The Black Pearl arrived at Sphinx Port early in the morning.
It was a small town. From the Black Pearl's crow's nest, one could see the entire length of the settlement in a single glance.
Around the port were various ships of different sizes, most flying pirate flags, with a few displaying the emblems of underground gangs or slave traders.
Rough-looking pirates disembarked, some cursing as they headed for the taverns, while others made straight for the pleasure district.
Yes—that kind of place.
Sailing was a dull life. Most pirates lacked ambition to grow stronger. They plundered from the weak and spent their stolen wealth indulging in their own desires.
Since confronting him openly, Magnus realized the kid was terrifyingly self-disciplined.
Despite having a stunning beauty around him, he never so much as glanced at her.
Even though it was February, a cold month in Sphinx, Ripley—long used to Elbaf's weather—was unbothered, wearing only a fluffy overcoat over denim shorts and a tight-fitting top, radiating youthful energy.
You'd never guess she was over fifty.
Well, for a giant, fifty was no different from a teenager in human terms. A few years earlier, she wouldn't even have been considered an adult.
Ripley leaned over the railing, looking around curiously. It was easy to forget she was technically a rookie pirate, despite defeating three CPOs in her debut. Until now, she'd spent her entire life in Elbaf—everything was new and fascinating to her.
"Yeah. Compared to when I left, the port's much larger, cleaner too. At least I don't see pirates brawling in the streets."
In the New World, pirate fights could break out over something as simple as a dirty look. If neither side could win, they'd usually just drink together afterward.
But if one side was clearly stronger, they'd ruthlessly swallow the weaker.
"Once we land, Ripley, you'll come with me to the black market. Rocks, stay here and guard the Black Pearl."
They both responded together.
There was no "order" in pirate ports. If a ship was left completely unattended, it'd be looted clean in no time.
And if word got out that the Black Pearl held twenty billion Beli worth of cargo, every pirate in Sphinx would pounce.
Well… if they weren't afraid of dying, that is.
Magnus swept the area with Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) and sensed no particularly powerful pirates—just a few with bounties of ten or twenty million. If things got rough, Rocks could probably handle it.
Besides, with the town being so small, if any commotion started, Magnus could return in a flash.
Bringing Ripley was simply a rotation.
Last time they docked at an island, she had guarded the ship—this time was Rocks's turn.
"Still too few people…"
Most pirate crews either gather members in the four seas or on the Grand Line before entering the New World.
But Magnus had started in the New World.
Among the three of them, Ripley and Rocks were both combatants. With her Mini Mini no Mi (Mini-Mini Fruit), Ripley could barely fill a logistics role. Magnus, as captain, had to double as navigator, cook, and doctor.
"I can manage navigation, but I'm not really a doctor or a chef…"
"Then should we recruit some new crew members here?"
Ripley giggled, slinging a backpack over her shoulder.
"Anyone who makes it here should be pretty strong, right?"
"Haha, guess it depends on our luck."
He wasn't too hopeful—but still, he had some expectations.
What if… just what if he ran into that man?
Edward Newgate—the man who would one day be called the world's strongest.
But Magnus wasn't interested in him just for his potential to stand atop the world.
It was his dream that mattered.
Though immensely powerful, Newgate lacked ambition. All he wanted was a family on the sea.
As a captain, Newgate was a reliable backbone.
As a crewmate, he was someone you could entrust your back to.
If you treated him as family, he'd return it in full.
Could any captain ask for a better crew member?
The Black Pearl docked.
After paying a 100,000 Beli mooring fee, Magnus and Ripley walked toward the town.
They drew plenty of glances along the way.
"Captain, those guys are giving off some sketchy vibes…"
"Yeah, you're right."
Kenbunshoku Haki could detect hostility. Natural users could even sense emotions.
Magnus couldn't go that far, but he could still feel the difference between goodwill and ill intent.
Had the White Wolf Pirates' flag lost its intimidation in just a year?
The Navy attacked them on sight. Now even these low-level pirates dared show such open hostility?
That was, until he overheard some murmuring:
"Another one flying the White Wolf Pirates' flag?"
"Tch, how many does that make this year? Always some idiots using their name to scam people. Do they think the White Wolf Pirates are actually dead?"
"Who knows? I heard they disbanded and haven't recruited anyone in ages. Everyone on board's probably an old man."
Magnus finally understood—and couldn't help but laugh.
In the future, after the Straw Hat crew split up, a bunch of scammers had posed as them and even attracted high-bounty pirates.
Now, with rumors of the White Wolf Pirates' disbandment spreading, fakers were using their name too—and apparently succeeding?
A group of boys hid in the shadows.
Once Magnus and Ripley were far enough away, they slipped into the water and swam toward the Black Pearl.
"Newgate, are you sure this is safe? What if that's really the White Wolf Pirates' ship?"
One boy whispered, worried.
"No way," the leader shook his head seriously. "How could the White Wolf Pirates only have three people?"
He had observed carefully. That ship had only three aboard. With the old man and woman gone, only one young man—about their age—was left.
"Don't overthink it. We grab the loot and get out."
The boy leapt from the water.
Despite being bulkier than most adults, his speed was blinding. In an instant, he was aboard.
He shouted, charging toward the figure seated at the bow—Rocks.
Rocks, meditating with his eyes closed, cracked a grin when he sensed the oncoming boy.
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