One piece: Establishing a Pirate Family

Chapter 145: Valley of the Gods (Shiki's Invitation)

Charlotte frowned as he looked at the navy soldiers and World Government agents surrounding him.

"These people again!" he muttered.

"Ch-Charlotte!"

The soldiers stammered, recognizing him instantly, their faces pale with fear.

Charlotte didn't bother responding. With a casual slash of his Seven-Star Sword, he sent a devastating wave of sword energy, cutting down the navy soldiers and World Government agents surrounding him.

"Run!"

The remaining soldiers and agents scattered in terror, knowing they couldn't confront Charlotte head-on.

These cowards had hidden away, avoiding the fierce battle at the port. Confronting a powerhouse like Charlotte was beyond their courage.

Charlotte let them go, his Observation Haki already pinpointing a large group hiding further down the hill. He jumped down and saw what he expected—a group of ragged, terrified people huddled together.

These were slaves, trembling as Charlotte approached step by step.

Charlotte sighed inwardly. He had seen this too many times. The sight no longer stirred his emotions—it was just another tragic scene in this cruel world.

"If you want to live, follow me. This island is going to sink. If you stay here, you will die," Charlotte said, his voice firm. "Your only chance is to leave with me."

The group of nearly 500 slaves exchanged hesitant glances.

A few who recognized Charlotte's name and reputation immediately stepped forward. The rest, seeing the bold few move, hesitated before following en masse.

Charlotte glanced back at the long line of slaves trailing behind him. He sighed.

The shaking underfoot became more frequent, signaling the island's imminent collapse. In his estimation, they had about an hour before the Valley of the Gods would sink into the sea.

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out.

"Hahahahaha! Charlotte went to rescue slaves again!"

Shiki, the Golden Lion, appeared out of nowhere, floating in mid-air with his trademark cigar. Behind him, a dozen flying pirate ships hovered, packed with thousands of pirates.

"Yeah, I saved them along the way," Charlotte replied flatly.

Shiki smirked. "You're always the saint, aren't you?"

Charlotte's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Shiki?"

He doubted Shiki had come over just to exchange pleasantries.

"Hahahaha!" Shiki floated closer, arms spread wide. "I came to invite you, Charlotte! Join me! Be the vice-captain of the Flying Pirates!"

Charlotte frowned deeply. "I've already told you—I won't join anyone else. I have my own path to follow."

Shiki's smirk faded, replaced by a look of disappointment. "Your path? What is it? Traveling the seas with a group of ragged slaves? Don't be ridiculous!"

Shiki leaned forward, his tone persuasive. "With your strength, you're wasting your potential. Join me, and together we'll dominate the world. You hate slavery, don't you? I'll abolish all slavery under our rule. What do you say?"

Charlotte summoned the Seven-Star Sword with a flick of his hand. Its blade shimmered ominously as he held it at the ready.

"I won't say it a second time," Charlotte said coldly.

The atmosphere froze.

Shiki hovered silently, his arms crossed, staring down at Charlotte. Behind him, the pirates aboard his ships readied their weapons, awaiting their captain's orders.

Finally, Shiki broke the silence.

"Hahahahaha! Charlotte, you're the one I get along with best on Rocks' crew. I didn't expect this. Fine! Go chase your dream, but don't get in my way in the future. Next time, I won't hold back."

Shiki waved his hand dismissively and turned his fleet around.

"Move out!" he ordered, his voice echoing across the battlefield.

The flying fleet disappeared into the distance, leaving Charlotte standing alone.

Charlotte exhaled slowly, his grip on the Seven-Star Sword relaxing.

"That was close," he muttered.

Then he chuckled bitterly. He hadn't expected Shiki to see him as a potential ally. Would this mean trouble in the future?

"Let's go!" Charlotte called to the slaves. "Keep moving to the harbor!"

As the group trudged forward, shouts erupted from the harbor.

"The captain's back!"

"The captain's back!"

The slaves waiting on the ships cheered loudly, their voices filled with hope.

"Captain?" Charlotte repeated, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Interesting."

For the first time, he felt a glimmer of possibility. These people, though malnourished and beaten down, could be the foundation of something greater.

His Observation Haki swept over the crowd, noting their varying conditions. Among them, he spotted two towering figures—giants, at least eighteen meters tall.

There were also fish-men, mermaids, snake-headed people, long-armed tribes, and even a few three-eyed girls.

The diversity was astonishing.

Charlotte realized one ship wouldn't be enough to carry them all. He turned to the crowd.

"Those who can sail, step forward!"

Seventy people stepped forward immediately.

"Good. Form groups of ten and take control of the nearby navy ships. The rest of you, board those ships in an orderly fashion. Spread out—don't crowd onto one ship."

The port descended into chaos as the slaves scrambled to follow Charlotte's orders.

"Maintain order!" Charlotte barked, pointing to a group of middle-aged men who appeared more organized. "Assign 70 to 80 people per ship!"

One of the men saluted enthusiastically. "Yes, Captain!"

Charlotte couldn't help but smile. For the first time, the idea of being a captain didn't seem so far-fetched.

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