Chapter 45: Departure to Askaka Island
"Captain! The ship is ready!"
Paul and Isaac approached quickly, their faces filled with eagerness to please.
"Mm," Charlotte responded faintly, walking toward the ship.
Paul and Isaac didn't mind Charlotte's curt reply. To them, this air of aloofness was befitting of a true swordsman.
Little did they know that their captain had already reached the realm of a great swordsman. If they were aware, they would have been ecstatic, more so than if they had achieved breakthroughs themselves.
Charlotte boarded the ship, a sleek, ancient clipper-like vessel renowned for its speed. Ordinary naval warships couldn't keep up with it, and even admiral-class vessels would find it difficult to match.
Charlotte's purpose was clear: travel to Askaka Island, retrieve the Seven-Star Sword, and return as swiftly as possible. He estimated the round trip would take about two months, bringing him back by 1483 in the Sea Circle Calendar.
The crew consisted of twenty sailors—more than sufficient to operate the fifty-meter-long vessel. Among them were Charlotte's seven most trusted subordinates and several other pirate minions under their leadership.
Charlotte's Crew
Many of the pirate minions were remnants of the Wild Wolf Gang from Kami Island. Over the years, their numbers had dwindled, with only a dozen surviving members. These individuals had been entrusted with leading small teams of newer recruits, each managing a group of ten.
Though Charlotte held ultimate command, day-to-day management was delegated to Rodney Carter, who supervised these minions. For Charlotte, these lower-ranking pirates were expendable and served primarily as support during battles—cleaning up after fights or gathering spoils.
While Charlotte didn't expect much from them in terms of skill, he ensured they were well-compensated, giving them enough Berries each month to indulge in the debauchery of Beehive Island.
"Captain! Everything is in order!"
Paul and Isaac reported in unison, their enthusiasm evident.
"Good. Set course for the first half of the Grand Line," Charlotte commanded.
"Yes, Captain!"
The ship began to leave the port, sailing away from Beehive Island.
As soon as Charlotte's departure was noticed, rumors spread like wildfire among the pirates on the island. Many intelligence networks activated, including those of the World Government and the Navy.
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At the Navy Headquarters
Bru bru bru!
The Den Den Mushi in the General Staff office rang incessantly.
"Moshi Moshi! This is the Navy Headquarters."
On the other end, a voice replied, "This is CP0. Captain Charlotte of the 8th Division of the Rocks Pirates has left Beehive Island. His destination is unknown. Please prepare accordingly."
The line went dead after the brief message.
Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had received the call, immediately informed Kong and Zephyr.
"What?! Charlotte has left the island?" Zephyr exclaimed, standing up abruptly.
"What are you planning to do, Zephyr?" Kong asked, his tone cautious.
"General Kong, I request permission to pursue and capture Charlotte. This is our chance to imprison him in Impel Down!" Zephyr declared firmly.
"Sit down," Kong ordered, his voice calm but authoritative.
"General Kong!" Zephyr protested, his frustration evident.
"I said sit down," Kong repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Reluctantly, Zephyr complied, sitting back down.
"Listen, Zephyr," Kong began, his tone softening. "I know you're eager to take down Charlotte, but we can't act impulsively. Behind Charlotte stands the entirety of the Rocks Pirates. Any rash action could escalate into a full-scale conflict."
Tsuru chimed in, "Yes, Zephyr. We still don't know Charlotte's objective. It could very well be a trap. We need to proceed with caution."
Zephyr sighed, his determination tempered by their reasoning. "Understood, General Kong."
"Hahaha! That's better. By the way, I heard you're getting married soon. Let's talk about your wedding plans!" Kong said, changing the subject to lighten the mood.
Zephyr couldn't help but smile. "Yes, General Kong. I'll be sure to invite you, Garp, and Sengoku for a drink!"
The mention of Garp elicited a groan from Kong. "That rascal Garp! He takes leave every year to visit his son, completely ignoring the workload here at headquarters!"
Zephyr laughed. "Garp tells me every day that he wants his son to become a marine. He said he'll send him to headquarters for training in a few years."
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Back on Charlotte's Ship
Charlotte stood at the bow of the ship, his long coat billowing in the wind. The sea was rough, and dark clouds loomed overhead.
"Captain, we've spotted a storm ahead!" Paul shouted, his voice barely audible over the crashing waves.
Charlotte's sharp eyes scanned the horizon. A massive wave, nearly twenty meters high, was bearing down on them.
The crew scrambled to secure the sails, holding onto anything sturdy as the ship rocked violently.
"Damn it!" Charlotte muttered. He knew the wave could destroy the ship if left unchecked.
Drawing his sword, he slashed at the towering wave, unleashing a hundred-meter-long blade of energy.
To his dismay, the wave absorbed the attack, barely slowing its momentum.
"What kind of cursed storm is this?" Charlotte growled, gripping his sword tighter.
The crew clung to hope as their captain prepared for another strike, knowing that their survival depended on his strength and skill.
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