Chapter 40: - 40: Exploring the White Sea of Skypiea
Under the protection of his personal guards, Mortomas waited at the port of Jaya Island for Brook's arrival. The Brook of today was no longer the same as when he had set sail from the Sabaody Archipelago. Now, as the captain of the Hell Pirates with a bounty of 200 million Belly, he had grown significantly stronger.
As the Yellow Springs, bearing the flag of the Hell Pirates, appeared on the horizon, Mortomas clenched his fists. If the legendary Skypiea truly existed, moving the World Economic News Agency there would mean freedom from the World Government's persecution.
"Brook!" Mortomas transformed into his half-beast form, taking to the sky and waving excitedly.
"Mort, how are things?" Brook, riding on his Qilin Lion, had already leaped from the ship, landing at the port with ease. He looked at the future media mogul with interest.
"A few people have left, and newspaper production has slightly decreased, but our publications are still in high demand!" Mortomas responded enthusiastically. As an up-and-coming private news agency, being able to compete with and even suppress the World Government's own media was something he took great pride in.
"You've prepared the oxygen masks and small oxygen tanks, right?"
"Everything has been arranged on other islands and will be transported here in a few days."
"Good. Now it's time to bring Jaya Island under the Hell Pirates' control."
"That's great news, Brook! I was thinking the same thing!" Mortomas was filled with anticipation for Brook's meticulous planning. Even if Skypiea turned out to be a myth, securing a foothold here was still a worthwhile move.
The Yellow Springs docked at Jaya's port. As a pirate haven, Jaya had long been occupied by various pirate groups. Strangely enough, the Marines had never attempted to purge the island—perhaps because the line between pirates and civilians here was too blurred. Many locals lived like pirates, yet had no bounties on their heads, frequently helping pirates escape capture. Over time, the Marines simply stopped bothering, and Jaya became a common resupply stop for seafarers looking to indulge in the pleasures of a pirate's life.
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