Chapter 16: Shakky's Rip-off Bar

Hancock was hesitating, and so was Bardock. He was debating whether or not to persuade Hancock to join his crew. Although he currently had no crew, he was confident that he would have one in the future.

In this vast ocean, it was too disadvantageous to go solo.

It was said that after the Red Count, Patrick Redfield, defeated the Marine Admiral Steel Bone Kong, he was later caught off guard by Garp and imprisoned in Impel Down.

The Devil's Heir, Douglas Bullet, had an entire Buster Call unleashed upon him by the Marines, but they failed to kill him and only managed to imprison him in Impel Down. Later, when he escaped, he was defeated after being surrounded by a large group of powerful individuals, again due to fighting alone.

This woman, Hancock, had been captured at 12 years old and sold as a slave to the Celestial Dragons in Mary Geoise for three years. During that time, apart from eating a Devil Fruit, she likely had no opportunity to become stronger. Yet by the age of 18, she had already become the captain of the Kuja Pirates and the Empress of Amazon Lily. This meant that in just three years, she had surpassed everyone in her country, becoming the strongest on the island. Even if she relied on her Devil Fruit ability, it was still quite remarkable.

However, this woman also possessed Conqueror's Haki and wouldn't easily submit to anyone. Moreover, she had an extreme dislike for men. Did this mean he would have to avoid recruiting male crew members in the future?

But wait, wasn't he also a man? Why wasn't she as hostile toward him as she appeared in the later parts of the manga? On the contrary, she seemed much easier to get along with.

He decided to give it a shot. After all, there was no harm in trying.

"Um…"

"Um…"

"You first."

Bardock made a gesture inviting her to speak.

"May I ask your name?"

"Oh, I'm Bardock, from the West Blue. I'm about to turn 9 years old, unmarried, and I like…"

Nine years old, unmarried—well, obviously, Hancock thought, feeling speechless.

"Alright, Bardock, can you take us to Island 13 to find someone? My sisters have been unconscious for so long, and I'm a bit worried. We will repay you afterward."

Oh no, the recruitment plan hadn't even started, and it was already over.

Shakky of Island 13—she used to be the former Empress of the Kuja Pirates. And then there was Rayleigh, the coater who liked to sell himself cheap. If Hancock and her sisters went there, wouldn't it be like throwing a meat bun at a dog—gone without a trace?

After some thought, Bardock decided to agree. She was worried about her sisters, and if he hesitated or made excuses, it would seem like he had ulterior motives.

"It's not dark yet. I didn't want to be too conspicuous, but since it's an emergency, we can fly directly to Island 13 from above."

Bardock summoned his Flying Nimbus to block the wind and flew toward Island 13. Most people wouldn't be able to recognize the numbering of the Red Trees from the sky, but Bardock wasn't just anyone.

"So beautiful!"

Looking down from above, the Sabaody Archipelago looked like a picturesque paradise.

Hancock only now realized that the ship was truly flying in the sky. Although it was just slightly higher than the Red Trees, the branches and leaves of the trees concealed the ship from the people below.

"Do you always keep your ship in the air?"

"Ah, that's right. I'm conducting an experiment. I want to see how long I can maintain the ship's flight."

"Oh, are you planning a long journey?"

"Smart! You're both beautiful and intelligent." Bardock seized the opportunity. "I'm looking for the legendary Tontatta Tribe. Someone told me that their princess has the power to heal any injury."

In truth, Mansherry was also a target crew member for Bardock, but that would be later. However, there was no harm in changing the order of his plans. He wasn't sure whether Mansherry had already eaten the Heal-Heal Fruit.

"Really? She can really heal anything?"

Hancock reached out and touched her back, feeling the shame that lingered beneath her clothes, wishing she could cut that part of her flesh away.

"It should be true. I suspect it's a Devil Fruit ability. I want her to join my crew. We've arrived. Do you know the exact location?"

Bardock knew they were headed for Shakky's Rip-off Bar, but he had never actually been to Island 13.

"I'm not sure. I only know it's a bar located on a tree root by itself."

"Oh, I see. Let me take a look." Bardock surveyed the area and quickly spotted the place. "Shakky's Rip-off Bar. This must be the place, right?"

"Yes, it's Shakky. It has to be."

"Prepare for landing! The Great Sage's Ship is about to touch down. Biu~"

Hancock rolled her eyes, adding another strange phrase to Bardock's antics. The recording Den Den Mushi perched on Bardock's shoulder captured everything. He controlled the Nimbus to film the footage. These images, when these people became powerful figures on the seas, would be quite the spectacle. Bardock would regret forever missing out on recording Mihawk singing.

The Nimbus had indeed been developed for new uses—it was truly a reliable and tireless tool.

The small boat landed on the tree root, and Bardock pushed open the door as Hancock followed, carrying her two sisters in her arms.

The bar was cold and empty, with no customers in sight. Rayleigh wasn't there either, leaving only Shakky polishing some glasses.

"Welcome. What would you like? Ah, you must be Hancock. Where have you been all these years? There hasn't been a trace of you."

"Shakky, we'll talk about that later. My sisters have been unconscious for a long time and haven't woken up." Anxiously, Hancock laid her two sisters flat on the floor.

"Ah, young man, are you with them?" Shakky asked as she inspected Sandersonia and Marigold.

"My name is Bardock. I rescued them on the way here. All three of them were unconscious at the time."

If it were an illness, Shakky wouldn't have been able to help and would have suggested finding a doctor. Fortunately, after a quick glance, Shakky identified the problem and said in a serious tone, "It's long-term malnutrition, coupled with insufficient rest. They've likely been through a major battle recently and are over-exhausted. It's not a big issue, just some rest and recuperation will do."

"Bardock, I've heard of you. Shanks speaks highly of you."

"Oh, really? Shanks didn't mention anything embarrassing about me, did he?"

"Embarrassing? No, not at all." Shakky chuckled, covering her mouth. "He only spoke of your great ambitions. Do you really plan to take on Sengoku? Word has it that he's a top contender for the next Fleet Admiral."

"Hahaha, that big mouth Shanks. I'll deal with him next time."

Shakky's eyes gleamed with curiosity. Was Bardock truly that confident, or was he simply ignorant of the enormity of his ambitions?

"Shakky, you know Bardock too?"

"It's our first time meeting, but I've heard about him," Shakky said while puffing on a cigarette. "Old Ray speaks highly of him, too. Now that I've met him, I can see why."

Hancock didn't know who "Old Ray" was, but since Shakky acknowledged Bardock, she figured his words were reliable.

"Shakky, do you know the princess of the Tontatta Tribe?"

"Oh? Why do you ask? I know of the Tontatta Tribe, but I've never heard of their princess."

"Bardock, I need to speak with Shakky privately. Could you give us some space?"

"No problem. I'll go buy a few things."

Bardock figured Hancock wanted to talk about their experiences over the past three years, which wasn't something he should listen to. Since he was already thinking about Mansherry, he might as well go purchase a Log Pose to Dressrosa.