Brook looked at the Mortomas family. At this point, the World Economy News Paper was still in its early days, not yet the dominant "Big News" powerhouse it would become in the Great Pirate Era. It had yet to rise to the ranks of the Six Kings of the Underworld.
"Mr. Mortomas, I feel a strange sense of familiarity with Morgans. I'd like to take him as my foster son. Would that be alright? Of course, this will stay between us. I won't make it public."
Brook stepped forward and gently teased the baby Morgans in Monis' arms. Monis, Mortomas' wife, was a kind and virtuous woman.
"Mr. Brook, it would be Morgans' honor. You're our family's savior. From now on, we are family."
Mortomas was thrilled. The idea of forming such a close bond with his idol filled him with excitement.
Monis also felt reassured. With someone as powerful as Brook guiding Morgans, he could serve as a beacon for the child. Right now, the World Economy News Paper was under severe suppression by the World Government. They were in a precarious position and needed alternative paths for survival.
"Yes, yes! Brook-san! From now on, you're Morgans' godfather!"
Mortomas rubbed his hands together excitedly, clearly pleased with the arrangement.
"I understand your current predicament. I'll expand my forces as quickly as possible and secure an island in the sky. You'll have a safe haven there."
Brook made this promise, though in his heart, he was already planning to bring the up-and-coming World Economy News Paper under his wing.
"Sky Island? Brook-san, Sky Island is just a myth! You can't believe those wild rumors. It's a dangerous gamble!"
In this era, even someone like Mortomas, the head of a major news agency, had never found any credible reports confirming the existence of Sky Island.
"Leave it to me. For now, when you reach Sabaody Archipelago, you must be extra cautious. Lay low for a while."
Brook played with baby Morgans for a while before moving on to the next topic.
"Sabaody Archipelago should have Eternal Poses for sale, right?"
Right now, Brook needed to expand his crew as quickly as possible. He couldn't afford to visit islands one by one following the standard sea routes—it would waste too much time.
"Brook-san, leave that to me. I have some connections. Just tell me which island's Eternal Pose you need, and I'll get it for you!"
Mortomas patted his chest, taking full responsibility. Brook also mentioned wanting to purchase a batch of Den Den Mushi, which Mortomas gladly agreed to handle.
With that, the two ships set sail for Sabaody Archipelago, one following the other. The pirate ship Brook had captured had already been stripped of its Jolly Roger and was now flying the World Economy News Paper's iconic seagull emblem.
Brook had successfully made it through his first day of interacting with people, gained a new crewmember, and taken his first step forward.
...
"Brook-san, we've arrived at Sabaody Archipelago."
Brook stepped out of the captain's quarters and was met with the sight of a massive red tree dominating the horizon.
The Yarukiman Mangrove—hailed as the largest tree in the world. Its roots remained exposed above the water, collecting soil and forming the foundation of Sabaody Archipelago.
Sabaody's most distinctive feature was the natural resin secreted by the Yarukiman Mangrove's roots as part of its respiration. This resin expanded into bubbles that floated into the sky. It was also the key material used to coat pirate ships, allowing them to pass through Fish-Man Island.
However, these bubbles could only exist within Sabaody's unique climate. The moment they drifted beyond the archipelago's atmospheric conditions, they would lose their properties and burst.
"How spectacular!!"
This was also Brook's first time visiting this island, and he was utterly amazed. Words couldn't describe the overwhelming sight before him.
"There are 79 areas here, each controlled by different forces. Our news agency headquarters is located on area 49, right on the tourist street."
Mortomas introduced the area to Brook as their ship docked at area 50. They had arranged for a shipyard to take care of their vessel.
As for the kidnapped slaves, Mortomas ordered a guard to escort them to the Marine base located in the 60s sector and leave them there.
...
The Sabaody Archipelago was clearly divided into different zones:
1 to 29: Black market territory, including human trafficking shops and auctions.
30 to 39: Recreational areas, such as the Soap Bubble Park.
40 to 49: Tourist attractions and specialty shops.
50 to 59: Shipyards and coating craftsmen.
60 to 69: Marine bases and government access points.
70 to 79: Hotels and lodging areas.
Mortomas and his family, along with the remaining guards, led Brook and Antonio back to the headquarters of the World Economy News Agency.
This gave them a sense of security. With ample protection here, the World Government wouldn't dare to launch a blatant attack on them.
Brook found the island incredibly fascinating. Bubble cars, a bubble Ferris wheel, houses built on bubbles... The bubble culture was infused into every part of Sabaody!
He exchanged the treasure he had taken from the Disco Pirates with Mortomas for tens of millions of Belly in cash before heading out with Antonio to explore the island.
Brook's appearance had changed significantly. His once dark skin had turned pale, he had lost his signature top hat, and his afro was now tied back in a style reminiscent of a low-budget Yasuo. With this transformation, no one should recognize him immediately.
At a nearby clothing store, he and Antonio picked out new outfits. Brook chose a crisp white shirt, a black overcoat, tailored trousers, and sturdy boots. Antonio did the same, and they both emerged looking refreshed and renewed.
"Thank you, Captain!"
Antonio was overjoyed. This was better than anything his parents had ever done for him.
"Use your ability. Listen carefully—where do you hear the most Den Den Mushi activity?"
Den Den Mushi, being a strategic resource, was primarily sold on the black market. Legitimate shops were scarce, mostly operated under the World Government's supervision to supply the Marines and merchants. These official stores were heavily patrolled, making it difficult for pirates to purchase them openly.
"Understood, Captain."
Mortomas had suggested simply buying some Den Den Mushi from a store, but Brook wanted more. So, he decided to seek out the black market as well, bringing Antonio along for the search.
"Captain, I hear them! Lots of little snails chatting! I'll lead the way!"
Dressed in his new clothes, Antonio was brimming with excitement, eager to carry out Brook's orders. He weaved through the streets, making quick turns, and soon they arrived at the lawless zone in the 20s sector.
Since this island was a crucial stop before entering the New World, it attracted all kinds of people—pirates, merchants, bounty hunters, and even human traffickers. The trade of humans, rare races, merfolk, and fish-men was an open secret here.
In many ways, this island was rotten to the core. The Celestial Dragons frequently visited to handpick slaves, fueling its prosperity while deepening its corruption.
"Captain, I found it!"
Antonio's excited voice drew unwanted attention. Several figures turned their heads toward them, making him shrink behind Brook in fear.
Brook's ghostly blue eyes swept across the crowd. The temperature seemed to drop several degrees in an instant. The onlookers, sensing danger, hurriedly averted their gazes and went back to minding their own business.