Barrett Returns

New World, Atvoll Sea, Grimms Island. A submarine slowly emerged from the sea and docked at the pier.

When the workers at the port saw the submarine, they all stopped their work and cheered to welcome it.

"Lord Barrett!"

"Lord Barrett is back!"

"Quick! Lord Barrett has returned, right at the port!" Countless children ran excitedly towards the port to glimpse Barrett.

Unbeknownst to them, over time, Barrett, or the entire Locke's Pirate Crew, had become idols for the residents of Grimms Island.

Locke's Pirate Crew's immense power and influence had made Grimms Island one of the safest places in the New World. 

Furthermore, because the crew didn't oppress the ordinary people and even helped develop the island, Grimms Island prospered greatly, leading to the islanders' deep affection for the crew. They had come to see Locke's Pirate Crew as the island's protectors.

Due to Locke's Pirate Crew's presence, Grimms Island attracted numerous merchants, and in just a few months, the island's economy multiplied several times over. 

With these changes, the happiness index of the island's residents had skyrocketed.

And so, this scene unfolded.

"Lord Barrett!"

"Ah! Ah! Lord Barrett looks so handsome!" Amidst the noisy crowd, Barrett slowly stepped out of the submarine.

His neat black military uniform and cap gave him an exceptionally rugged and tough aura.

Countless girls were attracted by his demeanour, and they screamed excitement.

"Hehehe! Lord Barrett is quite popular, isn't he?" Damon Jones, who was behind Barrett, chuckled as he looked at the girls on the pier, his eyes filled with envy.

"Hahaha! Isn't that only natural?" Barrett, full of pride, laughed heartily and walked onto the pier.

The surrounding crowd voluntarily made way, forming a long path. Barrett nodded and walked through the human corridor.

"Ah! Lord Barrett!" Seeing Barrett up close, some girls even fainted due to excessive excitement. 

Watching this exaggerated scene, Damon Jones couldn't help but feel shocked.

Amidst the cheering crowd, Barrett, accompanied by Damon Jones, walked towards Blossom Castle.

"Blossom Castle," Locke sat on the balcony on the top floor, reading the newspaper and listening to Jhin's report.

"Is that so? Charlotte Linlin, that woman, actually brought her son to the Atvoll Sea! And she even wants to marry me? How ridiculous. What on earth is that old woman thinking?"

Locke said with some disbelief.

"Anyway, Jhin and Shinpei, return for now. No matter what, that woman Charlotte Linlin is still a formidable opponent. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I understand."

Click

After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Locke stood up slowly and walked towards the huge French windows, looking at the bustling streets.

"That Barrett guy, when did he develop such a peculiar hobby?" Locke couldn't help but feel a strange sense of unease as he watched Barrett continuously waving to the citizens on both sides of the street, responding to various greetings, and even signing autographs for some children.

Finally, after nearly half an hour, Barrett arrived at Blossom Castle. "Hahaha! Locke! I'm back!" Barrett's boisterous laughter reached Locke's ears even before people could see him.

"Heh, Barrett, you're surprisingly fast."

"Just a little over a month, and you've wiped out all the pirates in the Southeastern Sea Area."

Locke greeted Barrett with a smile.

"Hahaha! How could those garbage pirates stop me!" Hearing Locke's words, Barrett said arrogantly.

"Hehe, you're not humble." Locke laughed and walked up to Barrett, giving him a light hug.

"Well, you've worked hard for a month. I've already had Ruth prepare food and drinks to welcome you." With that, Locke led Barrett towards the dining room.

Ruth, Vesa, and Erida were already seated in the dining room and excitedly discussing something.

Surprisingly, besides these three, Quin and Baccar had returned to Grimms Island at some point and were also sitting at the table, engaged in a conversation.

"Yo! Barrett! You're finally back! It's been a while!" Seeing Locke and Barrett approaching, Erida waved her hand excitedly.

And upon hearing Erida's call, the others also turned their attention to Barrett. "Oh ho ho! Isn't this the monster of Locke's Pirate Crew? The Devil's Descendant, Giant Divine Armament! Barrett-chan!"

Dr Baccar, covering her mouth, chuckled and teased. "Hahaha! Dr. Baccar, I didn't expect you to be back today too! What's the matter? Do you have a new weapon for me?" Barrett didn't mind Dr. Baccar's teasing and walked over to her with a smile.

"Haha, little Barrett-chan, can't I just return because I missed everyone and wanted to see you?" Dr. Baccar pretended to look wronged and pounced into Ruth's embrace, even nudging her.

"..."

"Hehe, Ruth, don't tease Barrett like that." Locke chuckled and pushed Dr. Baccar away from Ruth's embrace, somewhat disgusted.

"Tsk, Ruth-chan isn't cute anymore." Dr. Baccar pouted and walked back to her seat.

"Alright, can you give me the armoured wristband now? I came back this time just for it."

"Oh! Hahaha! Did you find that thing?" Barrett took off the armoured wristband from his wrist and handed it to Dr. Baccar, eagerly asking.

"Hmm! Did I find it or not?" Dr Baccar didn't answer Barrett's question and took the armoured wristband without saying a word, returning to her seat.

Barrett happily sat down in his seat, not bothered by her attitude. "Well, everyone, since Quin and Dr. Baccar have come back for a visit today, let's have a good drink!"

Locke raised his glass and looked at everyone. "Hahaha! That's right! It's been half a year since we last saw Dr. Baccar!"

"Hehehe, even though it's been half a year, Dr Baccar is still as beautiful as ever!"

"Oh ho ho! Erida, your mouth is still so sweet. It looks like I need to reward you properly."

"Hahaha! Cheers!" New World, Punk Hazard, inside a massive laboratory, Bege Pun'k was busy recording various experimental data.

"Damn you, Baccar. You left the experiment behind and ran off alone, leaving all the work to me!"

"When you return, you'll see how I deal with you!"

"Once you're back, I'll scold you!"