Chapter 23: Is Your Head Really Worth That Much?
Sabaody Archipelago, also known as the Island of Failure and the Island of Departure Once More.
Near Marine Headquarters stands the world's largest red tree, the Yarukiman Mangrove.
Because its roots remain exposed above the water, they form the Sabaody Archipelago.
The archipelago's greatest feature is that the Yarukiman Mangrove's roots secrete a special natural resin through respiration.
The resin expands in the air to form bubbles, which then float up into the sky.
Because these bubbles only remain stable within the Yarukiman Mangrove's climate, once they leave Sabaody's climate zone the resin fails to exert its full effect and the bubbles burst.
Bubble cars, a bubble Ferris wheel, houses built atop bubbles… bubble culture permeates every corner of Sabaody.
The whole archipelago consists of 79 groves (each numbered), and every grove has its own towns and facilities.
People call the cluster of 79 groves the Sabaody Archipelago.
Each numbered range of groves serves a different role.
1–29: chiefly human-trafficking shops, slave auctions, and lawless zones.
30–39: chiefly the Soap Bubble Park and the like.
40–49: chiefly sightseeing areas and specialty shops.
50–59: chiefly shipyards and coating craftsmen.
60–69: chiefly Marine garrisons and Government gateways.
70–79: chiefly hotel streets and lodging.
After drifting on the sea for half a month aboard the Red Hair Pirates' ship, Satan finally made landfall on the archipelago.
"What a strange sight. So, where should I go?"
Satan pondered.
Sabaody Archipelago is a web of tangled powers.
There is the former Pirate King's first mate Rayleigh, and the great pirate Shakky.
There are the auction houses in which Doflamingo has a hand, the Celestial Dragons, and the Marines.
There are even forces hidden behind the scenes.
What should be done first?
Gurgle.
His stomach rumbled.
"Right, find a place to eat first.
"I can also gather some intel. If I learn Luffy's movements, I can better grasp the plot points."
Rubbing his belly, Satan strolled lazily toward the interior of the islands.
On the groves, Satan saw sights found nowhere else.
The place was extraordinarily bustling.
Before long, he stood before a tavern.
"Taverns are the best places to gather news. Let's go in."
As soon as he stepped inside, a rich aroma of liquor hit his nose.
The tavern was packed with pirates, all downing drinks and shouting.
"Ding. Gluttony Value detected. Absorb?"
"Absorb."
"Ding. Absorption complete. Gained 200 Gluttony Points. Randomly gained 20 Stamina."
"Host: Satan."
"Strength: 61.1."
"Agility: 49.7."
"Stamina: 60.1."
"Spirit: 164.9."
"Wrath: 300/1000."
"Sloth: 2/5000."
"Pride: 103/1000."
"Envy: 330/5000."
"Greed: 5/1000."
"Gluttony: 600/1000."
"Lust: 10/10000."
"Secret Arts: Seizure, Intrusion."
"As expected, where there are pirates, it's easier to harvest the Seven Deadly Sins."
"A tiny tavern can yield 200 Gluttony Points. A few runs and I'll level up, no?"
"Is there someone unusual in this tavern?"
Satan walked to the bar.
Behind the counter stood a tall, mature woman with a regal air.
"What do you need, little brother?"
The proprietress looked at Satan.
"Start with your strongest liquor.
"Then bring out all your best dishes."
Satan grinned.
"One hundred thousand Berries. Small business here—pay first, little brother."
She held out her hand.
Satan patted his body, and his face stiffened.
Since arriving in this world, he had been on Whitebeard's ship and then on Red-Hair's ship.
He had never even seen Berries.
"Don't tell me you plan to dine and dash, little brother?"
Her face darkened.
"Do I look like someone who dines and dashes?
"I forgot to bring money, but we're close to Marine Headquarters.
"I can exchange something else for money."
Satan's gaze swept over the patrons.
Everyone here was clearly a pirate.
Since he had no money, he would have to use their heads to get some.
Pirates feeding on pirates, like big fish eating small fish.
"Oh? Exchange something else for money?
"So, little brother, are you a bounty hunter?"
Following Satan's gaze, the proprietress guessed his aim.
After all, to run a tavern in a lawless zone required some strength and insight.
As her words fell, the tavern's clamor instantly died.
Every pirate turned to stare at Satan.
"Shishi-sha, a bounty hunter!"
"Brat, you've got guts barging into pirates' turf!"
A burly red-bearded pirate strode toward Satan, cruelty glinting in his eyes.
Two vicious pirates with blades followed at his back.
"Planning to cash in my head for bounty?
"My head's right here—do you even have the right to take it?"
The burly pirate bared a savage grin.
The other pirates watched with expressions of eager anticipation.
"Bloodbeard. And those two high officers, Black Bear and Dual-Blade Saan."
"There'll be a good show. Bloodbeard is ruthless—he likes to dye his beard with his enemies' blood every time."
"The brat's dead for sure."
The pirates murmured among themselves. Some even showed fear.
Bloodbeard was a great pirate who had roamed the Grand Line and was about to enter the New World.
"Is your head worth anything?"
Satan said calmly.
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