Chapter 660: Ryuunosuke's Energy, Island Information!
When Ryuunosuke recruited people, there was always one common thread.
No matter who joined, he would obtain the best ability from that person.
And Merlin was no exception.
Merlin's research ability was terrifying on its own, but compared to that, her boundless magic was the true treasure. The system was not stupid. It copied that ability immediately.
Even if Ryuunosuke's soul did not belong to this world, his body absolutely did.
In other words, if they used Ryuunosuke's energy, it should not be restricted by the laws of this world.
"Try it with my energy," Ryuunosuke said, lifting a hand.
"Alright, we've been waiting for the captain to say that," Merlin replied, eyes bright with expectation.
"Honestly, that's what I think too."
"If I can't use my energy, then we try yours."
"But since it's dangerous, we needed to talk to you first."
As he spoke, Merlin quickly switched on the surrounding instruments.
One by one, cables and devices linked together, and ominous looking lines of data began to flicker across the displays.
"Dangerous?" Ryuunosuke asked, genuinely confused.
"What danger is there in this experiment?"
"It's just me releasing my own energy so the crystals can absorb it."
"And whether it's quality or quantity, I can handle it."
"For you, it might not count as danger," Merlin said casually.
"But once your energy is linked to the crystal, it can't be severed."
"If the crystal can't be completed, Captain, you won't be able to leave this experiment."
"And if the energy is not enough, it will drain you completely."
While speaking, Merlin fastened a special bracelet around Ryuunosuke's wrist.
"Captain, I'm about to start the engine," Merlin reminded him.
"Once it starts, you can't use your energy elsewhere for a while, and you have to keep the output high at all times."
"I see." Ryuunosuke nodded.
"But before we start, let me do something first."
He turned and vanished.
Of course, he returned only seconds later.
"Let's begin," Ryuunosuke said calmly.
A new Heart of Eternity.
No matter what danger it carried, he believed it was worth the risk.
And keeping his energy output high was hardly a problem.
…
Not long after, Ryuunosuke returned to the deck.
"Captain, has the problem been resolved?" Najenda asked the instant she saw him.
"Mm. It's almost done," Ryuunosuke replied.
"Is everything arranged on your side?"
"It's all arranged," Najenda said quickly.
"And some new problems have appeared."
"Mr. Garp and his team have gone to the Red Line to investigate why it's sinking."
"Admiral Borsalino, Kuzan, who has regained his admiral status, and Fleet Admiral Sakazuki are investigating the Guardians and dealing with the Sea Kings."
"Besides the pirate situation, the Navy is unusually active."
"Our people are all available to assist. Any intelligence will reach us immediately."
"The pirates are mainly moving because of the Four Emperors…"
As Najenda reported everything she had compiled, Ryuunosuke's expression turned thoughtful.
The disturbances at sea had dragged the entire world into a vortex.
Whether they wanted to participate or not, everyone was already caught in it.
Ryuunosuke was not especially worried about the Navy.
Those men were cautious and calculating. The moment things looked even slightly wrong, they would retreat.
As for the Guardians, they probably did not have time to focus on the Navy now.
Ryuunosuke and his people were almost there.
The Four Emperors' movements felt more like preparations for self preservation.
"I understand," Ryuunosuke said, taking a slow breath.
"Let me know if anything changes."
"Understood, Captain. I'll go handle the other matters." Najenda bowed her head slightly, then left at once.
"Captain Ryuunosuke, you're really busy," a familiar voice said, half joking.
Jay, the original, appeared beside him.
"Busy?" Ryuunosuke sighed and waved a hand.
"I love being lazy so much I don't even want to be busy."
Then his eyes sharpened slightly.
"Mr. Jay, how much longer until we arrive?"
"At our current speed, two days," Jay replied.
"But the Guardians will probably come to stop us soon."
"There might even be battles."
There was a hint of amusement in his voice.
Of course, he did not believe ordinary Guardians could stop Ryuunosuke's advance.
But the moment the Guardians moved, the clash would erupt.
At that point, stopping would be impossible.
"A fight?" Ryuunosuke looked out at the sea and smiled.
"I'm actually starting to look forward to it."
Two days.
They would reach the island where the Guardians lived.
Roger and his crew would probably show up too.
As that thought crossed his mind, Ryuunosuke remembered two other people.
Snap.
He raised his hand and snapped his fingers.
In the next moment, two figures appeared in front of him.
They were former members of the Guardian team, Keshia and Brook.
"Captain Ryuunosuke?!" The two of them looked confused, clearly startled by being dragged here so suddenly.
They had been inside the Ark of Eternity, planning to rest.
There was nothing they could do right now. Sleeping early was better than lingering in that tense, awkward atmosphere.
"We have two more days before we reach the island where the Guardians reside," Ryuunosuke said, getting straight to the point.
"Is there anything you can tell me about it?"
"Greedwach Island?" Brook said, helplessness in his tone.
"To be honest, we don't know much either."
"Back then, Keshia and I were always on opposite sides."
"And I never cared much about the island's affairs. Other than going back occasionally, I didn't pay attention."
"Greedwach?" Keshia repeated, then nodded.
"I know a little."
"Besides the outposts near the coastline, most of the interior is restricted."
"Without permission, no one is allowed to enter."
"Except Boss Jeff."
"But I've been inside once."
"So there is something special," Ryuunosuke said immediately.
"What stands out about the island?"
"Special…" Keshia's eyes narrowed as she recalled it.
"Maybe I never reached the truly special places."
"First, there's a forest. I only stayed on the outskirts and never entered."
"But that forest gave me a terrible feeling."
"Second, there are Aragami on the island. Not the copies Vegapunk made, the real ones."
"And finally, the place where the Blessing Mark is bestowed is also on that island."
"Forest, Aragami, Blessing Mark…" Ryuunosuke repeated softly.
"Did you all receive the Blessing inside the island?"
"The timing was similar, but I did it inside too," Brook said, nodding.
"Others said it was done at the meteor impact site, but by the time I arrived, that place was already gone."
"It was a special space."
"And that space should also be in Greedwach."