章節 26: The North Blue

On the seventh day, the training continued as we sailed closer to the Reverse Mountain. We'd gather on deck each morning, pushing ourselves physically and mentally. Kaya spent her days poring over the medical book she'd picked up in Loguetown, writing notes for her future reference and producing little greenish capsules she excitedly told me would help her in battle. She tried them one afternoon, popping one and grinning at me like she'd found the cure for every sickness in the world.

"These pills could increase my physical strength temporarily," Kaya explained, her face lighting up with excitement. "I'm still refining them, but I think they'll give me an edge when I need it most."

She bit one up and instantly became taller and more muscular. While growing up, she accidentally ripped all of her clothes. Kaya's transformation reminded me of the Hulk's transformation but without the green skin.

She covered herself and collected her shredded clothes. "I always forgot about this effect; I think I needed stretchy clothes," she said.

I looked at her in awe. That was similar to Chopper's rumble ball. Whoever sold those books to Kaya, I needed to thank him.

Meanwhile, Sham had taken over a corner of the galley as her "seamstress station," as she called it. With a written sign, 'Kookicook, stay away from my station,' I catch glimpses of fabric in different colors and patterns, Sham stitching with an intense focus.

"What are you making there, Sham?" I asked as she threaded her needle with navy blue fabric.

She looked up with a playful grin. "Making sexy school uniform outfits for everyone! Something more suited for fighting on the bed tonight."

I laughed at her antics before heading to my workshop to continue working on my current project, which has been my long-term endeavor for a year. During my three years in the Navy, the commander issued me standard firearms: the FN FNC rifle and the Browning Hi-Power pistol. I attempted to recreate these weapons during my two years in this world, but it proved challenging. However, when I set aside logic and followed the designs in my worn, old journal, I could devise various trick bolts, bullets, and compact bombs. The world of One Piece is indeed strange.

I complimented Sham on her work and continued, where I encountered Kaya and Nojiko. Kaya had just finished changing her clothes; she was wearing a long yellow gown with a white cardigan draped over it, while Nojiko was coming from her quarters with a book about the North Blue map clutched in her hands.

Unfortunately for them, Sham asked Kaya and Nojiko to try on her school uniform outfit. Bellemere, coming from the main deck with a cigarette in her mouth, could only laugh at the situation. Carmen looked pointedly at Sham's poor writing about her and warned her. Then, she set the sign on fire, provoking Sham to attack her again.

"Sham, it's almost lunchtime. Could you please let Carmen go?" I asked her.

"If Captain said so," Sham released Carmen's dress.

"Thank you, husband! This deceitful cat-servant—"

"Carmen, you said you wanted to prepare lunch, and I think Nojiko would be more than happy to help you," I said, pleadingly glancing at Nojiko to encourage her to assist Carmen and prevent further confrontation.

I took a deep breath. Managing an all-girls crew can be pretty dramatic at times. I walked over to my workshop table. In the middle was my prototype automatic rifle and pistol. I finished one set, but they couldn't load my special trick bullets. My current goal is to ensure they can load these trick bullets without issues.

I smell Bellemere's smooth smell from behind me; she grabbed my ass while looking at my creation, "What does that scary-looking gun do to make you so focused every day?"

"It can fire a lot of bullets rapidly without reloading."

"You're Kidding!" shocked Bellemere, who looked at me with her large, expressive eyes, "If the Marines know this fact, they will offer you a lot of money."

"I would never sell these babies to those rats," I said, carefully placing my new trick bullet into the magazine of my pistol. I fired at the target, but my explosive bullet detonated too early once again. I sighed in frustration while Bellemere massaged my back to help calm me down.

The next morning, on a clear day, the Red Line loomed on the horizon, impossibly massive, stretching as far as the eye could see in the left and right directions. I have wanted to see these enormous structures independently since my reincarnation. It was as beautiful as I imagined. I looked up above; I couldn't even see the tip from here; thick, looming clouds obscured the tip. The red cliffs rose like walls that warned us not to pass it.

"Look at that!" Bellemere whistled, shielding her almond-shaped eyes against the sun as she stared at the enormous rocky cliffside. "Makes you feel small, doesn't it?"

"Small?" Sham scoffed, her usual relaxed demeanor slipping just a bit. "Feels more like it's going to swallow us whole."

Carmen, standing nearby with her hands on her hips, nodded thoughtfully. "A natural boundary, indeed. Such raw power, it's like the ocean doesn't dare cross such a massive structure."

I looked at where the Reverse Mountain was, the only route known to sailors to cross the Red Line and enter the Grand Line—or, in our case, to veer north to the North Blue. The mountain itself was even more intimidating up close. A massive river flowed up its face, splitting at the peak and surrounded by thick clouds, directing ships to the four seas and the Grand Line.

"This place gave me a suffocating feeling," I murmured, the weight of our task sinking in as we approached the swirling current at the base of Reverse Mountain.

Aerwyna stood at the helm, her face serene as ever. "Hold steady, Usop Kun," she said, catching my eye. "This current is vicious, but we can ride it if we stay on course."

With a nod, I turned to the crew. "Everyone, get ready! We're about to sail up the mountain!"

Kaya tightened the strap on her emergency medical bag, her expression a mix of fear and exhilaration. "This is happening, my adventures," she whispered, more to pump herself up than anything else. "I will visit Flevance, Mama's, and Papa's birthplace.

Nojiko smiled on her face, her voice calm but confident. "This is kind of exciting." After eating her devil fruit, her skin became smoother; some flowers or small plants would accidentally grow on the ship's surface, and some even grew on her tan skin, making her look like a forest goddess.

As we hit the base of Reverse Mountain, the current force grabbed Merry's Revenge with an almost feral intensity, pulling us upward along the incline. The ship shuddered under the strain, and the mighty rush of water propelled us forward at dizzying speed.

"Hold on, everyone!" I shouted, gripping the railing as the ship surged forward.

The incline grew steeper, and the speed became almost tormenting. Water spraying over the sides soaked us to the bone. Sham, who had taken her position near the bow as a lookout, released a delighted yell, bracing herself as the ship climbed higher.

Aerwyna's hands never wavered on the wheel, her quiet expression steady despite the chaos. "This is nothing," she murmured, coaxing the ship to stay calm. "Just trust the water." She channeled her kin trait, controlling the flow of water.

We passed a thick cloud and reached the peak. The view was scarily beautiful. I could see the endless sea stretching out below. Wyna skillfully swerved left, entering another channel.

The waters of the North Blue glistened under the sun. And then, just as quickly, the downward plunge began.

"Hold tight!" I called out as we began our descent. The ship rocketed down the slope, the roar of the water deafening around us. I felt a surge of adrenaline as we dropped, our crew clinging to the ship with white-knuckled grips.

The moment we hit the calmer waters of the North Blue, I felt a sense of accomplishment settle over me. We'd done it. We'd crossed the Red Line.

As the crew cheered and hugged, catching their breath and celebrating, I couldn't help but feel proud of how far we'd come. It was mesmerizing to go from being normal people of East Blue to here.

Kaya was busy making notes, her face flushed from the thrill. "There are so many unique plants in the North Blue," she said, already looking ahead. "I'll have to start cataloging them."

Sham grinned, water dripping from her new catwoman outfit as she struck a dramatic pose. "We did it! I'll call this look 'Victory Sign.'"

Bellemere laughed, patting Sham on the back. "You're something else, Cat Brat."

"Who did you call Brat!?"

Still holding onto the side rail, Carmen shook her head with a smile. "A successful passage indeed. I feel more alive than ever. Husband, do you plan to seduce North Blue women as well?"

I ignored Carmen's remark.

As we drifted into the North Blue, I looked out over the calm sea, anticipation churning in my chest. This journey was only getting started, yet the air of competition grew.

"After we found a nearby island for supplies, we were all staying in Flevance," I instructed everyone. I would go around to collect information. If you want to explore, go in a group of two." I looked at all of their faces.

Except for Wyna, all the girls have a cheerful demeanor. Fortunately, Doflamingo is already in the New World; I only need to concern myself with the Germa Kingdom and Avalo Pizzaro. Aside from Drake and Tsuru, I don't know much about the Marines from the North Blue, but the Marines weren't our concern yet because only Sham and Wyna currently have a bounty.

Merry's Revenge drifted in the calm ocean. But not long after, Sham warned us about two people who floated above the seawater. One was asking for help, while the other was unconscious.