One Piece: Bai Ye Deputy Captain of the Straw Hats

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

Luffy's excitement soared when he learned that Brook was a musician. Amidst his persistent questioning, Brook explained why he couldn't join them immediately: "A few years ago, someone stole my shadow."

"Your shadow was taken away?" Usopp and Chopper exchanged puzzled looks.

Robin chimed in, "Considering we've encountered a talking, moving skeleton, the existence of someone with the power to steal shadows isn't far-fetched. We even have someone aboard who can animate paper figures."

Bai Ye: ....

Brook continued, "I'd love to join Mr. Luffy and all of you on your adventures and see Laboon as soon as possible. However, without my shadow, I can't be exposed to sunlight. If sunlight touches me, I'll evaporate. I've witnessed it myself, and it's terrifying—enough to make my hair stand on end."

"Though, of course, I don't have any hair, yohohoho!"

Brook then turned back to Luffy, "Could you possibly wait a while? I've never been able to defeat the person who took my shadow, but this time, for Laboon's sake, I'm determined to create a miracle. Is that alright, Mr. Luffy?"

"No, I refuse!" Luffy answered without hesitation.

"Yohohoho, such a cold response! My heart feels chilled, though I don't have one..."

Before Brook could continue, Luffy spoke up again, "If your shadow has been taken, then we'll just have to help you get it back. That's what crewmates are for!"

With those words, the atmosphere aboard the ship shifted dramatically, signaling a new resolve among the Straw Hat Pirates.

Bai Ye walked over, patted Brook on the shoulder, and said with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry too much. That's just how Luffy is. You'll get used to it."

Zoro, with a slight grin, chimed in, "After all this talk, are we finally going to fight?"

Sanji, clearing away the dishes, looked towards Luffy and remarked, "This is definitely your style, Luffy."

Robin, resting her chin on her hand, added, "Luffy is really too fascinated with Brook."

Nami, looking somewhat exasperated, sighed, "You guys spoil him too much. He doesn't even know who the enemy is yet."

"It might be time for Sogeking to make a comeback," Usopp declared, sparking excitement in Merry and Chopper, who both cheered, "Awesome, Usopp!!!"

Luffy stood up, energized by the support, "Alright! Now that we've decided, let's set sail! Sunshine Merry, let's conquer this devil's triangle together!"

"Aye, Aye!!!" everyone shouted in unison.

Amidst the enthusiastic responses, Brook felt a surge of emotion. "Yohoho, Mr. Luffy and everyone are just awesome!!! But please allow me to refuse."

"What are you talking about? You're too polite," Luffy responded with a puzzled look.

Brook shook his head. "It's not about politeness, Mr. Luffy. The problem is — the opponent is too strong!"

Pausing for second, he continued, "Though I've been stuck here for decades, I know that my enemy is a formidable pirate, recognized by the World Government and as powerful as the navy. He is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea! How can I let you face such a powerful opponent just for my sake!"

But at this moment, the expressions of the Straw Hat Pirates were completely different from what Brook had imagined.

They don't seem... scared at all?!

Usopp casually slung an arm around Brook's skeletal shoulders, chuckling heartily. "Hahahaha, you're really funny!" He gestured towards Luffy, Bai Ye, Zoro, and Sanji, and added, "You might not know, but these four here just had a standoff with an admiral of the navy not too long ago!"

"An admiral," Usopp continued, eyes twinkling with pride, "represents the pinnacle of the World Government's military might!"

"And before that battle, Luffy and Bai Ye's bounties were already over 100 million!"

Usopp then proudly produced a well-worn newspaper detailing the Straw Hats' exploits and handed it to Brook.

After a moment of reading, Brook burst into laughter, "Yohoho! I had no idea you were such formidable pirates! You've shocked me so much, my heart might have stopped—if I had one, that is!"

He then turned to Bai Ye with a curious look and asked, "Just one thing I'm curious about. Did you really answer those three famous questions before joining Mr. Luffy?"

Bai Ye, taken aback, looked bewildered. "???"

He glanced at Usopp, frustration evident. "Usopp, you fool, you still kept the 'Straw Hat Special'? Didn't I tell you to burn all those?"

Usopp, grinning sheepishly, replied, "But it's really fun! Hey, hey, hey, Bai Ye, calm down, no need for the golden light!"

Golden Light Curse—The Vice Captain's Punishment!!

Brook, sensing the tension, looked around nervously and asked, "Um, did I say something wrong?"

Luffy, unable to contain his laughter, roared with amusement. "Hahaha, now that you mention it, I'm also curious what the problem is!"

Bai Ye, exasperated, exclaimed, "??? You're in trouble too!!!"

...

As the group huddled around on the deck, Luffy, nursing a noticeable bump on his head, turned to Brook with curiosity glowing in his eyes. "So, the guy who took your shadow is one of the Shichibukai, Gecko Moria?"

"Yes," Brook confirmed with a nod, a solemn look crossing his bony face. "He was the one who severed my shadow from me."

Nami, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, chimed in. "Cut off someone's shadow? How does that even work?"

Just then, Bai Ye's voice cut through the confusion, bringing with it answers. "It's Moria's ability from the Shadow-Shadow Fruit. He can steal people's shadows and place them into other bodies, animate or inanimate, effectively creating an army of shadow-powered zombies."

As he explained, Bai Ye produced a book from seemingly nowhere, its cover worn but clearly titled.

"Is that the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia?" Sanji asked, recognizing the familiar tome. He remembered seeing one like it before.

"Yes," Bai Ye confirmed with a nod. "When we were at Enies Lobby, Spandam gave me not just Mr. Tom's notes but also a trove of information from the CP9 files, including this encyclopedia."

With a flick of his wrist, Bai Ye then produced several papers. "I also have some detailed files on the Seven Warlords of the Sea, including Moria. It just so happens I brought a copy along."