https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-115-A-Young-Man-Should-Learn-More/13535927/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-117-Pirates-Should-Be-Eliminated-by-the-Navy/13535930/
Chapter 116: Craving a Smoke
Chapter 116: Craving a Smoke
The mere presence of these powerful figures generated an oppressive aura, making the gate guards tremble involuntarily.
Moments later, they crossed the steps and reached the entrance.
"Open the gates", Akainu commanded coldly.
"Yes, sir!"
The armored soldier snapped a salute before barking, "Open up!"
With a mechanical whirring, the silver-white gates creaked open a narrow slit, spilling blinding white light from within.
As the gates fully opened, the dazzling light revealed a breathtaking scene—Mariejois unfolded before Kuro's eyes.
Before him stretched an impossibly long, wide avenue. At its deepest end, the silhouette of a grand entrance loomed beside a colossal golden palace.
Flanking the road was a vast forest, its trees uniformly tall, rivers winding through the foliage like silver ribbons. The landscape was meticulously arranged, free of clutter, with vibrant grasses, blossoms dancing in the air, azure skies scattered with clouds, and air so crisp it felt electric. Forest and river harmonized perfectly—this paradise would rank as a top-tier realm anywhere.
No wonder so many kings yearned to dwell in Mariejois.
Giant cobblestones dotted the avenue, but a long stone path ran precisely through its center.
"Please use it", an armored soldier offered, holding out several connection rods.
"Skip it. We'll walk", she said, waving off the soldiers' offer and turning toward the side path.
Kuro glanced at the stone path but said nothing.
Lucius Kro noticed his gaze and chuckled, "That's an automatic walkway. Insert the rod into the slot, and it carries you forward. But better to avoid it—this road isn't meant for us."
Kuro nodded gravely. "Understood."
None chose the central path, opting instead for the side route. The air grew heavy as they walked.
The scenery, once radiant, now seemed to lose its luster.
All marched in silence, the armored escorts visibly tense.
Only upon reaching the second gate did the soldiers relax—their duty ended here. Another group would take over.
The second gate formed a wisp-shaped crossroads with four entrances. One path marked "a wisp" led directly to the golden palace, Mariejois's true heart.
Beyond the gate, they walked further until a golden bridge came into view. Beyond it stood a towering golden gate—the palace's entrance.
Crane lifted her gaze to the palace, murmuring, "Let's go. Sengoku's waiting."
As the massive gate groaned open, a figure riding something burst out.
"Hurry up, you wretched fool!"
A world noble astride a colossal man's back, a retinue trailing behind, struck his mount repeatedly with a scepter.
Chains bound the slave's limbs and neck, his body crawling forward with a lurching gait. His flesh bore countless wounds—fresh blood mingling with old scars. His life aura flickered weakly.
Soldiers nearby scattered to the sides, kneeling reverently.
Only the Navy delegation stood defiantly in the bridge's center, like a brush rest.
The world noble halted mid-beating, eyeing the group.
"It's Rozward the Saint", Lucius Kro whispered to He.
"Oh, I know", she replied, casting a glance at the noble.
"Navy! Step aside! This is the noble Rozward the Saint! You're blocking his path!" a guard barked.
"This is a world noble", Kuro muttered, staring at Rozward. Twenty-odd years alive, and this was his first living encounter with one. Dead ones hadn't crossed his path either.
Rozward wore a white outfit—narrow at the top and bottom, wide at the waist. Dark glasses obscured his eyes, his straw-like hair tied into a topknot, a thick beard covering his jaw. No helmet—he'd removed it here; world nobles deemed Mariejois's air pure. Only when venturing to the "Lower Realms" did they don their helmets against imagined pollution.
Kuro snorted, "Looks like a twisted seashell."
"Shh, that's a world noble", Bogart warned, voice low.
Kuro shrugged, eyeing the dying slave. With a sigh, he retrieved a cigar from his coat and lit it.
The outspoken guard bellowed, "Hey! Smoking's forbidden in the Holy Land! It pollutes the air! Put it out!"
Rozward's face darkened. "Do you dare pollute my lungs with your filthy smoke, slave?!" He struck his mount violently.
Kuro paused, then lifted the cigar, flicking off ash.
Smoke curled from his lips—deliberately aimed straight at Rozward.
"Apologies, my lord", Kuro drawled, "Seeing such a mighty world noble just got my nerves tingling. No intention to offend."
Rozward's face contorted.
"Oho! Old man's got a nicotine craving too!" Lucius Kro chuckled, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it.
"Ara ara, I feel like a puff too", Kuzan chimed in, retrieving a white cigarette and igniting it with a snowflake-decorated lighter.
"Pffft! Let's hit the old man with one too!" Garp roared with laughter, extending his hand.
Kuro blinked, then hastily offered a cigar.
The remaining vice admirals followed suit, lighting cigars or cigarettes.
Akainu tilted his chin up, lips peeled back in a grin, a thick cigar clamped between his teeth, exhaling smoke like a dragon. His posture screamed yakuza arrogance.
The entire Navy stood there, heads high, smoke curling from their mouths, unflinching as they stared down the guards—and the world noble himself.
The guards froze, sweat-dripping. Never had they imagined this. Previous Navy encounters involved spineless sycophants, trembling at the mention of "world noble." What madness was this?!
Aren't Navy supposed to be world nobles' slaves?!
Only He refrained from smoking. A smirk tugged at her lips as she raised a hand to her chest, bowing shallowly—barely bending her back.
"Mariejois never banned smoking", she said lightly. "And of course, we wouldn't dream of blocking your route."
With that, she stepped aside.
The Navy followed, brushing past the central group without a glance, continuing their path.
(End of Chapter)
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