The soft touch on her cheek and the faint fragrance lingering at the tip of her nose improved Charlotte Linlin's mood considerably, and she replied:
"I'm thinking about our next journey."
"Then what are our plans for later?" Gloriosa asked curiously.
Charlotte Linlin looked up at the azure sky, her tone filled with anticipation:
"We'll rest on the island for a few days, and once our new ship is completely finished, we'll take the whole crew and begin our first voyage in the New World!"
...One month later, at the Hachinosu Island ship repair port.
The morning light spilled over the shimmering sea, where a magnificent giant ship sat quietly moored in the harbor. It possessed a unique ancient Chinese architectural style, with layered eaves and brackets, and carved beams and painted rafters, looking completely different from the surrounding pirate ships, like a floating water palace.
Under Charlotte Linlin's lead, a group of Damselettes of varying appearances stepped onto the gangway connecting to the giant ship. Most of them from Nine Snake Island, they were all shocked by the giant vessel before them.
"Is... is this our future ship?" one Damselette said, covering her small mouth, her eyes wide with wonder.
"It's, it's so big!" another Damselette exclaimed.
"Yeah! It's more than double the size of our Perfume Yuda!"
"More than double, it feels several times larger!"
"Look at that deckhouse, it's so high! It's like a mountain!"
"Is this really a ship? It's practically like a castle floating on the sea!"
The Damselettes chattered away, their excitement palpable.
Kurozumi Mushi, dressed in an elegant kimono, walked at the front, respectfully introducing the flagship that had been meticulously modified according to Charlotte Linlin's suggestions.
"Lady Linlin, in accordance with your instructions, we have removed all the broadside gun ports, keeping only the most powerful main cannon."
Kurozumi Mushi pointed at the figurehead, "Look at the figurehead."
Everyone's gaze followed. It was a lifelike giant dragon statue; its stone-carved scales glinted darkly in the sun, and the dragon's eyes were piercing and majestic.
What was most peculiar was that the dragon's mouth was wide open, with a thick, pitch-black cannon barrel extending from deep within its throat, emitting a heart-palpitating chill.
"The main cannon 'Dragon Roar' is hidden here. Its caliber and power far exceed those of ordinary warships; a single strike is enough to shake a fortress," Kurozumi Mushi introduced, a hint of pride in her voice.
"The entire keel and key structures use the adam tree, ensuring absolute sturdiness. The hull design references the 'fuchuan' style you provided, with a low center of gravity and excellent stability, capable of resisting the violent storms of the New World.
The deck space is spacious, enough to satisfy the activity needs of the giants. The interior has been decorated to the highest standards, with all necessary living facilities provided."
Charlotte Linlin nodded in satisfaction, her gaze sweeping over her Crew members:
"Alright, everyone go and pick the rooms you like!"
Everyone left excitedly to choose their rooms; even the two giants, Gölz and Ripley, walked into the rooms belonging to them.
"What? You're not going to see your room?" Charlotte Linlin looked at Gloriosa, who was still sitting on her shoulder.
When did her shoulder become this woman's exclusive seat? Although she didn't hate it.
"I want to live in the same room as Linlin!"
Gloriosa immediately hugged Charlotte Linlin's arm and announced loudly, her mature little face filled with a child's stubbornness.
"Wow! first mate, that's so cunning!" hearing Gloriosa's declaration, the Heavenly Calamity Pirates Crew members turned and said teasingly.
"Exactly! So despicable! You actually want to monopolize Lady Linlin!"
"We also want to be closer to the Captain!"
The other Female Warriors joined in the commotion, laughing and teasing Gloriosa for being "unreasonable."
Charlotte Linlin smiled helplessly and eventually ruffled her hair:
"Fine, fine, have it your way."
"Yay! I love Linlin the most!" Gloriosa cheered happily.
"I also really want to live with Linlin..."
On the other side, Gölz looked at the happy Gloriosa with envy. But she knew it was impossible because she couldn't fit into Charlotte Linlin's room at all.
"This room is really nice, even better than my place back in Elbaf!" Ripley stood with hands on her hips, looking around the room prepared for her with a hearty smile on her face.
The other Crew members also found rooms they were satisfied with, full of praise for the interior space and comfort of the new ship.
After everyone had settled in, Charlotte Linlin stood beneath the dragon head at the bow, the sea breeze blowing through her long pink hair. She surveyed every member on the deck—Gloriosa, Ripley, Gölz, and all the Nine Snake Island Damselettes and other Crew members who followed her.
She took a deep breath and gave the order loudly, her voice clearly reaching across the entire deck:
"Heavenly Punishment Pirates—"
"Set sail! Depart!"
The massive sails were slowly raised by the sailors, filling with the sea breeze and making a billowing sound. This dragon ship, a fusion of Eastern and Western styles, carrying everyone's dreams and ambitions, slowly sailed away from the port.
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