https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-522-Hand-to-Hand-Combat-with-the-Gundam/12936941/
Chapter 521: Sage, the Rising Star
Chapter 521: Sage, the Rising Star
"Don't move!"
Sage exclaimed, "Fish shocked me, I'll peel your skin! It's not easy to catch a fish, so just stay still. At most, it'll eat some of your body parts. You have the Four-Fracture Fruit, so losing a few pieces is no big deal. I caught a fish, and I'll find your parts."
"But you can't use me as bait! Help!" Bakki struggled violently, but only his feet remained on the ground as his body was completely entangled in the fishing line.
Bound by the powerful Haki-infused line, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't break free from the Haki's hold.
It was just fishing! Did it require such intense Haki?
"Got it! Bubbles! Bakki, hold on, you won't die!"
Sage, full of excitement, lowered the fishing rod, allowing the entangled Bakki to slowly descend into the sea.
"At least my head! Bring my head up!" Bakki screamed.
"No way, what if some fish like eating heads?"
Sage lowered the rod, and before Bakki could continue his plea, he dropped Bakki's entire body into the sea, causing a series of bubbles to emerge before all sound ceased.
Sage gazed at the sea for a moment, then subconsciously reached into his cloak, rummaging around, but after a while, he found nothing. He clicked his tongue, "I need a cigarette. A cigar would do."
As he paused, he called out, "Hey, stop hiding and give me a cigar."
From behind a large rock, Smog emerged, his face stern as he fixed his gaze on Sage, "Did you find me?"
"Do you think my observation skills are fake? You're a big guy, and your presence is right here. How could I not notice?"
Sage turned his head, sizing up Smog, and said with a smile, "Long time no see, Smog. You look good in that outfit, like a true pirate. Why not quit the Navy and join me instead?"
"Cut the crap!"
Smog coldly huffed, "What's your purpose for coming here?"
Despite his questioning, he obediently walked over and handed Sage a cigar.
Sage took the cigar, lit it with a lighter, and took a satisfying puff before bursting into laughter, "Smog, I'm about to accomplish a plan so grand and audacious that even though you're a Navy man, I don't mind you watching from the sidelines. Take a good look, for this is Norton Sage's moment of glory!"
"What are you planning to do!"
Smog clenched his teeth, "You've just defeated Big Mom, and the news alone has shocked the world. Now you're here... For someone like you, what's the point of attending such a high-level feast?"
"Oh, that..."
Sage chuckled, "I don't have enough men, so I plan to recruit some here to send them to their deaths in Wano Country. You can join too. Being a Navy man is boring; you can't do much. Like now, you can only watch. But as a pirate, it's different. You can take action against anyone you dislike, and no one will say a thing."
"I don't like you right now!" Smog exclaimed, but he sighed, "But you're right, I can't do anything."
The regular Navy can't engage in battle with the Four Emperors without permission.
Smog hadn't joined the Sword organization, which seemed appealing, but in reality, it was just a facade, and the true core was out of reach for those members. It didn't align with his expectations.
As for Sage, he was a complex figure.
As a pirate, he was supposed to be caught and brought to justice, a menace causing panic among the people.
Yet, under his rule, the people lived exceptionally well.
The Calamity Pirates' intelligence was virtually transparent to the Navy, as Sage welcomed all comers. His crew and territory were filled with Navy personnel and World Government agents and spies.
Much of the intelligence flowed through them to the Navy, and Smog occasionally received information about Sage's territory, learning that the people lived better there than in some of the affiliated nations.
Even among the most despicable pirates, there were those with a sense of justice, and within the most noble Navy, there were vile individuals.
In Sage's territory, there was no need for notions of justice or evil; following the rules was all that mattered. The just and the evil could dine together, and even the undercover Navy agents couldn't pinpoint Sage's true nature. They simply reported him as an evil pirate during briefings.
So, when Sage mentioned going to Wano Country, Smog's first reaction wasn't one of astonishment but complexity.
He stared at the vast blue sea before him and said, "I can't engage you in battle, and I doubt the headquarters will either. During the World Conference, no one can stop you. To be honest, compared to letting other pirates continue to wreak havoc on the high seas, wouldn't it be better if they all fell under your control?"
After Punk Hazard, Smog returned to the G-5 Naval Base, officially assuming the role of Base Commander. He also investigated the disappearances over the years and discovered something.
Before Sage and Caesar Courland's contact, disappearances in the nearby waters were aimless, often resulting in tragic encounters for families. However, after Sage and Caesar's deal, such situations were surprisingly halted.
Those who were supposed to 'disappear' were released and even given money, while the pirates active in the area were thoroughly captured.
Before saying anything about pirates being human, they have made tangible contributions to regional peace. Adding to Ohara's unique prosperity and peace, to put it bluntly, they have done better than the World Government and the Navy.
"Your thoughts are misguided. If you can't even recognize your own heart, you'll be lost. Once lost, people become weak. It's been a while since I've seen Smog, and you haven't improved at all. Last time I heard, Reti gave you a good beating, after all, you ruined the face she was maintaining for me."
Sage's mouth curled up, "But I'm in a good mood today, so I won't punish you. Do as you please, or wait here and witness my greatest feat!"
"I'll keep an eye on you, but not now. There's still an important matter to attend to. If you're here to recruit subordinates, then you're not part of Festa's group."
Smog's lower body transformed into a cloud of smoke and dissipated.
"Festa."
Sage snorted coldly, "You're asking for a beating. What kind of people want to cooperate with me?"
"Sage."
Just as he spoke, Lily's voice sounded from behind, and the three of them, with their packed meals, came over.
Lily first looked at the kicking feet on the ground, then scanned the surrounding smoke that hadn't dissipated yet, frowning, "Smoke. This island doesn't produce smoke, Smog?"
Marika divided the food and laid it out next to Sage, and without Sage having to move, she started feeding him.
"Sage, Sage, it's lively over there. Many people are going for the treasure, but unfortunately, our ship isn't here. Otherwise, I'd like to sail one up and play too." Renetia exclaimed excitedly.
"Let them perform. That island can be used. Those who can ride the Skyward Current are quite lucky. I like lucky people. Speaking of luck, my luck today is super good!"
Sage grinned, showing his teeth, "Today, even if I drown Bakki in the sea, I'll catch a fish!"
Whoosh!
As soon as he finished speaking, bubbles suddenly appeared on the sea below, growing larger and larger until they formed a shadow under the water's surface. With the appearance of the shadow, the sea swelled, and a smooth, glowing object emerged.
The creature had scales and no strange limbs, a slightly larger body, and Bakki's lower body in its mouth. But Sage was absolutely certain it was the right fish.
"Help me!"
Bakki spouted seawater and wailed, tears streaming down his face.
"A fish!"
Sage's eyes widened, and his smile stretched wider than anyone else's, "A fish! What a big fish! I caught a fish! Lily! Marika! Reti! Look, I finally caught a fish!"
Boom!
As soon as he finished speaking, the island above the Skyward Current, along with the current, shattered. A ship thrown out crashed through the current, breaking through the center of the island from below, shattering the bubbles covering it, and causing the entire island to sink rapidly.
The falling island struck the central sea area swiftly, and as the island split, a massive impact was created. With this impact, the entire island trembled.
In this tremor, with Sage's widened eyes and frozen smile, the colorful giant fish, which hadn't even left the water and still had half its body submerged, suddenly opened its mouth and released Bakki, then fell back into the seawater and disappeared.
"No!!!"
Sage's eyes bulged, his nostrils flared, and he instinctively reached out to stop it, but it was too late. The fish disappeared into the sea, and the shadow vanished from the surface, its whereabouts unknown.
"Oh ho."
Renetia, who had been filled with anticipation and disbelief, couldn't believe it was a fish. Sage had actually caught it.
Bakki's existence could actually neutralize Sage's luck; he was too powerful.
She knew how Bakki became famous. In her eyes, this guy was purely lucky. It wasn't just about becoming a member of the Seven Seas Fleet Admiral; his luck was so good that he happened to be within Sage's supply chain. So, even now in the New World, with such a massive force, he had never been Sage's target.
Such a guy could still influence Sage. Even if he didn't succeed, it was still impressive!
Sage picked up the fishing rod again and took a deep breath, "Don't panic. If there's a first time, there'll be a second. Since there's already a fish here, I can catch it again! Don't panic, but I'm angry! Who the hell did this?!"
He threw down the fishing rod, not caring about Bakki, who was still hanging in mid-air, and turned to look.
From his perspective, he could see that the center of the island was already filled with shattered land and rocks, and within it, there was an excellent aura.
"Sage."
Lily's expression turned solemn, and she gripped her sword hilt, facing that direction.
Not only her, but Marika and Renetia also revealed a solemn look.
They could sense it.
The guy who appeared now was quite strong.
"The fleet is here."
Lily glanced at the center of the island, then shifted her gaze to the side, where a group of dark shadows could be seen gradually approaching the island.
"It's time to act!"
Sage's eyes flashed with a crimson light, "I'm going to beat that guy to death!"
He had a hedonistic temperament, but he was by no means someone who would disregard everything for pleasure. Fishing was just a leisurely activity, but it must not disrupt his plans.
Since the fleet had arrived, it was time to put the plan into action.
Sage was clear about this.
However, it also meant that his fishing plan had fallen apart!
He could have caught it!
...
"Deceivable Cloth!!"
In the center of the island, a young pirate with a cap hat shouted. As the smoke cleared, a burly man appeared, holding a small wooden box in one hand and gripping the head of a long-nosed pirate with the other.
The Supernova of two years ago did not show up here, but some of the rising stars of the high seas had arrived.
For example, the 'Cap Hat Kid' Luffy, who entered the New World this year, is also a popular pirate with a bounty of 300 million beli. They are the typical adventure-loving type and came here after receiving the invitation.
The treasure hunt was going well until the island suddenly shattered, and their companion, Deceivable Cloth, was seriously injured and captured.
"Deceivable Cloth!"
By his side was his deputy, a two-sword-style swordsman named Zorro, who wore an eyepatch. He drew his sword, his face filled with gravity.
"Hey, let him go!" Next to him was a blonde, eyebrow-less cook named Jinbe.
Behind them were Luffy's other companions, Nami, Robin, Usopp, Franky, and others, all holding weapons and focusing intently.
"Hey, who is this guy?"
Other pirates also recognized the person who appeared at this moment, and they broke out in a cold sweat.
"Do weaklings deserve to be called companions? What use are companions who can't even protect their treasure?"
Douglas Barrett said, "I don't hate anyone, but I particularly despise the weak. They are ignorant and fearful, capable of despicable acts. Such people..."
The hand that was almost pinching Deceivable Cloth's head tightened, and with a snap, the pirate's head exploded.
Huff!
In an instant, he smashed the corpse forward, and before the pirate named Luffy could catch it, Barrett appeared in front of him, elbowing him in the head. Then, with a straight leg, he whipped Zorro and Jinbe, sending all three flying.
"Death is the best outcome!"
Barrett weighed the wooden box in his hand and grinned at the surrounding pirates, "Come on, let me warm up for a change, and prepare for the Demon Slayer Order ahead."
In a nearby skyscraper, Festa watched everything on the surveillance screen and laughed heartily, "Yes, that's right, let's make it more lively."
To his upper right, a group of underworld tycoons connected through images were all smiling.
Funding pirates to cause some trouble was a daily affair for them, especially since this person was a legendary figure. There would also be a single-combat Demon Slayer Order show later, and causing trouble for the Navy was something they were willing to do.
After all, the World Government strictly monitored many private businesses, and now was the best time for revenge.
"It's a pity we couldn't invite the most talked-about Supernova from two years ago."
Festa said, "Otherwise..."
His words abruptly stopped, and the wine glass he was holding suddenly fell and smashed on the ground.
The underworld tycoons, who had been smiling, now looked grim.
On the surveillance screen, a figure suddenly appeared and punched Barrett, sending him flying.
As the figure landed, Festa, who was watching, fell into a rare silence, cold sweat dripping down.
That was...
He had just been thinking about not inviting any Supernova.
But with this person's appearance, Festa didn't feel any regret; he was even trembling.
Why?!
The Supernova he invited did not include this guy! Although he was also a Supernova from two years ago, he was not on the same level now!
How did the Calamity Pirates get here?!
(End of Chapter)
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