Kapitel 114: Chapter 114: A Tiger in Arabasta
Grand Line, Paradise, Kingdom of Arabasta.
Arabasta, a super desert Kingdom situated on the Grand Line, boasts a population of approximately 10 million. Its capital, Alubarna, stands as a testament to its grandeur. Notably, the Kingdom maintains a formidable standing army of 600,000.
For eight centuries, the Nefertari royal family has ruled Arabasta. From ancient times to the present, the lineage continues unbroken, with Nefertari Cobra currently reigning as the twelfth-generation king.
In the year 1499 of the Sea Calendar, Mid-September:
Nanohana Port
This is Arabasta's most famous port city, renowned for its production of perfumes.
This bustling port city is renowned for its perfume production. Ships line the docks, where workers diligently transfer goods between vessels. The waters teem with vessels of varying sizes, resembling schools of fish. The warm sunlight bathes the area, and the waters near Nanohana Port remain calm and tranquil.
As a small two-masted sailboat approached the port, Adrian, clad in the iconic loose white robe of the Arabasta Kingdom, disembarks. Today marks an important festival in Arabasta, evident from the colorful banners and triangular flags adorning the dock. Residents, dressed in splendid desert attire, fill the streets, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
As Adrian steps onto the dock, he is greeted by the laughter of children, the fragrant aroma of food, and the fluttering festival flags—a vibrant scene that envelops him.
Adrian stepped off the dock, officially entering the heart of Nanohana Port. The air buzzed with the laughter of children, the fragrant aroma of food, fluttering festival flags, and the lively chatter of the crowd.
Caught up in the festive atmosphere, Adrian strolled leisurely along the bustling streets. He indulged in occasional purchases—food, trinkets, and small utensils that caught his eye. His relaxed demeanor belied the fact that he was a notorious pirate with a bounty exceeding 100 million.
The Observation Haki suddenly sent a warning signal.
Adrian's brow furrowed. In recent days, he had honed his mastery of Future Sight, a unique aspect of Observation Haki.
The image projected from the future prediction surprised him. It depicted a middle-aged man—kind-faced and serene. Tall, with black cropped hair and a neat stubble framing his mouth. He wore a light purple kimono secured by a purple-black belt, and a cane sword rested casually at his right hip.
"Fujitora Issho?" Adrian mused. Despite minor differences—intact eyes and a slightly more youthful appearance—the middle-aged man in the vision bore an uncanny resemblance to the Admiral Fujitora he remembered.
"An unexpected encounter indeed."
Surveying the vibrant Nanohana Port, Adrian consulted the travel map he'd just purchased. His steps veered toward the outskirts of the bustling harbor.
As expected, the future vision persisted, revealing Issho's unchanging calm countenance.
"I'm being watched, huh…" Adrian's thoughts swirled, but he pushed aside questions about why Issho would appear in the Kingdom of Arabasta.
Adrian had always considered Issho an enigmatic figure—an unknown folk expert who remained hidden until after the Marineford War. His debut on the sea stage was a momentous event, and it was no surprise that he had roamed the Grand Line during his youth.
Yet, Adrian couldn't fathom why Issho would coincidentally encounter him in Arabasta, especially considering the Admiral's evident preparedness.
"Could it be because of… Chaton?" A slow realization dawned on Adrian. He recalled that Fujitora Issho and Chaton were once close friends, their bond forged through shared experiences.
After the Battle of Marineford, Issho's decision to join the Marines likely owed, in part, to Chaton's persuasive influence.
"Perhaps the Marines, unable to stop me with a massive fleet and reluctant to deploy high-ranking officers, now seeks to test my stance under the guise of justice vigilantes."
But something didn't quite add up. Arabasta wasn't the only island near Drum Island, and it seemed unlikely that the Marine Headquarters would cast such a narrow net. Could it be that Adrian would encounter Fujitora in Arabasta and Chaton or Momousagi elsewhere?
Adrian folded the map in his hand, determination fueling his steps. His pace quickened as he ventured into the desolate desert, far from the bustling Nanohana Port.
Standing at the desert's heart, he sensed an unfamiliar yet oddly familiar aura—a presence that had followed him before.
On the horizon of the endless desert, a tall, middle-aged man was riding a flying rock towards him, and the distance between them was decreasing at a visible speed.
Adrian took the initiative, addressing the approaching figure. "Who are you?"
Issho tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, his expression unwavering. "I am Issho, a wandering swordsman."
Adrian arched an eyebrow, a hint of disdain in his voice. "Wandering swordsman, you say? I find it hard to believe that any random wanderer could sense my movements and block my way such precisely."
Issho's calm demeanor remained intact. "I naturally have my sources of information. However, I didn't anticipate the recent emergence of the White Ghost in the Grand Line, leading him into Arabasta's territory."
Adrian's skepticism persisted. "And is this so-called source of information from the Marine Headquarters?"
Issho's surprise was evident; the White Ghost's awareness had caught him off guard. "Indeed," he admitted directly.
Unexpectedly, Issho directly admitted.
"I hold great admiration for the White Ghost's actions in the South Blue," Issho declared solemnly. "Simultaneously, I harbor anger and disdain for the World Government and the Marines in that same sea. My journey to Arabasta is at the behest of a friend—a test of the esteemed White Ghost's character."
Adrian's impatience surfaced. "Enough talk. I'm a pirate, and they're Marines. Even a three-year-old can grasp that distinction."
"Agreed," Issho nodded, drawing his sword from its sheath. He held it horizontally before him. "Enlighten me."
Adrian decisively unsheathed his Yubashiri, covering it with Armament Haki. With a swift motion, he swung a heavy slash through the air, leaving behind a dazzling trail of white, formidable energy. The attack, like a thunderbolt, aimed directly at Issho.
Issho also enveloped his staff in Armament Haki, visible purple energy rippling along its blade.
The next moment.
Clang!
The snow-white strike collided head-on with Issho's staff, propelling him several meters backward. The impact dispersed sword energy, etching tiny craters into the sandy ground and stirring up fine dust clouds.
Adrian's brow furrowed even tighter.
"Why aren't you attacking? What's your game, Issho?"
"From both a moral and logical standpoint," Issho replied, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead, "I find no reason to unsheathe my sword."
Adrian's expression remained stoic. "Yet moments ago, you sought my guidance. Why?"
Issho met Adrian's gaze. "A request from a former friend compels me. I cannot allow you to tread the path of true evil."
Adrian scoffed. "Moral high ground, spouting nonsense without a hint of pain. What's it to you?"
"Very well," Adrian declared, his tone unyielding. "I'm off to the sinful casino for some fun. Care to join?"
Issho hesitated, then replied, "As you wish. I dare not decline." 🎭
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein