"Captain, we can already see Reverse Mountain ahead. Should we stop and make some preparations, or charge straight in?" Kadun stepped out of the cabin, holding a map and comparing it to the surroundings.
Weiss paused in thought. "Let's make some preparations first. Reverse Mountain isn't something you can approach carelessly—one mistake, and the ship's done for. Better to play it safe."
"Understood, Captain. Once we get close, I'll look for the ascending sea current and let you know as soon as I find it. Should take about a minute—I've crossed Reverse Mountain before, I know it well." Kadun patted his chest confidently.
Weiss walked to the bow of the ship. In the distance, a vast red continent stretched across the sea, circling the globe and dividing the world into two halves.
For pirates from the Four Seas to reach the New World, there are only two routes: through the Calm Belt or over Reverse Mountain.
Reverse Mountain has four powerful ascending sea currents that can lift ships upward—but the waters are wild. Any vessel that's even slightly subpar risks being torn apart.
Most pirates make repairs and conduct full checks before attempting the climb, not wanting to make an irreparable mistake at the worst possible time.
As for the Chris, there wasn't much need to worry. Since setting sail, the ship hadn't seen much battle—aside from a few scratches from storms, everything had been repaired.
This "preparation" phase was more of a reconnaissance—seeing how others tackled the currents. Even if Kadun had crossed it once, Weiss preferred caution over risk.
---
As they neared Reverse Mountain, despite the Navy's mass purge in Loguetown and blockade efforts, five or six pirate ships floated idly nearby.
Each ship remained motionless on the water. Some were hesitant, unsure how to proceed. Others simply wanted to watch and let someone else go first.
Everyone knew that beyond the natural threats of the sea—storms, tsunamis—the greatest danger was other people. No one could guarantee that someone wouldn't fire a couple of cannonballs as you rode the current, destroying your ship.
And even without enemy fire, the ascending current was so fast that even a slight deviation in course could send your ship crashing into the cliffs.
"Captain, I've found a suitable current. We just need to steer into it. Should we take care of the other pirate ships first?" Kadun asked.
"No need. They're not a threat to us."
"Jack, once we hit the current, lower the sails immediately," Weiss ordered.
As for Karina—for now, she'd play the role of the ship's lucky charm.
"Alright, brothers—let's head for the Grand Line!" Weiss commanded.
"Awoo! Aye aye, Captain!" Kadun howled with excitement. This was his second time entering the Grand Line.
"Yes, Captain," Jack responded coolly, as always.
Meanwhile, on a nearby pirate ship:
"Captain, that ship's moving! What should we do?" one crewmate asked.
The scar-faced captain grinned. "What do you think? We follow them. If they've got the guts to go first, we go too."
"Captain's the best!"
"Captain's so badass!"
"Captain, have my babies!"
The cheering pirates quieted as the captain coughed. "Which pirate crew is that, anyway?"
"It's not a pirate ship, sir. Their flag says 'Rescuers/Rescue Ship,'" a lookout replied.
"Oh? Then we wait. If they're not pirates, why rush? Let them scout the path for us."
---
Back aboard the Chris, Weiss remained unaware of the pirates' chatter. The ship was already drifting toward the ascending current.
"Kadun, I'll take the helm. You direct the route. Jack, stay alert—if any pirate tries anything, take them out."
"What about me?" Karina asked, clearly eager. Everyone else had a role, and she didn't want to be left out.
"You…" Weiss hesitated. He hadn't planned to involve her, but seeing her excitement, he didn't want to dampen her spirits. "Stick with Jack. He'll give you a gun. If enemies appear, help fend them off."
The ship gained speed. Even without the sails, it was accelerating unnaturally fast. The current's pull grew stronger, like a great hand trying to drag them into the abyss.
Foamy waves crashed around them, white spray rising like mist. The ocean surged upward, drawn toward Reverse Mountain.
The Chris shuddered violently, then surged into the rising waterway!
The ship shot forward, so fast that Karina stumbled, nearly falling onto the deck. Weiss ignored it—his full focus was on the helm.
One wrong move, and they'd smash straight into the cliffs.
The helm jerked under his grip—the current was trying to pull the ship off course.
"Weiss, what are you doing?! We're about to crash!" Karina screamed as the red continent loomed closer.
Jack didn't scream, but his knuckles whitened around his gun as he stared ahead, tense.
Fortunately, Weiss had the strength and focus to correct the helm in time, guiding the ship back on track—directly toward the summit of Reverse Mountain.
Boom!
The current launched the Chris up the mountain with explosive force!
Now, all Weiss needed to do was keep the helm steady—dodging the debris of wrecked ships and any potential cannon fire from behind.
Kadun swaggered over to Jack. "Hey, gloomy guy, I saw your scared face back there—turning pale, weren't you? Hahaha!"
"Says the coward who only stayed calm because he stood next to the captain," Jack retorted. "If you weren't banking on him to save your sorry ass, you'd have pissed yourself."
Kadun chuckled awkwardly—he had almost wet himself the first time he crossed Reverse Mountain. Back then, he was just a regular guy. Well, still was, really—but now he had a strong captain to back him up.
"No way—don't tell me you really pissed yourself the first time?" Jack teased.
"Hmph, of course not. I was in complete control back then!" Kadun shot back, clearly bluffing.
"Enough, you two," Weiss interrupted. "The danger's not over yet. Jack, keep your eyes out for other ships from the other seas. If anyone appears—take them out."
Weiss knew all too well: the most dangerous part of Reverse Mountain wasn't just the climb—it was the convergence.
Four sea currents would eventually meet at a single point, and if two ships reached that junction at the same time, they'd crash. Total destruction.
Weiss had already drawn his sword. If another ship appeared—even by accident—he wouldn't hesitate. It was kill or be killed.
But perhaps luck was on their side. The four currents merged into one without interference, and the Chris shot into the descending current—unopposed.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Aaaaaaah!
Spray exploded across the deck as the Chris plunged down the other side. Wind whipped across their faces. The waters roared.
And just like that—
Weiss and his crew had entered the Grand Line.
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Currently at chapter 440 on Ko-Fi
https:// ko-fi.com/sami27