CHAPTER 29

A Touch of Sadness

Now, the Heberfil family had no choice but to change its name to the Heberfil Pirates, with Charlotte becoming the captain.

As the commander of the sixth division of the Rocks Pirates, Charlotte usually had a great deal of freedom—except when Golden Lion Shiki himself took action in battle.

For Charlotte, this was at least a small psychological comfort, though it was barely enough.

Fortunately, the recent destruction of a Marine branch was still a major topic across the sea, attracting the attention of most. As a result, Charlotte's own joining of the Rocks Pirates went largely unnoticed. Compared to an outright attack on a Marine base, the recruitment of a single newcomer—no matter how skilled—was insignificant in the eyes of the world.

Only a few observant individuals remembered his name.

In some ways, this was a blessing in disguise.

It was only logical to let Golden Lion Shiki take the lead and draw the Navy's attention. After all, with his relentless provocations, Shiki was bound to end up with a bounty that skyrocketed over time.

Troublesome. Way too troublesome.

Despite his current dominance and fame, the Golden Lion's fate in the coming years would be a turbulent one.

The life of a pirate was never stable—let alone for someone as unlucky as Shiki.

But whether Charlotte liked it or not, he was now a pirate captain.

And the Navy would never let him go.

It was a complete mess.

He needed to prepare early.

At this moment, the core members of the Heberfil Pirates were all gathered in the meeting hall.

Charlotte swept his gaze over them with a solemn expression.

He could tell that everyone felt the same heavy burden that he did about being forced into piracy.

Becoming a pirate, hunting for treasure, and chasing adventurous dreams—those were the paths of Roger and Luffy.

What did any of that have to do with him, Charlotte?

Fate had played a cruel joke.

Even if he was unwilling, he had no choice but to continue forward.

As a division commander under the Rocks Pirates, he had to be ready at a moment's notice.

Though he resented it, there was no way to defy the monstrous Golden Lion Shiki.

And it was best not to provoke him—otherwise, if Shiki ever lost his temper and destroyed Lati Island, it would truly be a disaster.

That thought left Charlotte feeling a hint of sorrow.

As for Shiki's real headquarters, he didn't want to know. He had zero interest in it.

"Ahem."

Charlotte cleared his throat twice, drawing the crew's attention.

"The seas are in turmoil right now. We need a comprehensive plan to prepare for future threats. Everyone is free to speak their mind."

Saga Yar, adjusting his glasses, spoke up first.

"Captain, the standard version of QG medicine has now reached full stability. It can be distributed to the regular crew for training. However, we need additional funding to expand production."

Charlotte nodded.

Investing in scientific research was costly, but as long as it yielded results, it was well worth it—especially to strengthen the crew's combat power.

"Understood. You'll discuss the details with Ivan later."

As Charlotte finished speaking, Saga Liduo stepped forward.

"Captain, the fortress blueprints are now mostly completed. With your approval, I'd like to present the design."

This was a matter of great importance to Charlotte, so he agreed immediately.

A massive Den Den Mushi was placed before them—an exclusive model that Charlotte had personally purchased through the channels of the Shipping King.

Charlotte couldn't help but marvel at the unique wonders of the pirate world.

But at the same time, he felt a pang of regret. None of his men had the talent to modify Den Den Mushi, so he had to rely on money to make up for the gap.

As the Den Den Mushi's eyes spun hypnotically, a clear projection appeared in the air.

A detailed layout of Lati Island was displayed before them.

"Captain, based on your instructions, I have designed a fortress that fully utilizes the island's natural terrain."

He pointed at the projection.

"Lati Island has an interesting topography. Aside from this small seaward window, the rest of the island is surrounded by mountains. This serves as a natural defensive wall."

"My proposal is to preserve these mountains as our primary barrier against external threats."

Charlotte was satisfied. While it wouldn't stop the truly powerful, it was still a significant psychological comfort.

"I recommend that we first construct an iron wall around the port to completely seal off the only entrance."

"Then, a second iron wall should be built—trapping the port in between—to create a layered defense system."

As Saga Liduo explained, Charlotte couldn't help but smirk.

Who needed to waste time building resources when they could just steal from their enemies?

Charlotte made a decisive call.

"Alright. We'll proceed with this plan."

Ivan, the chief steward of the Heberfil Pirates, immediately voiced his full support.

And thus, after hours of intense discussion, the meeting finally concluded.

Charlotte exhaled deeply.

The main objective had been to develop Lati Island into a safe stronghold.

As long as he stayed behind fortified walls, he would feel a little more secure.

Navy? Pirates?

Their wars had nothing to do with him.

As long as his bounty stayed low and Golden Lion didn't bother him, everything would remain under control.

With the plans for Lati Island settled, Charlotte threw himself into grueling training once more.

His previous battle against Golden Lion Shiki had proven one thing—

He was still far from being a true monster.

If he wanted to survive, if he wanted to secure his future, he had no choice but to push himself beyond his limits.

After all, the Grand Line was ruthless.

The strong devoured the weak without hesitation.

New, talented warriors appeared every generation, and the cycle of power never stopped turning.

He refused to become the next "Black Arm" Zephyr—

A forgotten relic, discarded by the flow of time.

The very thought sent chills down his spine.

The sea was too terrifying.

Too troublesome.

Even though the meeting had ended, a heavy tension still hung in the air.

"Brother Ivan, is Captain Charlotte feeling down?" Mitis asked quietly.

Ivan shook his head.

"The boss isn't worried about himself. He's worried about everyone's future—and the dream of an ideal homeland."

Ideal homeland.

For him, this was that dream come to life.

Mitis clenched his fists, his heart aching.

If only his parents had met the captain earlier.

"Forcing people into piracy, saving an island... The Navy will never ignore this."

Ivan's voice was heavy.

"The battles ahead will be brutal. And the boss—just a teenager—bears all of this weight alone."

Mitis froze.

Everyone had forgotten how young their captain really was.

But one thing was clear—

Charlotte's dream had never wavered.

And they would protect it at all costs.

"Brother Ivan, tell me more about Captain Charlotte!"

Ivan chuckled.

"Alright."