69novels Page 93
Page 93
Liu Jiu was the last to disembark, his gaze calmly sweeping over Labu before turning to the familiar sea and lighthouse.
Everything seemed unchanged.
They have returned to the starting point of the Grand Line.
This time, however, Robin and his companions were no longer fledglings who had just left the East Blue and unwittingly entered this Sea of Miracles.
Sabo began enthusiastically unloading various local delicacies he had brought from the Western Sea from the ship and piling them in front of Labu.
"Ugh——!"
The long, melodious whale song of Labuna, filled with both joy and sorrow, echoed through the strait. Its huge tail fins slapped the surface of the sea joyfully, splashing up a sky full of sparkling water, like a small celebration.
It carefully nuzzled the dock with its scarred head, its eyes fixed on Sabo, as if afraid the figure before it would disappear again.
"Wait, there's still some moving left!"
Sabo laughed heartily, continuously unloading various exotic foods brought from the Western Sea from the ship—
There were huge, sealed jerky pieces of meat exuding exotic spices, fish roe wrapped in special seaweed with a jelly-like texture, and a whole bunch of tropical fruits whose names I don't even know, all piled up in the seawater in front of Labu in a colorful manner, as if they were being used to reclaim land from the sea.
"Try this, Lab! It's a specialty of the West Sea, 'Grilled Giant Squid Tentacles in Volcanic Rock,' which is said to be incredibly chewy!"
Laboo let out a pleasant groan, opened its huge mouth, and sucked the sea-filling food, along with its packaging, into its mouth. It chewed with a satisfied "glug" sound, and its eyes narrowed into slits in happiness.
Kuina and Robin stood to the side, watching this heartwarming scene with gentle smiles on their faces.
Three years of sea training have softened their naivety and added composure and sharpness to their expressions. But at this moment, in this familiar sea, facing this persistent giant whale, their hearts are filled with tranquility.
It felt like meeting a long-lost friend again.
Liu Jiu leaned against the lighthouse base not far away, his gaze calmly sweeping over the jubilant Laboon and the busy Sabo, looking towards the unpredictable Grand Line waters, lost in thought.
Just then, a slightly surprised and teasing voice came from not far away:
"Tsk, so it's you little guys back. Judging from the noise, I thought it was some rookie pirate who didn't know the rules harassing Laboon."
Chapter 110 Reunion After Three Years
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Crocus dressed in his familiar attire: a floral shirt, beach shorts, and a hat adorned with flowers, strolling slowly over from a distance.
He sized up the trio of Robins, who had clearly grown much taller and had a completely different demeanor, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but his words remained sharp:
"Three years have passed, and it seems you're all still alive and well. You weren't swallowed by any sea, and you've grown quite a bit taller. But..."
He abruptly changed the subject, his tone tinged with genuine doubt and exasperation, "Aren't you guys being a little too low-key? I read the newspapers every day, and I can't find a single thing about you. What? Are you afraid of becoming famous?"
No wonder Crocus was puzzled.
Three years ago, based on the potential he observed in Sabo and the other two, he expected that there should be some reports about their "mischievous achievements" or at least bounties in the economic newspapers of the Grand Line and even the New World.
As it turned out, the three of them vanished as if they had disappeared into thin air. Apart from the commotion Kuina caused in the East China Sea three years ago, they were nowhere to be found.
"Uncle Crocus! Long time no see!" Sabo put down the food in his hand, waved and greeted him with a grin, revealing a set of white teeth.
Kuina also greeted him, "Uncle! Long time no see!"
Robin greeted him elegantly, "Long time no see, Mr. Crocus. We're just traveling at our own pace."
Liu Jiu immediately came to Crocus's side: "Uncle, long time no see!"
"It seems you've gained quite a bit in these three years," Crocus nodded in response, his tone tinged with emotion, "not just in terms of improved strength."
"Hehe, it's alright." Sabo scratched his head, not going into details, and instead asked, "Uncle, what's new on the Grand Line lately? We just got back, and we're completely out of the loop."
Crocus glanced at him and snorted, "New stuff? Plenty! The Navy's so-called 'Seven Warlords of the Sea' system is being recruited; and that 'Desert King' Crocodile is causing all sorts of trouble in Alabasta..."
He paused deliberately, glanced at Sabo and Kuina, and then slowly said, "If you want to become Shichibukai, you might as well give it a try."
Crocus's words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples in the hearts of Sabo and Guina.
"The Seven Warlords of the Sea..." Sabo stroked his chin, a thoughtful glint in his eyes, "...the privileged pirate class recognized by the World Government, possessing the legal right to plunder?"
Crocus took a swig of his drink and nodded. "That's right. To put it bluntly, it's a compromise product created by the World Government to counter the increasingly rampant pirate forces at sea, especially to combat the ever-growing power of the 'Four Emperors'."
"Becoming a Shichibukai means that all your previous crimes and those of your pirate crew will be pardoned, and you will receive a certain degree of 'protection' from the Navy, greatly increasing your freedom of action."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the group of young people with boundless potential before him: "Of course, the price is that you have to respond to the World Government's mandatory conscription and act as their henchmen at certain times. It's a double-edged sword."
Kuina frowned slightly, instinctively feeling a sense of rejection towards this identity that was so deeply intertwined with the Navy and the World Government. Her swordsmanship pursued purity and freedom, not privileges imposed upon her.
Robin analyzed from another perspective: "The status of a Shichibukai does provide many advantages, such as easier access to information blocked by the government or entry into areas that ordinary pirates cannot reach. However, it also makes one a target of hatred, hated by many pirates, and even alienated by one's former comrades."
For a moment, the group fell silent, with only the splashing of water from Labu's cheerful eating in the distance.
Sabo and Kuina almost instinctively turned their gazes to Liu Jiu, who had remained silent.
Although Liu Jiu usually doesn't interfere with their decisions, they have long been accustomed to seeking the advice of this unfathomable "uncle" on such important choices that could affect the future.
Crocus followed their gaze and looked at Liu Jiu, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. Back on Gol D. Roger's ship, everyone subconsciously ignored this newcomer, but they never expected Sabo and Kuina to value his opinion so much.
Feeling the gazes of the crowd, Liu Jiu slowly straightened up, pondered for a moment, and his eyes remained as calm as a deep well.
He glanced at Sabo and Kuina, who both looked at him with questioning expressions, and then at Robin, who seemed to be deep in thought.
There was no lengthy analysis, nor any advice weighing the pros and cons.
He simply uttered five words in a calm voice, devoid of any discernible emotion:
"You decide for yourself."
After saying that, he ignored the question, as if he had just casually commented on the weather.
Sabo and Kuina were both stunned for a moment, then looked at each other and saw a hint of relief and understanding in each other's eyes.
Ultimately, they must walk their own path.
The uncle's presence is a protector and a support, but he is definitely not the thread that pulls them forward.
Sabo's hesitation vanished instantly, replaced by his usual hearty smile. He slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Haha, you're right! Of course, we should decide these things ourselves! The Seven Warlords sound impressive, but they have too many rules and aren't free at all! I don't want to be bossed around by the World Government!"
His dream is to explore this vast world and witness countless wonders, rather than be bound by a title.
Kuina nodded, gripping the Purple Cloud sword tightly, her eyes resolute: "My sword will not be drawn for the powerful and wealthy."
For her, the glory of a swordsman lies in constantly challenging the strong and climbing to the pinnacle of swordsmanship, rather than depending on any power.
Robin smiled slightly, not surprised by the outcome. She knew well the pride and yearning for freedom inherent in her two companions.
Crocus looked at the three who had quickly reached an agreement, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. To remain clear-headed and true to oneself in the face of such immense temptation as the Seven Warlords of the Sea—that was truly a rare quality.
He laughed and said, "Not bad, you have some ambition! It's easy to get a position as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, but it's hard to go against your conscience and obey the Navy's call to work."
“Right!” Sabo raised his chin smugly. “We still prefer to roam this sea freely! You know, our goal is to sail the whole world freely!”
The atmosphere immediately relaxed after the decision was made not to get involved in the affairs of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Sabo continued to feed Laboon with the specialties of the Western Sea, while Kuina walked to the side and gently wiped the blade of the Purple Cloud sword, feeling the path of swordsmanship that had become clearer in her heart since reuniting with this sea.
Robin then walked over to Crocus and asked softly, "Mr. Crocus, besides the Seven Warlords of the Sea, are there any noteworthy developments or rumors in the first half of the Grand Line recently?"
Crocus stroked his chin, pondering for a moment: "As for the movements... the Navy seems to be very active in the waters near Water Seven lately, I wonder what they're up to. As for rumors... there's one that's quite interesting, saying that things haven't been peaceful in 'Magic Valley Town' lately, it seems some ancient clues have appeared, attracting quite a few monsters and demons there."
“Mogu Town… Ancient clues…” A glint of interest flashed in Robin’s eyes as he silently memorized this information.
As the sun gradually sank below the horizon, it painted the sky and sea a brilliant golden-red hue.
Chapter 111 Garp's Decision
Just as Sabo and his companions were in the Twin Straits, considering the improper pursuit of freedom by the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
At Marineford, the naval headquarters on the other side of the Grand Line, a completely different scene unfolds.
Inside the marshal's office, documents were piled up like mountains.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku rubbed his throbbing temples, his brow furrowed as he looked at a report in his hand on the progress of the "Seven Warlords of the Sea" system.
Finding a suitable candidate who is both sufficiently intimidating and willing to be recruited is not easy.
Just then, the office door was pushed open with a loud bang.
There was only one person in the entire Navy Headquarters who would so casually barge into the Marshal's office.
Sengoku looked up with annoyance at his old comrade-in-arms, who was picking his nose and swaggering in.
"How many times have I told you to knock before coming in!"
"Hahaha, what does it matter, Warring States period."
Garp walked to the sofa without a care, plopped down, and casually picked up a senbei from the table and stuffed it into his mouth. "Still having a headache over the Seven Warlords issue?"
"Hmph, it's all because of you guys, you're all such a handful!"
Sengoku glared at him, his gaze pointed. He was referring to the three admirals, currently the Navy's strongest force, who each had a different attitude towards pirates.
Absolute justice, lazy justice, and slacking-off justice!
Since the Pirate King Gol D. Roger was brought to justice, the former Marine hero has rarely taken action.
Garp's laughter paused for a moment, then returned to its hearty tone, though a subtle, complex emotion flickered deep in his eyes. He quickly swallowed the senbei, dusted off the crumbs on his hands, and his expression became unusually serious: "Sengoku, give me a document outlining the Shichibukai's offer of amnesty."
Upon hearing this, Zhan Guo abruptly raised his head, his eyes filled with surprise and uncertainty: "What do you need the documents for? Could it be that you..."
He considered a possibility, and his expression turned grim. Could it be that this old man was considering some nefarious scheme for his rebellious son?
Seeing Sengoku's changing expression, Garp knew he had misunderstood, and couldn't help but laugh loudly, "What are you thinking! I am a naval hero! I'm not someone else's choice!"
"Give it to someone else?" Sengoku breathed a slight sigh of relief, but his doubts deepened. "Who?"
Garp's smile faded, his gaze sharpened, and he slowly uttered a name:
"Kuina, the 'Shura Girl'."
"Kuina?" Sengoku was slightly taken aback; he vaguely recognized the name.
Several years ago, due to the East Blue Branch's lack of rigor, they were unaware that the massacre of Sin Town and the annihilation of the Arlong Pirates were both carried out by the same person.
This led to the hasty issuance of a reward order, which misled and misled young people!
After that, he disappeared without a trace. It was said that he was active in the Grand Line for a period of time, but his bounty was not high and he did not attract much attention from headquarters.
"That little girl from the East Blue? What qualifications does she have to become a Shichibukai?"
"Little girl?" Garp scoffed, his eyes conveying a sense of "you have no idea."