"Kidnapping a Celestial Dragon."
This thought, once it arose, became uncontrollable. There were many ways to obtain a large number of Devil Fruits in a short amount of time. For example, robbing a country's treasury or continuing to steal Heavenly Tribute. However, even doing so would only yield Berries, and he would still need to buy them with those Berries. That would be a bit of a waste of time.
But if he kidnapped a Celestial Dragon and announced it to the world, the World Government would certainly not stand idly by. For the sake of their reputation, the World Government would ensure the Celestial Dragon remained alive at all costs. If the World Government were to collect Devil Fruits, it would be twice as effective, faster than any other organization, and Ye Chen didn't believe the World Government didn't have Devil Fruits in storage.
Kidnapping a Celestial Dragon would inevitably have one consequence: the World Government would relentlessly pursue Ye Chen. But what of it? The World Government was already pursuing him. Offending them a little deeper wouldn't make much difference. However, kidnapping a Celestial Dragon required careful planning. Celestial Dragons generally only stayed in Mariejois or the Sabaody Archipelago. Mariejois was heavily guarded, and with the Five Elders stationed there, Ye Chen and the Sky Dragon would probably choke.
Mariejois was out, so the Sabaody Archipelago was a good choice. Although the Sabaody Archipelago was close to Mariejois and Marine Headquarters, with Little Sky's speed, even if they came, Ye Chen would have long escaped. However, Celestial Dragons rarely visited the Sabaody Archipelago, typically only two or three times a year. The rest of the time, they holed up in Mariejois.
"It seems I need to plan this out," Ye Chen mused, stroking his chin. Celestial Dragons were World Nobles. Once a Celestial Dragon was in trouble, the Marines would dispatch an Admiral to pursue the perpetrator. This was precisely why Celestial Dragons were lawless and flaunted their status everywhere. There were certainly not a few people in this world who could kill a Celestial Dragon, but due to the World Government and the Marines, no one dared to lay a hand on them. This was also why people were so shocked when Luffy punched a Celestial Dragon on the Sabaody Archipelago.
However, all this fear, this so-called nobility, would be shattered by Ye Chen one by one in the near future, and this kidnapping of a Celestial Dragon was just the beginning. The self-important Celestial Dragons were unaware that a devil had extended its claws and was reaching for them.
...
Three days later, at the Amazon Lily training ground, two Amazon Lily warriors dueled in the arena. Their sword skills were impressive and powerful. Below the arena, the Amazon Lily women cheered and encouraged the two. Today was the annual combat exercise, held to select the list of personnel who would set sail this year.
On the podium at the upper end of the training ground, Elder Nyon and Ye Chen sat. "Lord Ye Chen, what do you think of their sword skills?" Elder Nyon asked, lowering her head to look at Ye Chen. Ye Chen glanced at Elder Nyon and said, "They're not bad, but their swordsmanship is still a bit unpolished." Elder Nyon broke out in a cold sweat. The two below were considered the best swordsmen in Amazon Lily, yet in Ye Chen's eyes, they were only "not bad." However, she had also witnessed Ye Chen's sword skills; that sharp sword energy that could cut through anything still shocked her.
"Brother Ye Chen, I think those two big sisters' sword skills are very strong! Why do you still think they're lacking?" Hancock sat on Ye Chen's lap, her bright eyes twinkling with commanding light. Ye Chen stroked Hancock's beautiful hair: "I didn't say they were bad. It's just that they're good for dealing with ordinary people, but if they face true masters, they're a bit insufficient."
"Is that so? Elder Nyon?" Hancock tilted her small head and asked Elder Nyon. Elder Nyon forced a smile: "Yes." Ye Chen glanced at Elder Nyon: "I'm not trying to discourage you, but they can handle ordinary people. However, if they face stronger enemies, they'll seem a bit lacking, and they haven't seen blood, have they?"
"Indeed... they haven't seen blood yet," Elder Nyon replied truthfully. Ye Chen stroked Hancock's beautiful hair, looking at the intertwining figures below: "Their swordsmanship is ruthless but lacks ferocity. It's fine for ordinary duels, but if they go out to sea, it's a dead end. Being merciful to the enemy is cruelty to oneself." "I understand, Brother Ye Chen. Towards enemies, we can only be brutal; we cannot show any mercy," Hancock said firmly, clenching her small fists.
"Hmm." After hearing this, Elder Nyon thought for a moment and felt that Ye Chen was right. After all, outside in the grand line, it was all about survival. Once an enemy seized an opportunity, they wouldn't give any chance of survival.
"Elder Nyon, inform everyone. I'll teach them what true swordsmanship is. With their half-baked sword skills, they won't survive long at sea. And although these two have talent, you cannot always protect them; that will only harm them." Elder Nyon fell silent upon hearing this.
As Ye Chen said, the two Amazon Lily warriors below had indeed not been out to sea much. And due to their talent, Elder Nyon had always painstakingly trained them, even ensuring they had protection when they went to sea. This selection was their first time to truly experience combat.
"I understand, Lord Ye Chen," Elder Nyon nodded.
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