Chapter 33: Perona

"Only this island is left, Robin. Use your ability to search for her."

"I'll give it a try. Do you guys think she might have already left this area?"

"Who knows? If she has, then it just wasn't meant to be, and we can't force it."

As soon as Bardock and his crew set out to sea, they headed straight for this area, determined to find Perona as quickly as possible.

According to the original storyline, Perona was adopted by Gecko Moria when she was 11 years old. Right now, she should be 10, so logically, they wouldn't encounter Moria yet. However, Bardock's presence often causes changes in the original plot, so they can't rely entirely on the manga's events.

"Ah, being wanted across the entire ocean is such a hassle. If there's a next life, I'd want to be a flower."

Out of nowhere, Robin suddenly collapsed onto the ground, mumbling dejectedly as if she had given up on life.

"Robin, are you okay?"

Mansherry quickly rushed forward to check on her, clearly startled by Robin's sudden behavior.

Bardock froze for a moment before realizing what had happened. She must have been hit by one of Perona's Negative Ghosts. He struggled to suppress his laughter, though his shoulders shook uncontrollably.

Suddenly, Bardock slapped his thigh in realization—he hadn't recorded any new material with the video Den Den Mushi for a while. But it was too late now. The effect of the Negative Ghosts is short-lived. Still, he placed the video Den Den Mushi on his shoulder, just in case. Who knows? Maybe there would be a second chance.

By now, Robin had recovered. While dusting off her hands, she glared at Bardock with an angry expression. "You were laughing at me, weren't you?"

"No, no, I didn't laugh out loud—I mean, I didn't laugh at all."

"Hmph! Leo, Mansherry, be careful not to touch the white ghosts, or you'll turn extremely pessimistic. Captain, she's over there. This time, you lead the way."

Robin was clearly still upset. It was utterly humiliating. How could she have the thought of becoming a flower, and even worse, say it out loud in front of everyone? She wished she could dig a hole and crawl into it.

"Alright, I'll go first. Follow me."

Bardock led the way in the direction Robin had pointed out, becoming more cautious. After all, he enjoyed watching others in awkward situations, but if he became the joke, that would be less fun.

After walking for a short while, Bardock and his group spotted several white ghosts floating in the air. They were flying around as if searching for something.

When the ghosts noticed Bardock and the others, they paused and immediately gathered together, monitoring them from a distance.

Before long, a distinct ghostly girl floated over, glaring down at Bardock with an angry expression. It was Perona, no doubt, with her spirit out of her body.

"Hey, was it you who suddenly conjured a creepy, eye-popping hand? That was super scary! You need to apologize!"

"It wasn't me. I didn't do it. You've got the wrong person."

Bardock immediately denied it three times in a row.

"You're the one being scary, floating around like a ghost in broad daylight! What if you frighten some poor kids?"

Seeing Mansherry hiding behind Leo, Robin wasn't about to back down. She still held a grudge for the embarrassment Perona had caused her. There was no way she'd apologize.

"So, it was you! Hmph, I'm in my own home. I can do whatever I want. You can't tell me what to do. I haven't even brought up how you trespassed into my home without permission!"

Perona wasn't about to give in that easily either.

"This is your home? Can you prove it? Can you call out to it and get a response? Besides, this place is huge. The entire island is yours?"

Robin gave Bardock a look, signaling him to find Perona's physical body while she distracted her.

Bardock nodded. Indeed, none of them had any way to deal with ghosts right now. With Perona distracted, he quietly slipped away in the direction Robin had indicated earlier.

"You—!"

As everyone knows, when arguing, the worst thing you can do is take it seriously. And Perona took it seriously. How was she supposed to prove that? She was the only original inhabitant left on the island, so of course, it was her home. But actually proving that? Yeah, right.

"Go, Negative Ghosts! Make them repent, you sharp-tongued woman!"

Enraged, Perona went straight for the attack, commanding several ghosts to charge at Robin and the others.

Having already experienced the effects of the Negative Ghosts, Robin knew not to let them touch her. Leo and Mansherry, who had been warned, also dodged the ghosts' attacks quickly.

"Can't win an argument, so you resort to fighting? That's all you've got?"

Robin continued to provoke Perona as she dodged, making the ghost princess even angrier.

"I'll make all four of you feel negative a hundred times! Wait a minute… One, two, three—where's the other one? Crap!"

Perona finally realized that the person who had been leading earlier was missing. He must have gone to find her real body.

Just as she was about to fly back, she froze in mid-air. It was already too late.

Sure enough, Bardock returned, carrying Perona's physical body, along with a tattered toy.

"Ah, so close. You almost realized it in time."

Robin continued to tease Perona. She had already made up her mind—once Perona joined them, she would definitely make her experience the effects of her own Negative Ghosts.

"You guys are so despicable. Hmph, I give up! What do you want?"

Despite her stubbornness, Perona surrendered quickly when it came down to it.

"It's simple. I want you to join us and become one of our crew."

Bardock took over the conversation, speaking earnestly.

"Join you? Are you pirates?"

"Not yet, but we might be in the future."

Bardock realized he hadn't explained well and added, "I'm Bardock, and these are Robin, Leo, and Mansherry. Right now, we're an adventure team, but we might eventually cross paths with the World Government's forbidden territories. If that happens, whether we like it or not, we'll be labeled as pirates."

"That sounds really dangerous. Can I refuse?"

"What do you think?"

Robin gave a dangerous smile, and Perona's spirit shuddered—an unusual sensation for a ghost. It was terrifying.

"If you don't join, we'll have to use the cruelest methods on this doll of yours."

Bardock added in a carefree manner.

"No, please don't hurt Kumashi! Fine, I'll join! Is that good enough?"

Bardock's words hit Perona's weak spot. Even Robin, Leo, and Mansherry were stunned by how much she cared about that toy.

Suddenly, Robin felt sorry for her. Living all alone on this deserted island with no family, no friends, not even strangers—just a single doll for company. She wasn't much better off than Robin herself had been. Fine, she'd forgive her.

"Leo is the best tailor on the seas. If you join us, Leo will fix Kumashi up, good as new. Right, Leo?"

"Yep, I can do that."

"Really? Thank you! Thank you, Leo!" Perona looked at him with gratitude before turning to the others. "I'm Perona. I'm willing to join you. Please take care of me."

"Welcome, Perona."

"Great, another new crewmate!"

"Perona, looking forward to working with you."

"Alright, Perona's position will be lookout and temporary gunner."

"Captain, where are we going to get cannons from?"

Leo asked, confused.

"Perona's powers will come in handy. Alright, let's continue our journey. We're not heading back just yet!"