Charlotte Linlin's birthday was a big deal—so big that even training-obsessed Redfield took a break to join the festivities. The Hell Pirates weren't about to miss this bash!
When Redfield and Newgate laid eyes on Whole Cake Island's whimsical charm, they couldn't help but wonder: Should we get our own custom islands?
Newgate mused about hauling his hometown, Sphinx Island, up to a sky island. Would the locals go for it? Redfield, meanwhile, schemed to carve out a chunk of red soil from his native Island, maybe turn it into his own private turf on Golden Island.
Both turned to Golden Lion Shiki, hoping he'd lend his floating powers to their projects.
"Jahaha! So now you need me, huh?" Shiki grinned, milking the moment. "Once my bounty tops yours, I might just be in a good enough mood to move your islands!"
Shiki was clearly playing hardball, and while Newgate shrugged it off—fine, he'd slack on a few missions to let Shiki's bounty catch up—Redfield wasn't about to lose his spot as the Hell Pirates' number two. For now, he ditched the idea of relocating Island. Good thing he had some red soil to build a castle!
...
Inside Whole Cake Island's castle, the Tontatta tribe buzzed around every corner, their tiny faces flushed with excitement. They'd never seen so many races in one place, and the sheer spectacle of the party had them bouncing with joy.
Homies—chess soldiers and maids—stood guard and served guests, proof of Linlin's soul-plundering spree from her last two battles. She'd clearly stocked up on lifespans to burn!
Linlin had turned the forest and castle knickknacks into Homies, a lavish display of her Soul-Soul Fruit powers. How much soul energy had she poured into this? Probably meant she'd soon be itching to raid again.
Brook, Stussy, and Angelie returned to the castle, stepping into a hall straight out of a fairy tale. Even Stussy and Angelie couldn't hide a twinge of envy at the setup.
The Soul-Soul Fruit was just too good. Talking food on the tables practically begged, "Eat me! Eat me!"
Brook didn't hesitate. He grabbed a human-faced bread, chomped it down without a second thought, and felt a faint boost to his soul energy. No disgust, no qualms—just pure Brook.
A teapot waddled over with a cup in tow, pouring tea for Brook with top-notch service. He couldn't help but give it a thumbs-up.
"Yohoho! Captain Brook, the big-shot himself! Finally graced us with your presence!"
A dozen shadows slunk from every direction, coalescing into Shakky's form. She puffed out her cheeks, clearly miffed, and made a beeline for Brook the moment she spotted him.
"Oh, Shakky!" Stussy chirped, her voice dripping with sweetness. "You've been working so hard, helping Linlin with all these preparations. Meanwhile, I've been such a burden, always pestering Brook for training tips. I feel awful for letting you all down!"
Her tone hit Brook like a thunderbolt—those words, that pout, that delicate glance. Stussy's every move radiated charm, her eyes sparkling like water, practically soul-snatching. Paired with her graceful figure and flawless face, she was the epitome of princess.
...
Stussy's masterclass in playing the victim left Shakky's complaints stuck in her throat, like a duck grabbed by the neck. Even Angelie, watching from the sidelines, gave a mental well, damn. She had to take notes—Stussy's charm outshone even her own Fruit!
"Stussy, be real," Shakky said, narrowing her eyes. "Did Brook sweet-talk you into something?"
Since their return from the West Blue, Stussy had been acting off, ditching Shakky and Linlin for solo time with Brook. Was she trying to break up the Hell Pirates' trio?
"Sweet-talk? Shakky, darling, what're you saying?" Stussy gasped, her face the picture of innocence. She gazed at Brook with starry-eyed admiration, like he was her idol.
"Brook's guidance is like thunder and rain—pure mentorship! We're just master and apprentice, best buddies who've fought side by side!"
"Exactly!" Angelie jumped in, ever loyal. "I can vouch for him. Captain Brook's the real deal—a hardworking guy who pours his heart into teaching us. He holds nothing back, sharing every martial art with us. We owe him big time!"
Angelie had mastered all eighteen techniques, her skills so fierce she'd occasionally sent Brook sprawling, groaning in defeat under her onslaught.
"I don't care!" Shakky snapped, yanking Stussy behind her and giving Angelie a pointed look before pulling her over too. "From now on, we train together. If you need advice, we ask Brook as a group. No more solo sessions with the captain—I don't trust him not to pull something weird!"
"Hey, hey, Shakky!" Brook protested, waving his skeletal hands. "I'm a gentleman, schooled in the Sea Calendar classics! I'm just training these mischievous little troublemakers. Their swordplay's lacking, but they've mastered being cheeky!
"Though, I must admit, I do love a cute troublemaker. Anyway, I'm off to check on Linlin—it's almost her birthday!"
Brook sidestepped the trio and headed for Charlotte Linlin, leaving Stussy and Angelie under Shakky's protective glare.
...
Brook's mind wandered as he walked. Linlin's birthday was a big deal, but it stirred up complications. Love didn't care about age, height, looks, or even wealth—but it needed a meeting of minds, a spark of mutual understanding.
And that was the problem. No matter how hard Brook worked, he couldn't match Linlin's depth of perspective. She might not mind, but it gnawed at him.
A man's worst fear? Being told he's not enough.
He needed a solution. Maybe pull a page from some wild playbook?
Brook had developed a Gigantification technique for Linlin, absorbing all his generals to hit a towering nine meters in battle mode. Would that do the trick? Could a steel balloon like Linlin handle it?
Chuckling to himself, Brook hummed a tune and went to find her, ready to face the challenge head-on.
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