69novels Chapter 252 A Bounty to Overturn the World, Old Friends Reunited
Chapter 252 A Bounty to Overturn the World, Old Friends Reunited
Chapter 252 A Bounty to Overturn the World, Old Friends Reunited
Kojiro remained standing in the same spot, silently gazing at the Autumn Water sword on the ground.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, the people of Fishman Island erupted in deafening cheers, nearly lifting the dome of the Dragon Palace.
The overwhelming joy of surviving the ordeal and their admiration for the strong brought tears to their eyes!
The way they looked at Kojiro was as if they were looking up at a god!
This "nameless" heroic spirit, in their most desperate moment, saved Fishman Island with a single, breathtaking sword strike!
"We won! We won!"
"Lord Kojiro! Long live!"
"Thank God Noah! No, it was Lord Kojiro who saved us!"
On the other end of the video Den Den Mushi, Doflamingo paused for a moment, then burst into even more hearty laughter.
"Fufufufufu!!! Well done, Kojiro! That was absolutely amazing!! This is power beyond legend!!"
He looked at Mihawk and Shakespeare in the laboratory, his face full of pride.
Mihawk crossed his arms, the smile on his lips becoming more pronounced, and his sharp eyes gleaming with the excitement of a predator.
"Kara no Kyoukai — shedding form and technique to reach the origin. His sword finally severed the last shackles."
""
That was a heartfelt joy for fellow travelers stepping into a completely new field.
Shakespeare, meanwhile, was completely engrossed in his creative frenzy, gesturing wildly as his virtual quill drew countless golden trajectories in the air.
"Divine skill! Incredible! Ordinary iron can reach the very essence! Overcoming existence with non-existence, breaking through solidity with emptiness! This is no ordinary sword, but a divine revelation!"
"Our inspiration flows like a spring, and we will surely use it to compose an immortal epic! Praise be to you, Sasaki Kojiro! You are a walking legend!"
Kojiro slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, his clear eyes gradually regaining their usual gentleness, but deep within them, there was a hint of clarity after seeing through the fog.
He walked to the spot where Ryoma had disappeared, bent down to pick up the famous sword Shusui, gently wiped away non-existent dust from the blade, and then approached Jinbe.
"This sword should be returned to its rightful owner." He handed Shusui to Jinbe.
This national treasure of Wano Country is kept by Fishman Island, and perhaps it will be returned to its homeland in the future.
Jinbe solemnly accepted Shusui with both hands, as if receiving a heavy burden. He bowed deeply, his voice choked with emotion.
"Lord Kojiro! The entire population of Fish-Man Island owes you an unforgettable debt of gratitude! From this day forward, you will be Fish-Man Island's most honored friend!"
Kojiro smiled slightly, shook his head, and said nothing more.
He looked up towards the direction of the Dragon Palace, then at the deep-sea paradise that was gradually returning to peace after the war, and at the fishmen and mermaids whose faces were once again beaming with smiles.
He knew that this might just be a brief interlude before the storm.
The threat of Blackbeard remains, and the world's turmoil is far from over.
The escape of the nine-tailed fox means that the news will soon reach Blackbeard's ears.
But at least for this moment, he protected this peace.
And the sword in his hand, in the process of protecting, broke free from the shackles of obsession and touched upon an unprecedented realm of emptiness.
Even an anonymous inscription can resonate through the heavens.
When the swallows return to their new home, the boundless path of the sword is revealed.
The crisis on Fishman Island was temporarily averted with Captain John and Ryoma's transformation into spirit particles, but the tension in the air did not completely dissipate.
The ruins and wounded in the port area silently testify to the harrowing ordeal that had just taken place.
Inside the Dragon Palace, the atmosphere was much more relaxed than before, but it was still tinged with caution.
King Neptune looked at the phantom image of Doflamingo in the video Den Den Mushi and said in a deep voice.
"Joker, thanks to Lord Sasaki Kojiro of your guild, this crisis was averted. Fishman Island will forever remember this kindness."
"Fufufufu—easy, easy." Doflamingo's laughter came through the Den Den Mushi.
"Our mission as a Crusaders is to unite all forces oppressed by the World Government and the Navy, help each other, and carve a bloody path through this chaotic world!"
"Your Majesty Neptune, Brother Jinbe, you know better than anyone the situation on Fish-Man Island."
"Has the World Government ever truly regarded Fish-Man Island as an equal? The Knights of God have treated you like dirt! Joining us is not just about gaining another ally, but also about gaining more voice and more confidence to resist!"
He paused, his tone carrying a seductive and inflammatory quality.
"Think about it, why should the Navy define justice and evil? Why should only the Navy be able to put bounties on pirates?"
"Why should the world government be so high and mighty, arbitrarily judging the crimes and punishments of others? We, the Cross Society, will break this rule!"
"We'll make those naval officers and high-ranking government officials taste what it's like to have a bounty on their heads!"
"We want to show the world that we are not just passive, defensive rats!"
"Anti-bounty — Navy and government officials?"
Jinbe's pupils contracted. Even though he had experienced many storms, he was shocked by Doflamingo's crazy and audacious idea.
This is practically a blatant declaration of war against the entire world government system!
"Us?" King Neptune was incredulous.
"With us!" Doflamingo said confidently, his gaze seemingly sweeping over Kojiro, who was standing quietly to meditate.
"With the Servants we possess! Not just one powerful Servant! You've all witnessed Lord Kojiro's strength! And this is only a fraction of our power! Mihawk, Moria, and I, Doflamingo! We have the strength and determination to challenge the Old Order!"
His words were inflammatory, painting a picture of resistance and subversion.
Neptune and Jinbe fell into deep thought.
The long-standing discrimination and oppression suffered by Fish-Man Island, coupled with the merciless destructive attacks by the Knights of God, filled them with disappointment and anger towards the World Government.
Although the ideas of the Crusaders were radical, they struck a nerve with them.
Furthermore, Noah's Ark seems to have fallen into a period of silence after repelling the Knights of God, and it remains to be seen how long Whitebeard's reputation can be maintained in this era of frequent appearances of heroic spirits.
Fishman Island truly needs a new and powerful sanctuary.
"This matter is of great importance, and we need time to discuss it."
King Neptune did not immediately agree, but his tone had softened.
"Lord Sasaki Kojiro, you are quite exhausted. Why don't you rest on Fishman Island for a few days first, and then we can discuss this in detail?"
Doflamingo knew he couldn't push too hard, and chuckled.
"Of course. Then let Diamante (who has been bandaged up like a mummy) and Kojiro take over for now. I look forward to hearing good news from you."
Communication is temporarily interrupted.
The New World, on the route to the Sabaody Archipelago, the Thousand Sunny.
A gentle sea breeze was blowing as the Sunny sailed toward the island where the precious tree, Adam, was located.
After resting and analyzing intelligence in Water 7, the Straw Hat crew decided to proceed to Fish-Man Island as planned.
Ace, along with Little Sun, temporarily separated from them and returned to Whitebeard's territory to prepare to unify more forces.
"Nami-san! There's news!" Sanji shouted toward the observation deck.
Nami took the latest newspaper from the news bird and, as usual, glanced at the front page first.
Her eyes widened instantly, and she let out an incredulous gasp.
"What...what is this?!"
Her exclamation drew everyone's attention.
Luffy, Roger, Zoro, Usopp, Chopper, and the others immediately surrounded them.
The front page of the newspaper featured a headline printed in an extremely eye-catching, even provocative, font.
The Cross Society declares: Effective immediately, a counter-bounty will be imposed on key figures in the Navy and World Government!
At the bottom, in the most prominent position, there are rows of familiar portraits, but instead of military ranks or positions, the labels below them are astonishing bounties!
Fleet Admiral Sengoku – Bounty: Five Crowns. Luffy scratched his head: “What do these five crowns mean? This isn’t a bounty, is it?”
Nami's expression remained serious: "The rules of the Dry Word Guild aren't detailed, but I'd guess one crown probably represents one billion Berries."
After saying this, Luffy immediately dropped his jaw: "Those five crowns are worth five billion, right? That's already as much as Roger's!!"
Roger, upon hearing this, shook his head seriously: "That old man from Sengoku period couldn't catch up with me. I'm worth 5.5 billion! Hahahaha!"
Everyone ignored Roger's actions and continued watching.
Marine Admiral Akainu Sakazuki – Bounty: 4 billion Berries Marine Admiral Kizaru Borsalino – Bounty: 3.8 billion Berries Marine Admiral Aokiji Kuzan – Bounty: 3.8 billion Berries Marine Admiral Green Bull Aramaki – Bounty: 3.5 billion Berries Marine Admiral Fujitora Issei – Bounty: 3.5 billion Berries And then, there are even more.
Vice Admiral Smoker the White Hunter – Bounty: 3 billion Berries.
The threat level has been significantly increased due to his confrontation with Princess Vivi and her heroic spirit in Alabasta.
And the bounty on his subordinate hero, Quetzalcoatl, reached an astonishing seven crowns!
Rob Lucci, formerly CP9's strongest fighter and now a defector, was given three crowns despite his defection, given his status as the former Master of the Black Faction.
Next up is the Blackbeard Pirates, who directly clashed with the Cross Society:
Marshall D. Teach – Bounty of five crowns, on par with the Warring States!
His subordinate, Arjuna, has a bounty of 10,000,000,000.
Ten crowns! Ten billion pegories!
"—10 billion?!?" Usopp and Chopper's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, and they huddled together, trembling.
"How is this possible! Even if you robbed the entire world of heavenly treasures, you might not have this much!!"
Nami clutched her chest, feeling like she was about to have a heart attack: "Are the Crusaders insane?! How could they possibly afford to pay so much money?!"
Zoro, holding his sword, snorted coldly, "No one has the ability to capture that guy who split the sea and hand him over for the reward."
Franky struck a pose: "Super—! But that kind of provocation is really something!"
Robin carefully examined the bounty poster and said softly, "This is a declaration."
"The Crusaders are demonstrating to the world their determination and confidence in resisting the World Government. They possess Heroic Spirits and are not afraid to make them public."
Tescatlipoca, who had been watching the spectacle from the ship's railing, glanced at Koyatl's photo and a playful smile appeared on his lips.
"Oh my? Isn't this lady's price a bit too low? Seven crowns?"
"Tsk tsk, it seems the Crusaders don't have very good taste."
His teasing eased the tense atmosphere slightly, but the shock in everyone's hearts did not subside.
This bounty notice is undoubtedly another bombshell dropped on an already turbulent sea!
The world order is being overturned at an unprecedented speed.
As the Sunny slowly approached the Sabaody Archipelago, the enormous mangroves and the ever-rising soap bubbles created a strange and wonderful landscape.
The ship docked, and the group stepped onto the long-lost land.
"Alright! Let Franky handle the coating! Let's go explore!" Luffy excitedly rushed towards the island.
Just then, Roger, who had been silently sensing his surroundings, suddenly uttered a "Hmm?" and stopped in his tracks.
A hint of surprise flashed across his bold face, which quickly transformed into an indescribable, complex expression.
There's nostalgia,感慨 (feelings of emotion), and a touch of eagerness.
Almost simultaneously, a powerful aura, heavy as a mountain yet restrained as an abyss, spread out from a certain direction of the island like an invisible tide.
It wasn't directed at anyone in particular, but it made the air feel like it was filled with static electricity, giving you goosebumps!
Zoro, Sanji, and the others tensed up instantly, their eyes sharply fixed on the direction from which the aura emanated.
Luffy also put away his playful grin and slightly gathered his strength in his rubber arm.
"This is... Conqueror's Haki?!" Zoro said in a deep voice, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
"And—it's incredibly strong!" Sanji lit a cigarette, his expression grave.
The next moment, another equally vast and boundless force, carrying a free and unrestrained will to conquer everything, erupted from Roger!
It wasn't an attack; it was more like a response!
Two invisible forces of overwhelming power clashed fiercely in mid-air!
There was no sound, no shockwave.
But the air within hundreds of meters of the Straw Hat crew seemed to freeze!
The ground trembled slightly, the trees moved without wind, and the floating soap bubbles burst one after another!
Some of the weaker passersby even rolled their eyes and fainted on the ground!
"What the hell?!" Usopp and Chopper hugged each other, terrified.
Nami nervously grabbed Robin's arm.
The clash of two domineering auras lasted for several seconds, as if two invisible emperors were wrestling from a distance, neither willing to give way!
Just as the atmosphere reached its peak and Zoro and Sanji were about to make their move, the Conqueror's Haki emanating from the island, just as it had appeared, silently receded like the tide.
Roger slowly withdrew his domineering aura, revealing a radiant smile on his face, filled with reminiscence and pride.
"Hahahahahahaha!!!" He laughed loudly, his laughter shaking the leaves around him so much that they rustled down.
"It's you, old codger!! I can't believe you're still alive! And—you're as dashing as ever!!"
Before the laughter subsided, a figure appeared silently, like a ghost, under the shade of a tree not far in front of them.
It was an old man.
Wearing glasses, a floral shirt, and slippers, with white hair and beard, he was still very energetic.
He held a wine bottle in his hand, a gentle yet all-seeing smile on his face.
"Roger—" The old man's voice was steady and magnetic. He pushed up his glasses, his gaze sweeping over Roger and then over the Straw Hat crew, who looked on warily.
Finally, his gaze fell on Luffy, a barely perceptible hint of approval flashing in his eyes.
"So you're Roger's Master, causing quite a stir on the high seas. And—Roger, we meet again."
"Pluto—Silbaz Rayleigh?!" Zoro, Sanji, and the others recognized the newcomer and were shocked.
The vice-captain of the Pirate King, a legendary figure, actually appeared here? And that clash of Haki just now—
Roger strode forward, patted Rayleigh's shoulder forcefully, and his eyes seemed a little red.
"Old friend! I never thought I'd see you again!"
Rayleigh smiled and patted Roger's arm in return, everything understood without words.
Two legends from a bygone era, transcending life and death and time, reunite in this way on the Sabaody Archipelago.
"Was that you guys just now?" Zoro couldn't help but ask.
Rayleigh took a sip of his drink and chuckled, "Let's just say it's a greeting between old friends."
Roger, with his arm around Rayleigh's shoulder, laughed at Luffy and the others, "Kids, let's go have a drink! I have a lot to say to this old man!"
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