Chapter 44: Charlotte's Men
Charlotte's ship was home to over sixty maids, nearly matching the number of the crew. Even John jokingly remarked that Charlotte's ship was turning into a kingdom of women. The maids, all stunningly beautiful, were leagues above the women in the Beehive Island's red-light district.
One infamous incident involved Kurozumi Kuramaru, the brother of the captain of the 7th Division. He dared to sneak onto Charlotte's ship, hoping to get close to the maids. When Charlotte caught him, he almost cut the man in half. If Rocks hadn't intervened, Kuramaru would have certainly been killed.
Even with the Barrier-Barrier Fruit, Kurozumi Kuramaru's defenses were no match for Charlotte. With his mastery of Armament Haki's internal destruction, Charlotte could bypass the barrier and directly attack Kuramaru's weakened, indulgent body.
Charlotte had no tolerance for intrusions on his ship, but he couldn't deny the beauty of the maids. They were once slaves, and their stunning appearances were the reason they had been captured. Now, they lived aboard Charlotte's ship, adding grace to his surroundings.
Key Figures on Charlotte's Ship
1. Nick Hume:
The ship's doctor, Nick Hume, had been with Charlotte since he first set sail. An exceptional medic, Nick could handle almost any common ailment encountered at sea. Despite his skills, Nick was now in his fifties and had expressed his desire to retire.
Charlotte respected Nick's wishes and promised him 100 million Berries upon finding a suitable replacement to ensure his old age would be peaceful.
Determined to pass on his knowledge, Nick diligently trained several maids in medicine, teaching them his skills and even his precise marksmanship. Charlotte was very satisfied with Nick's commitment and dedication.
2. Adolf Rudolf:
A four-meter-tall alcoholic shipwright who claimed to have giant blood in his lineage, Adolf was an expert in shipbuilding and repairs. Charlotte had recruited him during a raid on a kingdom. After seeing Adolf's skills, Charlotte offered him a position on the ship in exchange for an endless supply of fine wine.
Adolf's contributions were invaluable. He kept Charlotte's ship in perfect condition, and though he preferred to view his role as a contract rather than servitude, Charlotte trusted him completely.
3. Paul Bunyan and Isaac Marlowe:
Two young swordsmen who joined Charlotte's crew during the annual Rocks recruitment competition. Both were drawn to Charlotte's reputation as a pure swordsman, unlike Golden Lion Shiki or Ochoku.
Paul Bunyan wielded a one-handed sword and possessed a solid foundation in swordsmanship.
Isaac Marlowe used a two-handed sword and had trained for years in a sword dojo.
Both saw Charlotte as their path to greatness, especially after learning he had reached the realm of a Great Swordsman. Their excitement was palpable whenever Charlotte offered them advice, which they often boasted about to other aspiring swordsmen.
Their stories spread far and wide, making Charlotte a figure of reverence among swordsmen seeking mastery. Aspiring warriors viewed joining Charlotte as an opportunity to break through to the realm of swordsman and learn the art of the flying slash.
4. Monica Harrington:
A devil fruit user with the Bug-Bug Fruit, Dragonfly Form, Monica was a rare flying combatant. She had been enslaved and destined for the Celestial Dragons before Charlotte rescued her.
Now, she served as the leader of Charlotte's maids, ensuring their safety and managing their duties. Monica's abilities made her an invaluable asset to the crew.
5. Bunnell Ralph:
A former pirate betrayed by his captain and sold into slavery, Bunnell joined Charlotte's crew out of gratitude after being rescued.
Though not yet as skilled as Rodney Carter, Bunnell mastered three of the Navy's Six Styles. Charlotte planned to gift him a devil fruit in the future to enhance his combat abilities further.
6. Rodney Carter:
The most powerful among Charlotte's subordinates, Rodney was a former slave rescued on Kami Island. Loyal to Charlotte, he became the team leader and a fearsome fighter. Proficient in four of the Navy's Six Styles—Shave, Iron Body, Moonwalk, and Tempest Kick—he also wielded Armament and Observation Haki.
Charlotte rewarded Rodney with the Zebra Form of the Ma-Ma Fruit, giving him the strength of a Marine Rear Admiral.
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The Growing Reputation of Charlotte's Crew
Charlotte's seven most powerful subordinates managed the ship, trained the crew, and ensured its safety in his absence. Their skills and loyalty were evident in every battle and encounter, deterring would-be challengers.
Despite their strength, the maids added an air of luxury to the ship. Many were more than just attendants—they had trained in medicine, combat, and other skills, thanks to Nick Hume and Monica Harrington's leadership.
Yet, Charlotte's rising fame brought unwanted attention. Blindly ambitious swordsmen and aspiring pirates often sought him out, hoping to challenge him and gain fame. Most didn't last a single strike, but they served as a constant reminder of Charlotte's growing reputation.
Charlotte's ship wasn't just a vessel; it was a mobile community, a symbol of his leadership, and a haven for those loyal to him. It was a family that he was determined to protect as he pursued his path to power and freedom on the Grand Line.
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