Leaving the ruined street where she'd confronted Shikaku, Kurozumi Higurashi glanced back with lingering fear. Only after confirming the "Pirate Cult Leader" wasn't chasing her did she finally exhale.
Lady Linlin, are you all right?" Kurozumi Higurashi asked cautiously. The short but devastating battle that had leveled much of the street still made her shudder.
That sort of trash can't hurt me," Charlotte Linlin replied flatly.
His shell's just harder than I expected.
Without playing one of her trump cards, she truly couldn't crack Shikaku's Armament Haki. To injure him head-on she'd need either an even stronger Armament to overwhelm him or advanced techniques like Wano's Ryuo. And today she had to meet Newgate.
With that in mind, Charlotte Linlin asked, "Tell me about Newgate."
In her memories of her past life, Newgate had been a man who prized loyalty and love—but that was an anime, and the "Whitebeard" of many years later. The present Newgate was still young; whether his character matched what she knew remained to be seen.
Kurozumi Higurashi blinked, then hastily answered:
Lord Newgate… is extraordinarily powerful! A Paramecia user of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, his destructive force surpasses even Captain Rocks. He's fought Marine Admirals head-on without falling back.
His Haki is overwhelming—Armament, Observation, and Haoshoku. He's also a great swordsman, second only to Rocks in the Rocks Pirates.
Second only to Rocks…?" Charlotte Linlin murmured, eyes glinting in thought.
She hadn't expected Newgate to rival an Admiral this early. In her mind he should still be a step below the top tier. Had the Admiral he fought been some desk-appointed officer?
Kurozumi Higurashi went on: "But Lord Newgate isn't like the others on this island. He isn't interested in conquest or turf; more of a lone wolf. Unless necessary he rarely sails with his crew, preferring to stay in one place.
Guided by Kurozumi Higurashi, the two crossed pirate-thronged blocks toward Hachinosu Island's edge. The ground rose slightly; the roar of waves striking reefs drifted on the air.
Pirates lived here too, yet unlike the naked law-of-the-jungle in Rocks' domain, a different Order seemed to reign.
These men were still fierce, reeking of blood and gunpowder, but their eyes held less of the pure madness of Rocks' followers, more steadiness—even occasional greetings, a hint of camaraderie.
From the tallest building here flew a flag: a white crescent-bearded skull—Edward Newgate's banner.
Lady Linlin, this is where Lord Newgate and his crew spend their days," Kurozumi Higurashi whispered.
His area?" Charlotte Linlin swept her gaze. "Then where's mine?"
Kurozumi Higurashi gave an awkward smile: "My lady, to claim ground on Beehive you must… take it yourself."
Seeing that awkward smile, Charlotte Linlin understood. In the Rocks Pirates the strong devoured the weak; everything was seized by strength.
The two pressed on, and Linlin's titanic frame soon drew eyes inside Newgate's territory.
In the watchtower a lookout spotted them, slid down in haste, and sprinted for the grandest building in the compound.
Inside, a sleek golden-haired woman, tall, buxom, fashionably dressed, lounged in the vice-Captain's chair.
Red-heeled legs crossed atop the table, she frowned at the latest supplement of the World Economic News—Sea's Jewel: the "Most Beautiful Pirate" rankings.
First place: Kuja Pirates' new first mate, Shakky!
Second: Kuja Pirates' Captain, Flame Flower!
Third: Rocks Pirates' new great executive, "Dragon Swordsman" Charlotte Linlin!
Fourth: Rocks Pirates' officer, "Science Bandit" Stussy Bakin!
Fifth… ninth: Rocks Pirates' officer, Kurozumi Higurashi.
Outrageous!" Miss Bakkin glared, nails digging into the paper when she saw the upstart Shakky claiming the top.
That hag Gloriosa is one thing—who in the hell is this Shakky? And those blind fools—This old lady ranks only fourth?"
Just then the lookout burst in: "Vice-Captain Miss Bakkin! Trouble outside!"
Miss Bakkin, already fuming, snapped, "Quiet! Can't you see I'm busy?"
Two gorgeous women are heading our way! One of them… she's huge!" he blurted.
What? More women?!" Miss Bakkin slammed the paper down, eyes blazing with jealousy.
Damn it—what shameless vixen dares set her sights on my Newgate?
She caught sight of the rankings; fury old and new flared. With a rip she shredded the paper to confetti.
Come! Show me!" Miss Bakkin rose, heels clacking, and stormed out with her men.
Let's see which new tramp dares ignore the Science Bandit Stussy Bakin and tries to steal my man!"
Moments later she blocked the entrance, halting Charlotte Linlin and Kurozumi Higurashi.
Arms folded, Miss Bakkin looked the mountain-like Linlin up and down. Taking in the more dazzling face and the height that matched Newgate far better than her own, she tasted vinegar and rage, yet forced a syrupy smile.
Well, well—if it isn't the Rocks Pirates' rising great executive, the "Dragon Swordsman" Charlotte Linlin. What wind blows a deity like you to our humble corner?