Chapter 6 / Chapter 7

Chris looked at Belo Betty with unwavering eyes and said, each word deliberate, "How can we let a world this rotten go on?"

"Come with me. Together, we'll overthrow the Celestial Dragons."

"We'll make this world a land of freedom."

(Everyone, that's a picture of Belo Betty above. Her fruit is incredibly powerful and will play a major role later, so she really needs to become a Division Commander (*￣︶￣).)

(One donation came in, so here's an extra chapter.)

"Did you hear? Kangshun nearly had an accident yesterday."

"No. What happened?"

"I know. His fleet sailed into that devilish stretch of sea by mistake and was almost attacked by Sea Kings."

"That island again? We really can't sail that way anymore."

"Tell me about it."

Baccarat had just returned to the harbor with some cosmetics when she overheard the passersby talking.

An idea flashed through her mind, and she hurried over to ask.

"Excuse me, where is the island you're talking about?"

The passersby stopped talking.

Some ignored Baccarat and walked away.

At last, a middle-aged man pointed northwest and patiently explained, "Sail that way. You'll get there in less than half a day."

"It's dangerous there, with Sea Kings everywhere. You'd better stay away."

With that, he paid Baccarat no further attention and hurried after his companions.

Baccarat gazed northwest. All she could see was a vast blue sea, with no island in sight.

I'll tell Chris in a bit. Looks like we have a new adventure ahead.

Baccarat didn't linger and headed straight back to the ship.

Aboard the Chris.

"Captain, why's our new crewmate a woman?"

Burgess looked at the beautiful woman in red before him and shrugged, seemingly unimpressed.

Doc Q still lay on the ground, barely clinging to life. "If the captain chose her... there must be something special about her."

Leaning against the railing, Chris ignored them and made the introduction.

"She's our new crewmate, Belo Betty, a Paramecia Devil Fruit User with the Pump-Pump Fruit!"

Belo Betty looked at Doc Q and took a drag of her cigarette. "What's with him? He looks like he's about to die of some illness."

"Welcome aboard..."

Baccarat approached with graceful steps and a gentle smile. "With you here, I won't be so bored anymore."

Belo Betty glanced at the poised, elegant woman, exhaled a cloud of smoke, and kept her cool expression.

"You're Baccarat, the Lucky-Lucky Fruit User, right?"

On the way back, Chris had told Belo Betty about Baccarat's ability, and she had been stunned.

To think such an extraordinary Devil Fruit existed in this world.

It was unbelievable!

Then Chris called out.

"Everyone, do a head count. Get ready to set sail!"

"Yes, Captain Chris!"

The whole crew sprang into action.

Some weighed anchor while others unfurled the sails...

Baccarat looked at Chris, smoothed her deep red hair, and smiled warmly. "Chris, let's head northwest first!"

"Did you find something, Baccarat?"

Burgess perked up at once and eagerly pressed her for details.

Chris said nothing. He simply watched Baccarat and waited for her answer.

"I overheard some passersby earlier. Sea Kings have been gathering around an island to the northwest."

"My instincts tell me that place will bring us good luck."

Baccarat smiled warmly, her manner composed and open.

She showed no sign of trying to claim credit!

Chris was a decisive man. He immediately bellowed an order.

"Raise the sails! Head northwest!"

"Got it..."

The ship changed course and sped toward its destination.

Burgess threw his arms up and laughed wildly. "Wonder what incredible thing's waiting on that island? Weehahahaha..."

"I'm looking forward to it, cough, cough..." For once, excitement showed on Doc Q's weathered face.

Belo Betty leaned back in her chair with her legs crossed, exhaled smoke, and remarked casually,

"I only just came aboard, and already something interesting's happening. Not bad!"

"I'm going to train. Call me if anything comes up."

With that, Chris headed straight for the Training Room.

Baccarat smiled at Belo Betty. "Belo Betty, let's go watch Chris train."

"Sure. It's a good chance to learn more about our captain."

The two chatted and laughed as they followed Chris.

Burgess shook his head and sighed. "The captain's unbelievably talented, yet he still trains so hard. It's frightening!"

Doc Q coughed. "The captain has big ambitions... I'm looking forward to this ship's future more and more."

Six hours later.

"Report!"

A loud alarm sounded from the Lookout.

"Island spotted ahead! Island spotted..."

The call came several more times.

"We've reached our destination? Weehahahaha..."

Burgess strode to the railing, threw up his arms, and spoke with delight.

Sitting in his chair, Doc Q said slowly, "I doubt we'll find a new crewmate. It's more likely a Devil Fruit."

Just then, footsteps approached, followed by Chris's voice.

"Whatever it is, we'll find out when we go ashore."

Belo Betty looked ahead. The island was lush and covered in vegetation.

"With Sea Kings nearby, I'd wager no one's set foot on that island in a long time."

That reminded Burgess of something.

He turned to Chris. "Captain, what do we do if the Sea Kings show up?"

"I honestly don't know how we'd deal with monsters that big out at sea."

(What's waiting on this island? Leave your guesses in the comments. If anyone gets it right, the author will post an extra chapter ︿(￣︶￣)︿.)

(One donation came in, so here's an extra chapter.)

"Report!"

A terrified cry suddenly rang out from the Lookout.

"This is bad! Monsters have appeared up ahead..."

Sure enough, waves churned across the sea, and dark shapes crowded the water below.

Enormous creatures were swimming toward them at high speed.

At the sight, everyone panicked.

"We're done for! The monsters are coming..."

"Captain, turn the ship around, quick..."

"I'm gonna die, and I haven't even gotten married yet!"

"Those Sea Kings are huge! Aaah..."

Brave as Burgess was, the mass of dark shapes frightened even him.

"Captain, are we really going straight through? Isn't that too dangerous?"

Doc Q shook his head and sighed. "At that size, even poison would have a hard time killing them."

ROAR!

A deafening roar suddenly erupted.

A whole horde of monsters broke the surface.

Some looked like giant snakes, some had catlike faces, and others resembled crabs...

Their cold eyes locked onto the Chris.

They looked ready to attack at any moment.

The more timid crew members could no longer stay on their feet.

Some collapsed onto the deck, some began to cry, and others crouched with their hands over their heads...

"Chris, there's still time to escape."

Belo Betty could no longer keep her composure. Frowning, she said quickly, "If this many Sea Kings attack, then..."

She left the sentence unfinished, but everyone understood what she meant.

"Let's retreat, Captain."

Burgess wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, fear written across his face.

"Those Sea Kings are enormous. If even one comes down on us, it could capsize the whole ship."

Suddenly, the Sea Kings roared in unison and surged forward like lightning.

They charged straight at the Chris.

They loomed over the ship like falling mountains.

It was terrifying!

"Aaah..."

Screams rang out from every corner of the ship.

Despair gripped them all. They were finished.