The Heaven's Punishment returned smoothly to the docks of Hachinosu Island, fully loaded with the harvest from its first 'hunt'.
The Crew members joyfully carried the spoils ashore to be inventoried and stored. Although it was just a small test of their strength, this successful operation greatly boosted morale and gave the damsel-crew a more authentic experience of the 'pirate' life. More importantly, they now held a near-worshipful trust in their Captain's power.
Just as Charlotte Linlin finished directing everyone to settle the supplies, Kurozumi Higurashi, who had been hanging around lately, approached her with an excited expression. After bowing respectfully, she said:
"Lady Linlin, news has arrived that Rocks' gibeck has returned to Hachinosu Island."
"Oh? He's finally back?"
A sharp glint flashed in Charlotte Linlin's eyes; she had been waiting for this news for some time. Learning advanced Haki application techniques was a vital part of her current plan to increase her strength.
After a moment's thought, she instructed Mia nearby, "Mia, go to the wine cellar and bring out a barrel of the finest Rum."
"Yes, Captain Linlin." Although Mia was somewhat confused, she immediately complied. Soon, a well-sealed barrel of aged Rum, which looked extremely valuable, was carried over.
Charlotte Linlin easily picked up the barrel, which would have been incredibly heavy for an ordinary person, with one hand. She said to Kurozumi Higurashi, "Good job."
Then she said to Mia, "Give her a portion of the harvest from this trip."
"Understood, Captain."
"Thank you, Lady Linlin!" Kurozumi Higurashi responded happily. Although she was an officer of the Rocks Pirates, she lacked combat ability and could only acquire wealth in specific circumstances... While the Whitebeard Pirates' territory and the 'Heaven's Punishment' territory were close, there was still a distance between them. The closer one got to Whitebeard's territory, the more one could feel an atmosphere entirely different from other areas.
There was less chaos and violence, and more of a strange 'Order' and... liveliness? Many pirates gathered in groups of three or five to drink and eat meat, creating a scene of harmony. Though they were still rough, scenes of the strong bullying the weak were rare.
Soon, Charlotte Linlin's Observation Haki discovered a massive figure sitting on a reef like a small mountain; it was Newgate.
He was holding a giant wine bowl, drinking with several Crew members around him, letting out his signature "Gurarararara!" laughter.
Charlotte Linlin's arrival immediately triggered the vigilance of the Whitebeard Pirates' members. Many Crew members recognized her as the person who had come to cause trouble a while ago, and they stood up one after another, hands on their weapons.
A pirate squinted and stepped forward: "Charlotte Linlin? What business do you have here?"
Ignoring the wary gazes around her, Charlotte Linlin set the wine barrel down with a 'thud' and looked at Newgate, saying:
"Newgate, you should know what I've come to see you for."
Newgate put down his wine bowl and looked at Charlotte Linlin, then at the barrel of good-looking wine by her feet, an interested smile appearing on his face:
"Gurarararara! Girl, it's you. You even knew to bring wine; you're quite savvy! It's fine, let her through."
Hearing their Captain speak, the surrounding pirates warily made a path, though their eyes remained fixed on her.
Charlotte Linlin carried the wine barrel to Newgate. Although she was quite a bit taller than Newgate, her slender build seemed somewhat 'delicate' compared to his muscular and majestic frame.
Charlotte Linlin slapped open the mud seal of the wine barrel, and a rich aroma of wine immediately wafted out.
"Good wine!"
Newgate's nose twitched as he praised. He gestured for a nearby Crew member to bring two giant wooden cups—which were cups to them but practically barrels to ordinary people.
Charlotte Linlin poured him a full, large cup and then poured one for herself.
"Gurararara! Come!"
Newgate raised his cup.
Charlotte Linlin also raised her cup; the two clinked them together and then tilted their heads back for a heroic drink.
As the liquid hit her throat, tasting the wine of this world for the first time, Charlotte Linlin immediately took a liking to the flavor—unlike the strong spirits of her past life, it was more like a blend of soda and fruit beer, refreshing and sweet with a fruity fragrance.
After a cup of wine, the atmosphere seemed to soften considerably.
Newgate wiped his mouth: "The taste is good, it's just not strong enough."
He then looked at Charlotte Linlin: "Girl, not bad. You've managed to take down a decent-looking territory in such a short time. However, by taking territory near mine, are you looking to compete with me?"
Newgate's eyes narrowed slightly, a threatening look revealing itself in his phoenix-like eyes.
Charlotte Linlin put down her cup and turned her head with an exasperated expression. This guy was definitely trying to give her a show of authority as payback for her knocking out his crew with Haoshoku twice before.
"If you really cared about that territory, you would have taken it yourself long ago. I'm here to learn Haki, not to play along with your acting."
As soon as these words were spoken, the surrounding Whitebeard Crew members showed expressions of surprise. Haki techniques, especially top-tier applications, were the secrets of every powerhouse; few people would ask others for guidance so directly.
Newgate was also slightly stunned before laughing loudly once again:
"Gurarararara! Interesting! You're certainly direct, girl! But! Why on earth do you think I would teach you?"
Charlotte Linlin seemed to have expected him to ask this and replied calmly:
"Because I am strong enough to be worth teaching. Because I can see that you are not the same kind of person as Rocks or Shiki. Of course, I won't learn for free; consider it that I owe you a favor, or you can propose other conditions."
Newgate stroked his chin, sizing up Charlotte Linlin with a calculating light in his eyes. He did indeed have some appreciation for this exceptionally talented, powerful, and somewhat unique woman. Especially her way of treating her own crew was to his liking.
A moment later, he grinned: "Gurarararara! It's not impossible to teach you! I happen to want to see how far you can go with that Mythical Zoan Type Devil Fruit combined with top-tier Haki!"
He changed the subject and pointed at the wine barrel: "However, this little bit of wine isn't enough for tuition! In the future, any good wine your 'Heaven's Punishment' Pirates get, I want half!"
Hearing this, a smile curled on Charlotte Linlin's lips: "Deal!"
"Gurarararara! Good! Straightforward!" Newgate laughed happily and poured himself another cup of wine.
"Then we start tomorrow! As for the location... just find some empty ground next to my place! Let me see just how good your Haki foundation really is!"
"Fine." Charlotte Linlin nodded, her heart settling. Having found a suitable teacher, the road ahead would be much clearer.
The two raised their cups again, making a pact regarding the transmission of power on this island where pirates gathered.