The Desert Kingdom, Arabasta.
As one of the superpowers on the Grand Line, its situation has grown dire. Already a desert nation, not a single drop of rain has fallen in months.
Yet strangely, Alubarna — the capital city of the Arabasta royal family — has been experiencing frequent rainfall lately. Many citizens harbor doubts, but out of trust in their king, they don't dwell on it.
Besides Alubarna, another place has escaped the drought. A city called Rainbase also receives rainfall, and recently, a major figure has taken up residence there.
One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the "Desert King" Sir Crocodile.
Since Crocodile established himself here, pirate invasions have dropped to nearly zero. He's also built his headquarters here — the nation's largest casino, Rain Dinners.
Neither the citizens nor the royal family know that all these strange occurrences have been orchestrated by this "national hero". His true identity is Mr. 0, the leader of the criminal organization Baroque Works, which is attempting to incite civil unrest within the country.
Crocodile sat in a darkened room, a cigar clamped between his teeth, his gaze gloomy as he stared at the aquarium before him. It was called an aquarium, but it was actually quite large, housing his beloved pet bananawani.
In the deathly quiet environment, he suddenly spoke in a low voice: "How are things progressing with that matter?"
From the shadows, a mature yet distinctly detached voice answered.
"The Dance Powder being transported by Baroque Works members disguised as a supply convoy has been discovered by that man named Koza. Now it's just a matter of time."
A woman wearing a white cowboy hat and a leather trench coat emerged from the shadows. Her skin had a healthy wheat tone, her eyes a blend of blue and green, her gaze deep, her features refined and charming.
This was a woman of considerable poise and beauty, yet despite the smile on her face, one could still sense a barrier between her and others.
Crocodile grinned, laughing lowly: "Well done. My plan is about to begin. Arabasta and that thing will both be mine. But for that, I need more subordinates… That strongest hunter from the East Blue — have you found him?"
The woman shook her head gently, "We've lost track of him, but according to intelligence, he should be entering the Grand Line soon."
Crocodile nodded, "Perfect. Bring him to Whisky Peak and have a talk with him."
"Understood." The woman paused, "What if he refuses to join us?"
"Heh!" Crocodile laughed heavily, his voice dripping with confidence, "Send Mr. 5. Does some punk from the backwater East Blue really think that having a bit of strength means he can have freedom on these seas?"
A flash of disgust appeared in the woman's emotionless eyes. She nodded and turned to leave.
Crocodile's voice rang out behind her.
"Nico Robin, don't forget our objective, and don't try anything clever. You should understand that only a Warlord's identity can protect you right now. Don't even think about running away. Besides, where could you possibly go?"
Hearing this, Robin showed no reaction, but after leaving the room, a trace of loneliness crossed her face before vanishing instantly.
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Meanwhile, on Noyer's end.
Under a torrential downpour, Noyer and Ace's ships arrived at Reverse Mountain's ascending current.
Reverse Mountain has five waterway channels: four ascending currents from each of the four seas that climb upward, and one channel that rushes down into the Grand Line.
The two large ships entered Reverse Mountain's current. The powerful stream defied the laws of nature as it flowed upward. If Newton came here, his ashes would have to be scattered at sea…
The ships rode the current, bumping along as they climbed the towering mountain. Upon reaching the summit, they plunged down at breakneck speed!
The two ships burst through the clouds, fell from the sky, and splashed into the sea.
The turbulence finally ended. Ace popped his head out excitedly and shouted: "That was thrilling!"
Noyer, looking like a drowned rat, steadied himself against the railing and stood up, "That was way more intense than any roller coaster."
He pulled out a dry towel and wiped his head, surveying his surroundings with curiosity.
This was Twin Cape, but where was Laboon, that huge whale? He shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it. The creature couldn't be surfacing all day.
Both crews tidied up their ships. It was time to part ways.
Noyer transferred some supplies from his ship to Ace's crew, "The Grand Line is nothing like before. You guys should hurry up and find a navigator."
Ace nodded cheerfully, "You take care too. We'll meet again on the seas!"
From Twin Cape, the starting point of the Grand Line, seven magnetic routes diverged. The two decided to part ways here.
"Even though we're taking different routes, we'll all converge at Sabaody Archipelago." Noyer extended his fist, eyes smiling as he challenged, "How about we compete to see who gets there first?"
Ace bumped fists with him and laughed, "You're on! Whoever loses pays next time!"
"Deal! It's a promise!"
They bumped fists to seal their bet. Ace turned and returned to his ship, waving goodbye with a smile.
Noyer waved frantically, "Goodbye!"
As the ship drifted away, his vessel grew quiet once again. He felt unaccustomed to it.
Noyer sighed self-mockingly, "This feeling is pathetic. When they were here, I found them annoying. Now that they've just left, I feel down."
He wasn't someone who liked bustle, yet he enjoyed having liveliness right before his eyes — it made him feel warm.
After sighing for a while, Noyer emerged from his melancholic state. He needed to find a companion to sail with. This was too boring.
He collected himself, raised the sails, and began sailing according to his Log Pose. His destination was Whisky Peak, where Crocodile's spies were everywhere. Perhaps he could find an Eternal Pose to Arabasta there.
But after beginning his voyage, Noyer realized he couldn't even find Whisky Peak's location.
Just as he was scratching his head, the assist from Crocodile arrived.
On the sea, a ship slowly approached. The lookout aboard spotted him and shouted: "Found him! The guy the boss wants to recruit!"
Noyer, with his keen perception, heard the commotion and looked at the people on that ship with confusion.
Someone on the ship stood at the edge, rubbing his hands eagerly, "Excuse me, are you Mr. Noyer?"
Noyer raised an eyebrow, "I am. Who are you?"
The person smiled even more cheerfully, "We're bounty hunters from Baroque Works. We'd like to invite you to visit Whisky Peak."
"Baroque Works?" Noyer asked in confusion.
Wasn't that Crocodile's organization? He hadn't even gone looking for them yet, and here they were delivering themselves to his door.
"But I don't know you."
The man smiled, "You're the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue. It's only proper that we host you. Allow me to introduce myself — I'm Mr. 9. All our members go by code names."
Noyer looked at him thoughtfully.
Was this the Mr. 9 from the original story? He seemed to remember Mr. 9 was the guy with numbers on his face — Vivi's partner. Had Crocodile fired him later?
But he didn't have time to worry about their internal affairs. Since there was a ready-made guide, he didn't need to waste effort.
"Thanks. Lead the way."
"Ah, yes sir!" Mr. 9 responded with a smile, then turned away, a sinister grin spreading across his sleazy face.
Just earlier, the boss had notified him to receive a newcomer. The key point? The boss said this newcomer was much stronger than him and would take his position. He'd become Mr. 10!
Why should he?!
Mr. 9's features twisted with jealousy and resentment. He would get rid of this person blocking his promotion!
Though his emotional fluctuations were subtle, Noyer sensed them clearly. He just chuckled and didn't take it to heart.
Finding an eye mask, he lay comfortably on the deck. These weaklings always thought they were an Emperor of the Sea, capable of turning heaven upside down.
But the guy hadn't even left the beginning of Paradise and was already acting big. Wanted to be the sun but barely shone like a candle.
Under Mr. 9's ill-intentioned guidance, Noyer found his way and arrived at Whisky Peak.
Whisky Peak — known as "the town that welcomes pirates." But in reality, most of the people here were bounty hunters. They targeted naive rookie pirates heading for the Grand Line, gathering here to claim large bounties. Quite a few young, inexperienced pirates met their end here, becoming prey.
Besides that, this was also a branch of the secret criminal organization Baroque Works. In other words, territory developed by Crocodile.
Noyer was escorted onto the island by the crowd. Looking at the mountain peak shaped like a cactus, he couldn't help but marvel. The world was vast and full of wonders — there were even mountains like this.
Though the "cactus needles" on top were all gravestones, which ruined the scenery…
Mr. 9 warmly greeted him, "Mr. Noyer, this way please. We've already prepared a feast for you."
"That sounds great. Let's go." Noyer said cheerfully.
Mr. 9 welcomed him into the town, where a table full of meat and wine had been set up in one of the rooms.
"Wow!" Noyer's eyes lit up as he rushed over and started eating. Picking up a large piece of meat on the bone, he took a big bite.
Hmm… it tasted awful.
Mr. 9 saw him frown and quickly asked, "What's wrong, Mr. Noyer?"
Noyer waved his hand dismissively, "The taste is a bit off, but I'll make do. Hey, do you have any alcohol?"
Mr. 9's eyes lit up, "Yes! I'll bring it right up."
He ran out of the room and received the wine from his subordinate.
The subordinate chuckled, pointing at the wine bottle, "It's been spiked — enough to make him sleep for a whole day!"
Mr. 9 nodded viciously, "This will be his last meal!"
He brought the wine in, and only after watching Noyer drink it down did he leave, satisfied.
After waiting a while, Mr. 9 couldn't hear any sound from outside the door. He gently pushed it open and walked in.
Noyer was sprawled on the table, fast asleep, his snoring rising and falling.
Mr. 9 pushed him a few times and called out softly, "Mr. Noyer? Noyer?"
Not a hint of movement. A triumphant smile appeared on his face.
"On these seas, is there anyone who can't be knocked out by sleeping drugs?" Mr. 9 laughed confidently.
In his worldview, no matter how powerful someone was, they couldn't resist underhanded tactics.
"Why does the boss want to promote you to my position? Just because you have some brute strength?" Mr. 9 shouted indignantly at the "unconscious" man, "The boss is a fool too — does he really think some green kid like you could be stronger than me? Once I kill you and throw you into the sea, you'll be nothing but a waste who never even made it to the Grand Line!"
He drew the short blade from his waist, cackling wickedly, then moved toward Noyer on the table…
Huh? Where'd he go?! In the brief moment Mr. 9 had been venting and cursing, such a large living person had vanished from the table.
Then his hand suddenly loosened — the short blade was snatched away.
"I see, so you were trying to recruit me…"
A ghostly voice sounded from behind. Mr. 9's hair stood on end as he spun around.
Noyer, who should have been drugged unconscious, was wide awake, sitting brazenly behind him with mocking eyes. He held the short blade just snatched from Mr. 9's hand.
Mr. 9 smiled nervously and tried to explain, "Mr. Noyer, let me explain…"
Before he could finish, the hand he'd been keeping behind his back emerged, clutching white powder.
But before he could throw it, Noyer grabbed his wrist. By the force of inertia, the white powder flew right into Mr. 9's own face!
He collapsed to the ground with a thud, his eyelids growing heavy. He pointed at Noyer and mumbled a few sounds. Before he could get the words out, his eyes closed and his snoring shook the heavens.
"That effective?" Noyer looked at the fallen man in surprise.
He lightly crushed the short blade in his hand, stretched, and pushed the door open, walking out.
Creak—
The wooden door opened gently in the quiet night as he walked out.
Then came several sounds of gun bolts being pulled. Noyer looked up to see an endless crowd, all holding guns, glaring at him with hostile faces.
He looked at these bounty hunters and said helplessly, "A bunch of small fries trying to establish their presence again… But this time, I'm not interested in playing with you."
Noyer's smile vanished. His pupils contracted slightly as a powerful shockwave rippled through the air.
◈ Haōshoku no Haki: Muryoku-ka ⥤ Supreme King Haki: Incapacitation ◈
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T/N: Comment, give me Power Stones, like and favorite, it all supports me and makes me go foward with this. Appreciate my other stories as well, I guarantee the good work!
If you want more chapters of this novel or enjoy a large catalog of good novels with excellent translations: MrBlackWing (you know where to search)
That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)