Return to Twin Capes

This great medical power seems to have few pirates lingering within its borders, so Redfield could find no strong opponents to spar with. After all, this is a famous member state of the World Government, one of the fifty nations eligible to participate in the Reverie.

Medical exchange is the mainstream here, and fighting and killing are not welcomed. However, Fish-Man Tom discovered many new alloys and even electromagnetic levitation materials among the precious medical equipment found here.

This discovery solidified his conviction that there must be rare metals in the world capable of floating on the sea surface. One day, he would build a Sea Train that connects islands, revitalizing the economy of Water 7.

Brook had Shakky, Antonio, and the others go buy medical books and medicines commonly used for sea voyages, scouring Drum Island for every medical text they could find. These were things they would eventually need; Brook, at least, would never fall ill.

At Shakky's repeated insistence, Brook and his crew stayed on Drum Island for one night to enjoy the unique night scenery and night markets of the island.

The next morning, at dawn.

Brook and his crew climbed out of their warm beds, steered the Yomi away from this cold winter island, and set sail for Twin Capes, the starting point of the Grand Line.

I wonder what Laboon looks like now? Is it right or wrong for me to go back and take it with me like this?

But leaving Laboon at Twin Capes only breeds sorrow, letting it spend its days slamming its head against the wall. It would be better to take it along, go on an adventure together, and face life and death as one. As for what the future holds, even if one were to die during the adventure, it would be a life without regrets.

One must follow the other's wishes rather than imposing one's own ideas upon Laboon. Even if they encounter danger, there is nothing to fear. Rather than rotting here in regret, it is better to go out and live a magnificent life together. With this thought, Brook's mind became much clearer.

If Crocus hadn't been there to treat Laboon, it would have died slamming into the Red Line anyway. It is better to take it with me.

Drum Island is actually not very far from Twin Capes; with a Permanent Pose, one can arrive in a day or two. This is also the reason why Crocus's medical skills are so formidable.

Because while guarding Twin Capes, he often traveled to Drum Island to purchase medical books and study the advanced medical techniques of this great medical power, becoming self-taught. Otherwise, how could an ordinary person suddenly become a highly skilled physician?

"Captain Brook, we didn't recruit a ship doctor this time; it's a bit of a failure! Will that Crocus you mentioned really come to sea with us?"

Shakky was a bit speechless. She had actually traveled all the way from Sabaody Archipelago, the end of the first half of the Grand Line, to Twin Capes, the starting point of the Grand Line. This was a once-in-a-century occurrence!

Brook wasn't certain either, but Laboon would definitely be willing to go with him; that was their promise.

"If we can't recruit him, we will leave as soon as possible and prepare to enter the New World!"

Brook's words made Redfield and the others clench their fists, ready to make a big move.

Time at sea is always long, but with Redfield sparring with Brook, Brook's development of the Revive-Revive Fruit deepened. Redfield's strength also began to rival Brook's; he was truly a guy with the talent of an overlord.

Even Shakky showed great talent in practicing the Six Powers technique 'Soru', as if her speed was born for this move.

Seeing those two towering lighthouses, both Brook and Redfield felt a sense of nostalgia. This was the first structure they saw after passing through the reverse currents to enter the New World, leaving a deep impression on them.

Shakky and the others, however, had lived on islands further along the Grand Line, so they did not share this feeling.

Crocus, who was reading a newspaper at Twin Capes, also saw the approaching pirate ship. He was used to watching pirate ships rush down from Reverse Mountain, but he never expected to see pirates sailing backward against the Grand Line.

Such a pirate crew was either incredibly powerful and touring the Four Blues, or they were like stray dogs fleeing back to the Four Blues. Any pirate crew with a shred of ambition would enter the New World to witness the world of pirates.

"This pirate flag looks a bit familiar!"

Crocus looked at the flag on the Yomi and suddenly realized: wasn't this Brook's Hell Pirates?

Following Brook's successful revenge at Sabaody Archipelago, his bounty had been updated, and Crocus had also learned of the destruction of the Rumbar Pirates.

If Brook hadn't managed to escape the Florian Triangle, and the Poison Smoke Pirates had been quickly wiped out at Sabaody Archipelago or in the New World, few would have known the fate of the Rumbar Pirates, and the news would not have reported on such a small pirate crew.

"Laboon!! It's Brook coming back!"

Crocus shouted excitedly toward the sea. Laboon, already over ten meters long, immediately surfaced. It had been separated from its mother shortly after birth; it was unknown whether its parents had been killed or if it had simply been separated from the whale pod.

Later, it encountered the Rumbar Pirates and was attracted by their singing all the way from the West Blue to the Grand Line, eventually becoming good friends with the crew.

At that time, Captain 'Spotted Hyena' Yorki had entrusted Laboon to Crocus on the grounds that it was too small, promising to return for it after circling the Grand Line.

But unexpectedly, Captain Yorki fell ill and left the ship early—he had likely died—and the Rumbar Pirates were wiped out in the Florian Triangle.

Woo~

Laboon cried out and swam rapidly toward the Yomi, kicking up waves and leaving a trail of white foam in its wake.

"Captain Brook, it seems like a sea beast is attacking us at high speed!"

Shakky shouted while holding her binoculars. Silvers immediately set up his sniper rifle, aiming at the black shadow approaching rapidly in the sea, and Redfield also placed his hand on the hilt of his Cane Sword.

"Everyone, stay calm. Silvers, put down the gun. That is my partner, the Island Whale Laboon, and our future crewmate!"

Brook hurriedly stopped his crew to avoid accidentally hurting Laboon. Looking at Laboon's energy, it wouldn't be a bad choice to have it as a ship-towing sea beast in the future. Laboon's growth rate truly defied Brook's understanding.

It had grown so much in just half a year; it was truly the gene of a massive Island Whale.

Brook stood at the bow, watching Island Whale Laboon approach so it could see him immediately. He wondered if it could still recognize him, as he had changed quite a bit himself.

Perhaps the bond between partners is just that strong. After Laboon approached and looked at Brook for a few seconds, it quickly recognized him, happily leaping out of the water and letting out a melodious cry.

"Laboon, long time no see. Let's head to Twin Capes first; from now on, you'll come with us on our adventures!!"

Brook shouted loudly. Laboon's intelligence was no less than a human's, and it quickly understood Brook's meaning, leaping out of the water even more happily and leading the way in front.

If there had been a towing rope on the Yomi right then, Laboon would likely have started pulling the pirate ship along immediately.