章節 115: Chapter 115: El's condition for the last Transaction
The next day, after a night of indulgence, El returned to the same place with Moss, who was carrying another Celestial Dragon for the second exchange with the World Government. Just as yesterday, the CP0 agent led the negotiations, with Admiral Kong providing security.
Everything went smoothly; the World Government showed no immediate signs of breaking their agreement. This time, the ransom included one Logia fruit, one Ancient Zoan, and five additional Devil Fruits. El was especially pleased with the Logia fruit offered, which hinted that the World Government's reserves were indeed well-stocked with quality fruits.
After ensuring the Celestial Dragon was escorted away by medical staff and CP agents, the CP0 agent in charge asked, "When's the next exchange?" Fleet Admiral Kong also perked up, attentive.
"Three days from now... But you know what? Let's avoid causing more trouble here on Sabaody." El cast a quick glance at the island. As the guardian of plant life, he didn't want to see the giant Yarukiman Mangrove, which had endured for countless years, damaged by their skirmishes.
"We'll do it on Tonelito Island."
El had every reason to expect a fierce battle next time and wanted the extra days to fully hone his new Conqueror's Haki coating technique. He was certain his foes would be in for a nasty surprise, but precautions were still necessary.
"Tonelito Island…" The CP0 agent and Kong both frowned. "That's a bit far, isn't it?" The island was not close to either Marine Headquarters or the Holy Land of Mariejois, requiring at least four or five days' travel.
"You'll manage," El replied with a calm smile. "The World Government has enough transport methods, so there's no need for excuses."
He was sure they would use their flying specialists, and it was likely that the Holy Knights would finally intervene. After all, the Navy had already suffered a setback at his hands once; another defeat, especially of a high-ranking admiral, would shatter the World Government's authority and plunge the seas into chaos.
In just a few days, news of the Navy's humiliation had sparked a ripple effect. The sea's situation was shifting as pirates grew bolder, spurred by the Navy's declining power. In this short span, pirate activity had surged dramatically, forcing Navy bases everywhere to scramble and repeatedly call Marine Headquarters for reinforcements.
Despite its impressive scale and millions-strong force, the Navy had always been stretched thin across the vast oceans dotted with countless islands. Even with their primary focus on World Government-affiliated nations and territories, resources were spread too thin. Most bases had only minimal troops and were often plagued by inefficiency. Corruption also drained manpower, as officials reported inflated numbers to the World Government.
In reality, many bases relied on temporary recruits to pass inspections, leaving them with as few as a third of their supposed combat-ready forces.
With the seas "at peace for so long," the World Government began systematically cutting the Navy's budget, aiming to reduce its expenditures. As a result, the Navy, already financially constrained, had even less funding allocated to its various branch bases. Unlike Marine Headquarters or the directly managed "G"-branch bases in the Grand Line, many regional bases around the Four Blues struggled with aging or even barely functional ships. Forget new ships—even replacing outdated, worn-out artillery was often impossible. Most bases couldn't even afford regular training ammunition to keep their combat skills sharp.
If the seas remained stable, this wasn't too much of an issue. But with the recent turmoil, bases everywhere were suddenly overwhelmed, struggling just to keep operations running and manage frequent aid requests. Manpower was severely lacking, and many bases were out of practice. The few remaining operational ships were hard-pressed to respond.
After recent heavy losses of elite forces, the Navy's resources were stretched thin, leaving Fleet Admiral Hammons William in a state of constant stress. He not only had to allocate troops to fight and quell pirate activity, but also to handle post-battle responsibilities like compensation for the families of the wounded and fallen Navy personnel. Were it not for the urgent demand to prioritize funds for the Celestial Dragons, even Admiral Kong might have had to step in himself to put out fires across the seas.
"Additionally, you may have the advantage in numbers, but for safety's sake, you can only send one person." El crossed his arms and smiled, "If I detect even a hint of any extra presence nearby...the Celestial Dragons won't leave alive. And don't doubt my resolve!"
"Absolutely not!"
The CP0 agents and Steel Bone Kong's expressions shifted immediately, as they loudly rejected El's unreasonable demand. They didn't trust him any more than he trusted them. Bringing only one person to face this dangerous opponent was a risk they weren't willing to take. They knew this "Fallen Angel" was capable of anything, and he had already killed one admiral.
"Fine, aside from the medical staff, you can bring two people." El raised an eyebrow and gestured to the medics. "Even with masks on, I've memorized their faces and auras. You can't deceive me."
"If there's a single extra person, I'll execute the hostage immediately."
"So that's all the courage you've got..." Kong replied with a scowl.
"You're right," El sneered back. "I have little patience, and I 'hold grudges'. Anyone who crosses me only has one fate—death!"
He didn't need to add any further threats; his chilling intent was clear. Every agent, soldier, or officer connected to the manhunt against his family would not escape his vengeance.
Each time the Intelligence Sally gave, he reviewed the list of those involved, every single name found on it, especially high-ranking officers, had been marked for retribution. Retirement? A peaceful life? That was a delusion.
"You—"
Kong's expression darkened, fully aware of what El meant: the Fallen Angel's vengeance wouldn't end here; this was only the beginning. Even Kong felt a chill run through him. If they couldn't stop this creature soon, El would bring about even greater chaos.
"El, the World Government won't agree to such an unreasonable condition," the CP0 agent said firmly. "If you were to suddenly turn hostile, we would have little recourse to protect the Celestial Dragons."
"How about this," El replied calmly, his gaze unwavering. "You can bring yourself along as well. But no more."
He could tell the CP0 officer was formidable, yet likely not much stronger than the current Sengoku or Garp. Certainly no match for Linlin. He was confident they could handle it.
~~~
My Patreon: Patreon(.)com/Bleam
— read 70 Chapters ahead of others!
My Discord: discord(.)gg/jbAjVy3ekY
3/8 Bonus Chapters this week! To unlock more, help this fanfic climb the Powerstone rankings! Thank you!
Top 30-39 = 7 chapters
Top 20-29 = 8 chapters (current ranking)
Top 10-19 = 9 chapters
And more...
章節 116: Chapter 116: Okuchi-no-Makami!
"El-sama—"
"El oniichan!!!"
Onboard the floating fortress 'Atlantis', El and the massive bird touched down together. Linlin, Gerd, and the others came forward to meet him.
"Hey, Moss..."
Seeing Moss in human form with a bundle slung across his back, the giantess Lily couldn't contain her curiosity and asked, "What Devil Fruits did the World Government bring for this exchange?"
"A Logia-type Cloud-Cloud Fruit and a Cat-Cat Fruit, Ancient Model: Saber-Toothed Tiger," Moss replied, glancing toward El for confirmation. When El nodded, Moss opened the bundle and revealed several strange-looking Devil Fruits for everyone to see. "Plus, a Paramecia-type Net-Net Fruit, Paramecia-type Wax-Wax Fruit, Dog-Dog Fruit: Dachshund Model, and two more unidentified Devil Fruits."
"A Cloud-Cloud Fruit?"
"An Ancient Model Saber-Toothed Tiger?"
"Wow, those guys are seriously loaded!"
Not just Tsuru, the former Navy Rear Admiral, but Linlin, Lily, Nef, and Rock were all impressed. The World Government certainly had deep reserves, casually bringing out such rare powers. Alongside the previously traded Smoke-Smoke Fruit and the incredibly rare Dog-Dog Fruit, Mythical Model: Okuchi-no-Makami, the World Government had exchanged two Ancient Models and about ten other known or unknown fruits. And there was still one more Mythical Model, another Ancient Model, and four additional Devil Fruits promised in the next exchange.
"With the Logia-type Cloud-Cloud Fruit, does that mean you can turn into clouds?" asked Lillian, the Three-Eye Tribe girl, her third eye blinking with curiosity. "Isn't that just like Zeus or Hera?"
"It does seem similar…" Lily mused, surprised as she inspected the Cloud-Cloud Fruit, which had patterns like little clouds on it. "So, it's not as powerful as the Soul-Soul Fruit?"
"Not exactly, Lillian…" Tsuru interrupted, crossing her arms as she explained, "In the hands of someone truly skilled, the Cloud-Cloud Fruit could unleash powers that far surpass Zeus or Hera. But if someone weaker has it, it might not even compare to them."
"That's because 'Homies' don't fear Haki," Tsuru continued. "Take Thundercloud Homies, for example. They're unaffected by typical physical attacks, and only specific Devil Fruit abilities can counter them."
"True!" Tsuru's explanation brought clarity, and Lily, Lillian, and Ily, the mermaid, all nodded in understanding.
"Actually, compared to the Cloud-Cloud Fruit, I think this one might suit you even better."
At that moment, El handed a Devil Fruit to Tsuru, an orange-colored fruit shaped like a persimmon.
Not only were Linlin and the others stunned, but Tsuru herself stood there, wide-eyed with shock.
"Are you giving this fruit… to me?"
Tsuru was taken aback, staring in disbelief at the tall, intimidatingly powerful figure before her. The fruit wasn't just any ordinary power—it was the one gained in the last exchange with the World Government, a Mythical Zoan, Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi-no-Makami, which was said to be even rarer than a Logia.
"You're a smart woman," El said, his gaze steady as he looked at her. "Whether you choose to eat it or not is entirely up to you."
This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision; he genuinely believed that this rare, high-tier Zoan fruit would suit Tsuru well, enhancing her already impressive potential far more than a Paramecia Wash-Wash Fruit or even a Logia Cloud-Cloud Fruit could.
After all, unlike the naturally monstrous power of someone like Charlotte Linlin, most women were born with slightly less physical resilience. A top-tier Zoan ability like the Okuchi-no-Makami would perfectly balance this, allowing her to reach new heights on the path of power. El felt confident that, with her talent, Tsuru could easily reach, if not surpass, the level of some of the world's greatest figures.
More importantly, though, El valued Tsuru's strategic mind even more than her potential strength. As he prepared for the upcoming "Totto Land Plan" and the founding of his new kingdom, someone like her, able to handle complex matters of governance, would ease his burden significantly.
"Can you really ensure you'll make good on what you're promising?" Tsuru asked, fixing El with a steady gaze, her tone serious. She didn't reach for the fruit right away.
It wasn't that she was wavering. Tsuru understood the tremendous value of this fruit; the Okuchi-no-Makami might not be the most powerful of Mythical Zoan fruits, but it was still among the top ranks. Eating it would certainly transform her abilities. Yet taking the fruit would be an official commitment to joining the Fallen Angel Pirates. She wasn't one to refuse an offer and still accept gifts from the group without feeling a sense of obligation.
"If the 'Totto Land Kingdom' I envision doesn't live up to your standards, you'll be free to leave whenever you want." Turning, El left her with the fruit in hand.
He didn't need to say more; he already knew her answer. With his special Observation Haki, capable of easily sensing the thoughts of others, Tsuru's internal conflict hadn't gone unnoticed.
"Tsk, tsk, El oniichan really does value you, doesn't he?" Linlin teased, watching as Tsuru stood there, silent and thoughtful. She didn't press her or exchange any more banter, choosing instead to follow after El. "Don't let him down."
"Come on, Tsuru, please stay with us…" Lillian wrapped her arms around her closest friend, looking up with a hopeful smile. "Then we could always be together!"
While Lillian got along well with the others like Linlin and Gerd, she felt a special bond with Tsuru. She admired this elder sister figure's knowledge and saw her as a dear friend.
"Tsuru," came Lily, Nef, and Gerd's voices. "The choice to be friend or foe is yours alone."
They each gave her encouraging smiles, though none of them urged her for an answer.
Tsuru looked at the rare fruit in her hands—the type that countless people would fight to the death over. Glancing at the eager Lillian, she finally broke through the chains of her own indecision.
"Then, everyone… please take care of me!" She smiled.
"That's great, Tsuru!" Lillian exclaimed, beaming.
"Welcome aboard, Tsuru!"
每周推薦票狀態
200+ 推薦票
榜單 
315 推薦票 ![With Mangekyo, I Escaped Konoha To Other Worlds [Naruto/AttackOnTitan]](https://noah-image.webnovel.com/noah/img/c72400dd98494ddd8ae42069efbd6eb0.png)
段落評論