Free Web NovelChapter 4: Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Rorschach turned around and looked at the still-stunned sailors.
"Hey, you said this guy was worth 13 million berries, right? Can you take him to the Navy and cash in the bounty for me?"
"Oh, and while you’re at it, get rid of that pirate ship too."
Charlie blinked, then quickly snapped out of it.
"Yes, sir!"
He immediately gave orders to his men. "Go check the pirate ship and bring all the valuables over here."
"Got it!"
One sailor replied and took several others across to the pirate vessel.
Charlie turned back with a respectful smile. "May I ask your name, sir? I’d like to remember it."
"I’m Rorschach. Just a rookie adventurer who just set sail. No big name yet."
"Are you planning to become a bounty hunter, Lord Rorschach?"
"Hmm... Not really my plan right now. But I don’t mind playing bounty hunter every once in a while if it means turning pirate heads into cash."
Rorschach chatted casually with Charlie. He had just left the island and didn’t have anything worth stealing anyway.
Still, he looked around at the crew and asked curiously, "By the way, you guys said you’re also heading to Syrup Village, right? You’re going there to trade? With so few people and no real fighters on board? That seems pretty risky."
The sailors looked a bit embarrassed but couldn’t argue. Rorschach was right — none of them were strong.
Charlie gave a bitter smile.
"You wouldn’t know, Lord Rorschach. This is a regular trade route we always use. The Navy patrols it daily, so pirates usually stay away. We never expected to run into someone like Sparrow. If it had been any other pirate, we probably could’ve just paid the toll and been fine."
He paused, then added, "As for Syrup Village... that’s my hometown. I’m a local. This trip was to sell our village’s goods and buy supplies we need back home."
Rorschach nodded in understanding. So he’s basically a merchant who buys and sells to keep his village going.
"I see."
Charlie suddenly thought of something. "By the way, what brings you to Syrup Village? I have some pull there. If you don’t mind, you’re welcome to stay at my house as a guest."
Rorschach shrugged. "No special reason. I’m just an adventurer exploring the East Blue for now, then I’ll head to the Grand Line to see the world."
Charlie’s eyes widened. "You’re going to the Grand Line? That place is extremely dangerous! Even someone like Sparrow wouldn’t rank there. It’s crawling with big-time pirates."
He sounded genuinely concerned for the man who had saved his life.
Rorschach smiled. "That just makes it more interesting. An adventure without fights against strong opponents wouldn’t be worth it."
"But before that, I do need to find some crew members. Sailing the Grand Line alone would be a pain. I still need a navigator, a doctor, and a cook, at least."
Charlie admired Rorschach’s fearless attitude. When he heard about the crew search, he immediately offered, "Would you like me to help recruit some sailors? We’ll reach the next town soon — I can find you some good men."
Rorschach shook his head. "No thanks. I’d rather find my own crew myself."
"By the way... I still don’t have my own ship yet." He scratched his head awkwardly. "Could you help me get one, President Charlie?"
Charlie didn’t laugh at him. He just smiled and nodded. "Of course."
Gurgle...
A loud stomach growl echoed across the deck.
"Hahaha! If you don’t mind, Lord Rorschach, please join us for lunch on our ship."
Rorschach’s face turned slightly red. He had been so focused on training that he completely forgot to eat. Now he felt embarrassed.
"Sure, why not."
"Also, do you need us to bring anything from your small boat?" Charlie pointed toward the little vessel floating nearby.
"Nah, there’s nothing important. Just some food and water. The fish I caught earlier is probably already stinking in this heat."
"Understood. Then please follow the sailors to the dining hall. I’ll get the ship’s doctor to patch up my leg first."
Rorschach nodded and followed the crew to the mess hall.
Once the food came out, Rorschach ate like he hadn’t seen a real meal in years. The cook was exhausted — Rorschach single-handedly devoured enough food for fifty people.
Ever since he started training seriously, his appetite had become insane. His body could store every bit of energy from the food he ate.
Back on the island it had been nothing but grilled fish and grilled meat. He was beyond sick of it.
"Man, I’m stuffed," Rorschach said, patting his completely flat stomach.
The cooks stared in disbelief, muttering, "He really is a monster..."
"Where does all that food even go...?"
Rorschach ignored their shock, stood up, and walked back out onto the deck.
All the pirates who had been knocked out earlier were now tied up and moved to their own ship. The merchant vessel’s deck felt much emptier.
The pirates woke up, saw their captain was dead, and immediately started begging for mercy. Rorschach didn’t bother with them. Once they reached the next naval base, he’d just hand them over for the bounty. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
A sailor approached him.
"Lord Rorschach, we’ve finished counting the pirates’ treasure. There’s 15 million berries in total. Would you like to check it yourself?"
Rorschach waved his hand. "No need. Just tell President Charlie to prepare the ship I asked for and load the money onto it."
"Understood. President Charlie has also prepared a cabin for you. Shall I show you to your quarters?"
"Sure."
Rorschach followed the sailor to the room.
Instead of resting, he sat cross-legged on the bed and continued training his Observation Haki.
Time passed quickly.
The merchant ship soon arrived at the nearby naval base.
When Charlie returned, he brought an unexpected visitor.
A squad of Marines escorted a uniformed officer forward.
"I am Colonel Bark, commanding officer of Naval Base 19."
The colonel looked straight at Rorschach.
"Sir, are you interested in joining the Navy?"
