"Extract keywords!"
Just before setting sail, Lin En had a sudden whim and grew curious about Jango's corpse.
[Target: Jango]
[Traits: Hypnosis (Blue)!]
[Hypnosis (Blue)]:Allows the user to hypnotize living beings. (Note: Consumes stamina.)
[Hypnosis (Ecchi Variant)]:Capable of subtly manipulating others to do anything. (For reference, see: Hypnosis Star Instructor.)
!!!
'I knew it! I knew Jango had something worth taking! I can become a Hypnosis Instructor now!?'
Lin En was excited for about two seconds before calming down. Of course, he had no plans to actually be an instructor—because every session would end with him doing the "final lesson."
Still, the skill itself was quite useful.
The casting time was long, and it didn't work well on strong opponents, but...
Used cleverly, it could be a great tool for planting undercover agents in enemy factions.
"Loot it!"
The exclusive light screen flashed before Lin En's eyes. A stream of blue light surged into his body and disappeared.
A moment later...
The entire population of Syrup Village went blank for a few seconds—then returned to normal.
They stopped panicking and looked toward Lin En with reverence, as though seeing a god.
Lin En had made up his mind.
No matter where he went in the future, he'd hypnotize the local civilians first.
Would make future uprisings much more convenient!
"Mr. Lin En, I designed this ship myself. It's called the Going Merry. I hope it serves you and the young lady well."
Butler Merry smiled at Lin En and Kaya. He didn't even bother hiding the approval in his eyes.
Old Master, I've finally found a worthy match for our young miss!
Ehhh, this guy's way better than that long-nose or Captain Kuro.
Lin En gave a simple thanks and didn't say much more. He boarded the ship with Kaya and Nami and set sail.
Soon after they left…
A furious argument erupted at the coast.
"URUSEI!! (Shut up!!)"
"Lin En didn't betray me! He even gave me my hat back! Don't you dare talk bad about him!"
Luffy clutched his straw hat tightly over his head, shouting at Usopp with all his might.
Zoro's eye twitched as he smacked Luffy upside the head.
"Snap out of it, Luffy! He just stole our navigator! Are you an idiot!?"
This time, Luffy had no comeback.
His fists were clenched tight, and he lowered his head so no one could see his face.
Nami… was the crewmate he had chosen. He'd already formed a bond with her.
How could he accept her being taken away by Lin En?
"…And he took my sword, too."
Zoro's voice was dark, but then his expression became solemn."Disaster always comes one after another. To become strong, you must endure hardship!"
"Pirate King—I swear I won't lose next time! You hear me!?"
Zoro didn't blame Lin En for leaving. He didn't make excuses for fainting.Losing was losing, plain and simple.
This little setback wouldn't shake his resolve.
Luffy and Zoro stood tall once again.
Only Usopp still trembled by the water.
"Uh… guys? I think Lin En broke our ship…"
Luffy: "Shut up! There's no way Lin En would do that!"
Zoro: "No, you shut up, idiot."
Usopp: "..."
Life at sea was boring.
Especially for Lin En, who was temporarily acting as the helmsman. One hand on the wheel, the other holding a cigarette, puffing smoke while squinting at Nami.
"Woooow! So much treasure! Is it all Kaya's?!"
"Damn~ Just the cash is probably a few million Berries!"
"Lin En, why are you even sailing? You should just marry rich!"
"How can you ignore that pile of money!? I'm telling you, you're an idiot!"
"..."
Nami's sweet lips didn't stop flapping for a second, and Lin En seriously considered shutting her up manually.
Kaya, quietly reading a book, just giggled softly.
They were all former Straw Hat crewmates, after all.
To Nami, being able to bicker with Lin En like this simply meant she had accepted him as one of her own.
"I'd advise you not to get greedy over that treasure. Or deal with the consequences."
Lin En squinted at her, eyes dull as dead fish.
Nami huffed and crossed her arms. "I wasn't going to steal it! Why are you yelling at me!?"
"Heh."
Lin En let go of the wheel and walked straight toward her.
Nami jumped, quickly hiding behind Kaya."W-Wait! We're family now, remember!? Don't do anything stupid!"
Lin En ignored her.
He picked up all the treasure—Berries and gold—and dumped them into the ship's cargo hold.
Then he sealed the hold shut with several big locks.
"..."
Nami's eyelid twitched. This guy was really guarding the treasure like she was a thief!
She stomped and shouted, "Why did you lock my treasure away!? Apologize right now!"
"How is it yours?"
Lin En shot her a look, then smirked. Nami's heart skipped a beat.
"I've felt something was off about you since we first met. You're way too young to need this much money."
"Wh-What's it to you!? Hmph!"
Nami rolled her eyes and muttered, "What girl doesn't like Berries? Of course I want more treasure. Is loving money a crime?"
But by the end of the sentence, she lowered her head.
Yes, she loved money—but if not for the deal with Arlong, she wouldn't be risking her life for it.
Lin En noticed the drop in her mood and chose not to press further.
"We're headed to the next destination."
"Where to?"
Nami pulled a sea chart from her chest."The closest spot is the Baratie. We could restock supplies there."
"Not going. That blonde guy's there. I don't like him."
"Then where?"
"Cocoyashi Village."
"Okay, I know that place well, I—"
She paused mid-sentence.
Her face froze for several long seconds before she slowly looked up, staring at Lin En's blank expression.
"C-Can we not go to Cocoyashi Village?"
"Still don't trust my strength, huh?"
Lin En didn't answer her question. He simply looked her in the eyes.
"I'll be honest with you. There are only three people in the East Blue I'd hesitate to fight: the Marine Hero, the passing swordmaster, and the sleepy dojo guy."
"Other than that—I fear no one."
"Even..."
"Arlong."
Nami: !!!