One Piece: Legendary Family

Chapter 34: Being a Gossip and Getting Caught!

In the garden plaza...

— Ha! — Ha! — Ha! ...

A series of energetic shouts echoed continuously. A group of people was training seriously and diligently, following a strict order. Sweat was pouring down, and their fighting spirit was high; it was clear they had a strong martial ethic.

In a clear area on the edge of the plaza, under a huge umbrella, there was a set of elegant furniture: sofas and a tea table.

Under the umbrella, sitting relaxed, was Charlotte. He was watching the training with interest, evaluating the results, and giving advice to members who had small deviations.

Today, because of Charlotte's presence, everyone was giving their best, showing vibrant energy and attitude. They were working very hard. The members knew that if Charlotte noticed laziness, he would definitely subject them to special and rigorous training. That terrible outcome... they couldn't bear it, no way! No one dared to relax.

Charlotte, under the umbrella, nodded occasionally. He seemed very satisfied with everyone's recent training. The more they sweated in practice, the better they could protect themselves in a real fight. Especially now that they were on the irreversible path of pirates, they couldn't afford to be lenient.

—Charlotte, today's newspaper.

Lina, who had just arrived, handed him the newspaper she was holding.

—Thanks, you've done a good job.

Charlotte took the newspaper from Lina and began to read it carefully...

—Big news! The hero of the Navy, Vice Admiral Garp, and the captain of the Roger Pirates, Gol D. Roger, had a fierce battle on Lavo Island...! —Shocking! The Great Pirate Ochoku defeated the White Hat Pirates...! —Amazing! A thousand-year-old dragon is suspected to have appeared on Chimei Island...! —Scandalous! The Mongol Pirates sank a Navy warship...! ...

Charlotte was speechless. Wow, those headlines!

He realized the world was not at peace at all. Conflicts never ceased!

However, what relieved him the most was that there was no news about the disappearance of strange islands. This meant his strategy had been successful: Act discreetly and avoid being detected. Everything was under control!

Charlotte put down the newspaper, satisfied, and took the wine glass from the table to enjoy a sip.

Just then, Beta came running excitedly.

—Boss, boss!

Beta's voice could be heard from afar, and Charlotte couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed. This guy always had the bad habit of being impulsive; he was never calm. Changing him was no longer a hope. Barrett was following closely; these two were usually always together.

When they got in front of him, Beta started gesticulating exaggeratedly. It was too much, like a big monkey. Charlotte rubbed his temples.

—Beta, could you change that bad habit? Also, everyone is watching you. Can you take care of your image?

—Hehe, boss, don't worry, I've got it under control. Besides, if they dare to make fun of me, my fists the size of sacks won't forgive them.

Seeing Beta's carefree attitude, Charlotte couldn't help but twist his mouth.

Charlotte wanted to say something more, but Beta leaned in and started talking enthusiastically, spraying saliva.

—Boss, I heard something funny!

Charlotte pushed him away in disgust, speaking in an annoyed tone:

—It's very rude to spit while talking. If you have something to say, say it properly.

Beta, used to it, scratched his head and spoke in a low voice.

—I heard that an island sank because it was hit by a meteor.

Huh???

Hit by a meteor!

That sounded familiar.

While Charlotte was surprised, Barrett showed skepticism, thinking what Beta said wasn't believable.

—No, no, I heard a giant sea creature passed by and swallowed the entire island.

Wow! A version 2.0 of the story!

Charlotte felt like he was learning something new.

Lina, who was nearby, couldn't help but intervene:

—I heard a storm sank it.

Huh? A version 3.0?

At that moment, Charlotte realized something. This story sounded very familiar.

—Where did this happen?

Beta, as if it were a treasure, quickly responded:

—They say in Little Bay, and it's not far from here!

Hearing that familiar name, Charlotte almost lost his composure. It was the name of the island he himself had sunk!

Wow, these rumors spread fast!

Without realizing it, Charlotte squeezed his wine glass and broke it.

—Are you okay, Charlotte?

Lina, hearing the noise, quickly took out a handkerchief to clean him.

Charlotte, realizing his mistake, coughed and stopped Lina.

—It's nothing, it's just that what they said surprised me.

No one noticed the change in Charlotte's tone.

—Really, boss?! I also found it interesting when I heard it!

Beta spoke enthusiastically, as if he wished he had been there to see it.

—But why are the versions different? Who did you hear it from?

Charlotte tried to sound casual, but he was worried about the situation. He had to clarify the details to avoid being caught off guard.

—I heard it from the merchants passing by. —Beta answered without thinking.

Barrett stood firm and shook his head.

—I heard it in town.

Lina also spoke:

—I heard it from many people. Probably everyone.

Wow! It turns out he was the last to know all this.

Charlotte calmed down quickly. Fortunately, these rumors were just speculations, mixed with truths and lies. As long as no one suspected, everything would be fine. It didn't matter as long as he wasn't discovered, and his bounty didn't increase, everything would be peaceful. He decided to leave the matter aside. Over time, everyone would forget, and it would just be an anecdote to tell.

This reminded him that Ratti Island was prospering, and more and more merchants from all over were arriving. This little mistake gave him an idea.

Their intelligence work was very poor. If something serious happened, it would be too late to regret it. The recent case of Ivan was a lesson.

It wasn't safe!

With this idea, Charlotte made a decision.

—Lina, tell Ivan to form an intelligence organization and gather all the information on Ratti Island.

Lina didn't hesitate for a moment; she knew it was a necessary measure.

With more people on the island, there would also be more hidden spies.

The new story, a humble request to all bosses: read, save, vote, comment. Thanks to all the bosses.

(End of the chapter)

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