The massive sea king squid died instantly, releasing a cloud of ink that darkened the surrounding waters. There wasn't even a stable place for Charlotte to stand; she had to balance herself on the creature's slippery corpse. The two other Neptunes, terrified upon witnessing their leader's swift demise, whipped their tails and dove back into the depths, vanishing beyond the reach of Charlotte's keen observation haki.
Standing on the floating carcass, Charlotte surveyed the shadowy sea. They had killed five Neptunes, and the rest had fled. Staring out at the now chaotic ocean, Charlotte dropped down to sit on the squid's body, physically drained. The intense and continuous battles had consumed much of her energy.
She didn't call for her crew to pick her up right away. The sea surface was still tainted by the squid's corrosive ink, making it unsafe for the boats. Instead, she chose to rest, regaining her strength alone amid the fading chaos.
After about thirty minutes, the dark ink finally began to dissipate. Charlotte raised her hand toward the distant fleet. The four lookouts, who had been observing her from afar, instantly caught her signal. One of the boats detached and carefully made its way toward her.
Once it was close enough, Charlotte jumped aboard.
"Quick! Haul up the bodies of the sea kings and get us out of this area immediately," she ordered, her voice sharp.
The crew responded without hesitation.
"Yes, Boss!"
More than a dozen sailors tossed grappling hooks into the sea, securing the corpses of the fallen sea kings. They then began steering the vessel toward the main fleet. With only a small crew divided among four ships, the operation was slow and strenuous.
Eventually, the four ships were connected, and they began towing the sea kings back toward their home island. There had originally been five Neptunes, but one of the bodies was contaminated by the squid's corrosive ink. Charlotte made the call not to bring it back for consumption.
The ships sailed away, leaving the battlefield behind. The sea slowly regained its calm, as though nothing had ever happened.
With the navigator keeping the route in check, Charlotte wasn't worried about going off course. She sat at a table in the cabin, replenishing her strength with a hot meal. They had succeeded in slaying four Neptunes, though they hadn't achieved their original objective.
Still, considering the risk of counterattack, Charlotte made the call to return and regroup. These sea kings, although fewer in number, were all colossal—around eighty meters in length, enough to sustain their food supply for an entire month. She would simply return to the hunting grounds once their stores ran low.
All in all, the expedition was a success. They had captured a newly built pirate ship and the heads of pirates with bounties totaling over 100 million. These could be exchanged for a hefty reward at the Navy's G-8 branch.
Soon, their island appeared on the horizon, a black speck growing steadily larger. The sight of home brought tears to the eyes of many young crew members, most of whom were on their first sea voyage. Without Charlotte, they would have become nothing more than food for the sea. Admiration filled their eyes as they looked at her.
Charlotte, feeling their silent gratitude, said nothing. She continued eating her pre-prepared meal, her mind focused on the tasks ahead.
As they neared the port, crowds of townspeople, dock workers, and merchants gathered, watching intently. Whispers broke out among them. They noticed the unfamiliar fourth ship, and gasped at the massive sea king corpses being dragged behind the fleet.
To the common folk, sea kings of nearly eighty meters were terrifying giants. Most ships encountering such creatures would end up wrecked. This was the first time they'd seen someone successfully hunt such beasts.
Once docked, Charlotte was the first to disembark. Ivan, having received word of their return, stood at the pier with more than twenty suited men. Five graceful maids stood respectfully behind him.
As Charlotte stepped off the boat, Ivan approached her instantly.
"Boss, how was the mission? Looks like you hit the jackpot. Back already?" he asked, bowing slightly.
Charlotte, picking her teeth with a toothpick, gestured toward the ships.
"Not bad. A little dangerous, but we pulled through. Brought back four sea kings, each around eighty meters, and captured a pirate ship. You can take the captain's head to the G-8 branch and claim the bounty."
She spoke casually, walking ashore as Ivan kept close behind, silently noting everything she said.
"Understood, Boss. I'll arrange it immediately," Ivan replied.
Thanks to Charlotte, the Wild Wolf Gang had grown rapidly. With more members than ever, Ivan no longer had to handle everything personally.
"Also, have someone prepare food. I need a long bath," Charlotte added.
Ivan nodded and glanced toward the maids, who understood immediately and began walking toward the villa.
"Mr. Charlotte!" "Mr. Charlotte!"
Along the way, voices of greeting echoed from townspeople and merchants. Charlotte, now accustomed to the respect, responded with a calm nod.
"Mr. Charlotte! The mayor wants to see you!"
Just as Charlotte was about to head home, a man in the uniform of the island's security team approached and spoke respectfully.
Charlotte recognized him as someone who often liaised with the Wild Wolf Gang.
"The mayor?" she echoed, eyebrows raising.
Why would the mayor want to see her? Last time, he hadn't even acknowledged the threat posed by the pirates Charlotte took down. And now he was suddenly calling her?
She waved at Ivan, signaling him to continue with his duties, and followed the captain of the security team.
Before long, they arrived at a quiet coffee shop. Charlotte stepped inside but didn't see the mayor—only a middle-aged man draped in jewels.
The security captain led her to him, then bowed and exited the room.
"And you are?" Charlotte asked, frowning as she eyed the stranger. Something about him felt off.
The man chuckled.
"I've long heard that Kamei Island has a true hero. It's an honor to finally meet you. I am Randolph Chamberlain, the new mayor of Kamei Island. A pleasure to meet you, hero of the island."
He extended his hand.
Charlotte hesitated for a moment, then reached out and shook it.