Chapter 17 New Members?

TWO MONTHS AFTER THE BATTLE WITH THE BIZARO PIRATES

In these last two months, the crew and I made great strides in our training at the cost of not hunting at all which would usually be detrimental to our income. However, I managed to sell the Slip Slip fruit, the rare grade katana, and Bizaros skillful grade Katana to Vista and the Whitebeards. Hell, along with the 2 fruits I already gave them I made a whopping total of 450,000,000 Berries. So we were completely fine in terms of supplies and food for our small training trip I decided to take before figuring out our next moves.

I also learned the base price of devil fruits, for the Kilo-Kilo fruit I made exactly 100 million, proving that the anime told us the truth. Any fruit was worth 100,000,000 berries base. It would've been the same for the monkey Zoan but one of their Vice-Commanders took an extreme liking to the fruit, paying 110,000,000 berries from his own savings. The Slip-Slip fruit sold for around 150 million. Finally giving me a good range to estimate the prices of devil fruits.

What really surprised me, but not in a good way, was the going price for swords. The skillful grade Katana I sold to Vista was only worth 85 million, a one-of-fifty sword was worth less than the worst devil fruits. Almost makes me want to keep them and make a collection myself.

But back to the topic of our training arc, we all made decent strides in our own training.

The person who made probably the biggest strides was Mori, he managed to be able to use 'Tekai' while walking as well as evolve his swordsmanship to the Intermediate level. Putting him and Drake in a close competition for the second strongest on the crew. I'd estimate his current strength now at around 65,000,000 berries, more than double what it was before.

Not falling far behind Drake focused on something completely different, his fire abilities and Soru mastery. Proving me wrong he's managed to summon flames from his hands, though he's never managed to change them from 'balls' to a full-on flamethrower. He's taken his Soru to the next level and finally took it to 12 steps in his Zoan form, but he still barely managed it at all in his base form. I'd estimate his current strength at 70,000,000 berries, just a tad higher than Mori's due to the insane speed difference.

What did I focus on, you may ask? Physical training and Observation Haki, six hours a piece every day. 'status'

LVL 15 (105,000/380,000XP)

TITLE: FRIEND OF THE BEARD-(boosts learning speed on skills by 15%)

NAME: FATE D. KAL

STR-141-(172)

END-185-(213)

WILL-231-(265)

INT-35-(60)

DEX-243-(257)

STAT POINTS: 220

GACHA COINS:0

BERRIE COUNTER:79,930,000-(425,870,000)

'Yeah…. Only about 73 total points were added to my physical stats after 2 months of nonstop workouts. Every workout I did was in the 300-pound metal suit I got for Soru training, I think I need to get something way heavier. Still, that's a decent jump in strength. But it was completely overshadowed by my Observation Haki progress' I thought before pulling up my skill list.

SKILL LIST-

(INTERMEDIATE) SWORDSMANSHIP LVL 11/50- THE WAY OF THE BLADE, MANY HAVE WALKED THIS PATH BUT FEW HAVE SUCCEEDED.

CURRENT MASTERY:57% DAMAGE BOOST, 57% DEXTERITY BOOST

(NOVICE)BOXING LVL 32/50-THE WAY OF THE FIST, A FOOTWORK AND PUNCHING COMBO-BASED MARTIAL ART THAT IS BEST USED IN MID-RANGE TO CLOSE-RANGE COMBAT

CURRENT MASTERY:37% STRENGTH BOOST, 37% DEXTERITY BOOST, AND 42% DAMAGE BOOST DURING UNARMED COMBAT.

TEKAI LVL 50/100- ONE OF THE SIX SECRET AND POWERFUL MARINE TECHNIQUES, TEKAI GIVES ITS USER THE ABILITY TO FLEX EVERY MUSCLE IN THE BODY TO GREATLY INCREASE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE CAPABILITY.

CURRENT MASTERY:ABLE TO USE WHILE WALKING, 121% BOOST TO DEFENSE WHEN ENGAGING IN UNARMED COMBAT.

(PASSIVE)BOUNTY VISION-WITHIN THE RANGE OF 100 METERS A PERSON'S BOUNTY WILL APPEAR DIRECTLY ABOVE THEIR HEAD

*(NOVICE) OBSERVATION HAKI LVL 12-(45)/50-USING YOUR WILLPOWER YOU CAN OPEN A SIXTH SENSE TO THE WORLD AROUND YOU, SENSING ATTACKS AND EVEN GAINING AN UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR THREAT LEVEL OR INTENT. *ABLE TO SENSE DANGER PASSIVELY WITHIN YOUR RANGE*

CURRENT RANGE:12-(25)METERS.

SORU LVL 1-(11)/100: ONE OF THE SIX SECRET AND POWERFUL MARINE TECHNIQUES, SORU IS A MOVEMENT TECHNIQUE MEANT TO HELP IN HIGH-SPEED COMBAT. IT IS SAID THAT THE MORE STEPS A USER CAN MAKE THE FASTER HIS SORU.

MAX STEPS:10

CURRENT MASTERY: PASSIVELY BOOST SPEED BY 21%.

TRAP-MAKING LVL 1/50- ONE OF THE ARTS OF DECEPTION, EXCEPTIONALLY USEFUL WITH THE RIGHT PERSON.

CURRENT MASTERY: BOOST TRAPPING DAMAGE BY 15%, TRAP-MAKING SPEED +10%

(LOCKED)????? LVL 7/50: ???????????????

'Now the most glaring thing on the list would have to be the unidentified skill, it's mildly worrying considering I have no idea when it appeared, I usually only check skills by themselves not by the list. I noticed this almost a month ago and still haven't found a definite answer as of yet. But back to the topic, I almost tripled my level on Observation, gaining over double the range and even a new ability, which I simply refer to as 'Danger sense'.' Overall I'd estimate my current strength at around 120,000,000 berries, based on the fact I would absolutely destroy post-Alabasta Luffy and Zoro together.

With a good strength jump the only people I really have to be wary of in this sea have been cut down to two, Doflamingo and the 'The Blade' Lionel. I'd say 'The ghoul' Koro Riser would be the perfect fight for me as well as the best possible hunt, considering he's worth 105,000,000 berries. Sadly I have other plans in mind as of now.

My crew is small, almost ridiculously so. After receiving the Snow Logia I came to realize there were many potential recruits I overlooked, namely Monet but many others were added to my list. The main problem with others as of now was I needed to head to at least two other Blues to recruit them, not to mention the few in the Grand line.

However, there were still a few loose ends I had to cover in the North before I could even hope to leave, like Law still not showing up at the tavern yet and my crew's strength.

Now Monet may have never even been Vice-Admiral level in canon but I seriously doubt the girl trained seriously, she was a spy and a 'secretary' after all. With my guidance as well as the Logia fruit I have I could easily see her becoming a decent powerhouse now that I looked at it from a different angle.

Not to mention her sister Sugar that became broken after she ate the Doll fruit, with her talent in devil fruit abilities she would make a good addition no matter her current age which I could only estimate at around 12ish. Considering they would most likely come as a package deal if I was able to recruit her sister.

Now onto the next problem, I have zero Idea if Doflamingo saved her already, but hell it was worth a shot. I don't remember what desolate island she and her sister Sugar lived on but that was what my Compass was for.

Our ship has been sailing aimlessly since we left Rubbeck island, we stocked up on enough food and rations for almost six months, so we were already ready for a trip.

"Alright boys we've been lazing around long enough, it's time for an adventure" I yelled out to my crew mates who were practicing dodge training with each other. They both looked at me with an incredulous look.

"The hell you mean 'laze around', we've been training like crazy for months you damn slave driver!" Drake yelled, losing his patience.

"Hell the only one that's been taking it easy is you, going under the deck for your 'secret training', We all know you're sleeping!" Mori replied, assuming incorrectly.'I've just gotten good enough that the rocks never bang from hitting me, making it complete silence. A nice compliment from Mori I'd say' I thought with a smirk.

"Ok ok, maybe the wrong choice of words…. Just get ready to catch the wind, you bastards." I said with a sigh at my motley crew. It didn't take them long to get everything ready, setting up the compass it began to point directly Northwest of our current position.

"Alright take her 15 degrees to the left and lock her there, don't worry about navigating I got it," I said to Drake he turned the helm slightly before engaging the lock to keep her steady.

"So what's the plan Cap? We get some good info from old James or something?" Mori asked walking up next to me

"No, we're not hunting on this trip. We're actually going to try to recruit a few new members" I answered him as both he and Drake became oddly excited at the prospect.

"Really, that sounds awesome, got any info on them?" Drake asked with excitement.

"Yeah, there are two sisters living on a barely livable island from what I've come to understand. From my 'sources,' they both apparently have decent potential even though they're probably extremely weak from living the way they have." I answered them to which they both took on sullen expressions.

"Damn…. So much for that" Mori said with sadness.

"Yeah…." Drake replied back equally sullen. 'What the hell is up with these weirdos?'

"Oh, you fuckers were thinking of hazing the new guys weren't you, making them do your ship work," I said while giving them both a scolding stare, they both went wide-eyed from being found out so quickly.

"No, it's not that Captain we were just sad our new members have been through so much…." Drake said, trying to sound as believable as possible, Mori nodded in agreement.

"Yeah Yeah whatever, you assholes are on watch duty tonight. Yell when we reach land, based on the map there are only a few possible islands in that direction they could be at." I said as their shoulders slumped as I headed back to the cabin.

6 DAYS LATER...

"Captain, we've got an Island in our sights!" I heard Mori yell from the deck prompting me to take out my compass. Seeing the needle that has been perfectly in the middle since our trip began slowly twitching to the left, gave me all the confirmation I needed that this was the right island.

'So Koomba Island huh? Never would've guessed that one' I said looking over the map of the North blue sitting on my desk. 'Jeez it's so small, no wonder it's hard to keep supplies, considering it's at least a week's journey to another island'. I thought before getting out of my chair.

'Looks like I got lucky, the girls are still here, meaning Doflamingo hasn't been here yet' I thought with a smirk over poaching his future crew members.

Heading up on deck I'm greeted by a depressing sight from even this far away, not even a single spec of green on the island, dead trees and dirt were all that marked the landscape.

"You sure people even live there Captain? It looks like an abandoned island to me" Drake said from the Helm.

"I'm sure, there's got to be at least one village, bring her around the western coast, hopefully, we'll see some sign of a human settlement…" I said while looking at the compass needle pointing directly to the western part of the island.

It was only minutes later that we pulled into a broken-down port, signs of run-down houses and people milling about finally greeted us. 'Let's just hurry and convince them then get the hell out of here' I thought with a sigh before jumping off the deck.

"Hey you two stay and watched the ship, I'll go find them" I said to the guys receiving two nods in return I began heading towards a small hut where the needle was frantically jiggling at once I set my sights on it. Noticing a small green harried girl staring at me with apprehension, I can't help but smile and wave as I made it to their front 'door'.

Knocking on the door frame because the curtain acting as a door wouldn't really work, I'm greeted by a pretty young woman even if she was only skin and bones.

"Can I help you stranger?" Monet asked with suspicion, looking down I noticed an even skinner green-haired girl hiding behind her leg. 'Damn, I didn't really think this through…. Just showing up at their door seemed kind of odd. Ehh just roll with it'

"Uh yes actually, you see that pretty ship over there?" I asked, receiving a nod.

"Well that's mine, I'm the Captain. Name's Kal bounty hunter" I said with a smile offering a handshake, holding it out for five seconds then removing it before it became more awkward.

"Ok…. your point for being at our door?" She asked with the same suspicious gaze. '

"Well, I'm actually looking for crewmates, I was hoping you two would join. You know adventures, fighting, treasures all that fun stuff" I said, making my admittingly weak sales pitch. The little girl finally came from between her legs to look at me and my ship with a scrutinizing gaze. 'Jeez Drake and Mori couldn't have been this difficult'

"And why us, we are skin and bones, not much help in a fight." Monet continued her interrogation.

"I've got a pretty good eye for talent, kind of like future vision if you'd believe it" I said while scratching the back of my head.

"And what are our talents!" The little girl Sugar asked, jumping up and down in wonder.

"Well aren't you cute, kinda like a mini version of your sister." I said to which Sugar pouted then ran up to me to kick me in the shin before her sister could grab her, too bad I'm basically a rock.

"OWWWIEE, what are you made of" Sugar said on the ground holding her barefoot in pain.

"Muscle, but to answer your first question I can tell you're both super compatible with devil fruits, probably top 5 in the North Blue" I said to which both girls' ears perked up at my evaluation.

"What are Devil fruits?" Monet and Sugar both asked at once. 'Oh, here we go, finally something to make a sales pitch with.'

"Basically like superpowers, they grant abilities or transformations depending on which one you eat!" I said, letting a little too much excitement out.

"Sister, I think he's crazy" little Sugar stage whispered to Monet.

"Oh, I'm many things but rarely a liar. You guys wanna see something cool" I said while wiggling my eyebrows. Receiving two nods in return I point them toward my ship.

"DRAKE! GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE NOW!" I yelled, and within three seconds Drake appeared in the air directly above me. Already in full Zoan mode preparing for a fight, but seeing me just standing there looking at him he raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Holy hell, what is that…." Monet said, grabbing Sugar and shoving her behind her.

"Ah don't be scared, that's just a Devil fruit power. He's human, Drake show them." I ordered as he quickly fell to the ground transforming back mid-fall with his hands in his hoodie. 'Nice'

"What that is so awesome, can we really do that!" Little Sugar asked from behind her sister.

"Of course, if you two join us. Plus we have chocolate." I said while sneakily sliding her a bar of chocolate much to her sister's chagrin.

"That sounds too good to be true, why come all the way here to have us join your crew and give us power," Monet said, still unconvinced.

"I mean honestly girl, I'd take my first chance to get the hell out of here," I said looking around the village. "But you're right after all, how about an Olive branch of trust, catch," I said, throwing over a light blue fruit. She almost fumbled it in surprise, before grabbing hold of it and looking at it with an awed gaze.

"The answer to your question is rather simple though, I value loyalty above all else. Taking you guys from here and setting you up is just my way of trying to gain yours" I said with a genuine smile as both sisters began looking over the fruit.

"Why is it so cold? I've never heard of fruit that is freezing to the touch…" Monet said.

"It's the Snow-Snow fruit, a Logia, super rare," I said while Drake did a literal spit-take in surprise at what I just gave the girl.

"Captain, are you serious? They haven't even agree…" Drake started before I sent him a look that quickly silenced him.

"How does it work?" Monet asked in wonder.

"One bite, it's pretty nasty but make sure you swallow" I informed her as she brought the fruit to her lips, seconds later the entire area around us dropped by at least twenty degrees.

"Wow…." Monet said as she raised her palm and a small snowman formed.

"Want to know the coolest part?" I asked with excitement.

"Yeah!" She said matching my energy, well before I put my fist through her stomach.

"NO, SISTER!" Sugar screamed.

"AHHHH…..wait, why doesn't this hurt?" She asked in surprise, looking down at her stomach that turned to snow avoiding my blow.

"Elemtalization, normal attacks no longer affect you, bullets, swords, punches etc." I said to which her eyes widened in disbelief.

"So we got a deal," I asked while holding out my hand for another handshake, this time she grabbed it quickly.

"Yes, Captain." She said with her first genuine smile.

"And what about you little Sugar?" I asked the girl that was still watching her sister in amazement, she turned to me quickly and seemed to be thinking it over.

"Fine but I want one just as cool as my sisters...and more chocolate" she stated her terms with a serious look, I could help but laugh at her.

"Well that worked well, huahah" I said while ruffling her hair. 'Phew, being a Captain is stressful'

"Alright, girls go pack your bags, Drake here will take you back to the ship" I said while walking away leaving Drake looking at me like I betrayed him. I subtly whispered 'First mate' which quickly changed his attitude.

"And now the crew changed from three to five, a better number, more manpower is always welcome here. Now I just gotta get the girls healthy and start their training' I thought with happiness at my small family finally getting bigger.

It was only ten minutes later that Drake guided them to their new rooms and we were ready to set sail again, sadly without a destination this time. Well, until my snail phone started ringing.

*Peryperypery* *Peryperypery* *perypery*