Among these people, there were powerless ordinary sailors, passengers unaware of the truth, but there were also lapdogs of noble merchants or accomplices in collusion.
He wasn't good at distinguishing between them.
But on the ship, fortunately, there was someone perfectly suited for this task.
Shano turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on Smoker, and gave a slight nod, signaling with his eyes.
Smoker, with a cigar in his mouth, squinted his eyes, immediately understanding the boss's intent.
"Tch, troublesome matter."
He murmured softly, but still stood up without hesitation and strode towards the group of survivors.
Before joining the Endgame, he came from the elite camp of the Navy Headquarters, having learned everything, from interrogation to identification and dealing with criminals; these tasks were all too familiar to him.
Shano also withdrew his gaze, trusting Smoker to handle the matter.
However.
With this incident, the planned barbecue banquet had to be postponed to another day.
So, Shano didn't stay on the deck for long. After a simple meal, he went straight into the cabin, headed to the training room, and continued to vent fiercely by the historical text.
...
The next morning.
Only a little over twenty survivors remained on the ship; as for where the others went, it was self-evident.
These sailors or passengers who were not accomplices had some spare change on them, so there was no need for too much concern. They were exceedingly grateful to Shano and his crew, planning to leave on the next island and find their way back to their hometown on their own.
However, the few rescued slaves seemed to have other thoughts.
"Hmm? What's this about you guys?"
Just after breakfast, Shano turned his head in surprise, looking at the burly men who approached voluntarily.
The burly men exchanged glances. One of them gritted his teeth and said, "Lord Shano, we... want to follow you!"
"Yes! We are willing to follow you!"
"We are strong and capable of hard work, and although we might not be much help in battle, you can confidently leave all the miscellaneous work on the ship to us!"
"Follow me?"
Shano raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, my lord!"
The man in the middle nodded heavily. "Our hometown has been destroyed, our family... we have nothing left but this life."
"It's better to follow you, even if it means dying for you, than to become slaves again!"
Shano's gaze swept over this group of men.
Most of them were well-built, with determined eyes, obviously accustomed to hard labor.
As laborers on the ship, they certainly were qualified.
But...
"Sorry."
Shano shook his head, "I appreciate your intentions, but I cannot agree. Following me would be too dangerous."
If I were a Great Pirate.
Perhaps I would welcome such a group of devoted free laborers to join.
Even if the intensity of the upcoming adventures was unbearable for these people, it wouldn't matter, I could just treat them as consumables, replacing them as they perished.
Sadly.
I'm not that cold-blooded.
Now, the World Government's attention to the Endgame Adventure Team has increased, and if we face off directly again, the enemy's formation will only grow stronger.
Letting these ordinary people who can't even beat bottom-tier marines on board is no different from sending them to their deaths.
Moreover.
My plan won't change easily.
The crew of the Endgame follows an absolute elite route, modeling after Red Hair's flawless "Iron Wall Royal Team" mode.
Anyone wanting to board must at least be able to take on even the ship's non-combatant, Nami, otherwise...
"Sir."
The burly men lowered their heads, knowing it wouldn't be easy to join and that boarding could be dangerous to their lives.
But being directly rejected caused their expressions to look a bit downcast.
"Hey, hey, hey, what's with all the dejection! Although your past lives were ruined by those scumbags, you've regained your freedom now, and there's still countless opportunities to start anew."
Seeing their disappointed expressions, Shano softened his tone and smiled:
"My ship isn't suitable for you, but I'll give you enough money to settle on the next island, and then..."
"No, no need, my lord!"
The men waved their hands hurriedly, moved to tears by Shano's offer:
"We have hands and feet, we can earn our own way!"
"Exactly!"
The leader took a deep breath and nodded firmly:
"You've already helped us twice; if we keep troubling you and take your money, we wouldn't be men!"
"Right!"
"Although we aren't as strong as you, we still have our strength!"
"At worst, we'll carry bags at the dock or do odd jobs at a tavern; we can earn a living!"
"..."
Seeing their resolve, Shano paused in silence for a moment, then burst out laughing, patting each one on the shoulder.
Looks like I saved the right people.
They're all good men of the sea!
...
After two more days and nights of sailing.
On the morning of the third day, the next mysterious island pointed by the Eternal Pose finally appeared on the horizon.
It was a medium-sized island.
From a distance, the port was bustling with numerous merchant ships, the town buildings were neatly arranged, and the streets were bustling with people, quite lively.
On both sides of the road extending from the dock to the town were various shops.
From afar, it seemed that most were restaurants, with a sea breeze carrying the rich aroma of food, tempting one's appetite.
——"Welcome to Puki"
"Is it really Puki?"
Zeff, gazing at the large sign at the port entrance, raised an eyebrow in surprise, "It's not quite as I imagined."
"The name sounds so familiar..."
Nami recalled for a moment, then smacked her fist into her palm, eyes bright with realization, "I remember now! This is the city from the books my older brother bought me when I was a child!"
"This is the famous City of Gastronomy on the entire Grand Line!"
With eyes full of anticipation, she looked at the distant town, recounting the descriptions she once read in picture books:
"The entire island piled like a dessert, with chocolate waterfalls cascading from cliffs and cream forests stretching afar, the chefs at the port were incredibly passionate, even offering free cakes to visitors... huh? Why doesn't it match at all?"
The present Puki Island, while bustling and clean, was vastly different from the fantasy culinary paradise the book described.
"Darn, it's just an ordinary town; picture books really do lie to kids!"
Nami, puffing her cheeks, swung her right fist and turned her head, "Uncle Zeff, do you also feel deceived by the reputation?"
"No, quite the opposite."
Zeff shook his head: "This former City of Gastronomy had indeed experienced such glory as depicted in picture books, but even before my first journey on the Grand Line, I had heard that since the onset of the Great Pirate Era, this town, being on a popular route, suffered long-term harassment and plunder by pirates, and without a stationed Navy Branch nearby, it had become dilapidated within a few years."
"Therefore..."
Zeff looked around, observing the now-busy port, a thoughtful glint in his eyes:
"My surprise is entirely different from yours; it's astonishing to see how much this town has recovered nowadays."
"Though not matching its peak, it's much better than the dilapidated state a few years ago."
"I see." Nami nodded, pondering.
Standing beside them, Shano scanned the port, suddenly noticing some commotion among the docked ships.
Many merchant ships were hurriedly raising their anchors, and even several pirate ships that had been boldly docked in the center were quickly moving aside.
"Looks like they recognized our flag."
Shano shrugged, slightly helpless.
As our "notoriety" grows step by step, it seems we'll have to get used to this kind of reaction.