Chapter 982: Ethan Kadi
Chapter 982: Ethan Kadi
As one of the Four Seas, the South Sea seemed curiously unremarkable. Rarely did rumors surface about it compared to the East Blue, where eccentric figures occasionally stirred headlines. The South Sea, by contrast, kept a low profile. But calling it weak would be a mistake—it was the birthplace of Sengoku, after all.
The Four Seas shared similar climates, far more stable than the ever-shifting Grand Line. After leaving the East Blue, Kuro crossed the Calm Belt to enter the Grand Line, then traversed another Calm Belt to reach the South Sea. The journey took over a month, and that was a straight-line trip with no stops for supplies.
"Ethan Kadi said the Longsword Pirates are at the Star Islands", Klah said, spreading a South Sea chart across the desk in Golden Lion's office. The map crudely outlined the region. Such charts were usually detailed, but this one offered only a vague overview—typical for the Navy, which kept precise navigational maps locked away for specific regions.
Klah’s finger pointed to an unusual location: a wide stretch of the Grand Line far from most islands and landmasses, near the Calm Belt’s edge.
Kuro frowned. "They’re hiding in the Outer Sea?"
Most activity in the Four Seas clustered near islands and coastlines, patrolled heavily by the Navy. But the Outer Sea—adjacent to the Calm Belt—was barren, stripped of islands on maps. It was a desolate expanse where even navigation required precise charts.
Humanity feared the Calm Belt for good reason—the Sea Kings roamed there freely, unbound by territorial concerns. For sailors, the Outer Sea near the Calm Belt was a death trap. The Calm Belt itself dwarfed the Grand Line’s apparent size on maps. Though the Grand Line seemed narrow compared to the vast Four Seas, its true scale was immense, filled with countless nations. The Calm Belt alone spanned a quarter of the Grand Line’s width.
Few possessed the skill to traverse the Calm Belt. Even Boa Hancock relied on Kusnake Island’s unique evasion tactics—she’d never dare confront Sea Kings head-on. Killing a few might be feasible, but their blood would summon more, forcing even the strongest to retreat.
"Yes, hidden in the Outer Sea", Klah confirmed. "Ethan Kadi says the Star Islands are secluded."
"The Star Islands are a unique place", Klah explained. "Their geography creates thick fog by day, obscuring everything. Only at night does the mist vanish, revealing islands glowing like stars—hence their name."
Kuro rubbed his chin. "A fascinating phenomenon. Pity it’s in the South Sea’s Outer Sea. No industry out here. Otherwise, it’d make a fine tourist spot."
The Grand Line boasted countless marvels, but this was nothing special.
"Where’s Ethan Kadi?" Kuro asked.
"He’s waiting for us on a tiny island with a single coconut tree, at the nine o’clock direction from the Star Islands", Klah replied.
"Hmph. Let’s head there. Our Navy Navigator can handle the rest", Kuro said.
The Outer Sea had no detailed charts, but the Navy’s seasoned Navigators—especially one from the South Sea who recognized the Star Islands—could find their way. Within five days, the Golden Lion reached their destination.
In the endless expanse of the Grand Line, a small island emerged—a speck barely large enough for ten people. A lone coconut tree stood sentinel, beneath which a man sat beside a tiny boat. As the Golden Lion approached, he blinked in shock, then began frantically waving.
"That must be him."
Klah peered through a spyglass, cross-referencing Ethan’s wanted poster. "Dock and bring him aboard."
The man wore glasses, his thick bangs shadowing his forehead. His face was softer, older than his wanted poster suggested—years had passed, after all.
Ethan Kadi.
The moment he stepped onto the deck, he snapped to attention. "Reporting in! Marine Headquarters Commander Ethan Kadi, at your service!"
"So it is you", Klah said, raising a brow. "I’m Vice Admiral Klah of Marine Headquarters—‘Black Wolf’ to some. You’ve done well. I’ll file a report on your merits after this operation."
As a Vice Admiral, submitting reports was well within his authority—a skill he’d honed under Admiral Kuro.
"Thank you, Vice Admiral!" Ethan beamed, then winced. "May I ask for something to eat? I’ve been starving out here. Supplies ran low."
"Feed him first. Take him to the dining hall, then bring him to Kuro’s office."
A Marine saluted and led Ethan away. Soon after, Ethan entered the office, dabbing his mouth with a napkin.
"Marvelous meal", he said to the Marine escort. "Didn’t expect Navy food to taste this good. Haven’t had this since my days at Headquarters. Improved recipes or a better chef?"
The Marine didn’t answer, saluting before leaving.
Inside the office, a young man in a golden naval uniform and a hooded cape sat chewing a cigar. His voice sent a shiver through Ethan’s spine.
"You must be Vice Admiral Golden Lion", Ethan said, his smile softening. "Heard tales of your feats in the Grand Line—defeating Blackbeard, clashing with Beasts Pirates and Big Mom. Never thought I’d work alongside you directly. The Longsword Pirates won’t stand a chance now."
(End of Chapter)
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