In this world, pirates generally fall into two categories.
The first kind sets sail in pursuit of dreams or driven by necessity.
They enjoy the fun of sailing, celebrate the spirit of adventure, and often step in to help when they see injustice.
Rather than calling them pirates, they're more like formidable adventurers with a moral compass.
They usually don't commit evil acts, but due to their free-spirited nature, they often act recklessly.
The Straw Hat Pirates are clearly such a crew.
They stopped a war in Alabasta from happening, preventing needless bloodshed, yet also break into the depths of Impel Down to rescue Ace, unleashing countless dangerous criminals and pirates in the process.
This isn't about good or evil—it's the unshackled will of freedom.
The second kind of pirate, however, is purely after wealth and power, and takes pleasure in using force to dominate the weak.
The Buggy Pirates are undoubtedly this type of crew.
They took over Orange Town, drove out the residents, and conducted large-scale plundering and experimentation.
Very similar to the rise of certain empires in Red's previous life.
Calling them "irredeemable scum" would be generous.
Under normal circumstances, such a crew would never sit at the same table as the Straw Hats.
Yet today...
Thanks to the meddling of Red, the transmigrator, the two crews were actually sitting together to discuss matters.
On the Straw Hat side, all four members were present.
Buggy brought his two right-hand men, Mohji and Cabaji.
Around a circular table sat seven figures according to their status:
Luffy and Red sat at the head—Luffy devouring food, paying no mind, while Red sat upright with a slight smile.
To their left and right were Zoro and Nami.
Though they were unsure of what was going on, Red was clearly in control, so they stayed calm.
"Now that the oath has been sworn, from now on we're family."
Red, as the one orchestrating everything, suddenly spoke, addressing the three from Buggy's side.
"First, let me emphasize something... If our target is the massive entity known as the World Government, we can't afford to think like ordinary pirates."
"Whatever happened in the past doesn't matter."
"But from this moment on, I don't want to hear any more news about the Buggy Pirates oppressing civilians!"
"Understand this... anyone can become our ally, and anyone can also become our enemy."
"We need more friends, not more enemies!"
"Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Red's gaze locked onto Buggy with intensity.
Since he now carried the Straw Hat name, Buggy had to understand the Straw Hat code of conduct.
"I get it! I get it!"
Buggy nodded repeatedly and agreed enthusiastically.
He wasn't stupid; it wasn't hard to grasp what Red meant.
Though his dream was to be a villain like a Viking raider, he didn't mind changing his style if it meant aiming for something as insane as overthrowing the World Government.
Being a good guy is hard, but pretending to be one? That's easy.
As for why he was being so cooperative without doubting Red's intentions—
Before drinking the sake, he might have had some doubts and only gave in due to Red's strength and persuasive aura.
But after drinking it, Buggy had complete faith in the Straw Hat crew!!!
Why?
Because two new moves appeared in his head: [Headbutt] and [Payday]!
And this all started just a few minutes earlier…
Shortly after drinking the sake of allegiance, Red tested Buggy.
He called Buggy and Mohji into a room and revealed his identity as a "Trainer."
Once they believed and accepted this, Red opened up the game interface.
To his surprise, two new entries appeared in the list of Pokémon he could bring into the game world—
One was Nami (who hadn't been there the day before), and the other was Buggy, who had just joined their side.
As expected, Mohji didn't appear.
Red wasn't surprised about Nami—she had long known his abilities, and after opening up to the crew that morning, she had officially joined the Straw Hats.
With trust and acceptance both in place, her appearance made sense.
Mohji, being more skeptical, didn't trust Red just because of mentions of Roger or Shanks, so he didn't qualify.
Buggy's appearance, however, was both unexpected and a pleasant surprise to Red.
"So even without a 'partner' bond, as long as someone trusts or is close enough to me, I can bring them into the game world."
"This makes things much more flexible~"
Red smiled at this realization.
Of course, even if Buggy could enter the game, Red didn't plan to waste valuable time on him.
Upon seeing that Buggy had a Normal + Fairy typing, just like Luffy, he taught him two Normal-type moves—
All done in under a minute.
But to Buggy, this miraculous ability was enough to earn his total admiration.
Seeing Buggy's devoted look, Red smiled with satisfaction.
He continued: "Tonight, we'll set sail and leave this place."
"Before we leave, I'll assign you and your crew a few tasks…"
"Whatever you say, Lord Red!"
Buggy replied obsequiously, rubbing his hands and bowing low.
Red chuckled: "First, about the Buggy Balls."
"I want you to share the formula and provide some technical support."
"No problem!"
Eager to prove his worth, Buggy agreed instantly:
"I invented the Buggy Balls myself—the formula's right here in my head! I can write it down right now!"
He reached for a pen and paper, but Red stopped him:
"No rush."
"Just give me the formula before we leave. Also, you must have some Buggy Balls left, right?"
"Hand those over, too."
"Sure, no problem."
Buggy nodded again.
Buggy Balls weren't costly to produce; what mattered was the process.
A few cannonballs weren't worth much to him.
Red smiled at Buggy's quick compliance.
Worth teaching him two moves—even Zoro and Luffy hadn't received that treatment yet, though they didn't need it anyway.
In all of East Blue, if there was one thing that truly interested Red…
It would be Buggy's self-developed Buggy Balls!
Sure, the Buggy Pirates might seem like a joke, a pure comedy act with no real strength…
But let's not forget—in Impel Down, a single shrunken Buggy Ball effortlessly wiped out a squad of elite guards, each with strength rivaling top Marine officers.
His silly looks and clownish personality just make people forget how dangerous he is.
Even now, a non-upgraded Buggy Ball already packed enough destructive force comparable to Luffy's Gear Third attacks!
Far beyond those weak fireworks the Marines use.
This talent alone would be impressive even on the Grand Line!
If conditions allowed in the future, Red even planned to set up a Buggy Balls factory on the Grand Line, mass-produce them, and supply the entire Straw Hat Grand Fleet.
Then, it wouldn't be the World Government issuing a Buster Call to wipe out the Straw Hats…
It would be the Straw Hat Grand Fleet issuing a God-Slaying Order against the World Government and the Celestial Dragons!!!
'A God-Slaying Order… Now that sounds badass.' Red smirked to himself.
Of course, that's all for the future. For now, it was just a fleeting fantasy.
Having finished the Buggy Bomb business, Red gave the next instruction:
"Second task…"
"I need you to hide and lie in wait near Loguetown's waters."
"Once you hear the Straw Hats are heading to the Grand Line, I want you to find someone for me in Loguetown…"