One Piece: Nobody has more Devil Fruits than me.

The East Blue is not only home to pirates, but also to cockroaches hiding in the shadows of the dark underworld!

Chapter 31 The Demon Pirate Flag

Armaments are semi-circulated supplies that are hard to find in ordinary places. Pirates usually go to the nearby black market to replenish their supplies.

The local black market is a favorite haunt of arms dealers, slave owners, and even pirate hunters.

In this sea area, even the slightest disturbance will spread like wildfire.

Russell returned from the black market with a full load of goods, and his men were all excitedly shouting when they heard they were going to the black market.

Although there are supplies in Cocoa West Village, they are not plentiful. The local specialty is oranges, which are delicious, but you can't eat oranges every meal.

The most frustrating thing is having just received a large sum of money but having nowhere to spend it.

After finishing up the matter in Cocoyasi Village, Russell stayed in Nochigao's room for two days before setting up camp at the port.

Then Bucky and his friends' nightmare began. They lay sprawled on the wooden planks, their eyes fixed on the sky, looking as if they had lost all their dreams.

"I said, don't you guys feel like the captain is just using us as punching bags?"

Bucky couldn't help but mutter to himself.

Kabaji couldn't even lift the knife. "I just realized... he talks about training, but he's using excessive force."

"We were just a bunch of lazy bums before, but we're definitely going to head to the Grand Line, or even the New World. We need to level up, because the New World is full of monsters."

Bucky comforted himself, and even came up with an excuse for Russell.

The so-called great Confucian scholars debated the classics.

Despite saying that, Bucky still looked pained.

After being thoroughly trained by Russell, the so-called mandatory training for combatants of the Demon Pirates was almost like using them as punching bags.

Even when he was being trained by Vice-Captain Rayleigh on Roger's ship, he had never been this badly treated.

"...and this is assuming the captain seems to be in a good mood."

"Alas, the hard times are just beginning."

Of course, they grew to like this hard life more and more. Not only did their pirate life have something to look forward to, but they also received a lot of money.

That's what makes being a pirate truly enjoyable.

"Yes, it's perfect weather for going out to sea."

Russell, of course, had no idea what Bucky was whispering about, and even if he did, he wouldn't bother to care.

However, Bucky was right about one thing: he was indeed in a good mood. Otherwise, why were his legs trembling when he left home this morning?

It's been over twenty years, and I've finally been able to eat meat.

From the moment he transmigrated to this world, he was trapped on that desolate island, surrounded by nothing but wild beasts, with not a single creature that could speak human language.

In the years following his adoptive father's death, he almost forgot what the human voice sounded like.

Until now.

The woman he had embraced, the wine he had drunk, the power he had plundered—every sip was a flavor.

The development of Devil Fruits is also progressing very smoothly.

Based on the Plunder Fruit, the Chop-Chop Fruit's wonderful uses are not only in battle, but most importantly in everyday functionality.

Limbs, torso, head... For Russell, who has mastered multiple powers, he can perfectly resolve the problem of being proficient in many things but not in any one. He practices swordsmanship with his left hand and fist fighting with his right, honing his physical skills. It's simply perfect.

If I had to point out anything I'm not satisfied with...

"That's impressive!"

Bertrand Russell muttered to himself.

Since setting sail, he has encountered quite a few formidable opponents, including Bogart, Brigadier General White, and that CP0 member, but he has only scratched the surface of them and has never truly mastered them.

The moment he came closest to being domineering was when he instinctively dodged the Seastone bullets; that was the rudimentary form of Observation Haki, which he could sense.

One more spark is needed.

If he encounters another domineering opponent and they have a real fight, he should be able to break through that barrier.

"Strength, speed, Devil Fruits... all of these are increasing, but Haki is the only true passport in this world. Logia-type Devil Fruit users without Haki are sitting ducks; without Armament Haki, they can't penetrate the monsters' defenses. I need to hurry."

Otherwise, if you encounter someone who can transform into elements, you can only run away.

Of course, there's another problem.

We know that the dog-headed lieutenant general is in the East China Sea. If we encounter him on the open sea, we're in big trouble.

Both CP0 and the Navy's Six Powers are just for show. Russell even suspected that their enthusiasm for the Six Powers was based on watching Garp's blacksmithing demo in God Valley.

That guy's six techniques are truly terrifying.

His brief encounter with Bogart left an impression on him; that punch still left a lasting impression.

"Physical strength, Haki, and Devil Fruit power—only when all three are strong can one be truly strong!"

"Only children make choices; I want them all!"

"The potential of the Plunder Fruit is unpredictable. As long as I have time, it can keep developing. However, I already have too many Paramecia-type Devil Fruits. When will I get some other types of Devil Fruits that are a little more unique?"

Just thinking about it makes me excited.

Still excited,

"Captain Russell!"

A voice came from the dock.

"Ok?"

Russell looked up and saw the woman jogging over, carrying a rolled-up banner.

"It's Nojiko."

Russell grinned.

She wore a crisp white shirt today, and whether it was because she was too well-endowed or because she ran too fast, two buttons were dangling precariously, revealing faint traces near her collarbone.

People in this world are really physically strong. Last night they were complaining of having no energy, but after a while they were full of energy again.

Of course, he is also involved in this matter.

So he said, "Work is never-ending. If you're tired, you should take a break. Didn't you say your legs were weak this morning?"

"..."

Nokiko's face, which was already slightly out of breath, became even redder.

However, in the past two days she has figured out Russell's personality. To put it simply, he is not a bad person and has a bit of a sense of humor. When Nojiko was curious about why he became a pirate, Russell replied that it was out of interest.

After several days and nights of close contact, they could hardly be considered strangers. She rolled her eyes at Russell.

"The pirate flag is ready."

Nokiko unfolded the fabric, a hint of self-satisfaction on her face. "Take a look and see how it is."

The fabric was revealed.

On the black canvas, in the center is a grinning demon skull with two curved demon horns on its forehead and scarlet flames burning in its eye sockets.

A skull crossed a blood-red sword, resembling the cursed sword Muramasa.

It was designed and manufactured entirely according to Russell's ideas.

Russell reached out and touched the fabric. It felt thick and the edges were neatly finished. "Not bad. The artist who made this flag is quite skilled. The details are all there."

The most important things for a pirate are his ship, crew, and flag. Right now, all that's missing is to upgrade his ship.

Russell exclaimed happily, "Bucky, raise our pirate flag!"

Soon, the World Government's flag was replaced with the pirate flag.

That's when it's complete.

Chapter 32 Oh, it's the Newspaper King!

"Who drew this? There's a reward!"

Russell looked at the flag and nodded in satisfaction.

There's an aesthetic element to it.

Before Nochiko could answer, Russell, who was still on the recliner, pulled her into his arms.

She gasped and collapsed onto Russell.

He instinctively struggled for a moment, but found he couldn't break free at all. The group of pirates around him were still winking and shouting, so he could only blush and shrink back against Russell.

“Nami drew it,” Nojiko said.

That makes sense.

For Nami, who has been drawing nautical charts since she was a child, drawing skills are of course not a problem, but I didn't expect her to be willing to draw.