The notebook detailed intelligence on hundreds of pirates.
Among them, Maude's focus naturally landed on eight notable individuals with bounties exceeding 30 million berries.
These included Kazte, captain of the Redhorn Pirates and a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user, as well as the infamous "Demon Sheriff," Lafitte.
Kazte frequently visited Mad Hat Town, so Sunny had gathered ample information on him. Lafitte, on the other hand, seemed to rarely set foot there, leaving only a scant few lines of intel in the notebook, covering his name, bounty, and little else.
Maude speculated that Sunny had likely gleaned what little she knew about Lafitte from newspapers.
That aside, what surprised Maude the most was the lone female pirate among these prominent figures.
With a bounty of 38 million berries, she was known as Newtman Abby, also nicknamed the "Heartbreaker."
A 38-million-berry bounty might be insignificant on the Grand Line, but in the West Blue, it was a different story.
For perspective, the average bounty in the East Blue hovered around a mere 3 million berries—a stark comparison.
As for Abby's intelligence, Sunny's notes were sparse.
Her appearance was described in a few words: fair-skinned, stunningly beautiful, with lips as vivid as fire.
Her skills highlighted her mastery of the Rapier.
The rapier, a slender sword designed exclusively for thrusting, belonged to the category of western-style blades.
Maude's gaze shifted across the tall woman's flaming red lips, her flawlessly toned abdomen, and the rapier at her waist.
Considering the gradual hush that had enveloped the tavern since her arrival, Maude felt certain that the woman who had drawn every eye in the room was none other than Newtman Abby.
In pirate circles, bounties symbolized power and prestige.
The higher the bounty, the greater the reputation and influence it carried.
This explained why pirates of Abby and Lafitte's caliber were like beacons of attention the moment they entered any establishment.
Of course, such treatment would fade away on the Grand Line, where a new hierarchy reshaped perceptions.
Abby's entrance plunged the tavern into silence.
Pirates who had been drinking and chatting moments ago paused to gawk at her.
Her cascading hair,
snowy white skin,
a face as alluring as peach blossoms,
her tall, curvaceous figure,
and her staggering bounty of 38 million berries,
tugged at every nerve.
A perfect woman!
Limited in their worldly experiences, the pirates shared this thought in unison.
Maude, too, was observing Abby.
His eyes, which had lingered on the rapier at her waist, shifted slightly upward to her exposed, smooth, and unblemished midriff.
No signs of muscle or the harsh effects of the sun marred her skin.
Yet with such a high bounty, her strength could not be underestimated.
Maude silently pondered a question that had often puzzled him.
Why did some of the strongest women in this world manage to maintain such flawless skin despite prolonged sea voyages?
Even their slender, well-proportioned physiques showed no trace of muscle, yet they could unleash power rivaling that of the most robust men.
Were it not for the existence of an anomaly like Big Mom holding down the narrative, Maude might have considered conducting a thorough study on the unique potential hidden within the female physique.
Abby appeared to relish the attention.
Without lingering at the entrance, she walked directly to the largest table in the tavern, followed by her entourage of a dozen burly subordinates and a pure white skunk on a leash.
The pirates occupying the table quickly vacated it, rising to offer their seats.
The nearby staff promptly sprang into action, clearing the table in record time.
In the brief span it took Abby to cross the room, a clean and spacious table had been readied for her.
She and her crew seated themselves without hesitation, instructing the staff to prepare food and drinks.
The pirates who had ceded their seats tactfully withdrew into the background.
In a corner of the tavern, Maude withdrew his gaze.
He had only observed Abby for so long because everyone else was doing the same.
"What a commanding presence."
Maude muttered under his breath.
Wolfrat shot Maude a glance and lowered his voice as well.
"Well, of course. That's Newtman Abby we're talking about. Among West Blue pirates, her strength barely makes the top ranks, but in terms of popularity? She's unmatched. Don't let her looks fool you, though—she won't bat an eye while taking a life."
"That much is clear."
Maude nodded in agreement, his observation reinforced by the slack-jawed reactions of the pirates at nearby tables.
"Also…" Wolfrat leaned in conspiratorially, his tone dropping even further.
"You've heard she's called the Heartbreaker, right?"
"I've heard of it."
"Do you know how she got that name?"
Maude shook his head.
Wolfrat smirked devilishly and whispered like a buzzing mosquito:
"It's because she has a thing for handsome young men. If one catches her eye, she'll snatch him right onto her ship. After that… you know."
His expression was one of shared understanding among men.
But his tone abruptly shifted to somber seriousness, his face transforming faster than a Kabuki actor's mask.
"However, every single young man she's taken aboard has ended up as a mangled corpse by the next day. That's the real reason behind her nickname."
"So brutal?"
Maude was taken aback, finding it hard to reconcile such a violent nature with her stunning appearance.
"Exactly! Do you think someone like her got a bounty that high by being nice? Pirates like Abby are all the same—vile to the core, with murder and plunder as their daily bread."
As Wolfrat spoke, a flicker of cold intent glimmered in his eyes.
Maude remained silent, tacitly acknowledging Wolfrat's words.
"Damn it."
Wolfrat's expression suddenly changed.
"What's wrong?"
Maude asked curiously.
In their brief exchange, he had started to find Wolfrat an amusing character.
Wolfrat tensed as he whispered, "I was so focused on talking to you that I forgot my own dangerous situation."
He hurriedly pulled out a mirror to examine his reflection.
Looking at his radiant and dashing face, Wolfrat grew even more anxious.
The last thing he wanted was for Abby's preferences to rob him of the chance to deepen his friendship with Usopp.
"Dangerous situation?"
Maude looked puzzled at first, then quickly understood. He glanced at Wolfrat, who was still peering into the mirror.
"Wolfrat, are you serious?"
"No kidding…"
Wolfrat hastily put the mirror away, but his words were interrupted by a sudden voice behind him.
"Hey, you over there, come here."
It was Abby's voice!
Wolfrat's expression froze.
He took a deep breath, then threw a "just as I thought" look at Maude before slowly standing, as though steeling himself.
When he turned, he met Abby's gaze directly.
She pointed a finger at him, her brow furrowing slightly.
"You, get out of the way!"
"?"
Wolfrat was dumbfounded.
Under the sharpness of Abby's eyes, he stiffly moved aside, exposing Maude, who had remained quiet behind him.
Abby's gaze shifted to Maude, her eyes glimmering with interest.
Perhaps influenced by the surrounding mediocrity, she found Maude's youthful and delicate appearance particularly appealing—just her type.
Not one to wait, Abby rose from her seat and strode toward Maude.
The other pirates watched with varied expressions: envy mixed with pity.
Feeling Abby's gaze locking onto him, Maude cursed inwardly.
What kind of mess is this?
Hearing her nearing footsteps, Maude began calculating his escape.
Bang!
Suddenly, a group of people burst into the tavern.
At their head was none other than Kazte, his horned helmet gleaming under the dim light.
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