Under Rojen’s helpless gaze, The Logan weled a new crew member— a man who could eat enough for ten people in a siting.

  This newer was a t, bald man with a simple, ho smile permaly etched on his face. He had the kind of build that made him look strong, yet oddly easy to push around.

  However, Rojen knew better. The fact that this man had survived aire month tied up in the basement without food or water and still emerged unscathed roof enough— this guy was an absolute monster.

  His massive arms, powerful thighs, and well-defined muscles made him resemble a walking fortress. Standio him, Rojen’s own lean frame looked almost fragile.

  Of course, this trast was exactly why Rojen held a grudge against Jason.

  “Heh heh, Captain, where are we headed?” Jason asked with a chuckle after hauling the supplies from the previous pirate crew onto The Logan.

  He was obedient, following Rojen’s orders without question.

  “Bateril Isnd,” Rojen responded. “Raise the sails, we’re setting off.”

  Jason grinned and eagerly ran to hoist the sails. Soon, The Logan’s vas swelled with the wind, and the ship glided forward across the waves.

  With two extra hands on board, all the heavy lifting naturally fell to Jason.

  “Do you know how to sail?” Rojen asked ohe ship was moving.

  “Uh… no.” Jason scratched his bald head sheepishly.

  “You’ll learn.”

  “Okay!”

  “ you cook?”

  “No.”

  “You’ll learn.”

  “Ugh…”

  “ you ?”

  Jason’s eyes brightened. “That I do!”

  “Then what are you waiting for?” Rojen snapped.

  Without another word, Jason scurried off to .

  Watg him work, Rojen’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. Maybe having ara crewmate wasn’t so bad after all— at least he no longer had to do all the chores himself.

  Jason was astonishingly fast, and within half an hour, the entire ship otless. His efficy left Rojen thhly impressed.

  The two of them theablished a watch schedule, taking turns to keep guard at night. The open sea was uable, and danger could strike at any moment.

  Before, Rojen had always slept lightly, ready to react at a moment’s notice. But now, with Jason on board, things were different.

  That night, for the first time in a long while, Roje soundly.

  …

  As the sun rose the day, Rojen stretched and found Jason outside, already warming up.

  “Hey, Jason.”

  “Heh heh, Captain, you’re up.” Jasoed him cheerfully.

  “Not bad. You stayed up all night and still have energy.”

  “It’s my duty, my duty.” Jason ughed heartily.

  Rojen g the map. “We should reach the isnd in about two days.”

  The jouro Bateril would take roughly five months, and he had been doing everything possible to cut down on travel time. Aside from necessary battles with pirates, he rarely stopped. Even resupplying had been a rare occurrence.

  But this time, they had no choice. Acc to the sea charts, Alster Isnd was the only resupply point in this stretch of the South Blue. And sidering this leg of the journey made up a third of the overall trip, they would be at sea for at least a month afterward.

  “Jason, wake me when we arrive.”

  “Aye, Captain!” Jason responded as Rojen disappeared into the — to py with the cat.

  Lately, the little creature had seemed down, its usual energy missing.

  …

  Tassed in the blink of ahe sea remained calm, and they entered no pirates, which left Rojen feeling a bit disappointed. He had been hoping to take down some pirates to replenish his funds, but no such luck.

  Then, Jasoed voice rang out.

  “Captain! We’re here! That’s Alster Isnd ahead!”

  Since Rojen had ordered him to learn how to sail, Jason had been diligently studying. Now, he stood at the helm, fidently steering The Logan while humming a tu was such a ical sight that for a moment, Roje like the entire aesthetic of piracy had been turned on its head.

  He sighed and walked to the bow, gazing toward the isnd.

  Alster Isnd was much rger than most he had seen so far— easily twice the size. Bustling with activity, it rivaled even Loguetown in terms of liveliness and prosperity.

  “We’ll restock, sleep on the ship tonight, a sail at first light,” Rojen said.

  Jason looked puzzled. “Huh? Aren’t we staying for a little fun, Captain?”

  “No time for that. We have important business.”

  Jason pouted but didn’t argue further.

  The Logan glided into the harbor, and Jason quickly dropped the anchor, seg the ship at the dock.

  “All set, Captain!” he called out.

  Rojen nodded and leaped down, the cat perched quietly on his shoulder.

  As the two of them stepped onto solid ground, they took in the sights of the busy port. People bustled about, moving in every dire, creating an endless stream of activity. At a gnce, Rojen ted at least four other ships docked nearby.

  “What a lively little town,” he mused with a smirk.

  Jason grinned. “Of course! Alster Isnd is probably one of the most prosperous isnds in the South Blue.”

  Rojen nodded as they made their way toward the market, searg for supplies.

  Suddenly, the cat on his shoulder stirred.

  “What’s wrong, cat?”

  “Meow.”

  The little creature stretched out a paw, pointing toward a pastry shop on the side of the street, its golden eyes filled with anticipation.

  Rojen chuckled. “I don’t even know who the real captain is anymore. Maybe I should start calling you ‘Lordling.’”

  “Meow.”

  (End of Chapter)

  You read ahead up to 15 chapters on my Patreon and I've also activated a (date-to-date) subscription model on my Patreon https:///darkshadow6395