CHAPTER 126

Brook's Recruitment by the Caesar Pirates

Brook stood there, his skeletal jaw hanging open. He had no lips, no flesh—only exposed upper and lower teeth moving as he muttered:

"Shit!"

The response shocked everyone present.

Hades, still in disbelief, stared at the afro-headed skeleton and murmured to himself, "Skeletons... can skeletons even shit...?"

At that moment, the entire crew turned their gazes toward the speaking skeleton, their faces filled with confusion. The initial fear they had felt toward this undead being had now transformed into sheer astonishment and a flood of questions.

Amid the stunned silence, Caesar smiled and addressed the skeleton:

"Finally found you, Brook!"

Brook's empty eye sockets seemed to widen as he tilted his skull in confusion.

"Eh? That... how did you know my name?"

Caesar smirked.

"Can you recognize my face? Although, well... you don't have eyes anymore, yohohoho~"

Brook burst into laughter at his own joke, his signature "Yohohohoho~" filling the air. Then, suddenly, he became serious.

"Hey... and why are you looking for me? Do you want to make bone soup out of me?"

"Yohohohoho~ that's not okay! I would be boiled to death... Even though I'm already dead, yohohohoho~"

Caesar chuckled before responding.

"I've known about you for a long time, Brook. I've heard stories."

Brook's skeletal face remained expressionless, but his posture shifted, indicating his curiosity.

"Stories? From whom?"

"One of the reasons I sought you out was to invite you to join our crew as a musician," Caesar explained.

"The second reason... it was a request from Crocus."

At the mention of that name, Brook froze. His skeletal hands trembled slightly.

"Crocus...?" he murmured.

"Actually, it's Laboon."

Brook's hollow sockets seemed to darken as an intense wave of emotions surged through him.

"Laboon..." he whispered.

The image of a small, playful whale flashed through his mind—Laboon, the loyal companion he and his crew had left behind at Reverse Mountain. The whale they had promised to reunite with.

Caesar nodded.

"That little guy—well, not so little anymore. He's grown into a massive whale, and he's been waiting for you at Reverse Mountain all these years."

Brook's entire skeletal frame shuddered. Tears—dark, formless—poured from his empty eye sockets as he collapsed to his knees.

"Laboon... he hasn't forgotten... He's still waiting?"

His anguished wail echoed across the ship.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The rest of the crew, who had been standing in stunned silence, suddenly recalled the true purpose of their journey. They had been so startled by Brook's appearance that they had momentarily forgotten why they were even here.

Now, seeing Brook cry—a literal skeleton shedding tears—they couldn't help but feel emotional.

Caesar broke the silence.

"So... Brook, will you join us?"

Brook's sobbing slowed as he lifted his head, his jaw trembling.

"Is it... possible? Can I really..."

[134: Brook Joins – The Fearsome Celestial Dragons]

Brook's entire body trembled with excitement at Caesar's words.

Nearby, Lily nudged Regina and Weina.

"Hey, look! A skeleton that can cry!"

Weina and Regina both nodded, equally fascinated.

"Yeah… but how? He doesn't have eyeballs, yet he's shedding tears."

"Come to think of it," Weina mused, "how does he see without eyeballs?"

"Or talk without a tongue?" Regina added.

The three women exchanged bewildered glances as Brook slowly regained his composure. He turned to Caesar with a newfound determination.

"Captain… you truly want me to join your pirate crew?"

Caesar casually spread his hands.

"Of course!"

Brook, ever the gentleman, straightened his posture and gave a deep, formal bow.

"Then, allow me to introduce myself properly... But wait! I never asked—what is your name, Captain?"

Caesar smirked.

"My name is Alexander Caesar!"

Brook immediately struck a dramatic pose.

"Captain Caesar, it is my pleasure to join your crew! Please take care of me!"

With those words, Caesar grinned widely. His mission to recruit Brook had been a success.

The rest of the crew, previously wary of the talking skeleton, now relaxed, their fear dissipating. They welcomed him with open arms.

As Brook stepped onto the Caesar Rex, his new ship, he couldn't help but marvel at its grandeur.

"My word! This is the most luxurious pirate ship I have ever set foot on! Although, I have no feet, yohohohoho~"

Everyone sweatdropped at his lame joke.

Since the ship had been designed with future recruits in mind, there was ample room for new members. Brook quickly found a cabin of his own, before the crew decided to hold a welcome banquet in his honor.

The Banquet – A Musician Among Pirates

As the celebration unfolded, Brook was overwhelmed with joy. It had been decades since he had last been surrounded by so many people, sharing laughter and warmth. The atmosphere was lively, and before long, Brook was singing.

Despite his rather hoarse voice, the song was unique, carrying an undeniable charm.

And then—"Bink's Sake".

One by one, the crew joined in, singing along with Brook. Even Gnaly, who was initially hesitant, found himself caught up in the moment.

It was a pirate's song, a song of camaraderie, adventure, and unbreakable bonds.

That night, Brook felt truly alive again.

And so, the Caesar Pirates set sail once more.

For Brook, it was more than just a journey—it was a return to the world he had long left behind.

The world that Laboon was still waiting in.

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters...

Just days after the Caesar Pirates left the Florian Triangle, the Marines convened for an urgent meeting.

The topic?

The rising threat of the Caesar Pirates.

Caesar was already recognized as one of the most dangerous captains in the first half of the Grand Line.

And now, he had recruited Brook, the Undead Swordsman.

The bounty posters were being updated.

The Marines would not sit idly by.

The storm was coming.

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