On board, Alan emerged, and once the supplies were loaded, he ordered departure again.
The dark red pirate ship slowly cut through the water and set sail.
"Everyone! You should know where we're headed, right?"
Alan stood on the second-floor railing while shouting to the pirates on deck: "That's right! We're going to the famous ocean-going restaurant in the East Blue, Baratie!"
"Captain, are we going to rob the ocean-going restaurant?"
"I heard the food there is the best in the East Blue!"
"The chefs there are very fierce."
"Yeah, the ocean-going restaurant's owner used to be a famous pirate. Not sure if that's true or not."
Hearing Alan's words, the pirates below began discussing excitedly.
Alan slowly grinned and said, "We're going to eat. Last night's party probably wasn't enough for everyone to enjoy themselves fully. This time, I'll take you to have a proper feast and take over the ocean-going restaurant! Then we will throw another grand banquet!"
Upon hearing this, the pirates below couldn't contain their excitement.
"Really, captain? That's the ocean-going restaurant!"
"I heard it's ridiculously expensive. You're not joking with us, are you, captain?"
"Exactly, boss! The crew's pockets are empty; don't leave us there washing dishes to pay our debt!"
"Ha ha ha!!"
Laughter erupted from the pirates, full of mischievous energy.
Alan grinned, baring his teeth, and mockingly scolded: "Look at you, pathetic lot! A bunch of idiots. Don't have money? Don't you know how to take it by force!"
"There are plenty of rich people in the ocean-going restaurant; they're walking treasure chests! After so long hunting and fishing, you haven't forgotten how to get food in hand, right?"
Alan laughed loudly.
Hearing they were going to rob it, everyone was instantly energized, their eyes burning with fervor.
"Ha ha ha! Who are you looking down on, captain!"
"We have been waiting for this day for ages!"
"That's right! In a few days, the captain will see that we're no tame kittens!"
"Woo!"
Everyone's excitement ignited immediately; they raised their swords while cheering, and whistles rang out sporadically.
Alan watched the scene on deck with satisfaction.
He knew what the pirates wanted and what these long-oppressed outlaws craved.
The simplest way to earn his crew's approval was to let them do what they wanted; naturally, after a few times, they would recognize him.
"Hahaha! You better not be bluffing with me. When the fight starts, don't act like little girls!"
Alan threw his head back and laughed, then waved his hand and shouted: "Now! I've just purchased half a month's worth of supplies! I order all of you to finish them off within a week!"
"Stuff yourselves and then spit it into the sea! From now on, alcohol rations will be doubled every day!!"
At these words, the pirates were even more ecstatic, and they shouted at the top of their lungs with excitement.
"Waaah!!!"
"Long live the captain!!!"
Watching the frenzied scene below, Alan grinned with satisfaction.
Although still poor and unable to pursue high quality, he could at least stimulate them with sheer quantity.
Alan didn't need to be cunning or scheming; he only knew one fact.
As long as someone was a pirate, they would always choose to follow the captain who could provide them with a good life!
For this group of pirates whose clothes were all tattered, any talk of grand dreams was nonsense!
Nothing binds their loyalty more than profit!
...
After mingling and becoming a familiar face to the pirates, Alan returned to his empty captain's room.
Several paintings hung on the walls. In the center was a set of black sofas and a solid black glass table. Other than that, only a lonely, empty shelf leaned against the corner.
Alan sat down on the sofa, leaned back, and sank into its softness.
Now he had a ship and crew, but his pirate crew still wasn't officially formed.
The bow had a black cat head design, and the flag on the mast was also the Black Cat Pirates' banner. This could hardly be called his pirate crew.
Especially since the flag symbolized the very soul of the pirate crew, designed according to its name.
But…
"Sigh!"
Alan leaned back and sighed. He had thought for a long time, but still couldn't come up with a good, cool pirate ship name.
The simplest method would be to just call it the Alan Pirates, but that sounded utterly uncool.
In this world where everyone had flashy hair colors, his appearance wasn't distinctive enough to stand out as a flag.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
"Captain."
Just as he was struggling with naming, there was a knock at the door.
Alan exhaled and sat up.
"Come in."
Creak!
Two figures pushed the door open; it was Sham and Buchi, each holding a black gift box.
"Captain, I saw some good stuff while shopping earlier and thought you might like it, so I bought it for you."
Sham grinned cheekily and, with Buchi's help, gently placed the two gift boxes on the table.
Alan looked at them curiously.
"Open it and let me see it."
"Yes."
Sham slowly lifted the lid, revealing two neatly arranged bottles of liquor and a row of cigars.
Buchi also opened his box, revealing a black pirate coat.
The gold-plated anchor-shaped cloak clasp gleamed, with yellow epaulettes painted with black skulls on both sides, and strands of gold thread hanging down.
Alan picked it up and felt the thin wool fabric; it was soft and smooth. He glanced at the two Nyaban Brothers.
"Hey, look at you, what's with this charade?"
"Hehehe, captain, want to try it on?"
Buchi grinned.
"Really, what a waste of money. Think of how much food and alcohol this could have bought for the crew."
Alan put down the captain's pirate coat and gave him an annoyed glare.
Then he closed the box and quietly pulled it closer.
"But since it's already bought, I'll take it this time."
"Hehehe, yes, yes, yes. Anyway, it's already bought, so it would be a waste not to use it."
Sham rubbed his hands together while grinning.
After delivering the gifts, the two quickly left and closed the door behind them.