"Gurararara! Brother Lind, are you just standing here alone? Why not go drink with everyone? I'm sure they're all eager to get to know you!"
A bold, hearty voice interrupted Lind's thoughts. Turning his head, he saw a towering figure over six meters tall approaching him.
Whitebeard walked up to Lind, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Is this your first time being a pirate? Still not used to it? A few more drinks will fix that!"
Noticing Lind standing alone by the window, Whitebeard figured he might be feeling out of place at the lively banquet and came over to check on him.
"Hahaha, not at all, Captain Newgate. This is just my first time attending a banquet of this scale, so I wanted to take a moment to soak it in," Lind explained with a smile, gazing at the lively scene outside the window.
"Gurararara! That's true. Among all pirates, only Captain Rocks could host a banquet of this magnitude!" Whitebeard chuckled. "Lind, you don't mind if I join you in admiring the festivities, do you?"
"Hahaha, it would be my honor, Captain Newgate!" Lind had no reason to refuse, though standing next to someone over three times his height did feel a bit awkward.
And so, the two stood by the window, enjoying the scene outside while engaging in casual conversation.
As they talked, Whitebeard eventually brought up the real reason he had sought Lind out.
"Well, Brother Lind, there's something I'd like to ask your help with."
Hearing this, Lind already knew what it was about. He had anticipated this—after all, with his current strength, only the top brass of the Rocks Pirates would have any reason to ask for his assistance.
As for the other pirates? Lind, though a cultured man, was no pushover, and he had no intention of dealing with their trivial matters.
"Hahaha, Captain Newgate, just tell me what you need. No need for formalities!" Lind responded without hesitation.
"Gurararara! Since you put it that way, I won't hold back!" Whitebeard laughed heartily.
"I heard from Shiki that the speech he gave outside Hive Island was something you wrote for him. Could you write one for me as well?"
For some reason, Lind felt that the six-meter-tall Whitebeard sounded a bit embarrassed as he made this request. Assuming it was just his imagination, Lind didn't dwell on it.
"Hahaha, don't worry, Captain Newgate. I'll have it ready in seven days and bring it to you. Just let me know where you live." After a brief moment of thought, Lind gave his answer.
"Gurararara! I can't trouble you like that, Brother Lind. I'll come to visit you instead—what kind of brother would I be if I made you deliver it?" Whitebeard waved a hand dismissively.
"Of course, if you're visiting just to drink with me, I'd be more than happy! I happen to have a few bottles of fine wine saved up that I haven't opened yet. We can enjoy them together then!" Whitebeard quickly added, as if worried that Lind might misunderstand his intentions.
"Hahaha, in that case, I won't hold back, big brother! Just so you know, I can drink quite a bit!" Lind grinned.
"Gurararara! No need to hold back—we're all brothers! Besides, you're doing me a big favor!" Whitebeard laughed.
"Well, I won't take up any more of your time, Brother Lind. If we keep chatting, the others will start getting impatient!" Whitebeard suddenly shifted the topic, as if noticing something.
"Gurararara! Looks like you're quite popular, Lind!"
It was obvious that the other division captains wanted to talk to Lind as well—no doubt hoping he would write something for them, too.
"Oh, right. Shiki must have told you about Linlin, right? Be careful around that woman—don't be fooled by her face!" As he was leaving, Whitebeard suddenly brought up Charlotte Linlin, giving Lind a warning.
"Of course, with your strength, even if you do want to experience it, it shouldn't be a problem."
"Gurararara! I'm off, Brother Lind!"
Before Lind could say anything else, Whitebeard strode away, his steps carrying a slight hint of urgency.
Since neither he nor Lind had bothered to lower their voices, and everyone present was a master of Observation Haki, their conversation had been heard loud and clear by all the other high-ranking pirates.
At first, there was no particular reaction—just some intrigued glances from those who were considering approaching Lind for a chat.
But when Whitebeard spoke his final lines, every single person present showed an odd expression. They couldn't help but glance between Lind and Charlotte Linlin with peculiar looks.
Fortunately, while everyone heard the exchange, it was still just a casual conversation between Whitebeard and Lind.
Though the atmosphere turned a little awkward, nothing escalated—aside from Linlin shooting a sharp glare at Whitebeard.
Soon enough, one after another, the Rocks Pirates' top brass approached Lind, discussing the idea of having him write their own battle slogans or declarations.
Lind had expected this but still found it a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, with his strength, he wasn't in a rush—he could take his time handling their requests.
Besides, according to the principle of fair exchange, Lind figured he'd be able to get plenty of valuable things from them in return.
Before long, Lind had entertained all the division captains, as well as notable figures like Gloriossa and Shakky.
Seeing the remaining officers eager to approach, Lind decided he couldn't stay alone any longer.
He quickly sought out Whitebeard, Shiki, and the other division captains for drinks instead.
This time, Lind put on a dominant display—unlike his previous drinking match with Shiki, where he was easily outmatched. With the help of his secret weapon against intoxication, his drinking prowess skyrocketed.
Against the Rocks Pirates' veteran drinkers, he held his own without flinching, drinking until the banquet ended without passing out.
For the next few days after the banquet, Lind settled into life on Hachinosu.
His days were spent sparring and drinking with Whitebeard, Shiki, and other top officers of the Rocks Pirates. His knowledge of swordsmanship and the three types of Haki deepened significantly, leading to rapid improvement.
Every day, Lind could feel his strength growing at an astonishing rate—this must be what it means to reap the rewards of solid preparation! He couldn't help but marvel at his own progress.
And, truth be told, Whitebeard's collection of fine wines was indeed exceptional.
Thus, for the first time in the two and a half years since arriving in this world, Lind enjoyed a rare period of leisure—drinking, feasting, and living without turmoil in the heart of the pirate stronghold.
Until Whitebeard came to visit him again.