OPTC Chapter 269: The Yellow Ape is Actually Pretty Reliable
Borsalino lowered his wrist and said to Zhang Da Ye and the others, "It's been taken care of."
"You don't say!"
The violent tremors just now had thrown everyone around like rag dolls.
Right now, Zhang Da Ye's leg was on Shark Chili's waist, Shark Chili's head was pressed against Ye Yan's back. Ye Yan was gripping Tom's tail, while Tom clung to Rui Meng Meng's left arm with all four limbs. Rui Meng Meng's right arm was wrapped around Perona's waist, and Perona's arms were hugging Artoria's leg.
Because her leg was being held, Artoria lost her balance and fell forward—her chestplate slammed right into Zhang Da Ye's face. His entire face flattened under the impact—literally. His facial features were pressed inward like dough.
At the very bottom, Brook screamed miserably, "My bones! They're breaking!"
Borsalino stood still and watched silently. These powerhouses who had just defeated the Golden Lion Pirates were now lying tangled on the floor, struggling for a good while before managing to stand. No one would believe this if they saw it.
After the commotion settled, everyone finally introduced themselves properly to Borsalino, though Brook and Perona looked rather uneasy facing a Marine Admiral.
Fortunately, Borsalino didn't mind. It was normal for civilians to get nervous around an Admiral. Since Vice Admiral Gion had already confirmed these people could be trusted, he didn't bother with unnecessary formalities—just focused on the mission.
"So, during the ten years the Golden Lion disappeared, he was likely researching ways to control beasts, trying to build an army for some grand scheme?" Borsalino repeated after hearing Zhang Da Ye's account. "A man like him never plans small things~"
Zhang Da Ye said, "There are still remnants of his crew in the palace. Someone among them probably knows the full plan. The key figure is a clown in a lab coat—someone Shiki tried to save even at the cost of his own life."
"You've helped us greatly. Thank you for the intel."
"No need to thank us. By the way, how much was the Golden Lion's bounty? Where do we claim it?" Zhang Da Ye estimated it should be at least four billion berries. A normal Navy branch wouldn't afford that. Since the fleet here came for battle, they probably didn't carry that kind of money either.
"Bounty? Oh right, you guys double as bounty hunters." Borsalino shrugged. "Unfortunately, the Golden Lion doesn't have a bounty."
"What?"
Zhang Da Ye frowned. He suspected Borsalino was pocketing their reward. "A pirate of his level without a bounty? Impossible!"
"When he was captured ten years ago, his bounty was officially withdrawn," Borsalino explained lazily. "Even though he later escaped, he didn't cause much trouble. The Marines assumed he'd gone into hiding somewhere quiet, so no new bounty was issued."
Everyone exchanged looks, surprised by that outcome.
But it made sense. The only successful escape from Impel Down was a major embarrassment to the World Government. Though the news had once caused a stir, since Shiki stayed quiet afterward, the government preferred to let people forget—rather than announce a new bounty.
"So we basically worked for free?" Zhang Da Ye sighed. Sure, defeating the Golden Lion and rescuing those villagers and animals felt satisfying—but he'd also been looking forward to that bounty. Now it just felt like finishing a job without pay.
Borsalino, perhaps sensing their disappointment, added, "Even without a bounty, your efforts have greatly helped the Marines. There will still be rewards—and if there's anything else you need, feel free to ask."
Zhang Da Ye's eyes brightened. "Actually, we do have a request."
Everyone looked at him curiously.
"We'd like to learn Rokushiki and Haki."
Zhang Da Ye had asked Jinbe about Haki before, but Jinbe said he'd learned it through battle and couldn't really teach it. The Marines, however, had systematic training methods.
As for Rokushiki, Zhang Da Ye mostly wanted Geppo. Against flying opponents like the Golden Lion, being stuck on the ground was a nightmare. Even Artoria had struggled with that early on.
If they could gain those techniques, they could skip the bounty altogether.
"You really like giving people hard requests, huh, Da Ye-kun." Borsalino scratched his chin, looking troubled.
Technically, both were Marine secrets, not to be taught to outsiders. But many had managed to imitate or self-learn them after seeing them once—so it wasn't impossible to bend the rules a bit.
These people had already defeated the Golden Lion; teaching them would hardly harm Marine interests.
"I'll help you apply to headquarters," Borsalino finally said.
Let the Fleet Admiral handle the paperwork—he wasn't about to bother with it himself.
Zhang Da Ye was satisfied enough. At least there'd be some reward. Just then, he felt something poking his thigh.
"Tom, what's wrong?"
Tom hugged himself, his little body shivering. His arms wrapped around twice, teeth chattering nonstop, whiskers drooping and covered in frost.
"It suddenly got cold," Zhang Da Ye muttered, noticing everyone's breath now came out in white puffs.
"Cold makes sense. We're standing on a glacier," Ye Yan said. His night vision allowed him to see the frozen sea stretching for kilometers below. Gigantic glaciers were propping up the floating islands—it would take ages for all that ice to melt.
Zhang Da Ye stuffed Tom into his coat. "Damn, your body temperature's dropping fast. Let's head back to the ship—hope the Amber is alright."
Rui Meng Meng asked, "But how do we get down? We can't land on ice even with parachutes, can we?"
"Good point," Zhang Da Ye turned to the Admiral. "Admiral Borsalino, how are you guys planning to lower the islands and their residents?"
"Well~ Vice Admiral Chaton has contacted a good friend whose ability can handle that. He should arrive by tomorrow morning."
The name Chaton sounded unfamiliar, but his codename—Tokikake—rang a bell. The man who'd confessed to Gion a hundred times and failed every single one.
His friend was none other than Fujitora, the future Admiral. With his power, moving a few islands would be easy.
"That's good to hear. Want to come rest on our ship in the meantime?" Zhang Da Ye offered.
Borsalino waved a hand. "I'd love to, but I still need to arrest Shiki's remaining crew and ensure the civilians' safety."
"Then we won't keep you." Zhang Da Ye wasn't about to volunteer as free labor for the Marines—they weren't that close yet.
The group jogged back to the Beast Island, covered in dirt and dust from the battle. They needed a hot bath, a late meal, and a long rest.
Too bad the Marine fleet wouldn't arrive until morning—they couldn't even bum a meal tonight.
"Must be nice, just wandering around without a job," Borsalino muttered, raising his wrist. "So much work left… better call Kuzan for help. Moshi moshi…"
"…Why isn't he answering again? Did that guy fall asleep? Moshi moshi…"
A black Den Den Mushi kept its eyes closed, clearly done with this sleazy human.
…
The group reached the Amber much quicker than expected. By the time they got there, Borsalino was probably still arguing with his Den Den Mushi.
"You're all here?" Zhang Da Ye was surprised to see Zeol, the zoologist they'd rescued on Crown Island, along with the Kirin Lion and his animal companions.
"Benefactors! You're safe!" Zeol said joyfully. "We were worried your ship might've been damaged during the tremors, so we came to check. Thankfully, all's well."
"Thanks for looking out for us. How are the animals?" Zhang Da Ye asked.
"Some were injured… some worse." The massive quake and sudden stop had caused landslides across the islands. Casualties were inevitable.
"Sorry we couldn't help more."
The Qilin Lion growled softly. Beside him, Crow Assistant translated, "It's not your fault. We're grateful for everything you've done."
Zeol asked, "Has the Golden Lion been defeated? What will happen to this island?"
"An Admiral's here. The Golden Lion is dead. A Devil Fruit user who can move islands will arrive tomorrow morning," Zhang Da Ye told them. "You should decide whether to stay in East Blue or return to the Grand Line. If you ask nicely, I'm sure he'll help."
"That's wonderful," Zeol said sincerely.
After their talk, Zeol didn't linger. He knew they must be exhausted.
He went to rest in the Kirin Lion's den—he got along well with the animals, finding them easier to live with than humans.
Before leaving, Zhang Da Ye tossed him a coat. The weather was freezing, and the man was visibly shivering.
Thanks to Tom, Zhang Da Ye had to deal with a small wound under his arm. Based on experience, it would either heal in seconds… or take a few days. Tom's bites were as unpredictable as Tom himself.
Artoria had some minor injuries too. When Zhang Da Ye saw her at dinner, there was a bandage on her cheek—no idea when she'd gotten it.
Tom and Rui Meng Meng were in the kitchen preparing supper. Ye Yan grabbed a few snacks and fruits from the pantry and went to bed early—he'd be up later for the night watch.
Shark Chili was outside inspecting the ship for damage—he cherished the Amber, especially since Jinbe had gifted its special wood.
Perona sat curled on the sofa with a mug of cocoa and her Kuma plush, doing her best to blend into the background. After everything that happened today, she hoped Zhang Da Ye had forgotten about "assignments."
Brook, meanwhile, pulled a box of milk from the fridge—one of those long-shelf-life kinds they'd bought in Water 7. With this world's strange tech, Zhang Da Ye no longer questioned such things.
"Ah~ Revived! My bones feel full of calcium! Yohohoho~" Brook shouted, instantly energized.
"Does milk calcium even do anything for you?" Zhang Da Ye asked. It seemed more like psychological comfort than nutrition. "Did you get hurt?"
"Not in battle, but when everyone fell on top of me, I think I heard something crack," Brook said bitterly. "Also twisted my back rushing back here. I'm not as young as I used to be…"
"Ah… sorry about that." Zhang Da Ye scratched his head. He had been one of the ones on top of him.
"No worries! With milk, even broken bones can heal! Yohohoho~" Brook struck dramatic poses, full of renewed confidence.
Zhang Da Ye chuckled. "Artoria, how are your injuries?"
"Me? I'm fine." She moved her arm a little. "Just small wounds. Meng Meng and Perona helped patch them up. I'll be good as new soon."
"That's good." Zhang Da Ye looked over at Perona. "You helped too?"
"Of course! What's that look for? I *can* be reliable sometimes! I even helped put on that bandage!" Perona huffed.
"Ha—no, no, you did great. Super reliable." He failed to hold back a laugh.
Perona angrily threw a couch pillow at him.
Still, Artoria with a bandage on her cheek did look pretty cute. Maybe Perona had a point—bandages really were more of an accessory than first aid.
That night, everyone slept soundly. Knowing Ye Yan was on watch outside—and that both Aokiji and Borsalino were nearby—Zhang Da Ye felt more secure than ever. Who else got to sleep guarded by two Admirals?
The next morning, everyone woke on time, washed up, and had breakfast. They planned to go find Borsalino for updates—since most of the surrounding sea was frozen, sailing out wasn't possible yet.
Breaking the ice carelessly might even collapse the glaciers holding the islands.
But before they could leave, a group of Marines approached the Amber carrying several large chests. The officer leading them was easy to recognize—a tall man with an unusually long head and a tiny cap perched on top.
"Are you the Amber Travel Group?" he asked. "I am Vice Admiral Strawberry of Marine Headquarters." After receiving a nod, he saluted. "Thank you for your service in protecting civilians and capturing the Golden Lion."
"Nice to meet you, Vice Admiral. What are those?" Zhang Da Ye pointed at the chests.
"These are the treasures found in the palace during the capture of Shiki's subordinates," Strawberry explained. "By Admiral Borsalino's orders, they're to be given to you as your rightful spoils—along with the Golden Lion's twin blades."
"Ah, much appreciated." Zhang Da Ye laughed. He'd been so focused on the bounty that he forgot about loot. Defeating a boss without looting the body or opening the treasure chest? A rookie mistake.
The Yellow Ape really was someone you could get along with.
…
[Powerstones plz...
patreon.com/GuessMyName33 for 50 chapters ahead
If you like this novel, check out my other novels in my profile!]