The next day, Charlotte Linlin once again carried a barrel of fine wine to Newgate's territory. This time, not a single reckless pirate dared to block her path.
After all, the woman before them could trade blows with their own Captain.
Yet from behind the window of a dim room a venomous gaze trailed her. Stussy Bakin clenched a handkerchief between her teeth, hands nearly tearing the fabric, eyes brimming with jealousy and spite.
Had Newgate not confined her, she would have rushed out and ripped Charlotte Linlin's face to shreds.
'It's all because of you! If not for you, Newgate wouldn't have locked me up just for killing some worthless little pirate! Just wait… once I'm out, I'll make you pay!'
Thud-thud!
The small hatch in the iron door slid open and a plate of hearty breakfast was pushed inside.
'Lady Bakin, your breakfast.'
Bakin didn't even turn, still glaring out the window. 'Eat? I'm already stuffed with anger!'
'B-but you haven't eaten for a day and a night. At least a bite…'
'Scram!' Bakin whipped her head around, blood-shot eyes glaring out.
'Keep nagging and This old lady will kill you!'
The pirate shrank back in fright, yanking his hand away and fleeing.
Only yesterday Bakin had murdered a comrade who urged her to calm down, jealous over how often Charlotte Linlin sought out Newgate.
Newgate, holding a huge bowl of wine, watched Charlotte Linlin approach and grinned.
'Gurarara! Brat, here for another beating or to bring me more booze?'
Charlotte Linlin set the barrel down, expression serious. 'Newgate, thank you for everything these past days.'
Newgate's guidance had greatly shortened the time she needed to reach the world's top tier of strength. She was confident she would be able to slay an Admiral within a year.
'Gurarara! Spare me. I took so much good wine from you; teaching you a thing or two is only fair.'
Newgate waved a massive hand, feigning indifference, but approval for his 'student' shone in his eyes.
Charlotte Linlin didn't stand on ceremony and stated her purpose outright.
'I've found my path in Haki training; what I need now is to temper myself. I plan to leave Hachinosu Island for a while to take care of something important.'
'Oh? Where to?' Newgate raised an eyebrow.
'The Calm Belt, Daughter Island, Amazon Lily.' She hid nothing.
Newgate's huge eyes flashed with understanding and surprise.
'Gurarara! Planning to recruit those women? Makes sense; for someone in your position, that's the only place that fits.'
A Great Pirate sailing the New World, he instantly grasped her difficulty.
However strong she was, pirates were a unruly lot; sometimes even he couldn't make them bow, let alone sincerely submit to a woman.
'That's a tough nut to crack. The Kuja Pirates aren't pushovers, especially that Gloriosa—she's no easy foe,' Newgate warned.
'Precisely because they're strong, I'm going to them,' Charlotte Linlin answered firmly.
'Fine, your call.' Newgate nodded, took a swig of wine,
'So why come to me?'
Charlotte Linlin met his gaze, solemn.
'While I'm gone, I'd like to ask a favor. If any fools on Beehive try to move against my turf or my crew in my absence, I hope you'll keep an eye out. My crew… is still too weak.'
That was her only worry. Beehive was a predators' den; once she left, the flag of "Heaven's Punishment" and the reputation she'd just built might not scare off every schemer.
Many pirates on the island still looked down on her for being a woman.
Whitebeard Newgate was one of the few she trusted and whose strength and prestige could shelter them.
Seeing her concern for her crew, Newgate went quiet. He admired the strong, and even more the strong who protected "their own." Her request struck right at his creed.
'Gurararara!' He burst into laughter.
'Deal! While you're gone, as long as your little damsels don't start trouble, no one on Beehive will dare touch them! Consider it… advance payment for the good wine you'll bring back!'
Relief washed over Charlotte Linlin. She knew Newgate's word was iron.
'Many thanks!' she said earnestly.
'Hurry back, brat! Don't keep my wine waiting!' Newgate waved her off.
Back at "Heaven's Punishment Hall," Charlotte Linlin gathered core members Mia, Vina, and others, telling them she would be away for a time.
'Captain Linlin, you're going to Daughter Island alone? It's too dangerous!' Mia fretted.
'Yes, Captain, take us! We can help!' the other damsels chimed in.
Charlotte Linlin shook her head. 'Not this time. Daughter Island is special; outsiders can barely enter. Alone, I'll move faster.'
'Stay on Beehive. With Newgate's promise you'll be safe. Guard our home, keep learning the sea, get stronger. Wait for my return.'
Though still uneasy, the girls knew it was best and nodded.
Without delay she took only essentials and a log pose. Under worried, reluctant eyes she reached the shore.
Dragon scales cloaked her body; Dragon Wings unfurled!
Boom!
Her colossal form shot skyward, turning into a blue streak heading straight for Sabaody!
She needed news of the Kuja Pirates there. She had told no one else her destination, not even asking Kurozumi Mushi to gather information.
She was certain Beehive held Marine spies. If the Navy learned her goal, a trap would be waiting.
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