Under Brook's instructions, Moore Thomas arranged for seagulls to deliver newspapers to specific pirate crews and navy officers, ensuring that the lottery numbers for the contest were predetermined.
This way, they could choose the "winners" and openly send out the spy Den Den Mushi without arousing suspicion. Even if these snails didn't end up in the hands of high-ranking individuals, their location and any overheard information could still be tracked.
With this, there would be no need for the seagulls to monitor locations directly, making it much harder for targets to detect the surveillance.
Brook immediately tasked Moore Thomas with investigating senior navy figures—admirals, vice admirals, and high-ranking officers—focusing on those who frequently set sail. These officers would be the priority "winners."
As for the pirate crews, any bounty over 500 million berries—unless they were specifically marked as exceptions by Brook—would also be eligible "winners."
With this system in place, the Hell Pirates would never have to worry about sneak attacks from major figures. Instead, they could turn the tables, strike first, and dictate the battlefield.
Brook wrote down his plan, and Moore Thomas fine-tuned the details. Their ultimate goal? To spread the spy Den Den Mushi far and wide.
Moore Thomas also prepared a special batch of trained seagulls that would "pick up" packages from the Erebus. From here, the spy Den Den Mushi would be discreetly delivered to the world!
The World Economic News Agency found the idea innovative—it was sure to boost newspaper sales and public interest. Since Brook was providing the prizes, they wasted no time perfecting the rules and launching the campaign.
---
Broccoli Island
"Streusen, let's go. This island is in ruins—not exactly the best place to meet Brook for the first time!"
Charlotte Linlin surveyed the burning wreckage, completely unfazed that she was the one who caused the destruction.
"I understand, Linlin!" Streusen sighed, pursing his lips. The entire city was a smoldering disaster. There was no chance to collect any treasure, and flames consumed the streets.
The two boarded their pirate ship and set sail, leaving the residents of Broccoli Island terrified and broken.
This time, the devastation was even worse than before. Some shopkeepers regretted ever tipping off those incompetent bounty hunters. Meanwhile, the lucky ones on the northwest market street breathed a sigh of relief—their district was untouched.
Since the nation controlling this island was not a World Government affiliate, they couldn't even request naval intervention. They had no choice but to suffer at the hands of powerful pirates.
In the New World, countries had three choices:
Seek protection from an influential pirate crew.
Rely on a powerful national army.
Hire mercenaries, bounty hunters, or assassin organizations to maintain some level of order.
Even when factoring in the rebuilding costs after pirate attacks, it was still cheaper than paying the Heavenly Tribute to the World Government.
Some World Government-aligned nations, like those controlled by Kaido, had to wage wars every year just to loot enough Heavenly Tribute to remain compliant. Even the victorious nations struggled under the burden.
One kingdom was so desperate to keep its seat at the World Summit that it considered selling Kaido himself to the navy! That alone showed how outrageous the World Government's financial demands were.
---
"Captain Brook, the new members are heading westward! Their ship isn't moving too fast—we can catch up in under an hour!"
Antonio, monitoring the Den Den Mushi tracker, relayed the latest update.
"Good. Full speed ahead!"
Brook ordered Redfield to increase the ship's lightning speed, while Fishman Tom strengthened the wind propulsion. Meanwhile, Brook and Memory Seahorse strategized on how to subdue Streusen as quickly as possible while guiding Charlotte Lingling onto the right path.
Brook also asked ship doctor Crocus for two Smoke-Shells, handing one to Memory Seahorse and keeping the other for himself.
The goal? Take down Streusen instantly—without triggering a fight.
Linlin didn't know many of Streusen secrets, nor did Brook's own crew, so oncevStreusen was dealt with, he'd simply be treated as a new recruit.
The Erebus picked up speed, quickly closing the distance.
---
Encounter on the Seas
Streusen sharp eyes caught sight of the golden flying ship approaching from the sky. His greedy instincts kicked in immediately.
Such a luxurious ship... If only I could control it!
"Linlin! That golden ship... That must be Brooke's crew!" Streusen tried to mask his excitement as he spoke.
Charlotte Lingling leaped onto Thundercloud Zeus, ready to fly up.
However, before Brook could reach them, he took the initiative—soaring ahead on his Kirin Lion. Memory Seahorse followed closely behind, playing the role of an innocent pet as it slowly inched closer to Streusen.
Brook landed gracefully on the pirate ship, facing the towering Charlotte Linlin and the much shorter Streusen.
"You must be Linlin, right? Sister Carmel told me all about you~!"
Brook's words immediately grabbed Charlotte Linlin's 's attention. Memory Seahorse pretended to look around curiously, all the while getting closer to Streusen.
"You're Brook? Mother Carmel used to tell me stories about you!" Linlin 's excitement grew, but her eyes soon shifted to the pink seahorse.
"Is this seahorse some kind of rare species?"
Linlin had a habit of collecting unique creatures. In the future, she'd even use the Book-Book Fruit to create a zoo-library of exotic animals.
Brook chuckled, waving a hand dismissively.
"Oh, nothing special—just an ordinary seahorse! Don't worry about him."
Streusen, however, remained on high alert. He knew Carmel's secrets better than anyone. How much did Brook really know?
"Linlin, let's head to the golden ship! I can't wait to join this big family!"
Charlotte Linlin beamed, already hopping onto Zeus.
"No problem, let's go!"
Brook strummed his guitar, his melody laced with hidden power. Streusen mind briefly fogged over.
Before he could react, Memory Seahorse casually sprayed him with a Smoke-Shell—and that was the last thing Streusen remembered before collapsing into unconsciousness.
Damn it... I let my guard down?
As darkness consumed him, his final thought was: Linlin will definitely save me...
The Memory Seahorse coiled its tail around Streusen, dragging him against the wall and beginning its memory feast. Over time, it had grown over a meter long, and now, it wrapped itself around the 1.4-meter-tall Streusen, making it look like they were cuddling like best friends.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Linlin finally noticed something was off.
"Hey, why is your pet seahorse so interested in Streusen?"
Brook, still riding his Kirin Lion, smoothly deflected her curiosity.
"Oh, nothing to worry about! The Seahorse loves making new friends— I'm sure they'll get along great!"
Charlotte Linlin laughed heartily, easily convinced.
"That's great! I think we can all be good friends!"
And with that, she soared onto the Erebus, completely unaware of what was happening behind her.
-----
The golden flying ship swiftly moved above the pirate ship. Brook, riding on the Kirin Lion, guided Charlotte Linlin, who was flying atop Thundercloud Zeus, onto the Erebus.
The moment Charlotte Linlin stepped onto the ship, her eyes lit up upon seeing Edward Newgate, another giant-sized individual. She was immediately delighted—finally, someone of a similar size!
"I hope he's not one of those weaklings whose back breaks from a hug or whose bones shatter from a handshake!"
"Wow~! She's even a little taller than Newgate!!"
Shakky looked up at the towering giant girl, who wore a cowboy hat, a pink-spotted shirt, and slim jeans. Her proportions were striking—even more balanced than Shakky's own.
"Hello, everyone! I'm Charlotte Linlin! My dream is to make lots of friends and build a country where all races can live in peace!"
Excitedly, Charlotte Linlin leaped from Zeus onto the Erebus, eagerly introducing herself to each new companion.
"Linlin is really strong, so be careful when shaking hands. You might want to use Armament Haki... or just nod instead."
Brook mainly said this to warn Antonio, the weakest among them, so he wouldn't end up getting crushed by one of Linlin's handshakes.
However, his words only piqued the curiosity of Tiger. As a Fish-Man, his grip strength was more than ten times that of a human—there was no way just shaking hands could hurt him!
As if to prove it, Charlotte Linlin extended her hand toward Newgate first.
Naturally, Newgate didn't believe Brook's warning. After all, he was famous for his own monstrous strength—a man who could stop a ship with one hand!
As he clasped Linlin's hand, he immediately felt the incredible power behind her grip. She was no ordinary brute—her strength rivaled his own!
Linlin's eyes sparkled with joy as she held Newgate's hand tightly. From now on, they were family.
A massive shockwave erupted from their handshake. To anyone unaware, it would seem like a battle had broken out!
The sheer force of their grip sent a strong gust through the ship. Redfield's noble coat flared in the wind, and his face showed subtle surprise.
"Another incredibly strong member has joined us... How long can I hold onto my title as the strongest Crew?"
He had already witnessed Newgate's monstrous talent and Tremor-Tremor Fruit abilities and knew it was only a matter of time before the young Whitebeard reached his level.
Meanwhile, Shakky and the others were utterly stunned.
"What the hell?!"
The shockwave from a mere handshake was equal to the full-power kicks of some of the crew!
Tiger, who had initially planned to test Linlin's grip strength, quietly swallowed his pride and hid his hands behind his back.
"Yeah… maybe just eye contact and a verbal greeting is enough for meeting new crewmates…"
"Linlin, be careful when shaking hands from now on. Just say hello instead!"
Brook reminded her before things got out of hand. If she had shaken hands with someone like Antonio or Shakky, their hands would have been crushed for sure.
"Oh~! Sorry, sorry! I forgot! Are you okay?"
Linlin quickly turned to Newgate, genuinely worried. She knew her strength often caused accidents—ever since she was five, she had knocked out giant bears and actual giants without meaning to.
"I'm fine," Newgate chuckled. "But you're really strong. You should be careful with your grip, especially with the weaker crewmates."
Linlin nodded seriously. "I understand!"
---
"Don't hold back—use your full strength! Show me how strong you really are!"
At that moment, Redfield stepped forward, intrigued.
Linlin tilted her head. "But… you're so small. I don't want to hurt you by accident."
She turned to Brook, seeking advice.
"It's fine. Redfield is incredibly strong. You might not even be able to defeat him yet."
Brook wasn't sure if Linlin had awakened all three types of Haki. She had no formal training—her strength was entirely natural, combined with the Soul-Soul Fruit, which made her dominate the New World.
"Really? Is Mr. Redfield that strong?"
Linlin had always thought pirates were weak. She never met a real challenger because Streusen purposely avoided powerful territories, steering her only toward small, weak islands.
"Let's see then!"
Redfield extended his hand, and Linlin clasped it firmly.
The moment they shook hands, Redfield realized something terrifying—her skin was as hard as steel, tougher than even his Armament Haki!
"What kind of monster did the captain recruit?!"
As Redfield increased his Haki and strength, Linlin responded in kind, tightening her grip.
He focused his full strength, but Linlin refused to be outdone—her natural instincts kicked in. Unknowingly, she was on the verge of awakening her Conqueror's Haki!
Suddenly, crimson lightning crackled from Redfield's body, a sign of his advanced Conqueror's Haki!
Zeus, the Thundercloud, started drooling. Seeing the lightning, he immediately floated closer, trying to absorb it like a hungry child.
"Master, I want to eat it!" Zeus whined.
That instantly snapped the crew out of their trance.
A talking cloud?!
"Enough!" Brook cut in before things escalated. He didn't want their newest members clashing so soon.
---
The crew took turns introducing themselves to Linlin. Most of them avoided handshakes—except for Tom, the Fish-Man, who was confident in his strength.
The others? They opted to hold just one of Linlin's fingers instead.
"Linlin, is this your pet?"
Shakky curiously pinched Zeus, who had returned to his normal fluffy form.
"Zeus is my combat partner! He can unleash thunder, and Prometheus can spit out fire! Aren't they awesome?"
Linlin proudly summoned Prometheus, the living sun Homie, showing it off. She had learned this "technique" from Sister Carmel—or so she believed.
"That's so cool! I want that too!"
Shakky's eyes sparkled with envy. Brook had already explained Linlin's Soul-Soul Fruit to the crew, and many of them were intrigued.
"Sure! What do you want to bring to life?"
Linlin could create basic Homies easily, but for intelligent ones, she needed a stronger soul and a lifespan sacrifice.
"Make my Jet Shoes into Homies! That way, I won't have to control them manually. I want them to fly on their own!"
Shakky pointed at her Air Jet Shoes, which she controlled using toe switches to adjust speed and direction. It was a hassle—her feet often got sore.
"Alright! Leave it to me!"
Linlin grinned, already thinking about the best soul personality for the flying boots.
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