"Lena grew up before my eyes. She had a younger sister, both excellent navigators. If it weren't for the Navy... Ah, never mind. I run a small tavern, barely making ends meet for the two of us. We still trade by sea. Don't pressure her. I hope she joins your crew willingly. Her life shouldn't stagnate here. She's a pitiful girl."
The mayor shook his head and retreated into his house, a clear signal. Time to leave.
Ohara knew the world's knowledge, and some of the world's most obtuse people. They had the best navigators, and they feared the sea.
Damn you, Oda, Rhett thought.
"Let's go. Time to pick up our navigator."
Rhett kicked open the tavern door.
A girl with round glasses trembled in a corner. A flowerpot shattered in her hands with a loud crash.
"I-I'm sorry! I'll clean it up right away!" She scrambled to her knees, ignoring the cuts on her fingers, gasping softly. "Ugh... I messed up again..."
The girl had flaxen hair in twin braids, thick glasses, and a timid gaze.
Perona floated over and poked at a braid. "Are you the one who can predict storms?"
The girl shrunk back, her voice a mosquito's buzz. "I... I just grow flowers..."
Trebol frowned. "Captain, is this the excellent navigator the mayor spoke of?"
Rhett tilted his head, blood mist swirling at his fingertips. He stared at the girl, a playful smile curving his mouth. "Grow flowers? But your hands..."
Her fingers showed fresh cuts from the pottery shards, and also calluses — marks from years of holding pens and drawing charts.
Trebol narrowed his eyes. "Where are your nautical charts?"
"I-I don't have any nautical charts!" The girl looked up, glasses flashing with panic, then lowered her head again, voice softer than before. "I just... like growing flowers."
Moriah's shadow slithered from the floorboards, chuckling. "Hehehe... Liars' shadows grow longer, you know~"
Perona floated in front of her, tilting her head. "But, in your flowerpot..."
A corner of yellowed paper peeked from the soil amid the shattered flowerpot. Trebol picked it up: a hand-drawn nautical chart, marked with storm paths, ocean currents, and areas frequented by Sea Kings!
"This isn't about growing flowers," Trebol said coldly.
Rhett took the chart. "Why bury these in the soil? Must have been hard collecting them."
"Since they're useless anyway, I thought they'd make good fertilizer to help the flowers grow better," Lena murmured, eyes devoid of hope, a lifeless despair born from shattered dreams.
"Let me introduce myself. Rhett, captain of the Crimson Dawn Pirates, a pirate with a 350 million berry bounty. My crew can give you the freedom to showcase your skills. No storm has ever capsized our ship. Don't feel pressured; we just don't want to get lost. Lena, you wouldn't want to disappoint your master, would you?"
The girl's shoulders trembled. She took a deep breath, looked up, and though her voice remained soft, there was a newfound determination. "...Do you really need a navigator?"
Rhett grinned, blood mist swirling. "Of course! And it seems we've found the perfect person."
"Captain," Lena said, "I want to prove myself. If you think I'm capable, could you help me with something?"
Rhett raised an eyebrow. "Oh? How do you want to prove yourself? And what is it you're asking for?"
Lena took a deep breath, clutching the chart she had found.
Her eyes were filled with resolve. "I want to lead everyone back into the eye of the storm. That's the true test. I want to prove my worth first."
Trebol, ever the negotiator, smirked. "Showing your value to make a bigger request later, huh? Seems like a big deal."
Lena lowered her head, saying nothing, as if silently agreeing.
Rhett grinned, stopping Trebol. "Alright, since you're so confident, let's see what you've got!"
The Bluma Jackson sailed into the storm. The sky darkened, the winds howled, and the waves surged.
Lena stood at the bow, clutching the chart, gaze firm.
"Moriah!" Lena shouted, "Use your shadows to stabilize the ship!"
Rhett was startled, glancing at Lena.
Wait, where did the soft-spoken, delicate girl from earlier go??
But the crew obeyed, having been briefed on their abilities. The Crimson Dawn Pirates were selecting a navigator, and the navigator was selecting them. They couldn't mess this up.
Moriah's shadows spread and clung to the hull. The ship stayed relatively stable.
"Enel!" Lena commanded, "Use your lightning to control the surrounding airflow, ensuring we aren't swept away by the storm!"
Enel stood up, lightning crackling at his fingertips.
He closed his eyes, focusing. The air seemed to be enveloped by electricity, neutralizing the storm's power.
Trebol watched, marveling.
Lena's performance far exceeded his expectations. She had exceptional navigational knowledge, and remarkable leadership skills. She was a natural commander. He had worried she might falter in critical moments.
"Captain Rhett!" Lena called out, "Please use your blood mist shield to protect the ship's hull, ensuring we don't suffer any fatal blows!"
Rhett chuckled, the blood mist condensing into a transparent barrier.