The Golden Lion's Invitation

"Charlotte Linlin of the New World is only 16 this year, and her bounty has already reached 580 million Berries!"

A voice popped up from nowhere, instantly pouring a bucket of cold water on the enthusiasm of Golden Lion Shiki.

"Who is it? Which bastard said that? Get out here!"

The crew members of the Flying Pirate Crew glared viciously at their surroundings, trying to ferret out the person who had spoken out of turn.

"Forget it. I happen to be heading into the New World, so I'll see for myself just how strong this Charlotte Linlin is! Hmph~"

Golden Lion Shiki's face darkened as he scanned the room, took a deep drag of his cigar, and said indifferently.

"Captain Golden Lion, are you still taking on crew members? I want to join you!"

Some wandering pirates were desperate to join the crew of the highest-bountied supernova of the year; joining up meant experiencing the sensation of flight and being able to do whatever they pleased under the protection of Golden Lion!

"I am, I'll take everyone! I'm going to build a Flying Pirate Crew fleet and conquer the whole world, hahahaha~"

At this moment, Golden Lion Shiki possessed hair like a lion's, flowing in every direction, and the inviolable, regal majesty of a lion. Not only that, but he also erupted with the ambition and courage of a lion roaring across the four seas, intent on swallowing the world.

In the eyes of the Flying Pirate Crew, Golden Lion was as noble, glorious, and brilliant as gold. The entire tavern grew excited, and countless shouts rang out.

Countless pirates joined the Flying Pirate Crew, while some pirate groups with bounties in the tens of millions had the sense to leave, departing the tavern where they clearly didn't fit in.

"Captain Shiki, don't you love dancing and singing? Humming Brook is currently on Sabaody Archipelago. His Rumbar Pirates have been wiped out, and he's all alone now—it's the perfect time to recruit him!"

"That's right, and he even wiped out the Poison Smoke Pirates in one move. His bounty has already reached 80 million Berries; his strength is quite impressive."

Many of the newly joined lackeys began to show off, scouting for talent for the pirate crew.

"Is that the Humming Brook who sings 'Binks' Sake'?"

Golden Lion Shiki was also a guy who loved to dance, though he danced terribly—but who would dare voice any doubt toward him, the captain?

"That's him, Captain Shiki. Let's get a musician on board; it would make our banquets so much more fun. Besides, that guy's strength isn't bad at all!"

A member of the Flying Pirate Crew suggested. Currently, aside from Golden Lion Shiki himself, no one in the crew had a bounty over 100 million; the rest were just ordinary stock, with the highest being around 70 or 80 million. If Brook joined, he would likely jump straight into the top three.

"Fine. If we run into Humming Brook before the ship is finished coating, we'll recruit him!"

Right now, Golden Lion was the only supernova on Sabaody Archipelago, with others topping out at 80 or 90 million; Brook could be considered part of the top tier.

"Captain Shiki, speak of the devil! I just saw Humming Brook walking by outside~"

A pirate ran in from outside the tavern and reported loudly and excitedly to Golden Lion Shiki.

"Gehahaha~ Heaven helps me! Let me see where my musician is!"

Golden Lion Shiki walked out with his dual blades, looking every bit the part of a man thirsty for talent. In this era, it was the same: when faced with famous powerhouses, pirate captains would often take the initiative to invite them to join, just like how Red-Haired Shanks had personally gone to invite Yasopp.

Brook had been taking Shakky to see Golden Lion, but he hadn't expected Shiki to come charging out of the tavern before they even reached the spot, looking excitedly at his future musician crewmate.

"Humming Brook, I hear your strength is quite good. How about becoming the musician on my ship?"

Golden Lion Shiki's golden hair fluttered as he stood in high spirits, loudly extending his invitation to Brook. It left Brook stunned—he had only come to watch the show and see this legendary pirate, and yet he was being personally invited by Golden Lion himself?

"Captain Shiki, my apologies, but I don't want to enter the New World just yet."

Brook reacted quickly, his expression unchanged, still cold and emotionless as he politely declined.

"Brook, have you lost your nerve? Did the destruction of the Rumbar Pirates strip you of the courage to continue your adventure?"

A combat commander beside Golden Lion Shiki spoke up, his words carrying a hint of provocation. This was the current second-in-command of the Flying Pirate Crew and its intellectual pillar, the combat commander Bloody Fist, Scarlet, with a bounty of 92 million Berries—nearly another supernova.

"Brook, with me as your captain, you'll never be defeated again. Become my crewmate!"

Golden Lion Shiki also looked at Brook with interest, wanting to see if he had truly lost his fighting spirit, yet he continued to extend the invitation!

"Have you awakened Conqueror's Haki? Do you know Armament Haki?"

Brook ignored Scarlet's provocation and instead asked the imposing Golden Lion Shiki.

"What Haki? I think I've heard a little about it."

Golden Lion Shiki frowned, not understanding the question Brook had posed.

Brook couldn't believe it; a supernova with a bounty of 440 million Berries had only heard a little about Haki and likely hadn't even learned it.

One had to marvel at the World Government's control over the Four Seas and the Grand Line. There was almost no information about Haki in these places. Aside from family legacies or large organizations, those who obtained Devil Fruits and set out to sea as pirates likely only had a chance to learn Haki once they reached the New World.

It was a process of learning while getting beaten, and in minutes, many would be crushed by the sea. Only a small fraction of pirates could grow up to become famous, powerful pirates.

"Armament Haki is the standard equipment for powerhouses in the New World. It can directly strike the physical bodies of Logia-type Devil Fruit users and defend against the bizarre abilities of various Paramecia-type Devil Fruits. There is also Observation Haki, which can predict an enemy's attack movements."

Brook explained simply. Armament Haki could indeed defend against many Devil Fruit abilities, provided that one's Haki strength was greater than the enemy's level of Devil Fruit development; otherwise, a powerful Devil Fruit ability could still overcome third-rate Armament Haki.

Devil Fruit abilities and Haki were like water and fire; whoever was stronger would suppress the other.

"Are you saying that if I don't know Haki, I can't become a powerhouse in the New World?"

Golden Lion Shiki took a long drag of his cigar, flicked the ash with his finger, and said dismissively. He was very confident in his Float-Float Fruit and his swordsmanship.

"Theoretically, that is the case, which is why I won't be heading to the New World for the time being!" Brook said honestly.

"Even if Haki is important, how will you get stronger if you don't experience battle! What's the point of hiding in the Grand Line! Brook, come with us to the New World, and we'll just snatch the methods for training Haki! Then we'll have it, won't we? Gehahahaha~"

Golden Lion Shiki spoke arrogantly once more, extending another invitation to Brook, the experienced veteran.