One Piece: Capitalist Brook's Crew Expansion Plan-Chapter 85: Delivering the Den Den Mushi

Under Brook's orders, Mortomas had specially dispatched seagulls to deliver newspapers to specific pirate crews and Marine officers. This way, the newspaper numbers were set in advance.

They could decide who the "lucky winners" were, openly sending out the spy Den Den Mushi. Even if they weren't used by key personnel, the snails would still allow them to pinpoint locations and eavesdrop on conversations.

This eliminated the need for seagulls to track them manually, greatly improving efficiency while making it nearly impossible for the targets to detect the scheme.

Brook immediately instructed Mortomas to investigate the Marine Fleet Admiral, Admirals, and Vice Admirals—any high-ranking officers who frequently set sail. Those officers would be selected as the "winners."

As for pirates, aside from the crews that Brook had specifically marked, any pirate crew with a bounty exceeding 500 million Belly was fair game.

With this information in their hands, the Hell Pirates no longer needed to fear ambushes from powerful individuals. Instead, they could take the initiative and seek out their opponents.

Brook drafted his plan and had Mortomas fill in any potential loopholes. The goal was clear—get those spy Den Den Mushi distributed.

Additionally, Mortomas arranged for a few specialized seagulls to collect the "packages" from the Golden Ark. The spy snails would be shipped out from there!

The World Economy News Agency found the concept innovative, believing it would boost their reputation. Since the prizes were provided by Brook, they quickly started refining the rules and planning the event.

...

Broc Coli Island.

"Streusen, let's go. This island is already in ruins—not exactly the ideal setting for my first meeting with Brook!"

Charlotte Linlin surveyed the burning wreckage around her, showing not a hint of guilt for the destruction she had caused.

"Understood, Linlin."

Streusen pursed his lips as he gazed at the once-prosperous streets, now reduced to flaming rubble. There wasn't even a chance to loot treasure amid the devastation.

The two of them boarded their pirate ship and sailed away, leaving behind the terrified and despairing residents of Broc Coli Island. The monstrous pirate had finally departed—again.

This time, the damage was even worse than before. They regretted ever calling in those useless bounty hunters. Meanwhile, the shop owners in the northwest district breathed a sigh of relief, grateful their area had been spared.

Since this island's nation wasn't affiliated with the World Government, there was no way to call in the Marines for help. They could only endure as pirates ravaged their lands.

In the New World, nations had three choices: seek protection from a powerful pirate crew, build a formidable military force, or hire assassins and bounty hunters to maintain a semblance of peace.

Even if the cost of rebuilding after pirate attacks was high, it was still far cheaper than paying the Celestial Dragons' Heavenly Tribute.

Take Kaido's kingdom, for example. To afford the tribute, they had to wage war and plunder other nations year after year, always emerging victorious. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to gather enough wealth to meet the World Government's demands.

In the end, they even tried to sell Kaido to the Marines in exchange for the right to participate in the Reveri. That alone showed just how crushing the tribute was, even for a nation that had conquered others.

... freewebnoveℓ.com

"Captain Brook, the new recruit is heading west! Their speed isn't particularly fast. At our pace, we can catch up in less than an hour!"

Antonio closely monitored the recruit's Den Den Mushi and reported the situation to Brook in real time.

"Then let's speed up!"

Brook immediately ordered Redfield to accelerate using lightning, while Fishman Tom activated the Wind Dials to boost their speed. Meanwhile, Brook began strategizing with the Memory Seahorse, planning the quickest way to take down Streusen and guide Charlotte Linlin onto the "right path."

Brook also grabbed two Sleep Gas Dials from Ship Doctor Crocus—one for the Memory Seahorse and one as a backup for himself. He aimed to neutralize Streusen without resorting to a direct fight.

After all, Linlin knew little about Streusen's secrets. Even Brook's own crew was unaware of them. Might as well treat this as welcoming a new member!

Time passed quickly. The Golden Ark finally caught up to Charlotte Linlin's ship.

Streusen spotted the golden vessel in the sky, his eyes flashing with greed. That ship was beyond luxurious—if only he could get his hands on it!

"Linlin, it's a golden ship! Could it be Brook's crew?"

Streusen's excitement was evident. Charlotte Linlin eagerly leapt onto her thundercloud, Zeus, ready to ascend immediately.

But before Brook's ship could even approach, he took the initiative. Riding his Qilin Lion, he leapt onto the pirate ship. The Memory Seahorse followed closely, eager to play its part. The rest of the crew sighed—was their captain really that impatient? They were practically within reach already!

Brook landed gracefully on deck, immediately spotting the towering Charlotte Linlin and the much shorter Streusen.

"You must be Linlin. Mother Carmel spoke about you~"

His words instantly captured Charlotte Linlin's attention. Meanwhile, the Memory Seahorse feigned curiosity, subtly inching toward Streusen.

"You're Brook? Mother Carmel mentioned you often! Is that seahorse some kind of rare species?"

Linlin had a habit of collecting rare creatures. In the future, she would even use the Book-Book Fruit to store an entire library's worth of exotic animals.

"No, it's just a normal seahorse. Nothing to worry about."

Streusen, however, remained wary. He knew more about Mother Carmel than anyone else. Just how much did Brook know?

"Brook! Let's go up to your golden ship—I can't wait to join your crew!"

Charlotte Linlin's excitement was evident as Zeus practically buzzed with anticipation.

"No problem, let's go!"

Brook strummed his guitar happily before soaring back toward the Golden Ark on his Qilin Lion, with Linlin and Zeus following closely behind.

Meanwhile, Streusen hesitated. He had been about to ask to come along when Brook played a few notes—just enough to make him momentarily lose focus.

Before he could react, the pink seahorse trotted over and casually sprayed a puff of gas from a peculiar Dial. His vision blurred, and in the next instant, he collapsed into unconsciousness.

He had been tricked. But Linlin would definitely save him—right?

That was his last thought before darkness consumed him.

The Memory Seahorse coiled its tail around Streusen, propping him against a wall. It then began absorbing his memories. Having devoured so many already, it had grown to just over a meter in length. Now, wrapped around the 1.4-meter-tall Streusen, they almost looked like close companions embracing.

"Huh? What's your pet seahorse doing with Streusen?"

Charlotte Linlin finally noticed Streusen's odd state, realizing she had forgotten to bring him along.

"Oh, don't worry about it! The little guy just likes making new friends. They're sure to get along great!"

Brook quickly maneuvered to block Linlin's view and led her toward the Golden Ark.

"That's wonderful! I think we're all going to be great friends!"

Linlin beamed. After all, what harm could a little seahorse possibly do?

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