One Piece: Capitalist Brook's Crew Expansion Plan-Chapter 72: Streusen’s Change

Looking at Charlotte Linlin's furious and distrustful expression, Streusen was utterly convinced of Brook's psychological manipulation skills.

Despite the vast distance between them, with just a small Den Den Mushi, Brook had managed to deceive Linlin so thoroughly that she was completely lost in his words.

Perhaps joining the Hell Pirates wasn't such a bad idea after all. Aside from their vendetta against the Celestial Dragons, their strength aligned with his expectations.

The only concern was whether Brook, like himself, had set his sights on Linlin's terrifyingly resilient body to bear offspring.

If that were the case, conflict between him and Brook would be inevitable. For now, he could only hope that Brook was merely interested in Linlin's combat prowess rather than anything else.

Or maybe Linlin's dream of a world where all races coexisted could grant him some benefits. If he could enjoy a little indulgence with Linlin and have his own children, perhaps his 'firstborn' plan could be abandoned—depending on Brook's stance.

If Brook was also interested in Linlin and saw her as his exclusive prize, then Streusen would have to come up with another strategy to stir the pot.

Maybe he could secretly tell Brook that Linlin had a habit of eating people. That would surely make Brook despise her. If that happened, Linlin might just end up in his grasp after all.

...

"I'll trust you one last time. If you dare slander Mother Carmel again, I'll kill you! Now turn back immediately!"

Charlotte Linlin threw Streusen aside, the crimson in her eyes fading. In the end, their ten years of companionship swayed her, and she let him off once more.

Carefully, she took out the Den Den Mushi, wondering if it could still be repaired. Now that she had lost contact with Mother Carmel, her mood plummeted. She could only comfort herself by gazing at the nun's photograph.

Streusen, who had scrambled up from the ground, immediately adjusted the sail of their small ship and turned it around, setting a course back toward their previous island near the entrance to the New World.

...

On a bustling commercial island in the Magaro Kingdom, not far from Dressrosa—an island that also happened to be the base of the assassin Fanke Brothers, who had eaten the Jacket-Jacket Fruit—Edward Newgate awoke in a tavern that morning to find the screen of his Den Den Mushi had fallen off. Panicked, he rushed to a nearby store, hoping to get it repaired.

However, the merchant had never seen such a compact projection Den Den Mushi before. Ordinary Den Den Mushi couldn't maintain a constant screen display, only the massive projection models had that capability.

With no choice but to accept reality, Newgate resigned himself to using it as a regular communication device. At the very least, he could still make calls, though he had lost access to the text-based exchanges in the chat group.

No more peering into the 'seniors' secrets.'

There were still so many mysteries in this world. He needed to grow stronger if he wanted to uncover them.

Not long ago, someone in the chat group had awakened Conqueror's Haki. That was an extraordinary ability! Having spent years with the Lion Pirates, Newgate had long heard of such overwhelming power.

Would he ever have the chance to awaken it himself?

Even though Captain Laine knew a bit of Armament Haki, he had never taught him. Perhaps Captain Brook of the Hell Pirates possessed such a mysterious power?

...

Golden Ark - Aboard the Flying Ship

Now soaring through the sky, the Golden Ark headed straight for the island where Edward Newgate resided. This destination was closer than Charlotte Linlin's location.

The rest of the crew had taken to training. Redfield even took the opportunity to teach Fisher Tiger the basics of Haki.

Although Brook hadn't received a call from Newgate yet, that didn't mean he couldn't reach out first. It was always better to be proactive!

As captain, he had to take the initiative—no shame in that!

"Purururu~ Purururu~"

Edward Newgate was still wondering which island the Hell Pirates would land on and how he could meet them when his Den Den Mushi suddenly rang.

Only those in the chat group's 'Number Two' ranking knew this number. Could it be Number Two himself? Or was it Brook?

If Number Two could give him Brook's contact, then surely Brook could have received his as well!

Feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, Newgate picked up the Den Den Mushi for the first time.

"Moshi moshi, who's calling?"

Regardless of who it was, Newgate knew he had to be polite. Everyone in that chat group was stronger than him!

For years, he had been nothing more than a hired muscle for the Lion Pirates. His bounty wasn't particularly high. It was only after eating the Tremor-Tremor Fruit that his combat prowess skyrocketed beyond Captain Laine's. However, since he hadn't been in any major battles recently, his bounty had yet to be updated.

"Hello, is this Newgate? I'm Brook, captain of the Hell Pirates."

Brook heard the deep, rough voice of a young Whitebeard for the first time.

"Hello, this is Newgate speaking."

Facing his future captain, Newgate still felt a bit unfamiliar and uneasy.

"Yohohoho~ No need to be nervous, Newgate. Just call me 'Brook' from now on. Our ship is currently flying toward the Magaro Kingdom. Can you wait for us there?"

Through Antonio's Den Den Mushi surveillance and the extensive intelligence network of the World Economy News Agency, Brook had already pinpointed Newgate's approximate location.

From now on, as long as the seagull news birds could reach a place, Mortomas's intelligence network could extend there as well.

"That's great, Brook—uh! I'm already on an island in the Magaro Kingdom!"

Newgate was stunned by the coincidence. Was this fate? Was he destined to join Brook?

"Got it. Our ship will be flying overhead, and we'll land at the port to pick you up."

Brook was excited. Soon, Edward Newgate—this legendary powerhouse—would be joining his crew!

"I'll be waiting for you!"

Newgate's anticipation grew. A flying golden ship? That must mean the Hell Pirates were filthy rich!

If he could just chip off some gold and send it back to his hometown, Sphinx Island, that would be perfect. He had been poor for too long. Most of the treasures he had plundered as a pirate had been sent home to help build up his village.

Hanging up, Newgate immediately headed toward a tavern near the port, determined to wait for Brook and his crew.

Meanwhile, under Brook's command, the Golden Ark accelerated. He could hardly wait to meet Edward Newgate, a future ruler of the seas.

The crew, too, had caught wind of their captain recruiting a powerful new member. Rumors of a young giant with monstrous potential stirred excitement.

Even Redfield felt intrigued. For Brook to value someone so highly, that person had to be strong. Perhaps he'd get a chance to spar with this new recruit soon!

-----------

+100 Chapters on p@treon/tambeerg