Good, good, good… as long as Laboon is safe. Crocus truly is a man worth trusting—this is all thanks to him."
Brook's hollow voice carried genuine gratitude. He hadn't expected that even after so many years, Crocus would still be faithfully caring for Laboon, holding onto that promise, never abandoning him.
"But… how did you all end up here? Don't tell me you came specifically looking for me. If that's the case, then you've stepped into real danger."
After the brief wave of relief, Brook's mood grew heavy again. He couldn't help but worry for Buggy and his crew. Entering the Devil's Triangle was no trivial matter—if they couldn't find their way out, they'd meet the same fate as the Rumbar Pirates, doomed to be trapped forever in this cursed sea.
"That's right," Buggy replied without hesitation. "I once came across news about you and learned that the Rumbar Pirates vanished after sailing into the Devil's Triangle. When I saw your appearance, I immediately realized you must be Brook."
This was the explanation Buggy had quickly crafted. It was seamless, tying together how he knew Brook's identity without revealing his knowledge of future events.
Brook froze. Then he panicked, pacing across the deck with long, clattering strides. "This is terrible! Why would you risk everything to come here? This place is nothing but a graveyard—you're all in danger now!" His bony hands waved anxiously in the air as he muttered about escape routes, clearly worried about how to lead them safely out.
At this moment, Jessica, wide-eyed with curiosity, tugged at Buggy's sleeve. "Captain… so he really is Brook? The one Laboon's been waiting for all this time? But how did he… become like that?"
Brook stopped in his tracks. The sockets of his skull turned toward her, and his voice softened. "I actually died over ten years ago. But I had eaten the Yomi Yomi no Mi—the Revive-Revive Fruit. Its power allows the user's soul to return from the underworld, granting them a second life. After I was killed, my soul wandered back to this world. But… the mist confused me. I searched for my body for over a year, drifting endlessly as a soul. By the time I finally found it… It had rotted away. Only bones remained. And so… I became like this."
Gasps rippled among the crew. At first, they had feared him, but hearing the tragic story behind his skeletal form, the fear melted into sympathy. Both Jessica and Kuro lowered their heads, their expressions tinged with sorrow.
Brook continued in a quieter tone. "The Rumbar Pirates came here over ten years ago. We fought a powerful enemy in these seas, and in that battle… every one of my comrades fell. The fruit brought me back… but only to this endless prison of mist."
For a long moment, silence hung heavy over the ship. Then Buggy broke it, his voice steady. "Don't worry. We're not trapped. Outside the fog, Enel is waiting. He'll strike his lightning every hour, giving us a reference point. With that, we won't lose our way."
Brook froze—then his skull-face brightened in astonishment. "Yohohoho! That's wonderful! I can't tell you how much that eases my heart. I was so afraid my presence here would only drag you all down."
He laughed joyfully, clapping his bony hands together. The crew exchanged looks, their initial unease fading. Seeing Brook's sincere, almost childlike delight, they couldn't help but smile as well. Slowly, they began to accept him.
When the mood calmed, Buggy leaned closer, his tone serious. "Brook… once we get out of here, will you return directly to Laboon? Or do you have another path you wish to take?"
Brook stiffened. The question seemed to weigh heavily on him. He lowered his head, voice filled with conflict. "Laboon… he's waiting for us, I know. But I made him a promise. I swore we'd return to him after reaching Laugh Tale. That dream, that promise, is also the will of my fallen comrades. If I went back now, without fulfilling it… I don't think I could face him."
The silence that followed was filled with grief and guilt.
Buggy stepped forward, his voice firm and commanding. "Then join us, Brook. Whatever promises remain unfulfilled, we'll achieve them together. I swear to you, we'll reach Laugh Tale—and I'll keep my word to Laboon. I'll bring you back to him with your head held high."
Brook trembled. Then, without hesitation, he bowed deeply. "Very well! I'll join your crew. From today on, Brook the musician sails with the Buggy Pirates!"
The decision was immediate and heartfelt. Buggy had risked everything to find him, even braving the Devil's Triangle for Laboon's sake. How could Brook refuse such comradeship? Their goals aligned, their promises resonated—this was fate.
"Welcome aboard." Buggy grinned, satisfied. He hadn't doubted for a second that Brook would accept.
Soon, the group returned to the Glory. Before setting sail, Buggy had a feast prepared. Platters of meat, bread, fruits, and wine filled the table. It was a welcome celebration—and also a kindness, for he knew Brook hadn't tasted real food in over ten years.
Though only bones, Brook ate heartily. The atmosphere was warm and filled with laughter, Brook's eccentric jokes and "Yohohoho!" laughter blending naturally with the crew's chatter. By the end of the meal, it felt as if he had always been part of them.
When the plates were cleared, Buggy gave the command to depart. The Glory followed the same straight-line path it had used to enter, its advanced navigation system ensuring no deviation. This was the safest way back—and with Enel's thunder echoing in the distance, they would not lose their bearings.
Half a day passed. The faint rumble of thunder reached their ears at last. A wave of relief swept through the crew, smiles spreading across their faces. They knew they were close—close to escaping the Devil's Triangle, and closer still to new adventures ahead.