Explaining his purpose to the pirate lackeys, Fang Bo was quickly led to the deck of the Braku.
“Go on in, down the left corridor to the end. Be polite; I don’t want your blood staining the walls,” the old pirate’s tone was unfriendly, seemingly doubting Fang Bo’s chances of passing the test.
Despite their previous defeat at the hands of the Krieg Pirates, the core members of the Black Cat Pirates remained intact; only the ordinary pirates had suffered heavy casualties.
The main goal this time was to replenish their numbers. The chances of finding exceptional combatants on par with their officers were practically zero.
Those tough guys? They fell during the trials, with the unluckiest one getting his arm broken by Buchi.
This guy looks fierce but might just come running out of the first mate’s office crying soon.
Fang Bo paid no mind to others’ thoughts; his attention focused as he lightly walked to the end of the corridor.
Knock, knock, knock! He politely knocked on the door and heard a cheerful laugh from inside, “Come in.”
Pushing open the door, he saw the hypnotist Zango wearing heart-shaped glasses.
No matter the test, Fang Bo had to be cautious of Zango’s methods.
Even a Navy Captain had been a tough opponent for him, let alone the second-in-command of the Black Cat Pirates. A slight lapse, and he could be hypnotized.
Hypnosis is a mental ability; he could learn it too.
“One, two, Zango!” Suddenly, he heard the first mate’s clapping.
【 Zango has hypnotized you. Conducting a mental attribute check. Comparing both parties’ mental strength.】
【Mental immunity failed. You are in a 120-second sleep state.】
Without seeing the expected hypnotic tool, Fang Bo was inexplicably controlled. Unlike the portrayal in the anime, the real Zango wasn’t rigid; anything could be a hypnotic tool.
It could be the specific frequency of the door rubbing against the floor or the dizzying graffiti in the room.
“Too careless.” Fang Bo calmed down and began to assess the enemies around him seriously.
Hypnotized, he was transported to a bizarre plain, surrounded by navy soldiers, their dark gun muzzles causing chills down his spine.
Zango’s voice suddenly echoed, “Kid, you have two minutes. Survive, and you pass.”
He had to survive the navy’s attacks for two minutes.
For famous pirates, dealing with these lackeys was just lifting a hand. To gain Zango’s recognition and become an official member of the Black Cat Pirates, the navy couldn’t defeat him in the illusion.
Though it sounded difficult, Fang Bo was never one to follow the rules.
Hypnosis could trap his mind, but could it disable his equipment?
As golden lightning burst forth, three strange beings appeared in the room, with one so large it was partially squeezed outside.
Zango was stunned; he had never encountered such a scenario.
Seeing the testee woken by a punch from a giant with a huge head, the first mate finally understood the man’s intention.
“Interesting.” Zango smiled, clapping and welcoming, “Congratulations, you are now an official member of the Black Cat Pirates. May I know your name?”
“Jason.”
“Great, Jason. Before we start work, would you mind helping me fix up the office?”
“Happy to serve, sir.”
【You successfully joined the Black Cat Pirates】
【Zango’s favorability towards you +20】
Noting the unexpected favorability prompt, Fang Bo realized he needed to be mindful of his interactions with storyline characters.
Each person has a different personality, and every world has its main theme. Adapting to it could yield twice the result with half the effort.
Had he been rude and crude, he likely wouldn’t have gained Zango’s 20 favorability points.
He also overlooked his artistic aura, a trait Zango, as a hypnotist and unconventional artist, appreciated. With effort, Fang Bo might inherit Zango’s skills.
Canceling the giant’s summon, Fang Bo left the shabby office. It could be fixed by others; he had to complete a transaction with other reincarnations.
On the way, the task completion prompt arrived, allowing him to increase his reward amount based on the task’s bounty.
【Side Task: Join the Black Cat (Completed)】
【You received 80 storyline points】
【You received 20 points of pirate faction reputation】
【Achievement met: You received the title “Pirate”】
【Pirate II achievement unlocked: Become a core member of a pirate crew】
【Path of Sin achievement unlocked: Complete 0/5 plundering actions】
Pirate: Can use “Plunder” to increase pirate faction reputation accumulation.
Reviewing the details, Fang Bo’s eyes lit up.
The plunder function allowed him to seize storyline characters’ equipment. Though unusable by reincarnators, these items could be gifted to other storyline characters to strengthen the pirate crew.
In simple terms, it was a function to develop storyline forces. Otherwise, items and equipment not from chests couldn’t be picked up by reincarnators.
“Great feature. With plunder, I can grab some good stuff.”
Among East Blue’s top pirate forces, high-end combat power wasn’t vastly different. Kuro excelled in speed and strategy, while Krieg relied on numbers and incredible defense.
If he could break the pirate admiral’s defense, defeating Krieg seemed possible.
Killing Krieg would yield amazing storyline chests.
He faced two main problems:
First, how to break the pirate admiral’s golden armor.
Second, who would handle the vast crew of five thousand pirates?
Deep in thought, Fang Bo left the Braku, approaching the eagerly waiting reincarnators.
“How’d it go? Did you succeed?” Old Cat seemed quite excited.
“Yes.” Fang Bo nodded casually, then addressed the reincarnators, “Side task reward: 80 storyline points, 20 pirate faction reputation. Make your offers.”
The group exchanged glances before making their bids via paper slips, as private messages weren’t possible in the storyline world.
“200 storyline points, how about becoming friends?”
“160 storyline points, plus a healing chocolate.”
“180 points, and I’ll share a big secret for free.”
These three clearly underestimated the reward’s value. The Captain’s cloak alone provided a good initial reputation, not to mention saving time when finding another pirate crew.
Joining the Black Cats meant future benefits far exceeding two hundred storyline points.
Tearing the slips, Fang Bo showed his disinterest.
Trash offers won’t waste my time.
Seeing this, the remaining two hesitated before writing new offers.
“320 storyline points, and a white-quality glove to boost attack speed.”
Mistaking Fang Bo for a melee fighter due to his 3D maneuver gear, they didn’t realize attack speed wasn’t crucial for him.
Increasing strength was more beneficial than attack speed.
Unmoved, Fang Bo finally received a reasonable offer.
“450 storyline points, plus a white-quality ring.”
This price was more in line with Fang Bo’s expectations.
While others were unaware, he knew the Black Cat Pirates’ hidden tasks were highly lucrative. The “Kuro’s Retirement” task alone could be hugely profitable.
Visiting Usopp’s village would yield many treasures.
Throwing the blood-stained Captain’s cloak over, Fang Bo smiled, “It’s yours.”
Watching the happy buyer board the ship, a low-bid reincarnator couldn’t help but sneer, “With a week’s task duration, I can find a better pirate crew.”
About to retort, the man froze under Fang Bo’s gaze, suddenly sobering up.
This guy passed the test and quickly obtained an item to bypass boarding conditions, proving he was not to be messed with.
Better not provoke him. Venting a bit was fine, but angering him could be deadly.
As everyone left, Fang Bo inspected the unassuming ring.
Name: Delicate Ring
Grade: White
Type: Ring
Durability: 10/10
Attribute Boost: Spirit +1
Usage requirement: Spirit 5, Perception 5
Equipment effect: None
Origin: Goblin Slayer
Equipment evaluation: Don’t expect special effects from this piece of junk.
“Indeed, very ordinary.”
Though not strong, it suited him perfectly, as he lacked spirit-boosting gear.
Spirit: 17 (+4)
Spirit impact combined with bullet barrage could significantly damage enemies, with summoned creatures focusing fire, frail reincarnators stood little chance.
Reviewing his attributes, Fang Bo recalled the hypnotic scene.
“I can use Spirit Impact. Maybe I can learn the storyline character’s hypnosis?”
Become a Patron read up to 40 chapter ahead public release ^_^
Please join Discord Server so we can talk ^_^
