Chapter 43: Location of Askaka Island
In her curiosity to understand Charlotte better, Shakky had even visited his hometown, Kami Island, to gather information. Unfortunately, she found nothing unusual.
"Askaka Island?"
Shakky looked at Charlotte, who had come to her unexpectedly, and asked in confusion.
"Yes, Askaka Island. It's said to be in the first half of the Grand Line, but I don't know its exact location. That's why I'm asking you," Charlotte replied.
Though she couldn't fathom why Charlotte was searching for Askaka Island, Shakky agreed to help him look into it.
"Alright, I'll see what I can find," Shakky said with a sly smile.
"Thank you," Charlotte responded, then turned and left.
"What a peculiar boy," Shakky murmured to herself as she watched Charlotte's back disappear into the distance.
But her curiosity got the better of her, and she set to work gathering information about Askaka Island.
---
A few days passed.
During this time, Charlotte attended a meeting on Beehive Island with the Rocks Pirates but otherwise kept a low profile. On his ship, he spent his time playing with his daughter, checking on his newborn son, or focusing on his rigorous training.
Charlotte's recent battle with Zephyr had revealed a crucial gap in his abilities. While his Observation Haki was exceptional, even allowing him to predict and counter Zephyr's moves, his Armament Haki was still lacking in strength.
Much of his ability to fight Zephyr to a draw was due to his Observation Haki and his knack for interfering with his opponent's predictive abilities by unleashing bursts of Conqueror's Haki. Charlotte knew that this victory was not without its flaws, and he vowed to strengthen his weaknesses.
---
Buru Buru Buru!
Charlotte was at the bow of his ship, training his arms, when the Den Den Mushi rang.
"Is this Shakky?" he asked as he picked up the receiver.
"Hahahaha! Did you miss me, brother?" Shakky's teasing voice came through.
"Have you found Askaka Island?" Charlotte asked, ignoring her tone.
"Hahaha! You're no fun at all, Charlotte. But yes, I've found it. Come over, and I'll give you the information," Shakky replied.
Without waiting for his response, she hung up the phone.
Charlotte smirked. Despite Shakky's playful tone, he was grateful for her help.
"Finally, the Seven Star Sword…" Charlotte murmured, a glint of excitement in his eyes.
---
After retrieving the nautical chart from Shakky, Charlotte headed straight to Rocks to request permission to leave for the first half of the Grand Line.
"What did you say? You're going to the first half of the Grand Line? Are you joking?" Rocks stared at Charlotte, his voice filled with disbelief.
"No, Captain. There's something I need there—a sword. I must get it," Charlotte stated firmly, his face devoid of emotion.
Rocks was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing his options.
"Alright, go quickly and come back soon," Rocks finally said with a nod.
Charlotte turned and walked out of the hall without hesitation.
Watching him leave, Rocks chuckled to himself.
"Wahahaha! Even you are restless now, huh? Just wait, Charlotte… Once I become the King of the World, everything will be beneath my feet!" Rocks' laughter echoed through the hall, his domineering aura filling the space.
The maids inside fainted instantly, overwhelmed by the sheer pressure.
---
Unaware of Rocks' thoughts, Charlotte returned to his ship and instructed his crew to prepare a smaller vessel for his journey—a 50-meter-long ship that would be suitable for navigating the first half of the Grand Line.
His crew complied without question. Most of the original crew from Kami Island had died in the past two years of battles, and the newer recruits were a mix of pirate competition winners and former slaves rescued by Charlotte.
Charlotte took his time vetting every new recruit, ensuring there were no spies among them. Those who joined voluntarily were given opportunities to train and grow stronger. Charlotte's generosity in teaching techniques like the Navy's Six Styles and Haki earned him their loyalty.
Among his crew, seven individuals stood out as team leaders, each managing a portion of the crew:
1. Rodney Carter: Rescued from slavery on Kami Island, he has been loyal to Charlotte ever since. Proficient in four of the Six Styles—Shave, Iron Body, Moonwalk, and Tempest Kick—he also wields Armament and Observation Haki. Charlotte rewarded him with the Ma-Ma Fruit (Zebra Form), making him as strong as a Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral.
2. Bunnell Ralph: Once a pirate betrayed and sold into slavery, he joined Charlotte after being rescued. Though still training, he has mastered three of the Six Styles and is known for his determination. Charlotte planned to find a Devil Fruit for him to further enhance his strength.
3. Monica Harrington: A former slave and Devil Fruit user, Monica possesses the Bug-Bug Fruit (Dragonfly Form), granting her exceptional flying abilities. She has become an invaluable asset to the crew and serves as the leader of Charlotte's maids.
---
With his preparations complete and the crew ready, Charlotte set his sights on Askaka Island.
He was determined to claim the Seven Star Sword and further his ambitions. The journey ahead would be another test of his resolve, but Charlotte knew he was ready for whatever awaited him.
-----