"Yes, because not everyone meets the criteria to join my pirate crew,"
Whitebeard replied casually.
Upon hearing this, Charlotte Smoothie felt deeply insulted. The implication that not everyone was worthy to join struck a nerve with her.
Charlotte Smoothie felt a deep sense of denial, especially considering these words came from the mouth of Whitebeard Edward Newgate, the Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, a figure with absolute authority.
"Why? Am I not worthy in some way?"
Charlotte Smoothie asked, her strong demeanor demanding an explanation. She needed to understand the reasoning behind Whitebeard's decision; otherwise, she couldn't reconcile it within herself.
"Why? Maybe you have a certain level of strength, but within my pirate crew, someone with your combat prowess isn't particularly rare. Would one more or one less make a significant impact for me?"
Whitebeard's indifferent explanation shook Charlotte Smoothie to the core. She had indeed taken it for granted from the beginning, assuming that her strength alone would be enough for the Whitebeard Pirates to accept her.
Therefore, Charlotte Smoothie had never thought that such a situation would happen. Facing Whitebeard, she realized her strength was not worth even little, if any, in his eyes, let alone held any great value.
This condescending tone made Charlotte Smoothie to reassess herself, and she began to subconsciously doubt her own worth.
"If you wish to join my pirate crew, strength isn't the first criterion. The primary requirement for any member is unwavering loyalty to their comrades,"
Whitebeard elaborated.
"Are you suggesting that I would betray you?" Charlotte Smoothie asked in an uncertain tone.
"It's not important. What matters is that I don't see your enthusiasm. You said you want to join. Why do you want to join? Is it for Charles Vane? Or for your family?"
Whitebeard shook his head and explained.
"This,,,"
Caught off guard by Whitebeard's insight, Charlotte Smoothie found herself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.
Charlotte Smoothie realized her naivety in attempting to negotiate with Whitebeard, the strongest man in the world. She couldn't help but admire his wisdom, understanding now why her mother had been defeated by him.
"Go on, maybe you will think clearly in the future. The door to my crew will always be open to you. but for now, you must find your own conviction,"
Whitebeard gently stated.
Reluctantly, Charlotte Smoothie found herself unable to make any progress despite finally facing Whitebeard. However, Charles Vane urged her to leave, accepting that now was not the time.
"Let go of me, Charles!"
Charlotte Smoothie demanded impatiently as she was pulled away.
"Don't worry. Pops isn't someone who acts without reason. I think you do understand his words. He's a wise person of course. He sees through your intentions. He won't accept you joining the Whitebeard Pirates under conditions,"
Charles Vane reassured Charlotte Smoothie.
Charlotte Smoothie felt a sting, realizing she had been outmatched. The aura of a king was indeed formidable, not something she, as an ordinary person, could challenge.
"Can I go see Katakuri and the others now?"
Charlotte Smoothie asked once more.
"I'm sorry, but it's not possible right now. Given the sensitive situation you're in, they won't allow you to approach them now"
Charles Vane replied, shaking his head. This matter isn't something he can handle.
"Why won't you let me meet them? I could help convince them to join the Whitebeard Pirates if given the chance," Charlotte Smoothie pleaded.
Upon hearing this, Charles Vane considered giving Charlotte Smoothie a chance. He quickly found Benjamin, the chief of staff, and after getting approval, Charles Vane escorted Charlotte Smoothie to meet Katakuri.
"He's still resting. Keep it short,"
Benjamin cautioned as he opened the door to Katakuri's prison.
Despite being a prisoner, the accommodations organized for someone like Katakuri were pretty good. Charlotte Smoothie entered the room quickly, with Benjamin closing the door behind her as he and Charles Vane waited outside.
"Charlotte Smoothie earlier wanted to join our pirate crew, but Oyaji refused,"
Charles Vane informed Benjamin.
Benjamin was initially surprised, but then he understood. "Oyaji has his reasons. Make sure personal feelings don't cloud your judgment"
"Of course I know, but I have high hopes for Charlotte Smoothie. If she joins us, she won't betray easily,"
Charles Vane affirmed confidently.
"There's no point in discussing this further," Benjamin said, shaking his head.
Inside the room, Katakuri, with bandages all over his body, was lying on the mat, was surprised to see Charlotte Smoothie and quickly sat up.
"Smoothie? How can you come here?"
Katakuri asked with suprised voice
"Brother Katakuri, I came to visit you. The Whitebeard Pirates didn't capture me. I chose to join them willingly,"
Charlotte Smoothie explained.
"You volunteered to follow them? Smoothie, what do you mean?" Katakuri asked, confused.
"I….I've already left the Big Mom Pirates,"
Charlotte Smoothie said firmly after a brief silence.
Yes, she had already figured it out. She decided to follow her own path. The Big Mom Pirates weren't the right fit for her.
Being Big Mom's daughter, she felt trapped in that environment with her siblings. Now, amidst the war, she sees both the sin and an opportunity to break free.
Oddly, Katakuri seemed surprised at first, but then he quickly composed himself. It seems that he didn't find Charlotte's decision unacceptable.
"Really, have you found your path?"
Katakuri asked, a hint of relief in his tone.
"Brother Katakuri, what are your plans now? The Big Mom Pirate has been completely destroyed,"
Charlotte Smoothie inquired.
"As for me? I'm already a captive of the Whitebeard Pirates. What else can I do?"
Katakuri replied, feeling helpless.
"Brother Katakuri, I understand you've always acted for Brulee and our other siblings. I know you also search for freedom. Whitebeard will surely become the true Pirate King one day. I'm sure you'd want to see that,"
Charlotte Smoothie said earnestly.
"You mean, you're suggesting I join the Whitebeard Pirates?"
Katakuri asked, seeking clarification.
"If Whitebeard weren't our enemy, you'd surely admire a strong man like Whitebeard. But now, we're not free enough. We can't even have our own thoughts under our mothers' rule. Is this really living? Is it a good thing?"
Charlotte Smoothie questioned.
Katakuri was taken aback. Though he had similar idea, he didn't expect Charlotte Smoothie to have such deep insight.
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TO BE CONTINUED
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