chsdbacks Page 141
Page 141
However, Ace was like a burning flame, unstoppable!
"Mirror Fire Flame!"
"Yan Shangzhang!"
"Sacred Fire Shiranui!"
Fiery orange flames surged from his body, sometimes transforming into a massive wall of fire to block artillery fire, sometimes forming a roaring fire dragon to tear through enemy lines, and sometimes condensing into a sharp spear for precise kills!
With the powerful abilities of his Logia-type Mera Mera no Mi (Flame-Flame Fruit) and a relentless determination to achieve his goal, he fought his way through the encirclement!
His goal was clear and unwavering—the Moby Dick, the flagship that was as huge as a moving castle and flew the white-bearded skull and crossbones flag!
The Spade Pirates' ship finally crashed heavily into the side of the Moby Dick!
Before the ship had even come to a complete stop, flames erupted beneath his feet, and he soared into the air like a rocket, performing a somersault and landing steadily on the Moby Dick's spacious deck, which was as large as a plaza!
On the deck, they were already on high alert.
The captains of the First Division, led by "Phoenix" Marco, along with other renowned captains such as "Diamond" Jozu and "Flora" Vista, stood on either side, their eyes fixed on this audacious young man who had barged in, their gazes filled with amusement, scrutiny, or anger.
Further away, at the end of the deck, on that huge, exclusive chair.
A giant, as large as a mountain, was leaning on a huge naginata with one hand and holding a huge sake jug that was commensurate with his size in the other.
He had a white beard that curled upwards like a crescent moon, and wore a white coat. Even though he was just sitting there casually, an imposing aura that seemed to be able to suppress the entire sea had already enveloped the entire deck!
The strongest man in the world right now—Edward Newgate, Whitebeard!
Ace's feet were firmly planted on the solid deck, and his burning gaze instantly pierced through all the captains in front of him, locking onto the huge figure sitting on the throne.
He completely ignored the renowned and powerful captains around him, as if they were just insignificant background figures.
The flames and ambition burning in his chest made him ignore the terrifying, almost tangible, sense of oppression.
He raised his hand, his index finger pointing straight at the white beard, his voice carrying the reckless arrogance and unwavering determination unique to youth, echoing throughout the entire Moby Dick:
"Whitebeard—!!"
"I'm here to take your title of 'World's Strongest'!!"
"Fight me! I'll defeat you and become the new 'strongest'!!"
The arrogant declaration, like a thunderclap, exploded over the Moby Dick!
The captains' faces instantly darkened, and a strong sense of tension filled the air.
However, the white-bearded man sitting on his throne, looking down at the orange-hatted boy who was challenging him like a newborn calf, slowly grinned, revealing a hint of interest and...appreciation in his huge mouth.
"Kura la la la la—!!!"
A hearty, thunderous laugh swept out like a storm!
"What an arrogant brat!"
Chapter 170 The Banquet Ends [Thank you for urging me to update and for the rewards]
After three days and three nights of boisterous feasting, followed by a full day of sound sleep and rest, the lively atmosphere on the shore of the Red-Haired Pirates' base finally began to subside. Barrels of sake were empty, the embers of the campfire were still warm, and in the post-revelry tranquility, a tacit premonition spread—it was time to get down to business.
On the morning of the fourth day, a cool sea breeze swept by.
Liu Jiu and Shanks sat facing each other on a flat rock, their tables now set with two cups of tea instead of wine bowls. Kuina, Sabo, and the others stood quietly to the side, while the Red-Haired Pirates' officers also abandoned their casual banquet attire, their gazes fixed intently on them.
Uta stood slightly behind Liu Jiu, head bowed, hands gripping the hem of her clothes tightly, her body trembling almost imperceptibly. She knew the decisive moment was approaching.
Liu Jiu picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and calmly looked at Shanks across from him. He got straight to the point, his tone understated yet carrying undeniable weight:
"I met Uta by chance."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Shanks, then slowly over Ben Beckman, Yasopp, Lucky Roux, and all the other core members of the Red-Haired Pirates.
"We discovered that she had been abandoned by you."
The word "abandon" was like a cold dagger, piercing the heart of everyone present who knew the truth. The cadres' expressions instantly became somewhat unnatural, and some subconsciously avoided eye contact.
Shanks' smile vanished completely, and he remained silent, not immediately refuting.
Liu Jiu's voice remained steady, yet each word was clear and distinct, striking the eardrums of the crowd:
"Shanks, is this how you act as someone's foster father?"
His gaze shifted to the tense Uta beside him, a barely perceptible chill creeping into his voice:
"Do you know how long this child has been relying on life-threatening medication to stay awake, in order to avoid recalling those painful past events and to avoid seeing your figures when she closes her eyes? Or rather, how long has she almost never had a truly restful sleep?"
These words were like a bombshell, exploding in the hearts of the Red-Haired Pirates!
Never had a good night's sleep? Reliant on medication?!
They only knew that Uta had left, but they never considered what kind of life she was living after she left! Their self-righteous "protection" had actually pushed her into such a painful abyss!
Uta finally couldn't hold back her tears, and large drops rolled down her cheeks, but she bit her lip tightly and didn't cry out.
Liu Jiu's gaze swept across the entire room again, finally settling on Shanks' face, his tone heavy:
"Don't you think your actions were far too cruel to her?"
His questioning, though not a roar, was more penetrating than any shout.
"Including you, all members of the Red-Haired Pirates."
"What you think is 'doing what's best for her' means leaving her alone, burdened with 'sins' that may never be hidden, struggling to survive amidst endless lucidity and the torment of drugs?"
The coastline was deathly silent.
The only sounds were the crashing waves and Uta's suppressed sobs.
Shanks lowered his head deeply, his broad shoulders slumped slightly, and his one arm clenched into a fist.
Ben Beckman closed his eyes and exhaled a long puff of smoke.
Yasopp and the others looked pained and could not bear to look at Uta any longer.
All the "difficult reasons" and "unavoidable circumstances" that had been put forward seemed so pale and... selfish in the face of Uta's real suffering.
Liu Jiu finished the remaining tea in his cup, gently set it down, and it made a crisp clinking sound.
"Today, I'm bringing her back."
"I'm not here to hear your explanations of your predicaments."
"We've come to seek justice for her."
The coastline gleamed a cold, hard gray in the morning light, much like the frozen atmosphere at that moment.
Shanks' knuckles were clenched so tightly they turned white, and the ends of his wine-red hair fell down, obscuring the turbulent emotions in his eyes. He remained silent for so long that even the sound of the waves seemed jarring.
“…Yes.” He finally spoke, his voice hoarse as if it had been sanded, “What happened back then was something I didn’t consider carefully.”
He raised his eyes and glanced at his companions who had followed him for many years—Ben Beckman turned his face away, Yasopp stared at the tips of his shoes, Raki Lu's chubby face... and so on. The crew members no longer had their usual smiles.
Everyone was frozen in place by the phrase "drugs that drain life."
“We’re a bunch of men who drift at sea,” Shanks said with a bitter smile, “used to solving problems with knives and fists. As for how to take care of a sensitive girl… especially after hearing you say she might ‘lose control,’ I think we really shouldn’t have done it back then.”
He looked at Uta, the little girl who used to ride on his shoulders and sing in her tender voice, now standing there, as frail as a leaf that might break at any moment.
His heart felt as if it were being squeezed tightly by an invisible hand.
"But this child's favorite thing is singing... I hope that one day, he can bring peace to the world through his singing."
He took a deep breath, the salty sea air filling his lungs. "We left her on that island, entrusting her to trustworthy people... thinking it would be a peaceful place where she could start over."
His one arm opened limply, then slowly clenched.
"But a mistake is a mistake. Liu Jiu, you're right, this is the fault of our entire Red-Haired Pirates."
His gaze hardened again, carrying the resolve befitting a Yonko. "Now, we only want to make amends. Whatever Uta wants, as long as we can give it to him..."
Liu Jiu interrupted him calmly, his voice low but like a block of ice thrown into stagnant water, failing to stir any warm ripples.
"Can the past, the hardships, and the tears shed be erased with just the word 'make amends'?"
He tilted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over Uta's trembling shoulders. "We are all people who call the world our home, and we are all looking forward. Those who are only immersed in past grievances will never go far."
He picked up the slightly cooled teacup and ran his fingertips along the rough surface of the cup.
"The truth is, this is what you owe her. But before that..."
His gaze shifted to Kuina beside him, the girl in purple standing with her sword in her arms, her eyes clear and cold as autumn frost; then it swept over Sabo, who was eager to try, and Bonnie, who, though nervous, still kept her back straight.
Finally, the tears fell on Uta, who was trying hard to hold back her tears.
"...We need to let this child vent his pent-up anger first."
He put down his teacup with a soft "tap," as if finalizing the terms.
"Send a few people out."
"With Kuina, Sabo, Bonnie, and Uta."
"A fight."
The sea breeze suddenly became fierce, whipping up fine sand that lashed against everyone's faces.
Shanks stared at Liu Jiu, and in those unfathomable eyes, he saw no trace of impulsiveness, only an almost ruthless efficiency in solving problems.
This is not revenge; it is a necessary...emotional reckoning.
He slowly stood up, his tall figure casting a long shadow in the morning light. He turned and exchanged a glance with First Officer Ben Beckman.
"Did you hear that?" Shanks' voice regained its usual composure, yet carried an undeniable power. "This isn't a fight between enemies, it's... a family matter. Show some backbone!"
Ben Beckman silently stubbed out his cigarette.
Yasopp moved his wrists.
Raki Lu rubbed his chubby face and straightened up.
The other team leaders also stepped forward, and their invisible auras began to collide and press against each other.
Kuina gently pushed aside the guard of "Purple Cloud" with her thumb, and a sliver of cold light flashed.
Sabo grinned, and Armament Haki, like flowing ink, quietly covered the steel pipe he carried.
Bonnie took a deep breath, her eyes sharpening, as if a beast was awakening within her petite frame.