Sea chase.

The Red Hand pirate's ship, with a bounty of 8,000,000 berries, sailed through the waters. The delivery of the pirate who ravaged the Kingdom of Frausse caused a stir in the marina, and not claiming the reward was a shame. But the crucial part was the ship and some treasures they found.

-Even though these guys are poor, and the money isn't much, they're loaded with weapons that can be traded and sold at decent prices. It's a pity I missed the chance to recruit Digo, the skilled blacksmith, - Axel thought.

-How much is a ship worth? - Gad asked.

-Hmm... maybe around six million berries, - Axel replied. -- But Red Hand could become a good Marine. He saw the logistical system, and my research gave some important signals about his lower murder rate. He had some good maps of the East Blue. I think I'll have to make the call. -

Pururururu...prururururururur....

-Who's speaking? - a strong voice came through the Den Den Mushi.

-I'm Axel Maldini; do you still remember me?" Axel said.

-Pirate, I remember you. Speak, what do you want? You already betrayed my trust after your inept attempt to rule the Kingdom of Fostress, - Smoker said.

-Please, Smoker, you know I wouldn't be capable of such activities, - Axel said.

-Idiot, you're trying to sweet-talk me like the pirate you are! - Smoker said, somewhat tsundere, as he knew everything that happened in the Kingdom of Foresstres.

-Yes, yes, Smokey. I have an issue that might help a misguided soul. He has talent, and some of his skills are worthy of being in your unit, - Axel said.

-Another pirate kid? I'm not a daycare, - Smoker said.

-I know. You can hand him over to Vice Admiral Tsuru. I would add him to my crew, but he doesn't have the makings of a pirate. Without someone to guide him, his path will twist, and mistakes will only sprout more occasions against the innocent. But as a Marine, he can thrive, especially under your guidance. I'll leave him in the prison of the Kingdom of Frausse. Come and rescue him, Smoker, - Axel said.

-Get lost, - Smoker hung up the Den Den Mushi.

Damn tsundere, - Axel thought.

-Well, hopefully France, they help Red Hand in a way I can't. It's a shame he can't join my crew. The difficulties of having someone who could eventually become controversial in my crew. I already have enough with Kuro. Somehow, I hoped time would smooth out those images of superiority and arrogance in Kuro's mind. Diminishing that idiot's brave attitude disgusts me, but his intelligence is necessary. In two months, I've entered the black market, managed some marine navigation routes, and facilitated the detection of potential issues, - Axel pondered again to himself.

-Gad, any issues? - Axel asked.

I haven't seen anything relevant. I'll go investigate some places; near the islands, you find some warships or large vessels with treasures. Do you want me to check it out? - Gad asked.

-Yes, if you find anything interesting, we can tow it. Plates, cutlery, and some furniture can be useful. Lift the whole damn ship! - Axel shouted.

-Wawawawawwaw. It's a fact; this guy wants to lift some things. Once I found a barge with a treasure that is simply incredible, - Gad said.

-Well, big guy, I'll keep traveling slowly to Shimotsuki Village. I'll read something and wait for you, - Axel said.

-Wawawawaw, I hope you're patient, little bunny, - Gad said.

-Mmm, I wonder if Smoker will take pity on Red Hand and give him a spot in his crew. I hope deep down that guy understands there are better ways to make a living. You know, the ones who pay taxes and suffer from the lives of pirates are the commoners and humble folks who get caught up in the fight. - Axel pondered.

-I found a big ship about three kilometers from here, - Gad said.

-Alright, let's see what treasures we can find. On the ship, - Axel said.

The 50-meter vessel was about 300 meters deep. There weren't numerous treasures, but they plundered porcelain, silverware with some cutlery, a few tables that needed cleaning, and good upholstery, and these furnishings would fetch some provisions for a few weeks. Books, although their period of use had ended over time.

Wood can burn, and when exposed to the sun, lacquered planks can serve as replacements. Curtains can be patched up, and recycling, and dismantling the ship would help earn some money.

-In some wine barrels, salt seeped into the wine, but it can be filtered and used as cooking wine, - Axel thought.

-Surely, you can use this ship for something, - Gad said.

-Yes, I can. With Deuce, the help of Ussop, and Nihtal's assistance, it's crucial for the process. They'll keep them occupied for a while as we wait for Lia to finish her training, - Axel said.

-Well, you're the boss. I hope you'll share some of that glorious sake you pulled out last time, - Gad said.

The search resulted in a significant increase in earnings, which would be used later to strengthen Nihtal's research. They arrived holding two ships of smaller and medium anchors; the length of each ship allowed for some negotiations for selling boats.

-Axel! - Ussop shouted from the beach.

-Ussop, how's everything been? - Axel asked.

-Nothing unusual, but that fool has been acting strange. I think he's looking for a fight with you. I don't know what he's up to, but I hope he's not plotting anything bad, or I'll have to give him a real beating, - Ussop said, with rebellion.

-I'm going to take a nap. I'm exhausted, - Axel said.

He looked at the six wooden chests, one made of metal from the fight against a marine, and one of bronze.

...

Ding.

You've opened five wooden chests.

You've received apple seeds, you've received medicinal plant seeds, you've received a barrel of rum, you've received ten cannonballs, you've received sunflower seeds.

You've opened a bronze chest.

3 tomes of herbology: the art of plants.

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