Buggy approached, feigning joyful surprise:
"Weevil, cousin! What are you doing here? And why are you holding Aunt Bakkin?"
Weevil looked at him blankly—he had no idea what Buggy was talking about.
"I'm your cousin, Buggy! I used to rock you when you were a baby and give you candy.
And didn't your father used to be Whitebeard?"
He planted lies about shared history, hoping to seize the fragile trust in Weevil's mind.
"Cousin… Aunt Bakkin… what happened to her?"
Buggy's face was now filled with sincere worry.
"Mom… they killed her."
Weevil looked tearful but relieved to have "family" arrive.
"Who did this? Tell your cousin—I'll make them pay."
Weevil answered quickly:
"Cousin, I already killed them all. Stop crying!"
He tore up, surprising Buggy with his brute loyalty.
Buggy let him cry. When Weevil settled down, Buggy suggested:
"We should bury Aunt Bakkin so her spirit can rest."
Weevil didn't understand, but nodded. Excusing custom, Buggy explained that the dead needed proper rest.
Together, they dug a grave and buried her. Afterwards, Weevil called Buggy "cousin" endlessly.
They grabbed a meal nearby. Buggy said:
"Weevil, stay with me from now on. I can protect you. You'll always have food and a family."
Weevil nodded, eating quietly:
"Yes, cousin. Since mom's gone, I'll go with you."
They left the restaurant full. Back at the Glory, Buggy introduced Weevil to Lafitte, Kuro, and Dadi.
They welcomed him as a new crew member, completing the second major recruitment.
Their final target was Dr. Hogback, the brilliant yet twisted surgeon best known for helping Moria create zombies. His reputation had spread throughout the West Blue. Buggy intended to recruit him next.
They sailed to Baxes, the capital of Illusia Kingdom—a massive city, far grander than Mori City.
Buggy commissioned a private dock to secure the ship and allowed the crew to stretch their legs.
The city felt like a magical forest kingdom, with giant trees, colorful banners, and cheerful commerce everywhere. Small vendors lined the streets; the mood was festive and prosperous.
Buggy instructed:
"Go explore. You've earned it."
Kuro, the youngest, bounded off excitedly.
Lafitte and Dadi also dispersed to roam.
Weevil was asked to stick with Lafitte to avoid getting lost.
Buggy remained on a bench beneath a giant tree, content to relax and enjoy the peaceful air.
Then a sudden commotion broke the silence. Faint crying reached his ears.
Opening his eyes, Buggy saw a distraught woman clutching a child, struggling against an aggressive older woman and several burly men. They were tearing at the child; no one in the crowd intervened.
It looked disturbingly like human trafficking—a child about to be snatched forever.
Buggy rose from the bench and walked toward the scene.