OPTC Chapter 263 Tom's Extraordinary Talent
"Ye Yan, did Wind Ears see how those people came from the Golden Lion's main island?" Zhang Da Ye asked.
After tricking that group of fools, everyone had been running for nearly half an hour. The Golden Lion's main island was already within sight, but if they couldn't find a way across now, it would be frustrating.
"They rode those animals and jumped over," Ye Yan said. "Don't underestimate those mounts — they might look fragile, but their jumping power is incredible. They clear dozens of meters like it's nothing."
"Dozens of meters, huh." Zhang Da Ye thought for a moment. "If we push ourselves, we might make it, but honestly, that's risky. Maybe we should steal a few of their mounts. Good thing we didn't finish them all off."
"Their mounts are too unpredictable," Shark Chili suggested. "I can use the Shark Giant to throw everyone across one by one. Then you guys can tie a rope and pull me over."
It was a more reliable plan. With his own strength, he could manage it, but the Shark Giant made it much easier.
"Won't we die from the fall?" Perona said, looking terrified.
"How about we let Golden Peng carry us one by one?" Ye Yan proposed. He didn't think his small frame could handle being tossed around like that.
"Wasn't he exhausted?" Zhang Da Ye asked.
Ye Yan replied, "He's been resting since morning. It's already evening — he should be fine carrying a few people."
Rui Meng Meng frowned. "Why do we have to go to that island anyway?"
Zhang Da Ye explained, "If we stay on another island, when the Golden Lion gets tired of searching or decides to fight us, he might throw the whole island down. That one has his ten years of research on it. He won't risk destroying it unless he's desperate. So the most dangerous place is actually the safest."
As they neared the edge of Melview, the pirates chasing them from behind started noticing something strange. Wasn't the drug supposed to have worn off by now? Why did they still look so energetic?
They soon saw a boy with a flag on his back, a pink-haired girl, and a cat standing still — while the other five suddenly charged toward them.
"What's going on? Are they cornered?" the pirate captain muttered, raising his sword. "Fight them!"
What followed was the story of fifty pirates getting beaten up by five people.
Right before he lost consciousness, the pirate captain finally realized, "So the drug wore off… only for me…"
"Hmm…" Zhang Da Ye scratched his chin, feeling a bit of pity. "He chased us all this time without even knowing what was going on. Well, serves him right for helping the wrong side."
Ye Yan released Golden Peng, who made four trips back and forth to carry everyone onto the Golden Lion's main island.
At the center of the island stood a magnificent palace, surrounded on all sides by Daft-Green to keep wild beasts away. The Golden Lion had left plenty of dangerous creatures on his personal island.
The island was surrounded by sea on three sides, with one cliff edge hanging open. Roughly speaking, the sea area was as large as the island itself — probably meant for docking his future grand fleet, and conveniently useful for fighting other Devil Fruit users.
Brook sighed. "Incredible, Mr. Shiki. To make such a huge island float in the sky — and to move it along with the seawater, despite being hated by the sea itself."
"No need to call that guy 'Mr.' anything," Zhang Da Ye said flatly.
"Captain, a big gorilla's heading our way," Ye Yan relayed from Wind Ears' report.
"Gorilla?" Zhang Da Ye looked around. He didn't see one yet — but he did hear the heavy thumping of drums.
They followed the sound and saw, atop a small hill, a strange figure pounding its chest as it climbed, then letting out a powerful roar.
It wore a small flowered hat, a pink shirt, green shorts, and a pair of round glasses perched on its nose.
Zhang Da Ye frowned. "Is that a gorilla… or the Golden Lion's grandmother?"
Shark Chili squinted. "Beating its chest like that — must be a challenge. I think it wants to fight."
The gorilla, Scarlado, continued rhythmically thumping its chest. The ground trembled slightly as beastly roars echoed from all directions. Countless wild creatures began gathering around the hill.
With a mighty roar from Scarlado, the beasts charged toward Zhang Da Ye's group.
"So it's not a challenge — it's a call to arms," Zhang Da Ye said, drawing his sword. "Guess this guy's the boss of the island's beasts."
Though his fighting style was all over the place, Zhang Da Ye's strongest techniques still came from the swordsmanship Artoria had taught him.
Artoria and Rui Meng Meng also drew their blades. With this many enemies, there was no need to hold back.
"Time for the big guy," Shark Chili said, placing a hand over his mouth. "Super Shark Giant!"
A massive dorsal fin sliced through the ground, heading straight for them. Dozens of beasts were sent flying before the enormous creature erupted from below, stopping at Shark Chili's feet.
It wasn't just for show — the entrance was as stylish as it was intimidating.
"Cockpit open!" Shark Chili looked at Perona. "Wanna come in? It's safer inside."
Perona hesitated. "S-since you invited me, then… fine."
Ye Yan dove forward, clinging to Shark Chili's leg. "Boss! Take me too! I'm not built for close combat!"
"Aren't you supposed to be the ace of the Inspectors? Can't run from a fight that easily," Shark Chili said, dragging him a few steps.
Then Brook clung to his other leg. "Please take me too! I'm terrible against big beasts — and who could resist riding such a magnificent robot?"
After some effort shaking them off, Shark Chili jumped into the cockpit with Perona. "Take this message from King Turtle Jiro — a real man fights silently!"
The Shark Giant charged into the horde of beasts.
Meanwhile, Tom was trembling. He'd always been afraid of creatures bigger than himself. Usually, he only fought when cornered — fighting while running. Now, surrounded by massive beasts, he froze up completely.
"Try using your hunting rifle," Zhang Da Ye suggested. "If that doesn't work, try the cannon, or fireworks, or maybe some bombs."
Tom's eyes lit up. "Right!"
He pulled out his rifle and aimed at Scarlado.
The gorilla's colorful outfit made him stand out from the others. Tom fired again and again — bang, bang, bang.
Unfortunately, Tom's marksmanship was terrible. Back when he hunted ducks, he fired ten rounds just to scratch one bird's shoulder. This time, after twenty shots, only one bullet hit — clipping Scarlado's hat and splitting his hair right down the middle.
A perfect middle parting.
Scarlado touched his head and felt the smooth strip of skin where his fur used to be.
Tom doubled over laughing, slapping his knee. Scarlado's eyes flared with rage as he pounded his chest and roared, charging straight toward him.
When it came to making enemies angry, Tom had a rare natural gift.
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