It's really strange!
"This tree releases a special gas that is colorless, odorless, and harmless, but it can suppress Observation Haki. I found mention of it in an ancient text from the Kurotan family's collection."
Charlotte Linlin was taken aback. A tree with such unique properties was an extraordinary rarity in the pirate world!
Like the Yarukiman Mangrove, which produces resin strong enough to lift entire ships, or the Tree of Knowledge in Ohara, which safeguarded centuries of wisdom. The Sunlight Tree Eve, which allows light to penetrate the ocean depths, and the legendary Treasure Tree Adam, whose wood is coveted for crafting indestructible ships. Each of these trees was a legend in its own right.
But this tree... she had never even heard of it before. To encounter such a specimen here was beyond lucky.
"This tree is truly fascinating!"
Charlotte sighed in admiration.
Was it really beautiful? Well, perhaps in an abstract way. But there was no denying its rarity.
"Indeed, a tree of this kind is almost unheard of elsewhere. The fact that one exists here is nothing short of a miracle."
Qian Zang spoke with a tone of reverence, recalling the first time he had encountered the massive sago-like tree. The sight had stunned him then, just as it did now.
For a moment, Charlotte felt a flicker of excitement. Her peculiar habit of collecting rare things was beginning to stir.
"Qian Zang, can this tree be taken away?"
Qian Zang blinked in confusion, momentarily dumbfounded by the question.
"No, I mean... does it produce seeds?"
Charlotte's enthusiasm made her words fumble slightly, but she quickly corrected herself.
Qian Zang let out a sigh of relief. He had been worried his esteemed captain was about to do something outrageous.
"Luckily, it was just a false alarm," he thought. After all, uprooting such a massive tree was an impossible feat unless one had the powers of a Paramecia fruit like Pica's.
"Yes, there are seeds, but they are incredibly difficult to cultivate. This is the only tree of its kind on the island, and it takes centuries to grow to this size."
Charlotte grinned. "That's fine! We have the Lush-Lush Fruit user, Mitia. If she dances enough, won't the tree grow faster?"
She then turned to Qian Zang. "I'll buy the seeds. Name your price."
Qian Zang hesitated momentarily, puzzled by Charlotte's persistence. But since it was a harmless desire, he saw no reason to refuse.
"Master Charlotte, please wait a moment."
He disappeared briefly and returned with a wooden box, carefully placing it in Charlotte's hands.
"This is a seed I came across by chance. I've kept it safe all this time. I'd like you to have it."
Charlotte was momentarily caught off guard. "This feels a bit inappropriate."
"I have no use for it, but your guidance as a swordsman has been invaluable to me. Please accept it."
Qian Zang's sincerity was undeniable.
Charlotte was touched. "What a remarkable man. If more people were like him, the world would be a better place."
Without further hesitation, she accepted the gift.
Meanwhile, Qian Zang, now in possession of Charlotte's swordsmanship notes, eagerly examined them. Charlotte wisely chose to leave him undisturbed, quietly slipping away.
To be honest, the notes weren't particularly precious to her, but for someone like Qian Zang, they held immeasurable value.
---
"Boss! Boss! Can we go to the bar in town for a drink?"
Beta approached Charlotte with a hopeful grin, while the rest of the crew waited expectantly.
Charlotte glanced at Beta, then at the eager faces of his crewmates. After nearly half a month at sea, it was time for some well-earned relaxation.
"Alright, let's go!"
The crew erupted in cheers.
Beta smirked. "Boss, you're treating, right?"
"That's right! Boss is treating!" The entire crew joined in the chant.
Charlotte sighed, realizing he had been perfectly set up. But since he was in a good mood, he didn't mind indulging them.
"Fine! Drinks are on me tonight! Drink to your heart's content!"
---
The crew arrived at the tavern, their spirits high.
Bang!
Beta kicked the door open triumphantly. Before he could celebrate, a powerful force struck his backside, sending him sprawling face-first onto the floor.
"Idiot! You can just push the door open!"
Charlotte roared, veins bulging in frustration. Kicking Beta aside made her feel a little better.
"Boss! Boss! I just got carried away! Haha…!"
Beta scratched his head sheepishly, embarrassed by his own theatrics. The crew erupted into laughter.
"Beta, do you always have to be this impatient?" Barrett smirked, taking the opportunity to mock him.
Beta shot him a glare. This rivalry was far from over.
Ignoring them, Charlotte turned her attention to the tavern.
"Boss! Bring out the wine and food!"
"Wine and food!" The crew echoed in unison, slamming their fists on the tables.
A soft chuckle interrupted the rowdy scene.
Standing behind the bar was a woman with long red hair, tied back with a light blue scarf. Her attire was simple, but even in modest clothing, her striking beauty was undeniable.
For a brief moment, the entire crew fell silent, their eyes fixed on her in awe.
"Wow, a real beauty!"
"Miss, are you single?"
Charlotte's face darkened. "Tch, shameless fools."
Clearing her throat, she coughed twice, signaling the crew to behave.
The woman smiled, unfazed by their antics. "It's been a while since we've had visitors."
Charlotte smirked. "I'm surprised by how calm you are. Most people would be terrified of a band of pirates storming in."
The woman's expression remained steady. "You don't survive in this world without seeing your fair share of storms."
Charlotte's curiosity was piqued. This woman had clearly seen things. Perhaps she was more than she seemed.
"Boss, you have an interesting personality. I'd love to hear your story sometime."
The night was just beginning.