Chapter 14: Elite Operative Policy!

Chapter 14: Elite Operative Policy!

Originally, Buggy was supposed to return to the North Blue. According to Buggy's current strength, as long as no major problems occurred when heading to Fish-Man Island, taking this group back to the North Blue wouldn't be an issue. However, Buggy had no intention of doing such a good deed. Good deeds weren't easy to do, not to mention they were time-consuming.

Most importantly, Buggy looked down on these types who let their dreams fade so quickly. Perhaps it was human nature to seek fortune and avoid disaster, and the Grand Line was indeed very dangerous. But since they wanted to chase ONE PIECE, they should have the resolve. To rush in without resolve just to join the excitement, then decide to retreat and run away when they found they couldn't handle it – how could it be that easy?

This was a world of the strong; the weak should live within their means. Those who were restless should pay the price for their impulsiveness. Buggy had no intention of taking them out of the Grand Line.

Continuing to steer the ship forward, after encountering several other pirate crews and engaging in a few not-so-intense battles, Buggy brought the Luke Pirates directly to his target island in the Grand Line.

Looking at the distant island, the pirates, who hadn't seen land for almost a month, were instantly ecstatic. However, before disembarking, Buggy, to ensure his own affairs could proceed smoothly, specifically called the Luke Pirates over.

"The island ahead is one of the famous islands in the first half of the Grand Line, called Gourmet Island. There are many unique delicacies of the Grand Line on the island. You can go and taste them, but remember not to cause trouble. This place isn't far from the Marines' Judicial Island. That's all I have to say. I hope we have a chance to meet again."

After speaking, Buggy didn't give the pirates time to say goodbye. He picked up his luggage, lifted Betty, and directly used Moon Walk to head towards Gourmet Island, disappearing from the sight of the Luke Pirates within a minute.

What constitutes a pirate crew? Setting aside the menial workers/grunts, and using the future, most streamlined Straw Hat Pirates as a reference, it would be: Captain, Swordsman, Navigator, Sniper, Cook, Doctor, Archaeologist, Shipwright, Musician.

As a fan deeply influenced by the Straw Hat Pirates' "elite operative policy," Buggy naturally wouldn't consider having too many crew members.

Forming a pirate crew composed of elite operatives was something Buggy had decided long ago.

As for whether the members had to be the same as the future Straw Hat Pirates, Buggy had considered this even before his reincarnation.

The specific composition was as follows: Captain, Vice-Captain, Captain's Secretary (Buggy considered this essential because of that one line about wanting a secretary), Navigator, Cook, Doctor, Shipwright, Intelligence Officer, Mascot, Musician.

Needless to say, the captain would be Buggy himself. For the other positions, Buggy had several candidates in mind for each. As for who specifically, it would depend on luck.

After all, a fact existed in any world: while you were choosing others, others were also choosing you.

How to ensure each position was filled by his most preferred person? Buggy wouldn't pester them shamelessly like Luffy. The Great Pirate Era had begun less than six years ago. Perhaps in terms of strengthening oneself, every day was crucial, but in other aspects, like choosing companions, time seemed quite abundant.

Find people he approved of and train them directly – this was Buggy's plan.

Although the process was troublesome, compared to blindly searching for compatible professionals, training them himself was much more worry-free.

The first person in Buggy's training plan was Betty, who was currently in Buggy's arms curiously looking around. Her future position in the pirate crew was decided the moment they arrived on Gourmet Island – Cook!

After spending five days with Betty feasting on Gourmet Island and eating their way through it, Buggy finally brought Betty to the entrance of a medium-sized restaurant on Gourmet Island.

After five days of observation, although the chef of this restaurant wasn't incredibly skilled, and the restaurant itself didn't have any special signature dishes, it was the longest-established restaurant on Gourmet Island.

Finding the chubby owner busy in the back kitchen, Buggy directly placed the suitcase full of money and a bag in front of him.

"Inside the suitcase is money, not much, only twenty million. Inside the bag are ten grams of top-grade spice produced in the Distan Kingdom of the East Blue – Celestial Fragrance. I have only one request: take care of Betty for me for a few years, and during this time, teach Betty the basic things a cook should master. Will you take this deal?"

Looking at Buggy's expression, then at the spice bag next to the money suitcase, the chubby owner said with a pleasant smile, "It's a deal. For these few years, I will train her as if she were my successor."

"Very good. Next time I come, if her performance satisfies me, there will be more Celestial Fragrance." Nodding, Buggy was very satisfied with the owner's reply.

"A promise is a promise!"

"A promise is a promise!"

Both spoke frankly, and a deal concerning Betty's future was thus made.

After speaking, Buggy said to Betty beside him, "Betty, starting tomorrow, you will stay in this shop and learn how to be someone Big Brother needs. This uncle is a bit chubby, but he can teach you many things. You must study hard, understand?"

"Isn't Big Brother staying with Betty?" Betty tilted her small head and asked Buggy.

"Big Brother has other things to do and needs to go to other places. But our separation is only temporary. Trust Big Brother; once you've mastered what this uncle teaches you, Big Brother will come back here and take you to other places," Buggy patted Betty's small head and replied very gently.

"But I don't want to be separated from Big Brother," Betty said coquettishly, pulling Buggy's hand.

"Betty, if you want to become someone Big Brother needs, you must stay here and learn. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Buggy would not indulge Betty.

Seeing Buggy's serious expression, Betty looked at him with eyes full of grievance, but ultimately, she didn't say another word about wanting to leave with him.

"Alright, Betty, be good. Big Brother will come back for you as soon as possible." After speaking, Buggy turned around and took out a small Den Den Mushi.

"Please take this Den Den Mushi. It will be convenient for us to contact each other. However, I will be away from the Grand Line for some time, so don't mind if the call doesn't go through at times. Next time I visit, I will bring Celestial Fragrance again. At that time, I very much hope to taste the dishes the little one makes for me."

"Just don't come back too soon. She's still young, and everything has to start from the basics. It will take some time for her to practice to the point where she can cook on her own. But I am confident I can teach her within a few years." With Celestial Fragrance as an incentive, the chubby owner didn't mind Buggy's tone. After accepting the Den Den Mushi, he replied excitedly.

"I'm counting on you. I look forward to seeing you next time!"

"Me too!"

(End of this chapter)