Chapter 99 Brook's Request
"Then come to my Ship, I can confidently say that I will be the most likely person to help you fulfill this Agreement."
Nicholas laughed.
"Yohohohoho, then allow me to introduce myself again."
Brook said solemnly after laughing, the implication being that he agreed to Nicholas's invitation to join.
After all, he also knew that even with the Revive-Revive Fruit, it would be almost impossible for him to complete this voyage alone. After all, sailing is never a solitary endeavor; it requires a strong team to accomplish.
Perhaps he could rely on the long Lifespan granted by the Revive-Revive Fruit to slowly continue sailing, and one day he would eventually succeed. He could afford to wait, but what about Laboon?
Although the Lifespan of an Island Whale is also long, it is ultimately limited. Laboon could wait for decades or even a hundred years, but it could not possibly survive for hundreds or even thousands of years.
After speaking, Brook knelt on one knee, took out a tattered Bounty Poster from his chest, and slapped it on the ground.
The Bounty image on it, the only things that could be recognized as similar to him were probably his gentlemanly attire and his signature afro.
Nicholas was a little confused by Brook's sudden action.
"I, Humming Brook, former acting Captain, Swordsman, and musician of the Rumba Pirates, from today onwards, my Life will be entrusted to..."
Brook was actually preparing to give a solemn self-introduction for joining, according to the Pirate customs of his Era, but he suddenly got stuck at the most important part.
"Ah."
Brook looked up at Nicholas, scratched his skull cap, and said embarrassedly, "Um, I don't know your name or your Pirate Crew's name yet."
"Haha."
Seeing Brook's funny appearance, the solemn atmosphere from before instantly vanished, and Nicholas couldn't help but laugh out loud.
The crowd who had been secretly watching the situation on the Ghost Ship from the side also widened their eyes simultaneously.
What the heck?
He doesn't even know the other person's name? And he agreed to the invitation?
Are the Evil Spirits of the Sea these days so unreserved?
"Albert Nicholas, our Pirate Crew is named Freedom!"
In the Sea before this, countless people rushed to set sail for their Dreams.
The number of Pirates increased dramatically as a result.
Among them, many were more like Adventurers than Pirates, but even more were Pirates who took advantage of the situation to do evil.
They went to Sea to burn, kill, and plunder, not for Dreams, but only to plunder Wealth and live a life of luxury for themselves.
Pirate Crews like the Rumba Pirates were simply anomalies. That's why they failed in battles against other Pirate Crews, because the opponents' Weapons were all poisoned, leading to the annihilation of Brook and his crew.
The solemnity and sense of ritual that Brook showed before joining the crew were already rare in this chaotic Era.
More Pirate Crews nowadays would allow you to join directly as long as you had Strength or were capable of doing anything evil.
"I am Brook, who died and is now just Bones. My Head does have a meager Bounty, known as Humming Brook, Bounty of 30 million Beli.
In the past, I was the Captain of a Guard unit in a certain country, and later joined the Rumba Pirates, where my position was acting Captain, musician, and Swordsman.
From today onwards, my Life will be entrusted to Captain Albert Nicholas, Captain of the Freedom Pirates. I will go through fire and water, even if it means crushing my bones to dust, yohohoho."
After completing the joining oath with a very formal attitude, Brook let out his signature laughter.
This serious and solemn demeanor allowed Nicholas to see Brook's Resolve.
"Welcome to join."
Nicholas stepped forward and helped Brook, who was kneeling on one knee, up.
From this point on, Nicholas's Pirate Crew welcomed a new member, who was also the Ship's musician.
"Yohoho, although my current Bounty is only 30 million, I will definitely not hold you back!"
Brook looked at Nicholas with a solemn face.
Before Nicholas invited him, he didn't know Nicholas's name, let alone his Bounty.
Now, he already knew that his Captain was a Great Pirate with a Bounty of 1.7 billion Beli.
He should know that when Brook was still alive, the total Bounty of the entire Rumba Pirates was less than one-third of Nicholas's. In comparison, his 30 million Bounty seemed a bit insignificant in front of Nicholas.
Nicholas smiled upon hearing this, not paying it much mind.
For him, what he valued was Brook's character and his Revive-Revive Fruit. After all, a Devil Fruit that could bring people back to Life or prevent souls from dissipating was just too interesting.
After resolving Brook's joining issue, Nicholas told Brook that he was going to the East Blue first to pick up someone, and asked Brook if he would like to go together.
"Although I really want to see Laboon, before fulfilling our Agreement, I don't have the face to see Laboon, even though I've already become a Skeleton and have no face, yohohohoho~"
"..."
Nicholas didn't speak, and he understood Brook's thoughts to some extent.
"However, although I can't go to see Laboon, can I ask Captain for a favor?"
Brook looked at Nicholas sincerely and said, with some apprehension in his tone. As a new member who had not made any contributions, he was already asking for help.
"We are already Companions, no need to be so polite. Tell me what it is, and I will definitely help if I can."
Hearing Nicholas's words, Brook immediately cast a grateful look.
"Then please wait a moment, Captain."
Soon Brook turned and entered the Ship Cabin. When he reappeared, he was carrying a large box on his shoulder.
"Captain, if you pass by Twin Capes, please bury the Companions of the Rumba Pirates under the Lighthouse, and also..."
As he spoke, Brook, under Nicholas's dumbfounded gaze, directly opened his skull and carefully took out the Sound Shell stored inside.
He looked as if he were holding the most precious Treasure in the world.
"And if possible, please bring this last grand performance left by all the members of the Rumba Pirates for Laboon, and tell it that Brook will definitely carry the Dreams of all the Rumba Pirates members and arrive from the front to fulfill our Agreement with it!"
"Yes, I will definitely deliver it."
Nicholas solemnly put away the Sound Shell containing the Rumba Pirates' last performance, indicating that he would definitely deliver it.
Seeing this, Brook breathed a slight sigh of relief.
"Is there anything else? Tell me everything at once."
Seeing Brook's hesitant look, Nicholas indicated that he should just say whatever else was on his mind.
"It's embarrassing to say, but there is indeed one more thing. Back then, Captain Yankee, who was infected with the Plague, chose to leave the new Ship to the Companions who were not infected, while he chose to take the Companions who were infected with the Plague and return to the West Blue through the Calm Belt. Although I know the hope is slim, I still ask Captain to keep an eye out for News about them when you reach Twin Capes."
In fact, Brook also knew that the hope of Captain Yankee and the others still being alive was very slim. After all, if they were still alive, they would definitely have gone to Twin Capes to see Laboon.
"No problem."
After speaking, Nicholas took out a Card from his body, tore off a corner, and handed it to Brook. "This is my Vivre Card. When I find my Companions, I will come back to pick you up."
"Then I will wait for your return, Captain. I'm really looking forward to meeting the other Companions, yohohoho."
After solemnly placing the Vivre Card torn off by Nicholas into his skull, Brook said with a smile.
(End of Chapter)