Returning to the tavern, they found no pirates dared approach them.
Even the Black Cat subordinates kept their distance, a testament to the shock and awe the shikigami had instilled.
“This complicates things,” Fang Bo said, crossing his legs and clarifying his desire to negotiate. “With your strength and the help of a high-bounty pirate, taking down a couple of navy ships should be a piece of cake.”
The implication was clear: the enemies must be formidable if even such a lineup couldn’t handle the task. Helping wouldn’t be a problem, but it would require more compensation.
Reading between the lines, Ryuno decided to be upfront. “The target was once a member of royalty. Many years ago, their kingdom was annexed by the Gemal Kingdom, forcing the royal family to flee to the East Blue.”
Fang Bo’s eyes flickered, but he let her continue without interruption.
“The royalty established a fortress, which is now a military stronghold. My shikigami, no matter how powerful, can’t breach it alone.”
Since one pirate crew couldn’t handle it, they sought suitable allies. Having just lost their captain, the Black Cat Pirates were a perfect match.
With their strongest asset gone, there was no risk of being backstabbed. Both forces were evenly matched, making a genuine alliance feasible.
“Why a 40-60 split?” Fang Bo tried to negotiate.
As soon as he spoke, Ryuno shared a task with him through the system.
【Task 14005: “Treasure of the Kingdom” shared with you. Accept?】
“Consider that extra ten percent as part of the mission reward,” she explained.
A free side quest was nothing to scoff at, and a 40-60 split was reasonable.
【Side Quest: Treasure of the Kingdom】
【Quest Description: You have discovered a lost fortress, which likely hides astonishing wealth.】
【Quest Requirement: Defeat the royal guards and claim ownership of the treasure.】
【Tip: You should bring a vehicle with enough space for transportation.】
With the terms settled, Fang Bo prepared to inform his captain.
No one would turn down such a lucrative opportunity. If they had known sooner, perhaps Kuro wouldn’t have faked his death to retire.
However, Fang Bo wouldn’t recall Kuro just yet. The time needed to be better. Kuro was ready to fight the Pirate Admiral with a clear path to victory.
Gathering the treasure was a step towards recruiting more forces. After all, the Pirate Admiral commanded a formidable army of five thousand men, and their current numbers were paltry in comparison.
On the way back, Fang Bo adopted a humble attitude, asking Ryuno about summoning shikigami.
Perhaps because they were soon to be allies, she indulged his curiosity.
“Without completing the fated mission, shikigami can only be summoned for a limited time.”
His giants had similar summoning durations, so this wasn’t surprising.
“Besides the ability constraints, summoning shikigami also costs story points.”
Seeing his surprise, Ryuno explained, “Opening channels to two worlds is an extra drain on the Reincarnation Space. It’s reasonable for them to charge a fee.”
“You have a positive outlook,” Fang Bo sighed.
He had thought his recent gains would let him purchase a summoning skill, but cross-world summoning required money. His giant trio seemed more cost-effective.
“That’s why completing the shikigami’s fated mission is crucial. Once they become followers, things change,” Ryuno said, a hint of wistfulness in her voice.
Since they were on the topic, Fang Bo wanted to know the benefits of completing these missions.
“First, completing the fated mission enhances your shikigami’s abilities in a specific direction.”
This alone made it worthwhile.
“Second, followers gain an identity recognized by the Reincarnation Space, becoming almost like half a reincarnator. They can take on missions, earn rewards, and even use attribute points to improve themselves.”
“That powerful?!” Fang Bo was tempted but quickly had another question. “Why call them ‘half’ if they’re like full reincarnators?”
“Because followers lack freedom and must always stay with you.”
This limitation was indeed significant. However, the thought of followers earning mission rewards made Fang Bo eager to recruit more.
“One more thing. If a story character becomes your follower, they gain a unique attribute in the Space. The storyline won’t generate another of them.”
So, if Fang Bo recruited Nami, the Straw Hat Pirates would permanently lose their navigator.
The storyline would likely adjust, bringing in another suitable navigator.
Seeing the injured Paul ahead, Fang Bo pondered the mechanism for triggering fated missions.
“A fated mission is essentially a storyline character’s destiny.”
Main characters were typically tasked with saving the world, but some powerful side characters might be worth considering.
For example, helping the Vinsmoke family regain control of the North Blue could complete the family head’s fated mission.
By helping Shinobu defeat the Upper Moon Two, Douma could fulfill her fated mission.
The key to triggering these missions seemed tied to the goodwill between the characters.
Paul’s loyalty, sparked by a single cursed blade, was easy to win. Famous characters, however, would be more challenging.
Boosting goodwill quickly involved a deep understanding of these characters.
“By the way, are there other worlds where it’s easier to get summoned creatures?”
Ryuno’s calm gaze reddened Fang Bo’s face. He realized he’d been asking too many questions.
But as a total newbie with no one else to ask, he couldn’t let this opportunity slip by.
Thinking it over, Ryuno’s gaze changed slightly, but she answered warmly.
“Onmyoji, Pokémon, Digimon, and Yu-Gi-Oh! are the most favored by summoners.”
The Onmyoji world offered a plethora of shikigami.
The Pokémon world had countless creatures to choose from.
The Digimon world was overflowing with digital monsters.
The Yu-Gi-Oh! world had countless monster cards.
Thinking of all the powerful summons, Fang Bo wished to visit these worlds immediately.
“There’s another world where it’s easy to get followers.”
The Fate/Stay Night world, centered on the Holy Grail War, allowed masters to summon heroic spirits.
Completing a heroic spirit’s fated mission might let him recruit King Arthur herself.
Slapping his face to clear his daydreams, Fang Bo reminded himself it was too early to think about that. He’d know what to do once he entered that world.
Soon, he returned to the Black Cat ship, the Baratie, and informed Captain Jango of the castle assault plan.
“A pirate alliance?” Jango hesitated but quickly agreed.
They were pirates, after all. If there were a good target, they would get it.
If they could seize all the treasure, even better.
Sensing Jango’s greed, Fang Bo curbed it with a single sentence: “After the mission, I’ll work to merge the Alvida Pirates into ours.”
If that happened, they’d be one family, and Jango’s sinister thoughts would vanish.
“Hahaha, you’re clever. We’re keeping both the money and the people.”
Smiling, Fang Bo didn’t explain further. His true thoughts were known only to him.
The Alvida Pirates would remain small fry without merging with the Black Cat Pirates.
They could defeat the Pirate Admiral and rule the East Blue only by uniting.
Sending a success signal, the Alvida Pirates soon appeared on the horizon.
This seven-billion deal had everyone eager. The captains’ meeting took little time.
Speed was crucial. The two pirate crews set sail for the neighboring island.
On the Baratie’s bow, Ryuno curiously examined the black cat figurehead.
“After this, I want your crew to merge with ours,” Fang Bo said bluntly.
Unfazed, Ryuno turned and calmly asked, “Give me a reason.”
“You help convince Alvida, and I’ll give you a hidden mission.”
Their current manpower was insufficient to defeat the East Blue’s overlord. The best way was to absorb the Alvida Pirates.
Joining the Black Cat Pirates and guiding Alvida to help with the side quest gave Ryuno a solid chance to persuade her captain.
The reason for merging was clear: ruling the East Blue. Moreover, Ryuno couldn’t participate in future hidden missions without joining the Black Cat Pirates.
From what Fang Bo knew, defeating the Krieg Pirates would trigger a hidden mission. As long as Ryuno qualified, he’d keep his promise.
Beyond that, helping the first mate with personal matters was part of being a crew member, wasn’t it?
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