Lafitte quickly packed his simple belongings and returned to the tavern.
It was called a baggage bag, but it was really just a small suitcase, plus the walking stick sword that he never parted with.
Roy stood up and casually tossed a stack of Beli onto the table, as payment for the drinks and "ground maintenance."
The two left the tavern and walked along the narrow streets of Teapot Island toward the harbor.
"Captain."
Lafitte, walking beside Roy, finally couldn't help but ask.
"Are we going straight back to the New World next?"
Roy shook his head.
"No rush."
"Besides seeing you, there are a few other people I'd like to meet this time."
Lafitte's eyes flashed.
"Oh? Someone the captain would personally send to win over must be no ordinary person, right?"
Roy glanced at him, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"You're quite the smooth talker."
"That's right, they're all guys with potential."
Roy paused, as if he had thought of something.
"Oh!"
"That's right!"
" Lafitte, you're the sheriff of the West Blue, you should have good connections."
Do you know a Pirate Hunter named 'Sound Over Van Augur '?
Lafitte paused, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
" Van Augur?"
Roy raised an eyebrow.
"You know him?"
Lafitte nodded, then shook his head.
I wouldn't say I know them personally, but I've heard of them.
"That guy has quite a reputation among Pirate Hunter in the West Blue."
"It is said that his marksmanship is extremely accurate, and he can hit a target between the eyebrows with a single shot from an extremely long distance."
"Moreover, he is low-key and never boasts. Once he accepts a task, he does it and leaves immediately afterward, without any fuss."
Even the Navy is very interested in him and wants to recruit him into the Marine Headquarters sniper unit.
But he refused.
A glint of light flashed in Roy's eyes.
"They rejected the Navy?"
Lafitte nodded.
"Hmm. That guy doesn't seem to like being restrained."
"But--"
"Some time ago, someone did see him near Kami Island."
" Kami Island?"
What place is that?
Lafitte explained,
"A transit island in the West Blue, not large, but in a good location; many pirates and merchants resupply there."
" Van Augur's presence there suggests he either accepted a mission or was simply passing by."
"I don't know exactly what they'll do."
Roy was silent for two seconds, then nodded.
"Then let's go check out Kami Island."
"I hope he hasn't left yet."
Lafitte smiled slightly.
"Yes, Captain."
The two arrived at the port.
On the shore, there was a small sailboat. It wasn't big, but it was well-maintained, with a white sail hanging from its mast.
Lafitte pointed to the ship,
"Captain, this is my ship."
"While it can't compare to your Ark Maxim, it's lightweight and agile, sufficient for traversing the West Blue."
Roy nodded.
"Good."
The two boarded the boat, and Lafitte untied the ropes and skillfully maneuvered the sails.
The small sailboat slowly sailed out of the harbor and headed towards the vast sea.
A gentle sea breeze blew, and waves lapped against the hull of the boat.
Roy stood at the bow of the ship, watching Teapot Island gradually disappear into the distance, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes.
This trip was very rewarding.
Lafitte, a division commander of the Blackbeard Pirates in the original work, possesses considerable strength and promising potential.
Moreover, this guy is quick-witted and knows how to assess situations; he's a rare talent.
Roy turned to look at Lafitte, who was at the helm.
In the sunlight, his deathly pale face stood out starkly, and his bright red lips looked as if they had been smeared with blood.
" Lafitte."
"Um?"
"Besides swordsmanship and hypnosis, you also know navigation?"
Lafitte smiled slightly.
"The captain has a good eye."
"How can you survive on this vast ocean if you don't know how to sail?"
"I don't want to entrust my life to an unreliable navigator."
Roy nodded.
"Really."
With you here, this journey will be much easier.
Lafitte bowed slightly.
"It is my honor to serve the captain."
Roy looked at him and suddenly asked,
" Lafitte, your abilities must be more than this, right?"
Lafitte's eyes flashed, then he smiled.
"The captain is indeed astute."
"Besides swordsmanship, hypnosis, and navigation, I am indeed skilled in some... infiltration and intelligence gathering."
"After all, in a place like the West Blue, you can't get by just fighting and killing."
Sometimes, brains are more effective than fists.
Roy nodded to himself.
Sure enough, this guy's abilities are very comprehensive.
Swordsman, hypnotist, navigator, intelligence agent, infiltration expert...
Almost one person can handle multiple positions.
This is extremely rare in the world of pirates.
"Very good."
Roy said calmly,
"These abilities of yours will all come in handy on Hachinosu."
"But--"
Roy's gaze fell on Lafitte.
"Your physique is too weak."
Lafitte's expression stiffened slightly.
He knew Roy was telling the truth.
His physique is indeed his biggest weakness.
Although he is good at swordsmanship and hypnosis, he will be at a great disadvantage if he is engaged in close combat with an enemy or encounters a powerful opponent.
"The captain is right."
Lafitte gave a wry smile.
"I know I have problems, but physical strength isn't something you can improve just by wanting to."
"I've been trying my best to exercise, but..."
Roy waved his hand, interrupting him.
" Lafitte, do you know what 'Haki?"
Lafitte was taken aback.
" Haki?"
"Of course I know, that's standard equipment for the strong in the New World."
"It is said that mastering Haki can greatly enhance combat power."
"But that's something from the New World; in the Four Blues, very few people know how to do it."
Roy nodded.
"That's right."
" Haki is one of the most fundamental combat systems in this world."
" Observation Haki allows one to predict an opponent's attacks and sense the surrounding atmosphere."
" Armament Haki can harden the body, enhance attack and defense, and even grasp the physical form of Logia Fruit users."
" Conqueror's Haki, a rare and exceptional quality of a king, can intimidate the weak and suppress opponents."
"If you master Haki, your physical weaknesses can be largely compensated for."
"Combined with your swordsmanship and hypnosis, your strength will increase several levels."
A burning light flashed in Lafitte's eyes.
"Captain, would you... be willing to teach me?"
Roy nodded.
"Certainly."
"Now that you've joined the Roy Pirates, you're one of us."
"It's also good for Hachinosu if our own people become stronger."
"Furthermore, Hachinosu possesses a technology called Bloodline Transplantation."
"It can give ordinary people the physique and talents of those special races."
"If you perform well, you'll have a chance to try in the future."
Lafitte's breathing quickened instantly.
Bloodline Transplantation?!
To give ordinary people the physique of a special race?!
What incredible technology!
He looked at Roy, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"Captain... is this... is this real?"
Roy said calmly,
Do you think I'm lying to you?
Lafitte quickly shook his head.
"No, no, no! I believe the captain!"
"But... this is just too shocking!"
" Bloodline Transplantation... if word got out, the entire ocean would go crazy!"
Roy nodded.
So, you'll keep this to yourself.
"You'll see it when you get to Hachinosu."
Lafitte took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and nodded solemnly.
"Don't worry, Captain, I understand the importance of this."
Roy looked at him and nodded in satisfaction.
"Alright, calm down."
"Let me give you a taste of the sweetness first."