Chapter 339: Leaving the Flower Nation
After staying in the Flower Nation for two months, Esthers and the others had spent most of their days at the colosseum, racking up their win streaks. Charlotte let them be, choosing instead to focus on studying the martial arts he'd collected.
Now, the Rockefeller Pirates were finally preparing to set sail once more.
"Wife, it's been over ten days now! Surely you're not still mad? Can you forgive me?"
Charlotte cozied up to Elena and the other women, trying to charm his way back in. After so many nights alone, he was growing desperate.
"Tch! Watch your mouth, we have children here!"
Elena's face flushed red as she pinched Charlotte's waist, her tone half exasperated, half amused.
The people nearby just rolled their eyes, pretending not to see their captain and his wife flirting.
Esthers let out a long-suffering sigh. Since childhood, she'd never understood her parents' relationship—her father's roguish ways and her mother's apparent indifference.
"Enough. We've been in the Flower Nation for two months. Time to move on. Barrett, are all supplies on board?"
Charlotte abruptly changed the subject, turning serious.
"All set, Captain! We can depart at any time," Barrett reported promptly. They had made sure to stock up the moment they docked, always preparing for any sudden need to leave port in a hurry.
"Good! Let's get going."
Charlotte headed toward the docks, the crew following behind in a long line.
"They're leaving?"
Don Chinjao, still assigned to monitor Charlotte, watched the group head out.
"It seems so. They've recalled all their people, they must be departing," answered the city guard captain.
"Whew, finally! Now I can report to His Majesty."
Chinjao let out a long sigh of relief. The past ten days had kept him on edge, constantly smoothing over incidents related to Charlotte. Now, with the pirates leaving, he could finally claim his promised reward—treasure from the Emperor.
Eager, he hurried off toward the palace.
Meanwhile, Charlotte's crew boarded the Poseidon and sailed out of the Flower Nation, resuming their voyage.
As soon as they left, all the factions monitoring Charlotte received the news.
Red Line, Mariejois, Pangaea Castle, Room of Flowers – Five Elders' Office
"Charlotte has left the Flower Nation?"
Saint Saturn asked after hearing CP0's report.
"He didn't do anything to the country, did he?"
"No, sir. Charlotte simply stayed for two months, attended some royal banquets, but did nothing else of note," CP0 replied.
"No unusual activity from the Flower Nation's government?" Saturn pressed.
"None, sir. The Emperor merely hosted a few banquets, nothing more."
"Very well. Continue monitoring the Flower Nation. I want their every move under our surveillance."
Saturn ended the call.
"Rockefeller Charlotte has left the Flower Nation?" asked the bald, sword-wielding Elder, Saint Nasujuro.
"Yes, he's gone," Saturn confirmed.
"Have we figured out his motives?"
"Not yet. As far as we can tell, he's simply traveling the Four Seas," Saturn replied.
"Where is he headed next?"
At this, the bearded Saint Vochuli spoke up.
Saturn pulled out a map, tracing the West Blue routes.
"If they take the direct route, their next destination will be Ohara."
A frown creased his brow.
"Ohara? Isn't that where all those scholars are gathered?" Saint Mars asked, stroking his long beard.
"Yes, it's a center for scholars," Saturn nodded. "And if I recall, those scholars have been researching the lost century of history, haven't they?"
Saturn's frown deepened. He had heard rumors of Ohara's scholars seeking the secrets of the void century, attempting to piece together forbidden knowledge from old texts.
"I'll send agents to watch closely. If they touch on taboo subjects… make them disappear."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"If necessary, authorize a Buster Call."
Just like that, a single meeting sealed Ohara's fate.
If the Ohara scholars knew it was Charlotte's presence that drew this scrutiny, who knows how they would feel.
…
Three days after leaving the Flower Nation, the Poseidon drifted through empty seas. Spirits were low among the crew.
Not a single pirate ship in sight.
"It's so boring," Robert muttered, slumping over the railing and staring at the endless ocean.
"Where are all the pirates? We even hid our flag and disguised as a merchant ship, but no one's come to attack us!" Deidara grumbled.
"Maybe they're all dead?"
They didn't realize it was their own rampage two months ago—raiding pirate crews left and right—that had cleared out this entire stretch of sea.
"Sigh. I wonder when we'll reach the next island…"
Deidara gazed out at the waves.
Suddenly, his eyes narrowed.
"Robert! Look over there—are those two ships?"
He grabbed Robert's arm, pointing excitedly at the horizon.
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