Chapter 14: New Bounty and Setting Sail
The next day, at the headquarters of the World Economy News Paper on the Sabaody Archipelago...
"Captain Brook, your bounty has been updated again!" Shakky said excitedly, clearly proud of her captain's growing reputation.
"Your latest feat—defeating the 'Bloody Fist' Scarlet without even lifting a hand—along with your ability to hold your own against the Supernova Golden Lion, has raised your bounty to 120 million Belly! Though... you're still the lowest-ranked Supernova in terms of bounty."
"Looks like it's time to set sail and find some new crewmates!" Brook declared, feeling that his strength was now sufficient to take to the seas once more.
Meanwhile, Mortomas had already dispatched people to Jaya Island to establish a foothold, preparing for the future relocation of the news agency's headquarters.
Most of this year's Supernovas were still making waves across the Grand Line, and Brook knew he needed to build his own crew as soon as possible.
That morning, after discussing matters with Mortomas, Brook and his crew began loading supplies onto their pirate ship, which had been docked under the protection of the 50th Mangrove. They carefully transported their Eternal Poses and Den Den Mushi aboard. Under the watchful eyes of Mortomas' family, the three-person pirate crew set sail once more.
"Captain, is our first stop really that declining 'City of Shipwrights'?" Shakky, the crew's navigator, asked with a hint of doubt.
"Most of the top shipwrights are here in Sabaody now. Ever since the Great Aqua Laguna tsunami, the shipbuilding industry in Water 7 has been in decline."
She wasn't wrong. Water 7 had struggled in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami known as the 'Aqua Laguna.' Only thanks to the Fishman shipwright Tom and his revolutionary Sea Train had the city managed to reclaim its former glory, once again earning its title as the world's premier shipbuilding hub.
"Yes. That place still holds the greatest shipbuilding techniques!" Brook replied firmly.