A Newcomer Comes Aboard

Those pirates took advantage of Redfield and Brook being distracted by their conversation and immediately slipped away.

"Redfield, it looks like your crew ran off," Brook reminded him.

"It's fine, Captain Brook. Those pirates were prisoners I captured and made sail for me while I searched for you. Now that I've joined your crew, these small-time pirates are no longer of any use."

Redfield explained. His Observation Haki had sensed that the pirates were planning to escape, but he'd valued his time talking with Captain Brook more.

"Perfect timing—we can go have a feast to celebrate Captain Brook getting the Demon Sword!"

Shakky was happy to have a new member, too. That way, the Hell Pirates could grow stronger and stronger.

"I never thought Captain Brook would tame the legendary Demon Sword. No wonder you're our captain."

Redfield praised him. Then his Observation Haki seemed to pick up on something else. He stared at the Cane Sword in Shakky's hand. It had been Brook's constant companion, and Redfield couldn't help wanting it.

He wanted it like a fan longing for an idol's personal belongings.

"Miss Shakky, could I have Captain Brook's Cane Sword? I'm a swordsman too, but I don't have a weapon right now. I came to Asuka Island looking for the Demon Sword! I just never expected..."

Redfield stared at the Cane Sword in Shakky's hand, his eyes gleaming.

"How do you know my name is Shakky? And how do you know this is the captain's Cane Sword?"

Shakky suddenly looked at Redfield warily. As an Information Hunter, she was very sensitive to information.

"Miss Shakky, please don't misunderstand. The truth is, I... I..."

Redfield swallowed, suddenly afraid to tell the truth. Would these crewmates think he was a monster?

"Redfield, you awakened a special kind of Observation Haki, didn't you? Promise me you won't pry into your crewmates' thoughts again. Understand?"

Brook was worried Redfield might uncover his secrets, too. But judging by Redfield's expression, he didn't seem to have sensed Brook's inner world. Otherwise, he'd probably have been utterly shocked by now.

"So Captain Brook knows about this ability? That's great! I promise I won't read my crewmates' thoughts again!"

Redfield hurried to explain, hoping they would forgive him.

"You mean you can read our thoughts?"

Shakky took several frightened steps back, staring at Redfield in disbelief. Redfield lowered his head in silence, confirming her suspicion.

The other crewmates looked at Redfield strangely, seeming both awkward and wary.

"Everyone has the potential to awaken Observation Haki. It lets you sense enemies and predict their next moves. At its highest level, you can even see a few seconds into the future.

"Redfield's special Observation Haki lets him read other people's thoughts. Other special forms can sense every emotion someone feels. The most unusual is the top-level Observation Haki known as the Voice of All Things."

Brook explained it to them, easing their mutual wariness.

"Does that mean I can awaken Observation Haki too, Captain Brook?"

Shakky asked excitedly. She was clearly very interested in this ability.

"Anyone can, but it takes hard training. Before we enter the New World, I hope everyone can awaken Haki. Otherwise, it'll be dangerous there!"

Brook explained that the New World was full of experts. Nearly every pirate with a reputation possessed both types of Haki.

Inside a restaurant.

"Congratulations on your new sword, Captain, and welcome aboard, Redfield! Cheers!"

Shakky was the life of the party. She was still lively, charming, and good at getting along with everyone.

"The Hell Pirates grow stronger! Cheers!"

Antonio excitedly raised his glass, his face flushed with excitement.

Brook, Tom, Silvers, and their new crewmate Redfield all raised their glasses to celebrate.

A few diners quietly slipped out. Redfield noticed and was about to stop them, but Brook held him back.

"Captain, they look like they're going to fetch the Marines. We might be surrounded soon."

"What's there to be afraid of? The captain's strong! By the way, Redfield, how much is your bounty?"

Shakky had complete confidence in Brook's strength. He could handle even a Marine Rear Admiral. She'd already gathered the information: the strongest Marine on the island was only a Marine lieutenant colonel.

"My bounty is already fifty million Beli!"

Redfield said proudly. Reaching that bounty so soon after entering the Grand Line was impressive. By the time he reached the Sabaody Archipelago, his bounty would probably be over a hundred million—a bona fide Supernova-level pirate.

"That's amazing! None of us have bounties yet. Why don't we fight the Marines this time? Maybe we'll get bounties too!"

At Shakky's suggestion, Silvers, the sniper, lit up. Antonio didn't seem to care; he only wanted to handle support, and a bounty meant nothing to him.

But Fish-Man Tom fell silent. His dream was to find a way back to Water 7 and help the island of shipwrights regain its former glory. If he became a wanted man, would he still be able to return?

"Tom, don't worry. You don't have to fight, and I won't let you be wanted by the Marines."

As an experienced editor, Brook had learned to read his crewmates' feelings, at least a little.

"Captain Brook, thank you. But if it comes to it, I'll still help!"

Fish-Man Tom looked at Brook gratefully and spoke with heartfelt loyalty.

Sure enough, while they were feasting, the Marine Branch received word and notified a nearby Marine stronghold, asking its Rear Admiral to come to their aid. A pirate with a bounty over a hundred million was more than a Marine Branch like theirs could handle.

By the time they'd eaten and drunk their fill, no Marines had come to arrest them. Shakky was a little disappointed. She'd been ready to defeat the Marines, get on a wanted poster, and make a name for herself across the seas.

The Hell Pirates returned to the Yomi, ready to set sail again.

"It's huge—and brand-new!"

Redfield eagerly leaped aboard. Shakky had actually given him Brook's Cane Sword.

As Shakky put it, she didn't like swordplay. She preferred hand-to-hand combat, so she'd gladly let Redfield have the sword.

Just as Fish-Man Tom steered the Yomi out from the secluded beach, three Marine warships appeared ahead, blocking their way. Their dark cannon barrels were aimed at the Yomi.

"Hell Pirates! Revenge Brook! You're surrounded! Surrender at once, or we'll blast you to pieces!"

Rear Admiral Temp shouted at them through a megaphone. Standing behind him was Sadu, the Marine lieutenant colonel from the Asuka Island branch.