OPTC Chapter 270 First Meeting with Issho
The Golden Lion's treasure wasn't as much as Moria's. Partly because the Golden Lion preferred to stay low-key, but also because he had a whole group of subordinates to support—and research really did burn through money.
Zhang Da Ye picked up the blades Muku and Sakura Ten to test their balance. However, he wasn't some prodigy swordsman. He couldn't really tell what made one sword better than another. Even when it came to the black blade Shusui, all he knew was that it was hard and sharp—he couldn't explain anything beyond that.
Happily accepting the chest and the swords, Zhang Da Ye said, "Thank you for going through the trouble of delivering this."
"Just doing our duty," said Strawberry. "Also, Admiral Borsalino asked me to inform you that the items you requested will be compiled and sent with your reward later. However, some things can't be properly conveyed through written materials alone. If you wish, you're welcome to visit Marine Headquarters when convenient—our instructors will teach you personally."
"Really?" Zhang Da Ye raised an eyebrow. He had expected some negotiation, maybe getting only three of the Six Powers techniques instead of all of them—as long as he got Moonwalk, he'd be happy. He didn't expect them to be this generous—sending both manuals and teachers. All that was left was for them to guarantee, "We'll make sure you master it."
"That's because you not only rescued hundreds of villagers from Melview, but also foiled the Golden Lion's plan early, saving countless people in the East Blue," said Strawberry gratefully. "What we're offering is just a small token."
They had arrived late last night, captured the Golden Lion's subordinates, and interrogated them. That was how they learned about the decade-long plan to unleash giant beasts upon the East Blue. Even if the Marines could have eventually stopped it, many towns would have been destroyed by then—countless civilians dead or injured, and the Navy's reputation in ruins.
But the Amber Travel Group had disrupted the plan early, saving them enormous trouble. The reward was well-deserved.
Besides, Fleet Admiral Kong didn't want the Amber Travel Group harboring resentment toward the Navy because of the bounty system. Inviting them to Headquarters for training was a goodwill gesture—who knew, maybe they'd be inspired by the environment and decide to join the Marines someday.
And if not—well, it didn't hurt to make friends.
"We just happened to be there. Even without us, the Marines would've handled it," Zhang Da Ye said modestly now that the rewards were confirmed.
After exchanging a few polite words, Zhang Da Ye asked about their current situation.
"Our fleet is about one nautical mile away, in the glacier area," said Vice Admiral Strawberry. "Lieutenant General Kuzan used his power to send my unit here to assist Admiral Borsalino in calming the civilians. Once that key figure arrives to lower these islands, we'll escort the Golden Lion's body and his followers back."
Strawberry gave off an impression of sharp competence. He was said to have been a rear admiral directly under Kizaru's command, promoted alongside him when Kizaru became admiral. A lazy superior did need capable subordinates.
After chatting for a while, they noticed two figures flying in from the horizon—well, flying on top of a huge boulder.
"They're here." Strawberry took out a Den Den Mushi to contact Kizaru—unsurprisingly, it didn't connect. But soon a golden beam shot up from Melview and burst like a flare—clearly, Kizaru had noticed and was signaling Vice Admiral Issho.
Strawberry suspected the light was Plan B after the black Den Den Mushi failed.
Artoria asked, "Is that the same power as the Golden Lion's?"
"No," said Strawberry, "that's the Gravity Fruit, different from the Float-Float Fruit—but just as powerful."
He nodded respectfully. "Excuse me, I have to go. When the islands descend, there may be panic—we'll head to Melview to oversee things."
He left with his troops.
"Alright, time to split the loot!" Zhang Da Ye called, waving everyone over to open the chests.
There wasn't much system to it—they just took what looked fair. If the ship needed money later, they'd share anyway.
Perona stared at her little pile of gold coins, jewelry, and ornaments in surprise. "I get some too?"
Brook tilted his skull. "Yohohoho~ May I take some as well?"
"Of course," said Zhang Da Ye. "Finders keepers. If you're worried about losing it, I can hold it for you—return it when you grow up."
Perona eyed him suspiciously. "I feel like you're trying to scam us."
"How could you think that?" Zhang Da Ye said innocently. "Artoria, Meng Meng, and Shark Chili all keep their money with me."
Artoria didn't mind—it would probably turn into food expenses anyway. Rui Meng Meng thought it was safer that way, though she sometimes worried when she saw Zhang Da Ye pulling random objects out of his inventory during battle—what if he accidentally threw out the gold chest? That was why she trained harder—to be strong enough that her boss wouldn't have to fight.
Shark Chili never cared about money. He just picked out a few nice trinkets and handed the rest to Zhang Da Ye.
As for Ye Yan and Tom, the two were hopelessly greedy. They'd probably sleep with their gold for days.
Perona kept a tiara and a few pretty ornaments for her room, handing the rest to Zhang Da Ye. Brook handed over his share too.
When Zhang Da Ye took it, he couldn't shake the feeling he'd just swindled kids out of New Year's money and old folks out of their savings.
After the loot was divided, Qilin Lion and Zeoler arrived with a bunch of small animals—each carrying fruits and vegetables, many of which Zhang Da Ye and Artoria had seen while traveling to find Tom.
Crow Azu, acting as translator, said, "Benefactors, this is a small token of gratitude for your help."
"Again?" said Zhang Da Ye. "Didn't you already give us some yesterday?"
"That was our payment for your assistance. Today's gift is to express our heartfelt thanks."
"In that case, we'll gladly accept," Zhang Da Ye said, unable to refuse, especially with the expectant gazes behind him.
"Have you decided whether to stay here?" he asked.
"We'd like to return to our old environment, if possible," said Azu.
Zeoler added, "Excuse me, were those two people flying just now the ones who can move the islands?"
"Yes," Zhang Da Ye said. Seeing their hesitation, he guessed their intent. "I was planning to go check it out anyway. Want to come?"
"Can we?" Zeoler asked, eyes lighting up.
"Sure. It's on the way." Zhang Da Ye turned to his crew. "Anyone else want to come see the show?"
Only Artoria volunteered; the rest stayed behind to guard the Amber in case something happened when the islands descended.
Zhang Da Ye casually reached out and grabbed Tom from his nest—despite the fact that Tom had been inside the ship, counting coins. The animals blinked in confusion. How did he just… reach into the ship from here?
Kirin Lion crouched down, spreading a wing to form a platform. Everyone climbed on. Tom, of course, immediately leapt up, climbing to its horn without hesitation. The Kirin Lion didn't mind—it even gave him a fond look. If only this cat would stay and be their Animal King.
"You wasteful cat," Zhang Da Ye muttered, catching the two gold coins Tom dropped, then climbed on with Artoria and Zeoler.
Once everyone was settled, the Kirin Lion spread its massive wings and took off. The flying animals followed, while the rest stayed behind to wait.
Back at the ship, Rui Meng Meng, Ye Yan, and Brook were unloading the delivered produce.
"Yohohoho~ Suddenly I regret staying behind. I want to ride the Qilin Lion too!"
"That can be arranged," Ye Yan grinned. "I can get Golden Roc No. 2 to take you. Just two gold coins per hour, deal?"
…
As for the flight itself, Zhang Da Ye would rate it poorly. The wind was strong, and thanks to Kuzan's cold climate, Tom had buried himself deep in the Qilin Lion's mane.
Fortunately, it wasn't a long trip—they soon reached Melview.
As they descended, many Marines panicked and raised their rifles, aiming at the giant creature. To them, the Kirin Lion looked like a monster.
Thankfully, Kizaru intervened, telling them to lower their weapons in time.
Four figures stood at the center of the Marines—Kizaru, Strawberry, and two others: Issho and Chaton.
Issho wore a pale-purple kimono and wooden sandals, carrying a sheathed blade-staff. Two intersecting scars crossed his forehead and closed eyelids. His appearance was fierce, but his smile warm. This was the man known as Issho, or Fujitora.
As for Vice Admiral Chaton, Torikake, he wore a brown suit and top hat beneath his Justice cloak, with a belt wrapped around his waist and wooden sandals on his feet—a strange mix of styles. His temperament oddly matched Kizaru's, which suddenly made Zhang Da Ye understand why Vice Admiral Gion had rejected his marriage proposal a thousand times.
Kizaru's lazy tone carried as usual. "Da Ye-kun, showing up on a scary monster like that without notice can cause misunderstandings, you know."
"Ah, sorry, my bad." Zhang Da Ye chuckled. "But this isn't a monster—it's the Animal King of Crown Island, or rather, Rare Beast Island. The person beside him is a zoologist who was taken along with the island by the Golden Lion. They came to ask for help."
"Animal King and zoologist? What a pair. What is it you need?" Kizaru asked.
Zeoler gathered his courage. "May I ask what the Marines plan to do with these islands and the creatures on them?"
Strawberry, ever the dependable subordinate, answered for his superior. "The beasts here are too dangerous for East Blue. We plan to ask Issho to return these islands to the Grand Line. Melview, however, will stay here since its residents don't wish to go back. As for the mutated beasts there, we'll eliminate them ourselves."
"I see," said Zeoler. He had no objection—he wasn't an idealist demanding every animal be protected. Returning most of the islands was already a good outcome.
"Roar~" The Kirin Lion lowered its head with a soft growl.
Azu quickly translated, his voice trembling slightly—after all, a talking crow among Marines was nerve-wracking. "The King says the animals of Crown Island wish to return to their home environment and are deeply grateful for your help."
The Marines were seasoned enough not to be shocked by talking animals.
Kizaru didn't comment. His mission was only to handle Melview—the rest of the islands didn't concern him, and it wasn't like he had to lift them himself anyway.
"What do you think, Issho?" asked Vice Admiral Chaton. Though his appearance resembled Kizaru's, he was actually closer to Garp and Tsuru's faction—more straightforward and reasonable.
"Since I've already agreed to help," Issho said calmly, "I will honor that promise. Returning one island is hardly an effort."
Zeoler and the Kirin Lion were just beginning to smile when Issho continued, his tone suddenly sharper. "However, it's rather impolite to keep testing my eyesight."
"Tom!" Zhang Da Ye grabbed his cat at once and bowed repeatedly. "Sorry, sorry! My cat's just curious, no harm meant!"
Apparently, while hiding in the Qilin Lion's mane, Tom had sneaked down to wave his paw and make faces in front of Issho—just to see if he could really see.
"Cat…?" Issho opened his eyes slightly, showing a glimpse of white, though he still saw nothing. His Observation Haki could tell species roughly—but moments ago, he was certain a person had been moving in front of him. How could it have been a cat?
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