"Ship... Ship... Ship..."
"I am a ship..."
Three days later, a peculiar ship, modified from a World Government vessel, was speeding away from Dreamland with no sails deployed. Propelled by massive waves created by the powerful Homie, 'Umibōzu', it surged across the ocean with astonishing speed.
The World Government flag that once flew on the mast was gone, replaced by a pirate flag. This new flag depicted a skull with crossed double-edged swords, flames behind the skull, and wings on either side, fluttering proudly in the wind.
Even more remarkable was the ship's figurehead, which had an expression like that of a living being and was happily singing a tune. Beneath the ship, an enormous anthropomorphic wave continued to push it forward, creating a sight both shocking and perplexing.
On the deck stood five figures. Four of them were tall, resembling small giants, while the fifth was shorter than an average adult male, appearing to be in his late twenties or early thirties.
After three days of testing, Streusen had used his 'Cook-Cook Fruit' abilities and his impressive cooking skills to win over the hearts and stomachs of everyone in Dreamland. Along with his swordsmanship, which allowed him to execute flying slashes, he had earned the admiration of many in the group.
With unanimous approval from Dreamland's children, Streusen had officially joined the newly formed 'Fallen Angel Pirates,' led by El, as their chef, navigator, and a combatant.
"Soul-Soul Fruit..." Streusen muttered, marveling at the living ship that sailed on its own, pushed by an enormous Homie wave. The power was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Despite being an experienced pirate and chef who had faced many adventures in the Grand Line, he couldn't help but be amazed by this incredible ability.
"Streusen, are you sure this 'Vivre Card' leads to Barbarick Island?" Gerd asked excitedly, looking around.
Not only was Streusen an exceptional chef, but he was also a highly skilled navigator.
"I'm positive, Gerd-sama! Every time I visit an island, I make a Vivre Card, leaving part of it there as a permanent record to ensure I can always find my way back," Streusen replied confidently, patting his chest. "I went to Barbarick Island three years ago! This Vivre Card was made then, with the other half buried there."
A Vivre Card doesn't just show the life status of its owner; when torn, the pieces are drawn to each other. In the chaotic magnetic fields of the New World, where even standard Log Poses often fail, the Vivre Card is the most reliable way to navigate to a specific island.
This practice wasn't unique to Streusen; many experienced navigators in the New World relied on it to ensure they could always return to important locations.
"But if I may ask, El-sama, what is your goal on Barbarick Island?" Streusen inquired, glancing curiously at El, who stood at the bow of the ship with a sword at his side.
"You've heard of 'Mother' Carmel, haven't you?" El asked, glancing at Streusen, satisfied with the recent addition of a reliable chef and navigator. His special Observation Haki confirmed that Streusen had no ill intentions.
After Streusen joined, El officially formed the 'Fallen Angel Pirates,' with Linlin, Gerd, and Hajrudin as combatants. The children of Dreamland all wanted to join as well, but El set a requirement: except for Linlin, Gerd, and Hajrudin, everyone else needed to master at least half of the 'Rokushiki' techniques or one form of Haki to become official members. Those interested in swordsmanship could train with Streusen, a skilled swordsman.
While the kids stayed back to train in Dreamland, El took only Linlin, Gerd, Hajrudin, and Streusen with him on this journey. With numerous powerful Homies left to guard Dreamland, there was little need to worry about its safety.
"Mother Carmel? You mean the nun, right?" Streusen hesitated for a moment, glancing at Hajrudin and Gerd, both of whom were giants. "I've heard of her... though I also heard the giants call her a child trafficker."
He remembered that the World Government had publicly denied such accusations, instead claiming that El was the real culprit in Carmel's death and that the giants were shielding him, a descendant of the "demon race."
However, as a pirate, Streusen didn't trust the World Government's statements. Moreover, the photograph of El in his transformed state, published in newspapers, showed him as a massive, lightning-covered serpent-bird hybrid—a powerful Mythical Zoan user, it seemed. His decision to align with El was based on both preserving his own life and following someone with boundless potential.
After spending three days observing El's group, Streusen was even more certain he had made the right choice. This crew had unlimited potential, and the army of Homies alone was enough to amaze him. Not to mention that El and Linlin, as monstrous as they were, had physical abilities that defied logic.
"That's right, Carmel was indeed a child trafficker!" Hajrudin and Gerd, the two young giants, spoke angrily.
"The World Government, unwilling to confront Elbaf directly, has resorted to smearing me to maintain their so-called justice and authority," El said, arms crossed, with a cold smile. "But they accidentally guessed right—Carmel was indeed killed by me!"
"What's more, I found out where she had hidden the treasures she accumulated from decades of child trafficking!"
El had delayed retrieving those treasures because he didn't have a Vivre Card to guide him. Since Carmel's death, her Vivre Card had turned to ashes, making it impossible to track the location. But now, with Streusen having visited Barbarick Island and left a Vivre Card there, El had received a pleasant surprise.
"What? Treasure?"
Everyone's eyes lit up at the mention of treasure. Streusen's excitement stemmed from the prospect of wealth, while Linlin, Gerd, and Hajrudin were more thrilled about the adventure of a treasure hunt.
"Indeed, Carmel hid all the wealth she accumulated throughout her life on Barbarick Island!" El's eyes gleamed as he smiled. "But the treasure is secondary...
"The amazing part is that she also hid two Devil Fruits there!"
"Devil Fruits?"
~~~
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