Chapter 103: Chance Encounter with Roger! A Ride Along
The reason Lotte wanted to obtain the Wood-Wood Fruit was mainly for two purposes.
First was the stamina consumption from creating trees out of thin air.
After all, Wood Release and Devil Fruit abilities were different. If Natural-type Devil Fruits relied on assimilation and growth, Wood Release leaned more toward creation effects.
The stamina drain from Natural-type fruits was almost negligible.
Otherwise, back then Akainu and Aokiji wouldn't have fought each other for ten days and ten nights—the consumption would have been unimaginably high.
If Natural-type abilities also drained extra stamina.
It would be a completely different story.
So if he could obtain the Natural-type Wood-Wood Fruit, Lotte could free up a portion of his stamina and even unleash even more powerful Wood Release techniques.
That was why this fruit was ranked so high on his priority list.
The second reason.
Was that Lotte himself wanted to research Devil Fruit abilities. After all, this was one of the signature features of the pirate world—how could he not experience it himself?
If there could be some chemical reaction.
It would undoubtedly be extremely useful for Lotte's future plans!
But right now wasn't the time to search for the fruit. Rocks had definitely taken advantage of him drawing away the Admirals to attack God Valley.
Since the current plot had likely diverged greatly from the original story.
Even Lotte.
Couldn't be 100% certain of how God Valley would end.
If that guy Rocks really obtained the ancient weapon from God Valley.
Things would become a total disaster!
Thinking of this, Lotte didn't hesitate. He suddenly exerted force under his feet and dashed forward following the direction indicated by the Vivre Card.
Fortunately, the G-5 Branch was also located in the New World.
Although it was some distance from God Valley, it wasn't impossible to reach.
"Rocks, let's settle the score properly."
Lotte sneered coldly.
His figure using Marine Six Styles vanished into midair.
...
At this moment.
Also heading toward God Valley was Roger's pirate crew.
Although Roger had known the exact location of God Valley from the beginning, the outbreak of war between Rocks and the Navy had been far too sudden.
That's why they were rushing over in a hurry.
Roger gazed into the distance and frowned, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.
"Damn it, Rocks really is after Uranus. No matter what, we can't let him succeed!"
If Rocks actually succeeded, the entire world would likely fall into crisis.
Actually, whether the world was in crisis or not didn't really matter to Roger.
What mattered most to him.
Was that given Rocks' personality, his first priority would definitely be eliminating rivals. That was bad news for him.
He wanted to become the freest man on the seas.
How could he let Rocks block his path!
Beside him, Rayleigh also looked grave, clenching his fist as he looked into the distance and smiled helplessly.
"Roger, you're really reckless."
"You know that place doesn't just have the Rocks Pirates—there are also massive numbers of Navy warships there."
"Aren't you afraid the Navy will attack us and send us straight to Impel Down?"
As his words fell.
Roger suddenly burst into loud laughter.
"Hahahaha! Don't worry! Garp won't do that!"
"He's a man I respect!"
Roger always had full confidence in his judgment of people.
Rayleigh shrugged helplessly.
Since the captain had already said this, what else could he do?
Roger continued nonchalantly.
"I already know Rocks' Devil Fruit ability."
"Although it's quite troublesome and powerful, for someone like me who isn't a Devil Fruit user, it's not impossible to fight against."
"Besides, the people under him aren't united."
Roger's pirate crew hadn't been idle these past two years.
Besides improving their own strength, they had also been researching the situation inside the Rocks Pirates and preparing corresponding strategies.
Through long-term intelligence gathering, they discovered.
The members of the Rocks Pirates had long harbored disloyal intentions.
Golden Lion Shiki had privately ordered a large number of pirate ships—clearly preparing to build his own force later.
Charlotte Linlin, besides ordering massive amounts of sweets.
Was also collecting Devil Fruits on the market, preparing to leave the Rocks Pirates.
Just from these few pieces of intelligence.
Roger clearly understood that the Rocks Pirates were far from united. Pirates like Newgate who lacked massive ambition were in the minority.
Any great pirate who had made a name in the New World.
Would never be content to serve under someone else—they had likely prepared for rebellion long ago.
As long as he grasped these details, for Roger this battle had enough opportunities. It wouldn't be one-sided.
Roger's expression became resolute.
But at that moment, a streak of light flashed through the sky. A small black dot accelerated from the distant horizon, heading straight toward God Valley.
It caught the attention of the crew on board.
"What is that?"
"It's moving so fast and still heading toward God Valley. Could it be some kind of ability user? Everyone, stay alert!"
Many took out telescopes to observe.
When someone clearly saw the black dot, their pupils contracted in shock as they exclaimed.
"It's the Azure Emperor! He didn't go with the Rocks Pirates?!"
"Why is he here?!"
The moment these words were spoken.
Roger and Rayleigh both turned in disbelief toward the speaker.
"What did you say?!"
"Impossible... Why wouldn't Rocks bring him along?!"
"That's Lotte we're talking about!"
This instantly left Roger and Rayleigh completely baffled.
Based on the strength he had shown, Lotte was top-tier even within the Rocks Pirates. Logically, Rocks would definitely bring him.
After all, such powerful support.
Was extremely rare even in the Rocks Pirates.
But now Lotte was appearing here. What exactly had happened?
Just as Roger and Rayleigh were puzzled.
A familiar voice suddenly rang out nearby, carrying a hint of amusement.
"Yo, isn't this Roger and Rayleigh?"
"Looks like you're also heading to God Valley. In that case, give me a ride along the way."
"I also have some business to settle with that old bastard Rocks."
Lotte's figure landed on the ship. Looking at the two, he grinned with his mouth curled upward.
The entire ship fell into dead silence.
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