be hidden. Compared to the situation they've been through, this makes Teach and his friends find it rather amusing.

The young man had already spotted Teach and his group. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes as he wondered why the captain of the Night Pirates would come here.

Because of its remote location, news of the Night Pirates' arrival did not reach this area.

However, he seemed to have a guess. He sensed Teach and the others' gazes on him and realized that Teach's purpose in coming here was probably for him.

"May I ask what brings you here, Mr. Dark Emperor?" List slowly stood up from the lawn, gave a very Gentleman bow, and politely inquired.

Perhaps due to a physical defect or other reasons, his senses were extremely sharp. He did not sense any malice from Teach and the others, but rather anticipation and interest.

"Haha, fate has led us here. Our Night Pirates are in need of a top-tier musician, and I'd like to extend an invitation to you right here." Teach laughed, took two steps forward, and extended his invitation to the man.

Through the performance just now, and with the approval of Xiouyapufu, even Xiouyapufu himself felt inferior. This young musician's performance ability surpassed his own, and he was not far from being at the top level.

Moreover, although this man was physically very weak, his mental strength was extremely powerful, and it seemed somewhat strange. Teach could conclude that he was a person with superpowers.

Teach's words greatly surprised List, as did the children behind List. Although Teach was a pirate, he was also a legendary figure, and the fact that he had extended an invitation to their teacher was truly astonishing to them.

List also somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected this. Why had Teach found him? How did she know him? Was she just passing by? Or was it truly a sign of fate?

As List thought this, a burning passion stirred within him, as if a flame were raging.

List had always kept another side of himself hidden. His music was wild and not gentle, like a storm. The invitation from a man like Teach, coupled with his own inner restlessness, seemed to make him yearn for the extraordinary, making him somewhat willing to accept List's invitation.

However, List refused, shaking his head. "I'm very sorry, my health is not good. I'm very weak. The doctor said I might not live past twenty-four. Therefore, I shouldn't be able to board your ship. Please forgive me for refusing."

This statement implies that List was considering agreeing to Teach's offer.

Hearing him say that, both Xiouyapufu and Rediat felt a little regretful and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

They could also see that List's physical condition was not just ordinary weakness; his physical fitness was less than half that of an average adult male.

In the World Government's power system, the average adult male's Doriki Value 10, so List's strength is not even comparable to those trash with a combat power of only 5.

However, they could also sense a threat from List, that keen mental strength, which was rather strange.

Hearing List's words, Teach couldn't help but smile. "If that's the case, I should have a way to solve it."

Upon hearing this, List's pupils contracted, and he clenched his fists in disbelief, yet a glimmer of hope seemed to rise in his eyes.

You see, his physical condition was so bad that he was almost desperate. His body was getting weaker and weaker for no apparent reason, and even after consulting with many famous doctors, they couldn't find the cause of his problem.

But Teach had a solution.

Seeing List's condition, Teach laughed and said, "Your physical condition is something that happened after you ate the Devil Fruit, isn't it?"

"How did you know?" List blurted out upon hearing Teach's words.

At the same time, he remembered that this situation occurred after he ate that Devil Fruit.

"The reason your body is weakening is not because of illness. Your abilities are probably related to your spirit or soul. Because your spirit is too strong, it has caused your body to become unbalanced, which is why your body has become like this." Teach saw through List's problem at a glance. Such immense spiritual power could not have been innate.

Because of his immense mental power, List also Awakening Observation Haki, and his Observation Haki was very powerful.

"Therefore, as long as you exercise appropriately and improve your physical fitness to a certain level, you can restore the so-called balance, and all of this can be resolved."

Teach's words made List Satori something, and he couldn't help but think of the days after he ate the Devil Fruit. At first, he was fine, but later, his health gradually deteriorated. At first, he thought it was an illness, but now he realized that this was the reason.

Upon receiving this news, List couldn't help but feel somewhat pleased.

Having regained his inner peace, List turned to look at the children behind him, a hint of worry in his eyes.

Lister looked at Teach again, List gently, and shook his head. "During my time of despair, they were there for me and gave me warmth. They are all orphans of Venus. It's hard to imagine what would happen to them without me. I still can't leave."

Teach understood somewhat, looking at the children behind List and comprehending List's thoughts.

But he didn't give up. Looking at the children behind List, he smiled and said, "Have you ever thought about a different way of life? Come sail the high seas with me, become a pirate with me, a free pirate. On my ship, besides lacking a musician, I also need a band."

"However, there are no idle people on my ship. There are daily training requirements, but this will improve your strength and give you the power to change your own destiny. However, you may also die, because we are pirates and will face pursuit by the Navy and battles with other pirates."

Even Rediat hadn't expected that Teach would take a different approach and set his sights on the orphans behind List. But just as Teach said, they needed a band, and the children's performances were very captivating. If they could join the Night Pirates with List, that would be the best outcome.

If the children agree, List will naturally join the Night Pirates.

Some might find Teach somewhat despicable, but Teach was simply giving these orphans a choice—a choice of a new future.

As orphans, it's incredibly difficult to make a name for themselves in a music capital like this. Although they are musically gifted and have received instruction from List, they lack the money to buy instruments, which are so precious that even ordinary families struggle to afford them.

That is why they may spend their entire lives working for others, living just to make a living.

This is true for most people in this world; many become pirates because they can't survive and want to change their fate.

Most pirates are simple-minded; they just want to seize enough treasure to live a wealthy life. After that, they will retire to a country and live a prosperous life. After all, who wants to keep fighting on the high seas, risking their life at any moment?

These orphans are ordinary people too. As orphans, they are not yet adults and can only do odd jobs, earning even fewer Beli.

Teach's words prompted some people to start thinking. After all, orphans experience more things from a young age and mature earlier. Most of these children are only twelve or thirteen years old, and their lives are actually quite difficult in a place like the City of Music, Venus.

Music offered them a path of hope, but that hope was slim.

"Sir, may I have my own musical instrument?" a young boy couldn't help but ask.

"Haha, the Night Pirates aren't short of money. Now that you've become a member of our Night Pirates, just tell us what instruments you want, and we'll get you all the instruments you need." Teach his hand and laughed loudly. This was nothing to Teach; instruments might be very expensive for ordinary people, but for the Night Pirates, it was just a drop in the ocean.

"I want to follow Professor List, but I also want Professor List to be able to pursue his own dreams. Professor List shouldn't be restricted by us."

"If I join the Night Pirates, will they provide three meals a day?"

"How could I let my crew go hungry?" Teach laughed and shook his head, not expecting such a question.

"I want to change my destiny."

The children all agreed. They were orphans, practically homeless, and joining the Night Pirates was a good opportunity for them.

Although they would become pirates, joining the Night Pirates would provide them with food, musical instruments, and the chance to become stronger. In this Great Pirate Era, they felt especially insecure, and the spread of images fueled their yearning for and desire for power.

Joining the Night Pirates is undoubtedly an opportunity that could change their fate.

What they could get was something they couldn't refuse.

The Night Pirates were renowned, and while they feared Teach, they also felt a sense of admiration and respect—a respect for the strong.

Being a member of the Night Pirates is an honor in itself for them.

More importantly, they wanted to follow List, their music teacher, rather than have List held back by them.

All these conditions combined led them to agree to Teach's invitation, including some girls.

There are very few girls in the Night Pirates. Apart from the officers, there are only about a dozen girls among the thousands of people.

"You..." List was somewhat moved, and at the same time, he made up his mind. He looked at Teach and extended his hand. "Franz List, Captain."

"Haha, welcome to the team, List. From now on, you're a musician on our ship." Teach laughed, extending his own hand as well, and the two hands clasped together.

At the same time, Teach was also curious and couldn't help but ask, "List, what ability do you have?"

"Paramecia -type Ghost Cry Tree." List chuckled upon hearing this.

Upon hearing this, Teach and Rediat's expressions changed. The Ghost Cry Tree was an evil tree, extremely rare, so much so that few people knew about it.

This is an extremely dangerous tree. Although it is very fragile, much like an ordinary tree, it is a spiritual tree with terrifying spiritual power. It will involuntarily emit a kind of spiritual howl like Kikoku's wail, causing great mental damage to people.

Countless people have gone mad after coming into contact with this tree. No living creatures will appear around it; they are either driven away or already dead.