After explaining his intentions to the pirate underlings, Kiba was quickly led onto the deck of the Black Crow.
"Go on in, it's down the corridor on the left. Remember to be polite; I don't want to be cleaning your blood off the walls," the old pirate warned harshly, clearly skeptical of Kiba's chances of passing the test.
Though the Black Cat Pirates had previously lost to the Krieg Pirates, their core members were still intact, but the rank-and-file had suffered heavy casualties. This time, they mainly needed to replenish their manpower; the likelihood of finding any strong candidates for leadership roles was slim to none.
Those few hotshots who tried before had all fallen during the trials, with the unluckiest one having his arm broken by Buchi. This guy, with his fierce look, might seem like he stands a chance, but just wait—he'll probably be running out of the First Mate's office crying in no time.
Kiba paid no mind to the speculations of others; his attention was fully focused as he lightly stepped to the end of the corridor.
Knock, knock, knock!
He knocked politely on the door and soon heard a cheerful voice from inside: "Come in."
Opening the door, he immediately saw the hypnotist Django, wearing his signature heart-shaped glasses.
Whatever the test was, Kiba knew he had to be cautious of Django's tricks. A fight with a Navy Lieutenant had already been tough enough—now he faced the second-in-command of the Black Cat Pirates. One lapse in focus, and he might just find himself hypnotized.
Speaking of which, hypnosis was also a mental ability. He wondered if he could learn a thing or two about it.
"One, two, Django!" Suddenly, he heard the First Mate's clapping sound.
**[You have been hypnotized by the storyline character Django. Mental attributes are being checked. Comparing mental strength between both parties…]**
**[Mental resistance failed. You are in a state of sleep for 120 seconds.]**
Without seeing the expected hypnotic tool, Kiba found himself inexplicably controlled. Unlike in the anime, the real Django clearly wasn't limited by rigid rules—anything could serve as his hypnotic tool, whether it was the specific frequency of the door rubbing against the floor or the disorienting graffiti on the walls.
"I got careless," Kiba thought, calming down and carefully observing the enemies around him.
After being successfully hypnotized, he found himself on a strange plain surrounded by Navy soldiers, the sight of their dark gun barrels sending chills down his spine.
Django's voice suddenly rang out: "Kid, I'm giving you two minutes. If you can survive, you pass the test."
In other words, he had to hold out against the Navy's attack for two minutes. For well-known pirates, taking out ordinary soldiers was nothing, but to gain Django's approval and officially join the Black Cats, one couldn't afford to be defeated in the illusion.
It sounded challenging, but Kiba was never one to play by the rules.
The hypnosis might trap his mind, but could it also render his equipment useless?
Golden lightning burst forth, and three bizarre giants appeared in the room. The space was so cramped that half of Tutou's body was squeezed outside.
This scene left Django a bit stunned—he had never encountered anything like it before.
When the tester was jolted awake by a punch from one of the grotesque giants, the First Mate finally understood what the man had been aiming for.
"Interesting," Django chuckled, clapping his hands and extending a welcome. "Congratulations, from this moment on, you're an official member of the Black Cat Pirates. If you don't mind, may I know your name?"
"Jason."
"Very well, Jason. Before we officially start working, would you be willing to fix up my office a bit?"
"Happy to serve, sir."
**[You have successfully joined the Black Cat Pirates.]**
**[Django's favorability +20.]**
Seeing the unexpected favorability increase, Kiba had a realization. Moving forward, he'd need to pay attention to how he interacted with storyline characters. Each person had a different personality, and each world had its own underlying themes; going with the flow could yield twice the results with half the effort.
Had he behaved rudely just now, he likely wouldn't have received the 20 favorability points from Django.
In fact, Kiba had overlooked another aspect—his talent in artistic flair. As a master hypnotist, Django could certainly be considered an unconventional artist, which was why he took a liking to Kiba, who shared a similar vibe.
If Kiba worked hard to raise Django's favorability, there was a chance he might even inherit Django's legacy.
After dismissing the summoned giants, Kiba turned and left the dilapidated office. The room could be repaired by anyone; right now, he needed to complete his dealings with the other loopers.
On his way out, the mission completion prompt arrived as expected. Based on the mission rewards, he could slightly increase the payment amount.
**[Side Mission: Join the Black Cats (Completed)]**
**[You have earned 80 story points.]**
**[You have gained 20 Pirate Faction Reputation.]**
**[Achievement Unlocked: Pirate]**
**[Pirate II Achievement Unlocked: Become a key member of a pirate crew.]**
**[Path of Crime Achievement Unlocked: Complete 0/5 plundering actions.]**
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**Pirate:** You can use "Plunder" to increase the reputation of the pirate faction.
After carefully going through the information, Kiba's eyes gradually brightened. The so-called plundering function is actually used to seize weapons and equipment from story characters.
The items you plunder can't be used by the reincarnators, but you can give them as rewards to other story characters to enhance the pirate crew's combat power.
Simply put, it's a function to develop the power of the story's factions. Otherwise, reincarnators wouldn't be able to pick up items and equipment that don't drop from treasure chests.
"This is great! With the plundering function, maybe we can seize some good stuff."
As a top pirate faction in the East Sea, there's not much difference in the combat strength at the upper levels. Captain Kuro excels in speed and strategy, while Krieg relies purely on numbers and formidable defense.
If we can break through the defense of the pirate admiral, it's not impossible to take down this great pirate.
If Krieg is defeated, the loot from the storyline treasure chest would definitely be astonishing.
There are two main problems facing him now.
First, how to break through the pirate admiral's golden armor.
Second, who will deal with the massive pirate crew of five thousand men?
While deep in thought, Kiba left the Blaku and came to the reincarnators who were eagerly waiting.
"How is it? Did it work?" Old Cat seemed quite excited.
"Yeah." Kiba nodded casually, then looked at the reincarnators present. "The side quest reward is 80 storyline points and 20 pirate faction reputation. You guys can make your offers."
Everyone looked at each other and then started stating their offers.
Of course, everyone used notes to communicate since the story world doesn't allow private messages. To avoid revealing their true wealth, they had to use this primitive method.
"200 storyline points. How about becoming friends?"
"160 storyline points plus a piece of chocolate that can restore health."
"How about 180 points? I can also tell you a big secret for free."
These three offers clearly treated Kiba like a sucker.
Not to mention the rewards from the side quest, just this captain's cloak alone can provide a substantial amount of initial reputation, not to mention saving time in finding other pirate crews.
Joining the Black Cat Pirates means there could be plenty of future benefits to gain, far exceeding 200 storyline points in value.
Casually tearing up the notes handed to him, Kiba showed his attitude with his actions.
Don't waste my time with garbage offers.
Seeing this, the remaining two hesitated, thought for a moment, and then wrote a new note.
"320 storyline points and a pair of white-quality gloves that can increase attack speed."
Seeing his 3D maneuver gear at his waist, this person mistakenly thought Kiba was a close-combat expert. Unfortunately, attack speed isn't a necessary attribute for him.
Adding a bit of strength is far better than increasing attack speed.
Seeing that he still wasn't moved, one person finally took a deep breath and gently handed over his note.
"450 storyline points, and I also have a white-quality ring."
This offer was quite good and was almost what Kiba had in mind.
Others might not know, but he certainly does—the hidden mission of the Black Cat Pirates is absolutely lucrative. Just the "Retirement of Captain Kuro" alone is enough to make a fortune.
If he could roam around Usopp's village, it's impossible that the treasures he'd get would be few.
Throwing the blood-stained captain's cloak over, Kiba smiled lightly. "The item is yours."
Watching the man happily board the ship, the reincarnator who had made the lowest offer earlier couldn't help but sneer, "Hmph, the mission has a time limit of one week. I don't believe I can't find a better pirate crew than the Black Cat."
The man wanted to say something more, but when he met Kiba's gaze, it was like a bucket of cold water was poured over his head, and he suddenly sobered up.
This guy managed to pass the test and even got an item that bypasses the boarding conditions in such a short time. All of this shows that he's not someone to be messed with.
It's fine to vent a little, but if he really angers the other party, he can't guarantee he'll leave alive.
After everyone left, Kiba picked up the unremarkable ring and took a look.
Name: Exquisite Ring
Grade: White
Category: Ring
Durability: 10/10
Attribute Boost: Spirit +1
Usage Requirements: Spirit 5, Perception 5
Equipment Effect: None
Origin: Goblin Slayer
Equipment Evaluation: With such a crappy item, you really expect it to have a special effect?
". It's indeed pretty ordinary."
Although the effect isn't strong, what's good about it is that it fits his needs. What he lacks the most right now is equipment that boosts spirit.
Spirit: 17 (+4)
With a combination of Mental Shock and Bullet Barrage, one round can deal significant damage to the enemy's life. With summoned creatures focusing their attacks, frail reincarnators basically have no chance of escape.
Flipping through his attribute list, Kiba suddenly recalled the scene of being hypnotized.
"I can directly use mental shock. Maybe I can try learning the hypnosis technique of a story character?"
(End of Chapter)
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