#21 Looking for a Crew

"Wow, that person is definitely brave!"

"A hero, someone who dares to strike at the Celestial Dragons, our role model!"

"...Besides the Revolutionary Army, is there anyone else who would dare challenge those guys?"

"Good job! Those damn Celestial Dragons killed so many of my hometown people. Finally, someone is standing up to them!"

"Isn't this a bit extreme? I mean, it's still a human life. We shouldn't just kill indiscriminately. We should unite and condemn the killer!"

...

By the second day, news of the Celestial Dragon's disappearance started spreading.

By the third day, the whole world was abuzz. Everyone was talking about it.

It was the biggest hot topic of the time, trending number one everywhere!

Most people were thrilled about this event. After all, there's hardly anyone who didn't hate the Celestial Dragons.

So, openly or secretly, almost everyone was cheering for the trouble caused to the Celestial Dragons.

Of course, there were some exceptions. Some people, trying to appear unique or virtuous, voiced different opinions and stood against the general sentiment.

BUT... who cared? These voices were quickly drowned out by the overwhelming outcry for justice!

In short, the disappearance of a Celestial Dragon was like lighting a fuse in a powder keg, a monumental event that hadn't happened in decades!

In the last twenty years, only Roger's execution had a similar impact.

As for the 'masterminds' behind this event, Carlo and Blackbeard had already sailed hundreds of nautical miles away from the Sabaody Archipelago...

They had anticipated the reaction from this event. So, they treated it as a joke, not caring much about it.

"Who would've thought, one day I'd be praised by people? Zehahaha!"

Sitting on the deck of the stolen large sailing ship, Blackbeard was enjoying his drink while laughing at the newspaper.

"Praise doesn't mean anything. We're pirates; who cares about a 'good reputation'?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Teach."

On the other side, Carlo tossed his empty bottle aside, showing no interest in the matter.

The two of them were not rich, but they were much better off than when they first arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.

This stolen ship was well-stocked. At least the wine cellar and kitchen were full...

For the Blackbeard Pirates, currently consisting of just the two of them, these supplies could last for months!

"True, Zehahaha! But I just love seeing those Celestial Dragons suffer!"

As he spoke, Blackbeard glanced back at the rear deck.

This ship's layout was similar to most pirate ships.

In the front half of the ship, besides the living and entertainment areas on the deck, there were cabins for resting, a kitchen, and a control room.

The rear deck was mostly for storage and livestock, to sustain the ship on long sea voyages.

Saint Larcher, the Celestial Dragon they kidnapped, was locked up in there!

"It's a shame, though. The chaos at the Sabaody Archipelago is too big. We can't recruit crew there now."

"Teach, do you have any good places in mind?"

Carlo rubbed his head and asked Blackbeard.

Carlo knew a lot about this world and its special islands, but not as much as a native like Blackbeard.

His plan was to use these Devil Fruits to recruit a crew and strengthen their team!

The Sabaody Archipelago was a good choice initially, with plenty of talented pirates.

But the impact of the Celestial Dragon's disappearance was too great. Plus, recruiting there with sensitive Devil Fruits was too risky, drawing the World Government's attention wouldn't be good for them...

"Actually, yes!"

Blackbeard thought for a moment, then said, "Saraca Island, a place known as the Pirate's Paradise!"

"I went there six years ago with that old geezer. It's quite lively, zehahaha! I still miss it."

"It's full of pirates, both those passing through and those who have set up their base there. Compared to that, Sabaody is nothing..."

"That place is the real lawless zone!"

"The Navy usually doesn't go there!"

Blackbeard's face showed some pride as he explained, "But you'll see once you get to the New World."

"Compared to that, the first half of the Grand Line is a playground, just a nursery for pirates, zehahaha!"

Caro felt a bit annoyed.

"Seriously, you're showing off? Flexing a superiority complex now?"

But he pushed that aside; he was intrigued by Saraca Island.

He hadn't heard of this place, but if Blackbeard suggested it, it was worth checking out!

Sometimes, going with the flow can lead to surprising opportunities!

"Saraca Island... Let's check it out. We're heading there!"