The thunderous roar of the Buster Call's cannons continued unabated. Near the edge of the forbidden sea, a massive merchant ship was approaching. At this distance, the three burning islands were clearly visible—FranS Island, Sasu Island, and Landis Island.
A young man stood at the prow, gripping an iron pipe, his expression unusually grim. "Too late? The Marines actually launched a Buster Call..."
Silently, Bartholomew Kuma appeared behind him, his tone indifferent but tinged with gloom. "Interfering with the Landis Island incident will be extremely difficult. What should we do?"
"Since I'm here, I have to try. I'll cause some trouble for the Buster Call fleet. Whether they can seize a sliver of hope is up to them," Sabo said calmly. Though he had witnessed many tragic nations, the putridity of the divine authority always filled him with deep disgust.
This world had to change.
"Do you need me to do anything?" Kuma asked.
"No. I've brought help. Just stay safe," Sabo replied, confidence gleaming in his eyes. The Buster Call was fearsome, but if he could find its weakness, it wasn't invincible.
"Understood. Also, Crocodile has become an enemy of the World Government. I suggest reaching out to him. And if we can't save the Lantisians... their queen is an incredibly powerful warrior. But due to past misunderstandings, she likely harbors ill will toward the Revolutionary Army. I'm not suited to approach her again, but if the misunderstanding can be cleared, she could become our most loyal ally."
"Got it."
Meanwhile, in the nearby waters, a luxurious ship, escorted by two Marine vessels not part of the Buster Call, entered the forbidden sea.
Saint Desmiere, wearing his bubble helmet, gazed at the fiery islands with ecstatic glee. "What a spectacle! The real thing is so much better. This Buster Call is truly magnificent. I want the authority to launch one whenever I please. If I want a show, I'll just order a Buster Call on some island. How delightful! Hurry, let's get closer!"
"Your Excellency, the Buster Call is still ongoing. It's best not to approach too closely to avoid accidental harm," a well-dressed steward said nervously, his voice trembling. This was his first time witnessing a Buster Call up close.
"Accidental harm? They wouldn't dare! Move closer! I want to join their little bombing party—fire a few shots myself! Crush those lowly scum who dared destroy my Den Den Mushi! Ahahaha..." Saint Desmire wasn't afraid—he was exhilarated.
And the word of a Celestial Dragon was absolute. No one dared disobey.
"It actually works..." Queen Hathaway murmured, sucking the blood dripping from Rosen's slit wrist. To an outsider, the sight would have been horrifying.
But Rosen felt nothing. Blood could always be replenished.
With the sixfold vitality boost and Rosen's non-toxic blood, a faint crimson glow enveloped Hathaway like a mist. Her grievous wounds were already showing signs of healing.
Rosen was amazed—and deeply puzzled. What kind of experiment could have produced two such vastly different powerhouses as Charles and Hathaway?
The Celestial Dragons? Unlikely. Most of them were incompetent, spoiled brats.
He suspected both Hathaway and Charles were unintended, uncontrollable anomalies.
"What do you think of the plan?" Rosen had already outlined it to her—a highly risky scheme.
"I'm fine with it. But if I die... please do your best to save the Lantisians. Even a handful would suffice. Though I'm sorry—I have nothing to repay you with," Hathaway said coolly, stating a simple fact.
"Only the living can repay debts. The dead are useless to me. So survive—your people still need you. But first, find a proper weapon. The other warriors should be ready to move soon. Let's begin."
"Agreed." Hathaway rose, the crimson glow around her intensifying. Though not fully healed, Rosen's blood—from a powerful awakened user—had triggered her into a temporary burst state.
But this wasn't the time to unleash it. She restrained herself, waiting for the right moment.
Soon after, Hathaway and her warriors boarded the Dawn.
"Your mission is critical," she told them. "Take control of these pirate ships—they're our people's hope."
"Your Majesty, we wish to fight alongside you!" one warrior protested stubbornly.
"Does my command mean nothing? Another act of defiance, and you'll no longer be Lantisians." Her voice turned icy, radiating an intimidating aura.
"But—"
"You have a greater task. I trust you more than these pirates. Don't disappoint me—and don't make me repeat myself."
"...Yes." Under her unwavering will, the warriors had no choice. To them, their identity as Lantisians outweighed life itself.
A Lantisian without their queen was meaningless.
"This is a fine blade." Hathaway took the weapon Rosen handed her. With a single swing, a devastating slash split the sea, carving a chasm into the waters.
"Who the hell is she?! That's insane! Where did the boss find such a monster?!" Mr. 5 gulped, whispering to Valentine and Robin.
"Just looking at her makes me feel like I've brushed death multiple times. Why is that?" Valentine wiped cold sweat from her brow. The natural pressure of Conqueror's Haki was overwhelming.
"That's one of the twelve Supreme Grade blades—priceless. So if you don't want me to suffer a huge loss, come back alive. It's just a loan—you'll return it."
Rosen had lent her the blade because only in her hands could it unleash its full potential. For now, it was more a collector's item to him.
Hathaway's swordsmanship was peerless. He trusted she'd wield it perfectly—and that would boost their plan's success rate.
If they succeeded and the Lantisians were saved, any future endeavors would become far easier.
"Nothing will stop me." Her confidence was unshakable. Even if this was a suicide mission, her resolve was transcendent.
"Whether the golden cicada sheds its shell depends on you now. Good luck—I'll prepare as well." Rosen smirked, pleased with her attitude. Win or lose, she'd charge forward.
This was no woman easily broken—not even by despair.
(End of Chapter)
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