Chapter 143: Water 7, a Fateful Encounter
These two Devil Fruits were of different colors and shapes.
One was pure white, like a jade disk.
The other was a pale yellow, somewhat resembling a cactus.
Shane examined them for a moment, but he didn't recognize either of them.
"Hey, what kind of fruits are these? Do you know?" he asked, turning to Jabra.
"Cough…"
Jabra, on the ground, struggled to prop himself up, glaring at him. "You steal our things, and then you ask us what they are?! How shameless! As if I'd tell you…"
"Of course I know! Chapapa!"
Fukurou, who had been twitching on the ground, reflexively raised his hand. "One is the Zoan-type Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: White Tiger, and the other is the Logia-type Sand-Sand Fruit—the same one that was eaten by that terrifying great pirate, Shane, who killed the Warlord, Crocodile! They're both very rare types! Chapapa!"
"FUKUROU!!!"
Jabra roared, gritting his teeth. He clutched his chest, nearly dying on the spot from sheer rage.
"Is that so?"
Shane raised an eyebrow.
Another Logia-type?
Am I just a magnet for Logia-types? One after another…
But, as Fukurou had said, both of these fruits were very valuable.
The Sand-Sand Fruit needed no introduction, and the White Tiger Fruit was probably one of the top-tier Zoan-types, second only to the Mythical Zoans.
No wonder they had said that the credit for obtaining these two fruits could offset the failure of their escort mission.
He had just been passing through this island, having a little vacation, and he had ended up with quite a haul!
Shane nodded in satisfaction, leisurely putting the Devil Fruits back in the bag and tying it up. Jabra, who was lying on the ground beside him, watched with a look of utter despair in his eyes.
"Hey!"
Jabra roared, but he didn't dare to attack again. "A guy like you is definitely not a nobody! It's one thing to steal from people, but to not even show your real face, that's not very becoming of a powerhouse, is it?!"
To have defeated all three of them, the elite of CP9, so easily… his strength was simply unfathomable!
"That's true…"
Shane stroked his chin and nodded. "Buggy. Just call me Buggy. And the one with the wolf mask just now, that's my pet, the lion Richie."
"Huh?" The three of them were taken aback.
Buggy, Buggy…
Wait, I think I've heard that name somewhere before—
THUMP!
Before they could remember, their eyes rolled back in their heads, and they all passed out.
"Seeing as you were so cooperative, I'll spare your lives,"
Shane said, easily picking them up, one in each hand, and tossing them into a pile of trash.
The force of his blows was precisely controlled, enough to keep the three of them unconscious until the next evening. By then, he would have already left this place, and he would probably even be in Water 7.
He had no intention of killing these guys, who hadn't come looking for trouble. But he also had no interest in recruiting them, especially not someone like Fukurou…
It was better to just let him continue to use his talents for the World Government.
Of course, he couldn't pass up the opportunity to shear their wool.
[You have sacrificed Fukurou's big-mouth zipper and received 300 points.]
[You have sacrificed all of Kumadori's hair and received 300 points.]
[You have sacrificed Jabra's Fu Manchu mustache and received 400 points.]
A total of one thousand points, bringing Shane's remaining points to 32,500.
He still hadn't sheared Jack. Shane wanted to wait. He felt that the most valuable thing on the kid was probably his two large tusks when he turned into a mammoth.
When Jack learned Life Return, he would use the excuse of checking his progress to try and snap off a tusk and sacrifice it.
Before leaving the alley, Shane glanced back at Jabra and the others.
These agents' physical techniques were passable.
But in terms of strength and speed, they were a complete mess, in his opinion. And they hadn't even mastered Haki.
This gave him a general idea of the level of the other members of CP9.
If this is all they've got…
Then it seems I don't have to worry about the others who are heading to Water 7 first.
…
The next morning, the sea train departed from the port, heading for Water 7.
But this time, it was the girls who were on the train.
Nami was leaning against Robin's shoulder, listlessly dozing off.
She had had the most fun at the carnival last night, and although she had gotten a few hours of sleep after it was over, she was still feeling drained.
Kuina was sitting across from her, holding the two Devil Fruits and quietly contemplating something.
"You're still not going to eat a fruit?"
Nojiko asked, propping her chin on her hand. "Yesterday, when my brother gave you these two fruits, you seemed a little tempted by the White Tiger Fruit. Why did you change your mind after sleeping on it?"
Now, on The Curtain Call, aside from the captain and the two pets, almost all the crew members were Devil Fruit users.
—Only Kuina and Zeff were left.
Uncle Zeff was still as stubborn as ever.
He was still going on about how a chef of the sea could never be a hammer, and that he would die before he ate a Devil Fruit.
That was understandable, of course.
But Nojiko also had a suspicion that Uncle Zeff thought that, at his age, his growth potential was limited.
So, he was just giving the opportunity to the younger members who would join later, and he was slowly fading from the main combat lineup to focus on his kitchen and restaurant.
Just like… that Longbread guy from the Big Mom Pirates that her brother had mentioned?
And Kuina…
Under Nojiko's gaze, Kuina finally shook her head and put down the two fruits.
"I'm not eating it," she said softly, her tone calm but firm.
"This White Tiger Fruit… when I first saw it last night, I was a little conflicted. After all, it's a rare and valuable Zoan-type."
"If I ate it, my strength, speed, and regenerative abilities would all be greatly enhanced, and my immediate combat strength would increase significantly."
Kuina paused, her fingertips gently stroking the hilt of her sword.
"But that is not my 'way.'"
Her path had been set the first time she had held a bamboo sword in Shimotsuki Village.
—To reach the pinnacle of the world's greatest swordsman, relying on her own strength, without any external help!
It was a more difficult path, to be sure.
But that was precisely why, when she reached the top, that honor, that new era, would truly belong to her.
Just like the current world's greatest swordsman, Hawkeye.
"Huh—" Nojiko blinked. "Well, that's just like you."
She put an arm around Kuina's shoulder and grinned. "But in that case, you'll have to work even harder now. After all, there are more and more monsters on our ship. You'd better watch out, or you might lose your position as vice-captain."
Not to mention the latecomers, the newly joined Jack was a monster in his own right.
His physical strength was incredible, his Devil Fruit ability was insane, and although he seemed a little slow, his aptitude for physical arts was actually very high.
In just two days, he was already showing signs of mastering Armament Haki. In a month or two at most, he would probably be able to use it proficiently.
Kuina knew this, but she wasn't worried.
Work even harder?
She glanced down at the Wado Ichimonji, a small smile on her lips. "That's fine by me. In fact, that's just what I was hoping for."
The descendants of Wano, do they all talk in such a strange, roundabout way? Nojiko pursed her lips and put away the two Devil Fruits.
Tsk, when will we ever find a newcomer worthy of these two fruits?
…
CHOO—CHOO—!!!
The sea train, spewing white steam, sped along the tracks.
Suddenly, the train lurched violently, and with a dull THUMP, it seemed to have hit something.
The carriage swayed, and the train slowed for a moment, but then it quickly resumed its speed.
Robin had thought it was just her imagination, but when she looked out the window…
A giant, light-brown frog was sent tumbling away, and with a splash, it crashed into the distant sea, sending up a wave several meters high.
Its four limbs were spread-eagled, its belly up, its eyes swirling like a pinwheel. It floated on the surface of the water, its tongue lolling to one side.
She didn't know if it was still alive…
Was that frog trying to stop the train?
After her initial surprise had faded, Robin's gaze was filled with a hint of pity.
Unfortunately, with such a huge disparity in size and strength, how could it possibly succeed?
Just like her, in the past, alone, facing the suffocating behemoth of the World Government…
But now…
Robin looked down at the person who was sleeping soundly on her chest and smiled, patting her cheek. "We're almost there. Wake up, Nami."
"Mmm… are we there yet?"
The large bubble on Nami's nose popped with a pop. She rubbed her eyes and groggily sat up.
She looked out the window.
Sure enough, in the distance, a magnificent, bustling city was already in view.
Water 7.
This miraculous place, known as the "City of Water and Craftsmen," was like a dream island that had grown from the depths of the ocean.
Countless blue waterways, like blood vessels, ran through the entire city, connecting the districts of different heights into an intricate, three-dimensional network.
And the most eye-catching feature was the towering fountain in the center of the city, like a pillar supporting the heavens.
It gracefully shot seawater high into the sky, where it dissipated into a fine mist, draping the entire city in a dream-like veil.
"Waaah…"
Nami's sleepiness instantly vanished. Her face was practically pressed against the window, her eyes wide as she admired the beautiful scenery before her.
A moment later.
CHOO—!
With a long blast of its whistle, the sea train slowly pulled into "Blue Station."
"We're here!"
The moment the doors opened a crack, Nami shot out like a cannonball, still clutching the sleepy little mochi-like creature.
"Slow down! Wait for us, Nami!" Nojiko quickly grabbed her luggage and chased after her.
Robin and Kuina exchanged a look and shook their heads helplessly.
Sure enough, without Shane around, this girl was like a wild horse, completely out of control.
The two of them walked in the direction the two sisters had disappeared. Kuina said as they walked, "Before we came to Water 7, Lord Shane gave us three tasks."
"The first is to exchange all the treasure we got from the City of Gourmets for cash, and then use the cash to find a shipbuilding company on the island to inspect and repair The Curtain Call."
The treasure she was talking about was the one they had confiscated from "Bloodsaw" Jax.
That night, after the dinner party, everyone had gone back to their cabins. The next morning, they had found a dozen or so treasure chests on the deck.
They had probably been brought by the townspeople. To have not taken a single coin from so much treasure, Kuina could only sigh at the simple and honest folk of the local area.
"The treasure chests are still on the ship. They probably won't be here for another five or six hours," Robin chuckled. "But since we're here first, we can get a head start, like finding out where the banks are and planning our route."
"Mmm, I'll take care of that. Robin-san, you go and meet up with Nami and Nojiko,"
Kuina said with a slight nod. "Take them and find the most reliable Vivre Card maker nearby. The previous towns were all too small, and we couldn't find one. But in a big city like this, there must be one."
"Is that the second task the captain gave you?" Robin asked. "What's the third?"
"The third…"
Kuina stroked her chin thoughtfully, a habit she had picked up from Shane at some point. "I didn't really understand it either. Lord Shane just said that there are ambitious people lurking on this island, and that they might give us a chance to stretch our legs a bit…"
Are we being targeted…
Robin frowned slightly. "Should we buy a few more masks?"
She was not a fan of trouble.
The atmosphere of the Masked Carnival was clearly not limited to Pucci. Here in Water 7, you could also see people wearing masks and extravagant costumes on the street.
And at the port, just outside the station, there were also many vendors selling masks.
"No, who cares,"
she said, shaking her head with a sneer. "Since Lord Shane said that, they can't be that strong. Masks are for carnivals, not for being a coward. Let's just leave it. If anyone dares to get in our way, they can talk to my sword first!"
A murderous aura radiated from her, and a few of the passersby who were too close felt a sudden chill and quickly moved away.
"I feel safe with you, Kuina," Robin said, seeing the reaction of the people around them, and smiled.
"Is that so? A pity we have to split up now,"
Kuina said calmly. She suddenly stopped and looked up at the shop across the waterway, which had a sign that read "Bull Rental." "I'm going to rent a Bull and find a bank. You go and meet up with Nami and the others. If anything happens, just contact me with the Transponder Snail."
"Mmm."
Bulls were a unique sea creature of Water 7 and the most common mode of transportation in the city.
They looked like seahorses but were very strong. Even the smallest Bull could carry four or five people and navigate the city's waterways with ease.
And the largest, the King Bulls, could even pull large ships.
On the train, the group had learned some basic facts about Water 7 from a pamphlet sold by the train attendant, so Robin immediately understood and nodded.
Kuina said no more, and the two of them went their separate ways at the fork in the road.
…
Ten minutes later, in a tavern.
"Cheers!"
Nami and Nojiko sat at the bar, raising their glasses.
"Ara, so this is where you are,"
Robin said, pushing open the saloon doors and entering, a look of exasperation on her face. "I've been looking all over for you. I know we're not in a hurry to find the Vivre Card shop, but Nojiko, didn't the captain tell you not to let Nami drink at her age…"
"Ha! I knew you'd say that!"
Nami said, a triumphant look on her face, as if she had predicted this. She held up her glass. "Look! It's a non-alcoholic sparkling cocktail! It's called the 'Dreamy Star.' It was on the 'Today's Menu' sign outside, and I couldn't resist… right, Uncle Blueno?!"
"That's right. It's just flavored to taste like a cocktail. It's non-alcoholic, so even children can drink it," the burly man in an apron behind the counter said, his face warm and friendly, looking very honest. "But, little lady, I'm only twenty-six. If you don't mind, please call me 'brother'."
"Tsk, no way! Besides my annoying brother at home, who bosses me around all the time, I'm not calling anyone 'brother'!"
Nami snorted. "And besides, you look so old. Are you really only in your twenties? It's fine to call you 'uncle,' right?"
Old?
Blueno lowered his head and sighed sadly, but he quickly composed himself and turned, a smile on his face as he looked toward the door. "Welcome, new customer. What can I get for you…"
The moment he saw Robin's face, Blueno's smile froze.
"What's wrong, uncle?"
Nami looked up, puzzled. She looked back and forth and then, realizing what was happening, she shot a look of disdain at the man across the bar. "Hey, I know Robin-san is beautiful, but isn't that a little much? You look like a pervert who's never seen a woman before! It's very rude!"
Blueno quickly composed himself and went back to wiping the glasses. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I just thought the lady looked familiar, like I've seen her somewhere before."
"No, this brat is the one who's being rude,"
Nojiko said, poking Nami's forehead. She turned to Blueno. "Uncle, can we have another Dreamy Star? Robin-san, do you want to try it? It's actually really good."
Robin smiled and nodded.
"Of course, just a moment," Blueno said, turning to make the drink. His movements were practiced, but his eyes kept darting to Robin out of the corner of his eye.
What did those two girls call her?
Robin-san?
So it really is that woman.
When the drink was ready, Robin took a sip and was pleasantly surprised. "It's very good. And it really does taste like a real cocktail," she said with a look of admiration.
"Thank you," Blueno said, scratching his head, a little embarrassed.
After drinking for a while, Robin turned to Nami. "Alright, we've rested enough. It's time to find the Vivre Card shop."
"Aww—let's stay a little longer!" Nami whined.
Nojiko patted her on the shoulder. "Don't be willful. Let's finish the tasks our brother gave us first, and then we can do whatever we want."
"Alright, alright…" Nami reluctantly hopped off the high stool. Before she left, she didn't forget to wave to Blueno. "Uncle, I'll be back for another sparkling drink next time!"
"You're always welcome."
Blueno stood like a puppet, a smile on his face. But after the three of them had left the tavern, his smile slowly faded, and his expression grew cold and stern.
He went to the door and, with a impassive face, hung up a temporary "Closed" sign. Then, he took a Transponder Snail from under the counter and dialed a number.
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