OPTC Chapter 271 The Eight-Foot Tracing Jade, Truly Worth Its Name
After Tom's little commotion, both sides finally had a proper introduction. Issho now found himself not so different from Zhang Da Ye and the others—wandering from place to place. When he was younger, this uncle had been far too passionate about justice. After seeing too much evil in the world, he had chosen to close his eyes to it all.
In his words: "To see nothing is a blessing in itself. This world is filled with too many vile and filthy souls that one cannot bear to look upon."
Perhaps misfortune and fortune truly coexist. Losing his sight had quieted his heart, allowing him to master an Observation Haki so strong it could sense meteors falling from the heavens—and then pull them down to crush his enemies.
Although they didn't agree with his self-blinding, both Zhang Da Ye and Artoria found themselves respecting this chivalrous man whose every word and action carried a rare sense of honor.
Issho's attitude toward Zhang Da Ye's group was also warm. Putting aside the mischievous unknown creature, the boy and girl before him left a good impression. After all, not everyone had the courage to face a pirate as infamous as the Golden Lion.
And from what Garp's old friend had told him, they had stayed behind not to show off, but to stall the Golden Lion and relay the location to the Navy so they could save the civilians. That kind of deed fit perfectly with Issho's idea of true righteousness.
"Uncle Issho, since you're traveling the seas too, how about joining us? It'd be good to have each other's backs," Zhang Da Ye suggested. He wasn't much for territorial fights or fame, but traveling with a strong companion made the journey safer—and they got along well besides.
Issho chuckled. "Haha, I am but a blind man. To receive your invitation is already an honor. But I still have my own path to follow. Perhaps one day, I'll visit your ship to share a cup of tea—if you'd welcome me."
What a humble way to put it—'a mere blind man.' Zhang Da Ye thought he was as modest as Jinbe calling himself a 'nameless junior.'
"You're welcome anytime," Zhang Da Ye said inwardly. Never mind tea—he'd gladly gamble a few rounds with him. With Admiral Artoria on his side, he might even win. As long as Issho didn't cheat with his powers, he could win down to his last coin and still smile.
Issho smiled faintly, but Garp's comrade, Vice Admiral Gion, brought the conversation back on track. "We can talk later. There's still business to finish."
"Agreed." Issho drew his blade, swung it lightly a few times, then sheathed it. "It's ready."
Zhang Da Ye blinked, confused. What just happened? He could only assume Issho had used his power, but there'd been no sign or sound. Was the Gravity Fruit really this low on special effects?
At Borsalino's signal, Strawberry immediately led the soldiers toward Melviu Village to calm the civilians.
Then the Admiral walked to the island's edge, saying leisurely, "Guess it's my turn to stretch a bit."
A flash of golden light erupted as he appeared in the air, arms crossed, forming an "OK" sign with both hands.
"Yata no Kagami!"
Countless golden light bullets burst forth from the circles of his fingers. To those below, the details were lost in the brilliance; all they saw was a blazing cross of gold suspended in the sky.
Only Tom, ever clever with his sunglasses, could see the admiral's motions clearly—and mimicked them perfectly.
Zhang Da Ye grabbed Tom's shades for a peek. Same gesture, but somehow Tom looked adorable while Borsalino looked downright sleazy.
Patting Tom's head, Zhang Da Ye warned, "Promise me, Tom—copy his moves if you want, but never his face."
Tom nodded, as if he understood.
Biubiubiu—!
Boom—!
The endless laser blasts tore through the frozen sea, shattering glaciers into mist and fragments. Some ice evaporated entirely; others fell into the ocean, breaking into drifting shards.
As the barrage continued, the vast frozen plains Aokiji had created to support the floating islands crumbled entirely. Soon only a scattering of ice remained—none larger than a meter across. In this climate, they'd melt soon enough.
Curiously, Aokiji sat calmly astride his bicycle, unfazed. The light show hadn't touched him—in fact, Borsalino had even left him a neat ice raft to park and nap on.
The Eight-Foot Tracing Jade—truly worthy of its name.
When the glaciers fell, the dozen sky islands still hovered safely above. Borsalino flashed back to the ground, hands in pockets, the picture of a man clocking out after finishing his shift.
Under Issho's control, the islands slowly descended until they rested upon the sea.
There was no danger of them sinking—the waters here were deep, but Aokiji could easily form a new ice foundation anytime.
"So strong… it's a bit like the Golden Lion's power," Zhang Da Ye murmured.
"Just a minor trick," Issho replied with humble gravitas.
"But weren't we supposed to bring them back to the Grand Line? Why drop them here?" Zhang Da Ye asked.
Vice Admiral Gion explained, "Because we'll escort Melviu to Shells Town in East Blue before returning with the other islands."
"Shells Town?" Zhang Da Ye frowned. The name sounded familiar—wasn't that where Axe-Hand Morgan would end up? Though maybe he wasn't a captain yet.
Gion continued, "Yes. Leaving the island adrift here would be irresponsible. Placing it near Shells Town is safest—it's a prosperous port under the World Government with a Marine branch. Easier to manage and for the villagers to settle."
Zhang Da Ye nodded. He'd underestimated the Navy—they'd thought of everything, even how these people would live afterward.
When the island stabilized, a Marine fleet arrived from afar. Vice Admiral Strawberry oversaw the capture of the Golden Lion's remnants and the retrieval of the body itself. Another admiral confirmed orders with Borsalino, then departed with the prisoners.
Meanwhile, Strawberry would accompany the civilians to Shells Town—ever diligent, Zhang Da Ye thought. Serving under Borsalino must be exhausting.
Borsalino turned to Zhang Da Ye. "So, what will you do next? Sail the East Blue, or follow Beast Island back to the Grand Line?"
"We'll tour East Blue a bit," Zhang Da Ye said. "Then head back to the Grand Line through Reverse Mountain. Honestly, I thought we'd have to brave the Calm Belt to reach the Blues—but looks like the Golden Lion gave us a shortcut."
They'd already decided this yesterday. Zhang Da Ye remembered hearing about a certain fish-man named Arlong—better to deal with that mess early.
Everyone else was easygoing about it. A world voyage was a world voyage—direction didn't matter.
Even Brook, eager to reunite with Laboon at Twin Cape, didn't mind. Sailing East Blue and climbing Reverse Mountain might even be faster than going backward through the Grand Line.
Borsalino said, "Then moor near Beast Island. After we escort Melviu to Shells Town, we'll return to move the other islands. What we promised you should arrive tomorrow—please be patient."
"No problem waiting, but we're a little low on supplies," Zhang Da Ye said pointedly. They had agreed to celebrate their victory aboard a Navy ship, and he wasn't about to let that promise slide.
"Not an issue," Borsalino said easily. "We'll send over provisions. You're also welcome to dine aboard our ship—our chefs are quite good."
Zhang Da Ye's grin widened. "Then we'll gladly accept!"
Tom and Artoria's eyes sparkled. A free meal was not to be wasted.
And so, Borsalino led Gion, Strawberry, and hundreds of Marines to escort Melviu, with Issho lifting the island for low-altitude flight. Aokiji followed with two ships for protection and return logistics.
Meanwhile, Zhang Da Ye and his crew moored beside the Navy fleet and boarded Borsalino's flagship for a tour. The marines welcomed them warmly, inviting them to stay for lunch.
By the time Borsalino returned that evening, having finished his mission, he was greeted by a battalion of weary Marines—and a chef whose face mixed pride and despair.
"What happened?" the admiral asked lazily. "Bring me some dinner. It's been a long day, I haven't even eaten yet."
The chef saluted stiffly. "Admiral Borsalino, sir—there's no food left!"
Borsalino blinked. "No food? But weren't we fully stocked?"
Marine headquarters never lacked supplies. Every voyage left port with more than enough provisions. How could they have run out already?
"It's the guests, sir," the chef said grimly. "Their appetites were… beyond imagination. Even the cat ate ten servings! My team fought for three hours, using up every scrap of food we had—but we did not lose face as Marines, nor our pride as chefs!"
Please, for once, lose a little pride, Borsalino thought, rubbing his temples. "I underestimated them… Fine, borrow some from Strawberry's ship."
…
Back aboard the Amber, Issho sat with a serious face. "Well, how is it, little brother?"
Zhang Da Ye glanced down at the table. "Three, three, six—twelve points. Artoria's four, five, six—fifteen points. Uncle, you lost again. Stick the note on."
"Ah, curse it! One more round—I'll win this time!" Issho declared, slapping another note on his cheek and rattling the dice cup.
Usually so composed, he became like a child when gambling—utterly unwilling to quit until he'd won at least once, even when the stakes were nothing more than sticky notes.
At least he was an honest player—never cheated with his power. But against Artoria's unflappable luck, he was covered head to toe in notes, his whole face plastered.
Whenever one fell off, he'd use his ability to float it back into place. Using the mighty Gravity Fruit for something like this… was oddly adorable.
"Only two notes left, Uncle," Zhang Da Ye teased. "Lose again and you'll be out."
"What? Then I'll get serious this time!"
"Uncle Issho, your room's ready," Rui Meng Meng said as she peeked in. "Call me when you're tired, I'll show you to it."
"Thank you, young lady," Issho said kindly. "Sorry for the trouble."
"It's no trouble," Rui Meng Meng smiled. "But I heard you're good friends with Vice Admiral Gion—won't she mind you staying here?"
Issho laughed. "Haha, the Navy ships are too dull—no one to throw dice with. It's much livelier here. I'll impose just for tonight."
He liked this ship. Someone played music, someone studied quietly—well, half-dozing perhaps—and someone laughed beside him. Even that strange creature had inflated into a little ball, rolling to the table to watch.
Truly an entertaining crew.
If he'd gone with Gion, they'd only try to recruit him into the Navy again. Not that he disliked them, but there were still too many things he hadn't seen, too many truths to ponder. When he finally found his purpose, that would be the end of his wandering.
But for now, the most important thing was…
Clatter—! The dice cup shook again and hit the table with a sharp tap.
"This time's the one—I can feel it!" Issho declared confidently.
Artoria casually lifted her cup, speared a piece of fruit with a toothpick, and flipped open the lid.
Zhang Da Ye winced. "Artoria—three sixes. Uncle Issho, you lost again."
"H-how could this be…"
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