One piece: Establishing a Pirate Family

Chapter 115: Charlotte's Conditions

Elena rolled her eyes.

"Yes, yes, yes! You're amazing! But weren't you just being chased around the world by a Navy admiral?"

Hearing Elena's sarcastic comment, Charlotte instantly frowned, clearly displeased.

"I'm a pirate. Isn't it natural for me to be chased by the Navy? Hahahaha!" Charlotte couldn't help but laugh as he spoke.

His response was so confident, so matter-of-fact, that it left no room for argument.

Barrett, observing this, was struck by Charlotte's calm demeanor and complete lack of concern about being hunted by the Navy. The realization left a deep impression on Barrett's young mind.

He stared at Charlotte, mesmerized by his fearless aura.

"Hmm?"

Charlotte noticed Barrett's intense gaze and turned to look at him.

Finding Barrett staring blankly at him, Charlotte smiled.

"Hahahaha! Barrett! When you become a pirate in the future, the Navy will hunt you down too. Are you ready for that?"

Charlotte's question was casual, but it carried a heavy weight.

Barrett's dull eyes sharpened in an instant, and he answered firmly, "No! I won't run! I'll fight them head-on!!"

Charlotte paused, momentarily taken aback by Barrett's bold statement, but then he grinned.

"Hahahaha! That's the spirit, Barrett! But if you want to fight, you'll need great strength. Hahaha!"

Charlotte chose not to argue or discourage him. Barrett would come to understand the complexities of the world soon enough.

"Yes! I'll become strong!" Barrett declared, his small fists clenched tightly.

Having grown up in the military, he knew strength was everything. He harbored an almost obsessive drive to become the strongest.

Charlotte patted him on the shoulder. "Good! Follow me, and I'll teach you how to become strong!"

Charlotte raised his fist, and his Armament Haki flared to life. His arm turned jet black and exuded a green, swirling aura that seemed almost alive.

"What's that?" Barrett asked, his curiosity piqued by the display of power.

"This," Charlotte said, "is Armament Haki, one of the three types of Haki. It enhances your defense and attack power and allows you to hit Logia users. In Wano, they call it 'Ryu Sakura.' It's a more advanced version of Armament Haki, capable of flowing and releasing energy outward."

Charlotte's explanation was concise but enough to ignite Barrett's excitement.

In the original timeline, Charlotte remembered Barrett's terrifying mastery of Armament Haki, capable of coating entire islands. The thought alone was awe-inspiring.

"I want to learn this!" Barrett said with determination.

"Good! Once you're on my ship, I'll teach you," Charlotte promised.

For now, he had no intention of starting lessons in the middle of a banquet.

"Yes, Captain!" Barrett replied, the title coming naturally to him.

Charlotte couldn't help but smile at Barrett's enthusiasm and walked back toward the banquet's center.

---

General Tang En had been observing the exchange. When he saw Charlotte return, he quickly approached him.

"Captain Charlotte, I have a favor to ask of you," Tang En said, pulling Charlotte aside.

Hearing Tang En's tone, Charlotte frowned.

Tang En, noticing Charlotte's hesitation, quickly added, "I'll pay you handsomely. How about a Devil Fruit?"

The mention of a Devil Fruit immediately piqued Charlotte's interest.

"Speak. What do you want me to do?" Charlotte asked, his curiosity now fully engaged.

Tang En took a deep breath before responding. "I want you to help me unify the entire island."

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, intrigued but also calculating.

"Unify the island, huh?" Charlotte said, crossing his arms. "That's a big request. One Devil Fruit won't cut it. I'll need five."

"Five Devil Fruits?!" Tang En exclaimed, his eyes widening.

"You heard me," Charlotte said, holding up five fingers. "There are six kingdoms on this island. If you want me to destroy five of them to unify the island, I'll need one Devil Fruit per kingdom."

Tang En was momentarily stunned. He had anticipated a high price but not one this outrageous.

"That's too much. Even if I sell myself, I couldn't get five Devil Fruits!" Tang En thought to himself, his frustration barely concealed.

Charlotte smirked, clearly aware of Tang En's thoughts.

"How about this? You talk it over with your king. I'll be here for two days. Let me know when you've made a decision." Charlotte shrugged, leaving the ball in Tang En's court.

Tang En sighed heavily. "Fine. I'll consult with the king."

"Good," Charlotte said, clapping Tang En on the shoulder before returning to the banquet.

Tang En stood in the corner, silent and contemplative.

---

The banquet lasted until midnight. Charlotte, who had indulged in far too much wine, had to be helped back to his quarters by Elena.

---

The Next Morning

Charlotte groaned as he sat up in bed, holding his aching head. The aftermath of last night's drinking was hitting him hard.

"You can't handle alcohol, but you still drink so much," Elena scolded, handing him a bowl of hangover soup.

Charlotte chuckled sheepishly. "In this world, drinking is a skill, and I need the practice."

Elena rolled her eyes. "Well, your 'practice' gave you a splitting headache."

As Charlotte finished the soup, Elena added, "By the way, General Tang En has been waiting outside since early morning. He said he needs to see you."

"Oh? Has he made his decision already?" Charlotte asked, curious.

"Sounds like it," Elena replied.

Charlotte stood up, stretched, and grabbed his coat. "Let's go see what he has to say."

---

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