Chapter 56: Water 7
"Follow from a distance!"
The major general, wearing a coat of justice, commanded firmly.
The warship, disguised as a merchant ship, slowly tailed Charlotte's ship.
---
On the blue sea, Charlotte's ship had been sailing for seven days. They had bypassed the treacherous Devil Island and were heading straight toward Water 7.
"Boss! Is the ship behind us still following?"
Isaac approached Charlotte and reported quietly.
"Yes, I see it. That should be a surveillance ship from the navy. Don't worry about it," Charlotte replied, waving his hand dismissively.
"Yes, Boss!"
Isaac climbed up to the lookout post to continue monitoring.
Isaac was calmer and more composed than Paul, who had a lively and impulsive personality. Isaac rarely spoke and was entirely focused on honing his swordsmanship, a quality Charlotte greatly appreciated.
---
"Boss! Water 7 is ahead. Should we take a break there before heading to Aska Island?"
Paul came up beside Charlotte, his voice filled with anticipation.
Charlotte, sitting at the bow, gazed at the endless sea and then at the more than 20 crew members, who were performing their duties with noticeable lethargy.
Charlotte thought for a moment. Water 7, being close to Enies Lobby and one of the three major cities controlled by the World Government, had a strict reputation. Few dared to act recklessly there.
Of course, Charlotte knew that Enies Lobby, even decades later, was mostly a symbolic authority with few genuinely strong protectors. But for now, it was wise to avoid unnecessary risks.
"Alright, just a day. But don't cause any trouble!" Charlotte instructed, glancing at Paul.
"Yes, Boss!" Paul grinned and dashed off to share the good news with the crew.
"Long live the boss!"
Cheers erupted from the more than 20 crew members, their spirits visibly lifting.
Charlotte smiled faintly, closed his eyes, and enjoyed the warm sunshine overhead.
---
"Boss! Boss! We've arrived!"
Paul's excited voice woke Charlotte from his brief nap.
Opening his eyes, Charlotte was momentarily stunned by the sight of Water 7 before him—a city resembling a massive fountain, with its waterways and towering structures.
The reality was far more stunning than the version he had seen in the anime of his previous life.
Charlotte's ship entered Water 7, passing under grand bridges and stopping at a port filled with docked ships.
---
Charlotte was the first to step off the boat, and the moment his foot hit the dock, a swarm of locals surrounded him.
"Sir, do you need a tour guide? Only a thousand Baileys a day!"
"Sir, are you looking to commission a ship? Martin Shipyard builds the best vessels under 200 meters!"
"Sir, would you like to rent a bull for transportation? Very affordable!"
The locals buzzed around Charlotte, eager to promote their services.
Looking at their enthusiasm, Charlotte's mood improved. He waved at his crew.
"Go enjoy yourselves, but gather here in a day."
"Yes, Boss! Thank you, Boss!"
The crew cheered, eagerly taking their money and heading off into the vibrant city.
Charlotte also smiled slightly and rented a bull. Sitting atop the creature, he leisurely toured Water 7.
---
"Moses! This is Major General Wells. Charlotte and his pirates have entered Water 7. Repeat, Charlotte and his pirates have entered Water 7."
A navy officer named Major General Wells, dressed in plain clothes, monitored Charlotte from the docks.
Back at Marine Headquarters, Kong was informed of the situation.
Busy with the Navy's expansion efforts, Kong was momentarily taken aback by the report but quickly regained his composure.
"Alright. Stay on them and observe from a distance. Do not engage with Charlotte unless absolutely necessary. Repeat, do not engage," Kong emphasized, his tone serious.
"Understood, General Kong," Wells responded through the Den Den Mushi.
After the call ended, Wells issued orders to his plain-clothed team.
"Spread out! Keep an eye on the other pirates. If you uncover anything unusual, fire flares immediately."
"Yes, Sir!"
The sailors dispersed, blending into the bustling streets of Water 7 to track Charlotte's crew.
Wells himself rented a bull and began tailing Charlotte from a safe distance, always keeping him within sight.
---
Charlotte, fully aware of the surveillance, chose to ignore it. Killing Wells would only invite stronger pursuers, making the effort pointless.
He spent the day exploring Water 7's waterways, stopping to admire intriguing sights or purchase delicious street food.
Unbeknownst to him, his extravagant spending caught the attention of some local robbers.
A lone man, spending lavishly while wandering alone, made for an enticing target.
Charlotte sensed their malicious gazes but remained unbothered.
After finishing a succulent piece of roasted meat, Charlotte dismounted his bull and wandered into a secluded alley. Pretending to loosen his belt, he made it look as though he needed to relieve himself.
The robbers, seeing the opportunity, signaled to each other and followed him into the alley.
The sound of their jingling weapons echoed ominously as they approached.
Charlotte leaned casually against the wall, looking at the group of seven or eight men who surrounded him.
"You! Who are you?" Charlotte asked in a stuttering, panicked tone, feigning fear.
"Hehehe! We're from the Raphael family. If you value your life, hand over all your Baileys!"
The leader, a rotund man wielding a heavy knife, smirked as he sized Charlotte up like easy prey.
"Baileys? I don't have any!" Charlotte stammered, clutching his wallet as though terrified.
Seeing him protect his wallet, the gang's eyes lit up.
"If you don't want the toast, you'll get the punishment! Get him!"
---
Read up to 20 Chapters ahead on patreon.com/Fanglin
[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]
*Thank you*