Chapter 61: Formation!
The weather in the New World is capricious. One moment it can be bright and sunny, and the next it can be pouring with rain. In some harsh seas, it's not even impossible for giant hailstones to fall from the sky.
Although one doesn't need to consult a master for an auspicious date to form a pirate crew in this world, people generally wouldn't choose a stormy day to make a major life decision.
With Mihawk's arrival, Buggy could have immediately announced the formation of his pirate crew. All that was left was to hoist his unique flag, gather everyone for a ceremonial drink, and the ritual would be complete.
But the weather in the New World changed too quickly, so fast that just as Buggy was about to speak, the sunny weather instantly became dark and gloomy.
He didn't necessarily want to seek good luck, but Buggy also didn't want his founding declaration to be interrupted by a storm. Naturally, the announcement had to be postponed a little.
He had Bonez turn the ship around, and the "Thor" charged into the Calm Belt.
With Seastone installed, the "Thor" did not attract the attention of the Sea Kings upon entering the Calm Belt.
Gathering everyone on the deck, Buggy looked at the seven people present and took a deep breath.
"I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Really, ever since the day I left Loguetown sixteen years ago, I have fantasized about this moment countless times, about what words I would use to express the thoughts in my heart."
At this point, Buggy's gaze swept over the people beside him one by one: Dracule Mihawk, Betty, Boa Hancock, Monet, Daz Bonez, Paula, and Trafalgar D. Water Law.
"Sixteen years, six official crew members, one apprentice. In terms of both time and numbers, I'm far behind that bastard Shanks. But I, Buggy, have never pursued quantity, nor do I care that it took sixteen years to get to this day. Because I know very well that this is a world of the strong. One strong person can surpass countless weak ones, and you are the strong ones I have chosen. Tell me, will you let me down?"
Faced with Buggy's increasingly impassioned voice, the emotions of the crowd were also stirred.
"I will not!" The first to respond was Hancock.
"I will absolutely not let the captain down," Bonez was the second.
"I wouldn't want to disappoint you, Captain," Paula also replied immediately.
"Neither will I," Law said in a deep voice, holding Yubashiri.
"I will definitely become the person Brother Buggy needs," Betty finally found her voice.
"By coming here, I have already made my decision," although Mihawk was the last of the six to speak, the determination that appeared in his eyes greatly satisfied Buggy.
"I..." Only Monet lowered her head.
Although it wasn't the unified response he had hoped for, and there was even some uncertainty, it didn't affect Buggy's mood.
"Very good! I declare that from this moment on, the Red Nose Pirates are officially formed! Bonez, now, raise our pirate flag."
After Buggy spoke, Bonez hoisted the designated pirate flag to the highest mast of the "Thor."
Although there was no wind to make the pirate flag flutter, everyone felt an inexplicable excitement as they watched it rise.
"My companions, after sixteen long years, the Red Nose Pirates are finally formed. Every pirate crew has its own rules, and the Red Nose Pirates are no exception. I see everyone as family, so unnecessary rules are not needed on my ship. There are just two points. First, you must never betray your comrades. Second, we share fortune and misfortune together. Do you hear me clearly?"
"Heard you loud and clear!" Compared to the first question, this time the answer was much more unified.
"Very good. Now I will assign everyone's duties on the ship: I will serve as the Captain; the Vice-Captain will be Dracule Mihawk; the Boatswain will be Boa Hancock; the Chef will be Betty; the Shipwright will be Daz Bonez; the Intelligence Officer will be Paula; the Doctor will be Trafalgar D. Water Law; and the Navigator will be temporarily filled by apprentice crewmate Monet."
After assigning the roles, Buggy announced the start of the celebratory feast, completely ignoring the fact that the "Thor" was still in the Calm Belt.
A group of people sat in the sunny and pleasant Calm Belt, watching the storm and monstrous waves rage in the New World seas in the distance. This banquet had a unique flavor of its own.
After eating and drinking, Buggy stood on the table.
"My companions, our pirate crew's creed is to never betray, and to share fortune and misfortune together. Right now, one of our brothers has a blood feud. Tell me, what should we do?"
In response to Buggy's question, the crowd roared, "Revenge! Revenge! Revenge!"
"Very good! Our ship's doctor, Law, is a survivor from the White Town, Flevance. Due to the greed of the World Government and the surrounding kingdoms, the Flevance tragedy occurred. The entire country, aside from the royal family who abandoned their people, has only Law as its sole survivor. When the war of annihilation occurred, I was in the North Sea and could be considered a witness to this battle. According to my investigation, of the four countries surrounding Flevance, apart from the nation of Trebolsa, which was blocked by mountains and could not send a large force deep into Flevance, only sealing its borders, the other three countries all sent troops to invade Flevance and carried out an inhuman 'Three Alls Policy'."
As Buggy spoke, Law's face was once again a mask of savagery.
"Brother Buggy, what is the 'Three Alls Policy'?" Betty, clearly not noticing Law's expression, asked with great curiosity.
"Burn all, kill all, loot all!" The one who answered Betty was not Buggy, but Law himself.
Hearing that roar, like the cry of a vengeful spirit from hell, Betty was terrified by Law's voice.
"Flevance was in chaos at the time, and everyone who entered wore hazmat suits. Neither I nor Law could distinguish which soldiers belonged to which country. Not knowing the enemy is a big problem, so I have decided that apart from Trebolsa, the other three countries are within the scope of the Red Nose Pirates' retaliation. But there is one point I must make clear: we are not blindly seeking revenge for Law. After all, we are reasonable pirates. So this time, our target for revenge is one group: the royal families of the three kingdoms surrounding Flevance."
Hearing Buggy finish, the expressions of the several people present instantly changed.
Hancock had been following Buggy for these past few years and naturally knew his plan. Her face showed only eager excitement.
Law's expression went without saying; it was one of pure anticipation.
Daz Bonez and Paula wore looks of surprise, clearly not expecting the Red Nose Pirates' first battle after its formation to be against three kingdoms. Of course, their expressions were limited to just surprise.
Betty was still young and didn't have a clear concept of a kingdom. Her face was mostly filled with confusion.
Only Mihawk and Monet's faces turned grim.
(End of Chapter)