Brook hadn't expected that during Redfield's time away, not only had he subdued a few remote sky islands, but he had also seized a group of weather scientists!
This was perfect—they could enhance the floating capabilities of the new ship. Brook also had Shakky learn their techniques, ensuring she could master climate control and meteorology.
However, these stubborn old meteorologists weren't easily swayed. They didn't respond well to force and nearly fought Brook and his crew. Eventually, after some tough negotiations, they agreed to help—on the condition that they would be released afterward. Brook, in turn, required them to raise the flag of Sky Nation, making them a vassal state while guaranteeing non-interference and resource support.
Under Redfield's intense gaze, the meteorologists reluctantly agreed. Once they left Sky Nation, they had no intention of returning for decades!
When Brook inquired about the method for making Vivre Cards, they feigned ignorance, whistling and shaking their heads. Their lies were painfully obvious. Ultimately, through a mix of coercion and persuasion, Brook got his hands on the secret. Now, there was no escape for them!
While Fish-Man Tom was constructing the new ship and Redfield searched for other sky islands, Brook received an urgent message via Den Den Mushi that left him restless.
By posing as Carmel, Brook had gathered information from Charlotte Linlin. It turned out that Streusen had been constantly urging her to fulfill her dream of creating Totto Land—by having children with various races.
Even more disturbingly, Streusen had suggested that he should father her first child, claiming it was the "most difficult first step." He sought to deceive the naive yet immensely powerful Linlin.
Streusen had witnessed the horrors a six-year-old Linlin committed at the Sheep's House and saw immense potential in her. He formed a crew with her, envisioning a grand future.
Now at forty years old, he looked at the towering, more developed Linlin and felt tempted. Having raised her from six to sixteen, he couldn't tolerate the idea of someone else taking her. Considering Linlin's terrifying steel-balloon-like physique, any child she bore would undoubtedly be strong.
He wanted to be the first to take the plunge—to father Linlin's strongest heir.
Brook hurried back to his room, picked up his Den Den Mushi, and continued impersonating Carmel, determined to set Linlin straight.
Carmel: Linlin, under no circumstances should you bear a child with someone as weak as Streusen!
#43: Mother Carmel, why? Streusen has been with me for ten years. It's time for me to take that difficult first step!
Carmel: Linlin, Streusen is short and not of a special race. Any child you have with him won't be strong! Besides, I forbid you from even considering having children before you turn eighteen. Do you hear me?
#43: Mother Carmel, don't be angry. I'll refuse Streusen, then. But after I turn eighteen, I'll find a strong race to have children with!
Brook realized Linlin was still obsessed with her dream of creating a land where all races coexisted through blood relations.
Carmel: Linlin, instead of wasting time having children with different races, why not marry someone truly powerful and adopt the most outstanding children from each race?
#43: Mother Carmel, but I want my children to share a bloodline, to truly be a family!
Carmel: Linlin, your family already exists. One of your kin has survived—he is the only Yomi Yomi no Mi user, a man who returned from the underworld itself. You should join his crew and be part of his family. Only then will I be at peace.
#43: Mother Carmel, what are you saying? Are you abandoning me? No! I will listen to you!
Carmel: Linlin, I am already ninety years old and don't have much time left. I just want you to join the Hell Pirates, protect the last Yomi race member, and support each other. That is my final wish.
Suppressing his own shame, Brook continued deceiving the naive Linlin.
#43: Mother Carmel, I will fulfill your wish! I will find the Hell Pirates and join them. Together, we will create a new family!
Carmel: Linlin, you're a good girl. And one last thing—never listen to Streusen's nonsense!
#43: Mother Carmel, I understand!
To avoid any future slip-ups, Brook removed Linlin from the chat group. The group itself had become more of a liability—too many loopholes, little benefit, and a constant waste of his time pretending to be someone else. He was seriously considering shutting it down altogether.
For now, his focus shifted to another target—Edward Newgate, a man who yearned for family. Brook had to rope him in first.
Meanwhile, aboard the Lion Pirates' ship, Edward Newgate was feeling increasingly isolated. His strength had completely surpassed that of Captain Laine, making the captain and another high-ranking crew member wary of him. Some of the lower-ranked members had even started urging him to overthrow Laine and take the captain's seat. To them, only the strongest deserved to lead.
Watching his so-called "companions" grow more distant, Newgate felt exhausted. The only relief came from occasional conversations via Den Den Mushi, where he could shoot the breeze with someone who actually understood him.
#2: So, have you made up your mind? Are you ready to leave the Lion Pirates and join your true destined crew? A grand golden airship is coming to pick you up!
#50: A golden airship? You're joking, right? The only flying pirate crew I know of is Golden Lion's...
#2: Nope, not them. Do you want to know the truth now?
#50: Fine, tell me. I can't stay here any longer.
#2: The Hell Pirates. Head toward the Grand Line—you'll find them.
#50: The Hell Pirates? I think I've seen their bounty posters before...
Newgate rummaged through his belongings and found Brook's wanted poster. The former Rumbar Pirates' musician.
Something about this crew's vibe seemed... fitting.
#2: Your journey home is set. You'll now be removed from the chat group.
#50: So that's it, huh? No more chats with #36 and #55...
#2: May you find your true family. Love from a distant kin.
Another one recruited. It really was best to act before they became too famous.
Soon after, Newgate officially parted ways with Laine. To his surprise, Laine even provided him with some Belly and treasure for the journey.
+100 Chapters on p@treon/tambeerg