Chapter 28: A Newcomer Joins the Crew
The pirates took advantage of Redfield and Brook's conversation to slip away unnoticed.
"Redfield, it looks like your crew just ran off?" Brook remarked.
"It's fine, Captain Brook. Those pirates were just captives I used to navigate the ship and find you. Now that I've officially joined your crew, they're of no use to me anymore."
Redfield explained casually. In truth, his Observation Haki had already picked up on their intent to escape, but he didn't see the need to stop them—chatting with Captain Brook was far more important.
...
"Perfect timing! Let's have a feast to celebrate Captain Brook's acquisition of the cursed sword!" Shakky cheered, clearly excited about gaining a new crew member. The Hell Pirates would only grow stronger from here.
"To think that the legendary cursed sword has chosen Captain Brook... truly befitting of our captain," Redfield praised. However, as his Observation Haki picked up on something else, his eyes locked onto the cane sword in Shakky's hand. It was Brook's old personal weapon, and Redfield couldn't help but feel an intense desire for it—like a fan yearning for a keepsake from their idol.
"Shakky, would you be willing to give me Captain Brook's cane sword? I'm a swordsman, but right now, I don't have a weapon. I came to Aska Island in search of a cursed sword, but I never expected..." Redfield's eyes gleamed as he stared at the weapon in Shakky's hand.
"How do you know my name? And how do you know this is the captain's cane sword?" Shakky asked, suddenly wary. As an intelligence hunter, she was extremely sensitive to information.
"Shakky, please don't misunderstand, I... I..." Redfield swallowed hard, hesitating to reveal the truth. Would the crew see him as a monster?
"Redfield, you've awakened a special form of Observation Haki, haven't you? Promise me—don't pry into the thoughts of your crewmates from now on. Understood?" Brook's tone was firm. He was relieved that Redfield didn't seem to have peeked into his own mind—otherwise, Redfield would likely be in complete shock right now.