The surrounding pirates stared greedily at the descending golden airship, their eyes filled with shock and avarice. The urge to seize it was overwhelming.
However, none of these pirates, with bounties under 100 million Belly, dared to act rashly against Brook, who carried a bounty of 200 million. The only chance would be if all the pirates attacked together, overwhelming the Hell Pirates in the chaos!
"I can hear your greed."
Redfield's advanced Observation Haki, combined with his ability to extend his awareness through electromagnetic waves, instantly detected the malice emanating from the greedy pirates.
Redfield unsheathed his cane sword and pointed it toward the sky. Bolts of lightning crackled and shot out, striking down the pirates still wearing their avaricious expressions. They collapsed instantly, smoke rising from their bodies.
A collective gasp filled the air as shipwrights, coating specialists, and even other pirates recoiled in shock. Since when did the Hell Pirates have such a powerful member? That ability—was it really the legendary Rumble-Rumble Fruit, said to be the strongest Logia?
"Hahaha! I'm back, brats!"
Shakky, seated atop the Qilin Lion, announced her arrival with a smug grin, exuding the air of a nouveau riche pirate. The Hell Pirates' golden airship landing in the Sabaody Archipelago sent shockwaves throughout the island.
Several intelligence brokers who had taken over Shakky's former information network were left stunned. Who would've thought that after leaving Sabaody, she'd return with such grandeur?
Jealousy, envy, and longing filled their eyes. They fantasized about joining her aboard that golden vessel, imagining the luxurious life it must offer.
The Golden Ark docked at the coating place. Redfield's display of lightning judgment had effectively deterred any opportunists lurking nearby.
Fishman shipwright Tom immediately began negotiations with the coating specialists, while a crowd gathered to gawk at the extravagant golden airship. Among them, journalists snapped photos, though none dared approach due to Redfield's lingering intimidation.
A deafening roar from the Qilin Lion sent the onlookers scrambling back several meters in fear.
Yet, one reporter, his face taut with pride, suppressed his nervousness and stepped forward, determined to interview the strongest-looking figure—Redfield. However, one icy glance from him was enough to send the journalist stumbling backward in terror.
Redfield smirked inwardly. Skipping the captain to interview me? If I let that slide, the captain might force me to endure his nightmarish soul music!
The reporter quickly adjusted course, hurrying over to Brook instead. But as he approached, he noticed the skeletal captain eyeing his press badge with an unsettling gaze.
"Captain Brook, may I ask how you came into possession of this magnificent golden airship? Have you considered offering it as tribute to the esteemed Celestial Dragons?
"If you do, I'm certain the Navy will revoke your bounty, and you could even join the World Government!
"In fact, if you possess the technology to manufacture golden airships, the Government might grant you a prestigious position!"
The journalist from the World Peace Dove News Agency grew more animated as he spoke, as though he had already secured Brook's allegiance to the World Government. If he succeeded in convincing Brook, he was sure to receive a hefty reward—perhaps even a promotion to CEO, a wealthy wife, and a life of luxury!
Excitement gleamed in his eyes as he eagerly awaited Brook's response, completely forgetting that Brook was a pirate. Even Redfield, listening nearby, twitched at the absurdity of the situation.
"You're with the World Peace Dove News Agency, right?" Brook's tone was cold as he placed a bony hand on the reporter's shoulder, feigning camaraderie.
"That's right! Our esteemed president Toko is a close friend of the Fleet Admiral himself! If you're willing to present the golden airship to the Celestial Dragons, we can make the arrangements!" The reporter puffed out his chest, proud of his powerful connections.
"Perfect. I was planning to visit your headquarters anyway." Brook's voice turned frigid. "But since we already know the way, why don't you stay right here?"
A burst of chilling aura erupted from Brook's hand, instantly encasing the journalist in ice. His expression of anticipation was forever frozen on his face.
"You think I, a pirate, would hand over my golden airship to those Celestial Dragon swine? How did you even qualify for this job?" Brook scoffed.
Panic spread among the onlookers. Pirates and civilians alike scattered, horrified by the display. This was even worse than Redfield electrocuting the greedy pirates earlier. Killing a pirate was one thing—nobody would bat an eye. But a journalist working under the World Government? That was a different story entirely. He had connections—powerful ones.
"Alright, let's take this chance to destroy the World Peace Dove News Agency's headquarters." Brook turned to Tom. "We're leaving the Golden Ark in your hands—get the coating done as quickly as possible."
With that, Brook led Redfield and the others toward Grove 48. It was just two groves away, a strategic reason why the Golden Ark had landed in Grove 50.
The Navy and World Government's offices were located in Groves 60-69, separated by shipyards and coating factories—about ten groves' distance. Even if they responded, it would take time.
"Captain Brook, that was so cool! You froze that delusional reporter in an instant!"
Shakky led the way at high speed, effortlessly navigating the familiar terrain of Sabaody. After witnessing Brook's ice powers, her desire for a Devil Fruit ability only grew stronger.
It was hard to believe that the lawless zone of Sabaody was right in the center of the archipelago, with the human auction houses in Groves 0-9 sitting right next to the Navy and Government offices.
Groves 20-79 surrounded Groves 1-19, creating a chaotic central zone, while the other regions were closer to the sea, boasting ports and docking facilities.
"The Peace Dove president Toko—do we have any intel on his strength?" Brook asked. The last thing he wanted was to walk into a trap against a hidden powerhouse.
"Captain, there's barely any combat record on him," Shakky admitted, frustration evident in her voice. "Even with my intel network, I couldn't dig up anything about his actual fighting ability."
"That makes things tricky. I don't fear strong enemies—I fear the ones we know nothing about."
Brook could only assume Toko was at least a standard Zoan user, possessing both Armament and Observation Haki. Anything beyond that was an unknown variable.
+100 Chapters on p@treon/tambeerg