Chapter 303: The Banquet on Reverse Mountain
"Hurry! We're almost at the summit—keep the sails steady!"
On the eastern river of Reverse Mountain, three or four pirate ships swayed violently as they surged upward along the rushing current.
"Hohohoho! Grand Line, here we come! The Redbeard Pirates have arrived!"
At the peak of the mountain, a boisterous pirate with a thick red beard raised his longsword to the sky and roared with excitement.
His booming voice instantly drew the attention of the Rockefeller Pirates.
After successfully reaching the top, Charlotte had not yet proceeded toward the West Blue. Instead, he decided to stay a day to rest and observe the sights.
Standing at the crossroad of the seas atop Reverse Mountain, everyone turned their gaze toward the oncoming pirate ships.
Crocus, hearing the noise, also stepped out and glanced toward the newcomers.
"It's the Redbeard Pirates!" Crocus muttered as he recognized the ship.
Hearing that, Charlotte turned to him.
"Is there something special about the Redbeard Pirates?"
Crocus didn't hide any details.
"They're the dominant pirate crew of the East Blue—over a thousand men under their command. The captain has a bounty of ten million Berries. For the past two and a half years, they've wreaked havoc across the East Blue. Even Garp, during his off-duty breaks, has tried to catch them multiple times without success. They've made quite a name for themselves over there."
Charlotte nodded slightly, showing no particular reaction.
"Hohoho! Looks like you've got good eyes, old man! You know the mighty reputation of the Redbeard Pirates!"
Redbeard's ship approached as he surveyed the area, his gaze soon falling upon the massive ship nearby. The pirate flag hanging from the black vessel was especially eye-catching.
"Hey, kid! You're a pirate too? Where are you from?" Redbeard asked, eyes locked on Charlotte, who clearly stood out as the leader.
Charlotte smiled and replied, "I'm from the North Blue."
"North Blue, huh? What's your bounty?"
Charlotte didn't answer, only smiled again.
Redbeard took that as embarrassment over having a low bounty.
"Captain, look at that huge ship! Should we take it? Our ship's falling apart anyway."
A one-eyed crewman pointed at Charlotte's ship excitedly.
Redbeard's eyes lit up.
Such a luxurious vessel perfectly suited someone of his stature. Sailing it into the New World would surely make waves.
He'd use it to step over the Whitebeard Pirates and rise to fame!
"Hey, kid! Hand over your ship and I'll make you an officer in the Redbeard Pirates!"
Redbeard grinned, extending his hand as if bestowing a great honor.
Charlotte still didn't speak, simply smiled again.
Redbeard's face darkened—he felt his authority was being mocked.
With a shing, he drew his sword.
"Last chance! Hand over the ship, or I'll spare no one!" he growled.
Still, no one answered.
Crocus shook his head in pity.
"Kill them!" Redbeard snapped.
"Charge!"
"Take them down!"
His men roared and rushed forward with weapons drawn.
Just then, Esdeath stepped forward, holding her Holy Sanction rapier, and blocked their path.
Redbeard smirked. "Heh, a little girl thinks she can stop me?"
But before he could finish that thought—
"Frost Barrage!"
With a sharp cry, a brilliant blue slash burst forth from Esdeath's sword. Wherever it passed, ice crystals spread like wildfire.
In an instant, the entire Redbeard crew charging forward froze in place, turned to glittering ice statues beneath the sun.
The blade didn't stop—it streaked through the air and struck the Redbeard ship, freezing both it and the captain in a single strike.
The once-lively Redbeard Pirates were now a frozen display, floating silently on the water.
Clap clap clap!
Charlotte applauded as he stepped forward, thoroughly pleased.
"Not bad at all, Esdeath. Just one strike, and you nearly reached the level of a swordmaster. Impressive—especially for someone only twelve years old."
He himself hadn't become a swordmaster until he was eighteen. His daughter might surpass him soon.
Esdeath sheathed her sword and turned away with a smug, proud expression.
"You're amazing, big sis! You beat them all with one move!"
Nearby, Sif turned into a swirl of snowflakes and fluttered toward her.
Crocus's eyes widened—a Logia user!
Esdeath smiled and patted Sif's head.
"You'll be just as strong one day. Your Snow-Snow Fruit isn't weak."
Sif pouted.
"My fruit barely does anything. I can only turn into snow... it's not even as cool as Robert's Gas Fruit."
Esdeath consoled her.
"You're still young. Your time will come. You'll be just as amazing as me one day."
Sif brightened and grinned again.
"Come on, sis! Try my barbecue!"
She grabbed Esdeath's hand and pulled her toward the bonfire.
Esdeath let her lead the way, smiling gently.
Charlotte watched the scene, deeply satisfied.
There was nothing better than harmony among family.
"Alright, everyone! Party time! Let's celebrate conquering Reverse Mountain!"
Charlotte shouted.
The atmosphere erupted into joy.
Over a thousand people pulled out their finest food and began a grand feast atop Reverse Mountain.
"Crocus! Why not join the Rockefeller Pirates for a meal?" Charlotte offered with a smile.
Crocus hesitated, then nodded. Charlotte had personally invited him—refusing would be disrespectful.
Soon the banquet began. Music filled the air.
The Rockefeller Pirates' performers took the stage, and laughter and cheers spread throughout the gathering.
Crocus sat among them, lost in thought as the music stirred distant memories.
The melodies were so beautiful that they captivated everyone.
As the music played, a massive shape slowly emerged from the sea, floating serenely on the surface, listening.
"Laboon!"
Crocus's eyes welled up with tears at the sight of the joyful whale.
"Laboon... I swear, I'll find the Rumbar Pirates—dead or alive!"
He made a quiet vow to himself.
Because of this unexpected celebration, Charlotte and his crew ended up staying an extra night.
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