41 Chapter 41 Return to Ohara
Several days had passed since the official opening of the "Shelby Company."
Due to the relatively short planning time and the fact that the public face of the company, 'Tommy Shelby,' was still a relatively unknown young man, most of the island's residents were unaware of the sudden emergence of this 'maritime trade company' in their midst.
Adrian was not in a hurry to establish the reputation of the Shelby Company, considering that its main service target was players who had not yet arrived, and the official release was still nearly a whole year away, allowing plenty of time.
In the shadows, the once-famous Capone Gang was completely wiped out overnight, leaving behind remnants of power and territory that instantly became highly sought after.
Regardless of how lively the outside gangs were due to those matters, on the original "headquarters" of the Capone Gang, a mysterious organization called the "Razor Gang" rose inexplicably. They brazenly developed their forces, seized territory, and, in a bewilderingly rapid manner, quickly unified the underground society of Otefi Island.
When people had just come to their senses from the big news of the complete downfall of the Capone Gang, they realized that Otefi Island had already changed hands.
On several occasions, the Razor Gang successfully repelled invading gangs from other islands, firmly establishing their roots in the underground society of the West Blue. They became another formidable force to be reckoned with, following in the footsteps of the Capone Gang.
Tommy Shelby, as the spokesperson for the Razor Gang, also began to gradually gain prominence.
But that's a story for another time.
...
Having completely cleared the remnants of underground forces on the island of Otefi, and attending the opening ceremony of the "Shelby Company," Adrian felt he had fulfilled all his tasks. He was ready to leave this gang-infested island.
On that day, in the early morning.
A newly built two-masted sailboat was docked at the port.
The figurehead of the sailboat was a half-body statue of a goddess, commonly seen on the seas. What made it peculiar was the lifelike small bird held in the goddess's right hand.
The overall hull design was streamlined, and the sails displayed the logo of the "Shelby Company"—crossed cigarettes and whiskey bottles.
Adrian leaned against the railing of the sailboat's deck, looking down at Tommy below, waving his hand. "Tommy, I'll leave Otefi Island to you. Don't forget my instructions."
"Please rest assured, sir." Tommy, standing on the dock, gazed with enthusiasm and said respectfully, "I will not disappoint you!"
Tommy Shelby subconsciously felt the inside pocket of his coat, where a newly bound booklet titled 'Godfather's Classic Quotes' was placed...
Adrian nodded slightly and turned towards the cabin.
Lady Penelope, holding one-year-old Perona in her arms, followed closely.
Yes.
After consulting Adrian's opinion, Lady Penelope decided to leave the sorrowful island of Otefi and follow Adrian to Ohara, settling on the world-renowned Island of Knowledge.
Adrian, of course, did not refuse.
Three days later.
The merchant ship arrived at the port of Ohara.
Lady Penelope admired the cultural scenery around, distinctly different from other islands in the West Blue, and suddenly saw a little girl standing on the dock, eagerly awaiting.
"Mr Adrian—"
"Just call me Adrian, madam."
"Adrian, do you see that little girl standing on the dock? Do you know her?"
"Hmm?"
Adrian followed Lady Penelope's indication and saw Nico Robin waving her arms enthusiastically in their direction, her expression strangely quirky.
If I remember correctly, Adrian thought, I've only met Robin a few times. Why does this little girl seem to have an unusually strong sense of familiarity with me?
Is it because of the comforting words during our first meeting?
"Her name is Robin, Nico Robin," Adrian made a brief introduction to Lady Penelope. "Her father passed away early, and her irresponsible mother... for some reason, left Ohara. Currently, she's staying with her aunt."
Lady Penelope's eyes revealed a hint of sympathy.
After speaking, Adrian leaped down from the merchant ship's deck and approached Robin with a smile. "Long time no see, Robin."
"Long time no see, big brother Adrian!" Robin replied energetically.
At the same time, Lady Penelope came down from the ship, carrying Perona in her arms, smiling and nodding at Robin.
"This is Aunt Penelope, a friend I met at sea. Perona, in her arms, is only one year old." Adrian crouched down, looking into Robin's eyes. "I have some things to check at the library. Can Robin help Aunt Penelope explore the island?"
Upon hearing Adrian's words, Robin couldn't help puff her cheeks. She raised her head, glanced at the amiable Lady Penelope, and reluctantly nodded.
"Very obedient!" Adrian patted Robin's head and took out a small Den Den Mushi from his pocket. "This is a reward for Robin."
"A Transponder Snail capable of long-distance communication!" Robin's eyes lit up as she was about to take the pink-shelled Transponder Snail. However, she immediately withdrew her hands hesitantly.
"It must be quite valuable..." Robin murmured softly, "I can't accept..."
"It's okay, this is a reward for Robin!"
Adrian placed the small Transponder Snail into Robin's hands.
Robin lifted it in her palm, curiously extending her fingers to gently touch the antennae-like eyes of the Transponder Snail.
Plop plop
The Transponder Snail immediately retracted into its protective shell, sticking out its tongue at Robin with a grin during the process.
"Giggle!"
Robin, after all, was still a child and immediately smiled happily.
Seeing this, Adrian nodded towards Mrs. Penelope, then left the pier and headed towards the center of the island, where the Tree of Knowledge Library was located.
About ten minutes later.
The Tree of Knowledge Library, a familiar first-floor hall.
Adrian, who was preparing to borrow the West Blue chart from the geographical information area, was once again intercepted by the elusive Dr. Clover.
"Doctor, it's you again?" Adrian sighed. "What's happening this time?"
Dr. Clover blew his mustache and stared, "Do you think I only come to you when something's wrong, Adrian?"
Adrian touched his chin, recalling for a moment, and said, "Yes."
Dr. Clover choked for a moment.
"Doctor—"
"I originally wanted to ask about the situation with the Capone Mafia, but seeing you in such high spirits, you must not have encountered any trouble." Dr. Clover dismissed him with a hint of disdain, "Go on, go busy yourself with your own affairs!"
Adrian breathed a sigh of relief and immediately excused himself.
Whenever he interacted with this venerable old doctor, there was always an involuntary sense of restraint.
Next, Adrian encountered no unexpected situations and smoothly borrowed the map data.
"The Basic Sea Conditions of the West Blue," "Distribution Map of West Blue Islands," "Common Distribution of Marine Life in the West Blue," "Illustrated Explanation of West Blue Marine Meteorology"...
Looking at the densely packed sea area books on the shelf, Adrian clenched his fist and silently encouraged himself, "After digesting these heavyweights, I'll officially begin my journey across the West Blue!"
