https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-87-Commanding-Mountains-and-Seas-Clouds-at-My-Fingertips/13535875/
Chapter 88: Pleasure Island 'Morgant'
Chapter 88: Pleasure Island 'Morgant'
The ship docked at the island for rest and supplies. In the empty sea not far away, a lone figure skimmed low over the water, brushing a hand across the waves.
Boom!
Massive volumes of seawater surged upward, coiling into a tsunami-like wall that seemed impossible to cross. But as the towering wall rose, it detached from the ocean entirely, forming a colossal sphere of water that ascended into the air.
The figure dashed across the water’s surface again, triggering another tsunami. Repeating this cycle, he played at this destruction like a child with a toy.
In the nearby sky, two figures leapt between invisible footholds in the air.
Lida and Klah.
“Are you done yet, Kuro?” Lida sighed, watching Kuro frolic as if this were mere amusement.
She’d lost count of how many times this happened. Every time the ship stopped at an island for resupply, Kuro would sneak out—not to scout or strategize, but to lift entire uninhabited islands or manipulate seawater into floating masses.
Now, countless objects hovered above his head like a bizarre constellation.
Kuro shaped another tsunami into a water sphere, soared to Lida’s side, and grinned, “This ability’s still new to me. My control’s shaky. Besides practicing daily, stockpiling reserves isn’t a bad idea.”
During battles, Shanks had relied on floating Skypiea fragments and airborne sea zones. But if Kuro repeated those tactics, it would be reckless and inefficient. With such a handy ability, why not prepare thoroughly? Unexpected situations demanded contingencies. If combat erupted, the floating debris above would become his arsenal.
Beyond islands and seawater, Kuro also sneaked off to “borrow” weapons from his subordinates. After visiting one branch, he’d claimed their weapons were worn, requisitioned new ones, and quietly lifted several for his aerial stash.
Lida could only shake her head.
“Are you planning to flood the entire island where an enemy stands?”
She seriously wondered if Kuro hadn’t gone mad, turning into a “trash king” of sorts. If he deemed something useful, he’d touch it once and send it skyward—no exceptions. Even she had no idea how much clutter now loomed above.
Earlier, they’d spotted a pirate ship but lost it. Lida knew Kuro had flown out secretly that night.
Hope that ship’s still afloat, she thought grimly.
After conjuring a few more tsunamis to his satisfaction, Kuro halted, exhaled, and said, “Alright, let’s head back. Don’t want the crew getting suspicious.”
Lida twitched her lips. She strongly doubted the only reason they hadn’t stripped the entire East Blue bare was due to time constraints on this island.
Truthfully, Kuro had entertained the idea. Even a Sea Emperor would struggle against seawater, after all. If he could summon oceans to the heavens, why fear any ruler of the seas? Every reserve he stockpiled was an advantage.
Returning to the island, his subordinates finished resupplying the ship. They set course for their next destination.
…
“Yahoo! Morgant!”
Lida shouted, pointing as the island drew near.
A fairytale-like castle loomed ahead, its spires piercing the sky. Below it sprawled fantastical skyscrapers, none short enough to be called humble.
Morgant, the Pleasure Island, was the East Blue’s largest amusement hub. Built in imitation of the New World’s famed kingdom Dressrosa, it had transformed from an ordinary kingdom into a tourist haven only recently.
Kuro had first heard of its reputation two years ago while scavenging near Base 153, weak and too inexperienced to dream of venturing to sea. Now, he’d finally arrived. This world always offered new wonders to explore.
As the warship docked, Kuro and his crew disembarked. The harbor opened onto a wide boulevard. Streets teemed with pedestrians in tall hats and flowing robes that obscured their figures.
At the sight of Navy officers, citizens—men, women, and children alike—turned in unison, their smiles identical.
“Navy! It’s Navy!”
“Welcome, Navy!”
“Protect our heroes!”
The civilians cheered, flustering the Navy crew.
“Everyone here’s so skinny… is that beautiful?” Lida muttered.
Indeed, all faces were gaunt.
Klah adjusted his glasses, uneasy. “Feels… off somehow.”
Kuro lit a cigar, smirking. “Their smiles are too synchronized. Over-trained citizens? Trying to boost tourism?”
The uniformity was eerie—their neck angles, their grins, all perfectly matched. Yet Kuro shrugged. If they wanted to brainwash locals for profit, that was their business. The island bustled with tourists, not just Navy.
“That! That! Kuro, I want that!”
Lida tugged his coat, pointing at a steamed bun stall.
“Eat, eat, eat. Klah, you buy,” Kuro sighed.
Klah, long resigned to his role, nodded without complaint and led a group to purchase snacks.
Kuro escorted Lida and the remaining crew to an outdoor café, claiming a seat. A robed waiter approached, face split in an unnatural grin, and presented a menu.
“It’s an honor to serve Navy officers. The owner’s instructed—20% discount for all Navy patrons.”
“Oh? Thanks. Lida, you order,” Kuro leaned back, exhaling a smoke ring.
As Lida perused the menu, Kuro surveyed the street. Non-locals crowded the streets—foreigners in distinctive attire. Impressive tourism.
Still…
“Why don’t I see any Navy stationed here? No garrison?” Kuro asked the waiter.
The waiter swelled with pride. “Officers needn’t worry! Morgant has the Pleasure Prince! Any pirates or criminals daring to trespass will be crushed by His Highness, our mighty prince!”
“The Pleasure Prince?”
Lida glanced up. “Sounds familiar.”
“A top idol in the East Blue,” Kuro nodded.
Morgant’s crown jewel was its prince—a pop idol with a fanbase spanning oceans. Kuro had even heard of him.
Which brought a pang of disappointment. He’d hoped to loot Navy weapons if a base existed. Looks like that plan sank.
Him buying his own stuff? Free stuff’s free. Why pay?
…
(Note from the author: Tired today. Only one chapter up, one more to make up tomorrow. Apologies, sincere thanks.)(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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