Charlotte Linlin drew her gaze back from the horizon, violet eyes sweeping across the deck where the girls, still shaken, forced themselves to stay composed. In a gentle voice she asked:
'Everyone all right? Any injuries?'
'We're fine, Captain Linlin!' Mia answered at once, speaking for the group. Though her face was still pale, her eyes had regained their steadiness.
'We were just startled—no real harm done.'
'Good.' Linlin nodded, her approving gaze settling on Mia.
'You did well, Mia. Kept your head, gave the right orders—our flag stays untarnished.'
Praise from the woman she idolized brought a flush to Mia's cheeks. She lowered her head, twisting the hem of her blouse.
'It... it's what I should do. Only...' She hesitated, then looked up, fear and worry flickering in her eyes,
'When we used the transponder snail to call for help... we didn't interrupt your business on Hachinosu Island, did we?'
Though she'd sounded decisive when giving the order, she'd feared all along it might bring trouble for Linlin.
Linlin glanced toward Hachinosu Island; the Rocks Pirates' ship was already leaving the harbor.
She shook her head. 'Not at all. That little "chat" had just ended. All right—if no one's hurt, let's get this deck cleaned. All this black sludge offends the eye. And that pirate's corpse... pity we can't trade it for a bounty.'
'Aye, Captain!' the girls chorused, energized by their second lease on life. They scattered to find tools, scraping away the oil Bartan had left behind and dragging Mori's body.
From the corner where Linlin had casually tossed her, Kurozumi Higurashi groaned and stirred.
She sat up, dazed, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings and the bevy of busy beauties, her gaze finally resting on the towering figure. Instinctively she asked:
'Where... where am I?'
'On my ship.' Linlin spared her a glance, voice flat.
'You're still useful, so I brought you along.'
A veteran of the Rocks Pirates, Mushi understood her place at once. She asked no awkward questions, only bowed her head in submission.
'Thank you for your favor, Lady Linlin.'
Linlin ignored her, turning again toward Hachinosu Island as she began mapping her next moves.
She couldn't keep the crew aboard forever; she needed a shore base—territory on Hachinosu Island was essential.
She'd also have to recruit stronger crew. Personally she favored an all-female force, but one look at these brave yet vulnerable girls made her sigh; she'd need capable pirates she could trust to guard them while she was away.
Beauty without strength was just walking treasure in some men's eyes. Yet dumping them on any random island felt worse. Since fate had put them in front of her, she'd do what she could for these girls in their bloom.
After all, her golden finger came from the weapon of the girl who shouted, 'Fight for all that is beautiful in this world!' That power ought to protect those worth protecting.
Next, she'd make her crew's name ring out—solid victories to anchor the Heavenly Punishment Pirates' standing on Hachinosu Island. It wouldn't stop every outlaw, but most would think twice.
Finally, she'd wait for Whitebeard's return and learn the higher mysteries of Haki—the only road to the very pinnacle.
While she plotted, Mia—finished with her first tasks—approached again, recalling the dead pirate's words.
'Linlin, that pirate said every great executive of the Rocks Pirates has his own crew name and flag. We're under Rocks now, but shouldn't we have our own? It would mark your stature and give the sisters something to rally around.'
Linlin found the idea sound. She looked at the eager faces around her, considered her lightning and dragon powers, and had her answer.
After a moment she said, ''Heavenly Punishment Pirates'—how does that sound?'
'Heavenly Punishment...' Mia's eyes sparkled.
'Enforcing heaven's will, right? Sisters, what do you think?'
'Sounds great!'
'So cool—Heavenly Punishment!'
'Perfect for Captain Linlin!'
The girls cheered, excitement lighting their faces.
'And the flag?' Babs asked, leaning in.
Linlin looked at her beautiful crew and smiled. 'You design it. I want to see your ideas.'
'Really? Lady Linlin trusts us with something so important!' one girl exclaimed. 'We won't let you down!'
At once the deck buzzed with discussion.
'dragon horns! The Captain can turn into a dragon!'
'And lightning—we're the Heavenly Punishment Pirates!'
...Under everyone's eager input, a girl who'd studied art fetched paper and black-and-white paint. Soon she sketched a flag that radiated menace and charm:
Against the black field a white skull glared, crowned with mighty dragon horns, lightning crackling in its eye sockets.
Behind the skull a long nodachi stood like a pillar, flanked by two tachi crossed above, blades bared—symbolizing Linlin's dragon might, thunder force, and swordsman identity.
'That's it!' Linlin approved.
'Hoist it!' Mia ordered, thrilled.
Moments later the freshly painted flag of the Heavenly Punishment Pirates rose on the mainmast, snapping in the wind. The black banner with its horned, lightning-eyed skull and three blades gleamed dangerously in the sun.
Charlotte Linlin watched it lift, a faint smile on her lips. Next, she would make that emblem known across the seas!