Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 138: The Action Begins
Boom.
In the open space of the island, Elken threw a punch that roared toward Cecilia. She quickly pushed off the ground with her feet, propelling herself forward and narrowly dodging the trajectory of his attack.
But in the next moment, Elken's fist exploded, a burst of flames erupting as Shockwave and fire surged toward Cecilia.
Not good.
Cecilia hurriedly evaded, taking another step to avoid the explosion. However, just as her front foot landed and her back foot had yet to retract, Elken slightly tilted his head and exhaled forcefully.
Gentle Breeze Bomb!
Boom.
Gas shot out with a thunderous roar, Shockwave spreading as flames engulfed the area.
"Damn it."
Cecilia couldn't retract her back leg in time. Suddenly, her legs transformed into those of an ostrich; her front leg bent slightly before she propelled herself forward, appearing on the other side.
"That’s fast."
Elken's expression changed in surprise as he quickly directed his breath toward that direction.
But Cecilia, with her ostrich legs, propelled herself again, turning into a blur as she evaded the explosion and in an instant appeared behind Elken.
"Now it's your turn."
Elken sidestepped to dodge, then turned and threw a punch.
As the punch was unleashed, an explosion erupted, but the direction of his fist met only empty air; Cecilia had vanished.
Elken felt a presence nearby, and Cecilia reappeared in mid-air beside him, her ostrich leg swinging toward his head.
"That was fast."
Elken had no time to respond when suddenly his head exploded with pain; the side of his head burst apart as shockwaves and flames engulfed Cecilia's right leg.
Boom.
In the next moment, Elken was sent flying, crashing to the ground, his head spinning dizzily.
Cecilia landed slowly, her right leg's protective gear shredded, revealing her leg beneath, blood streaming down.
As Cecilia touched down, her uninjured left leg propelled her body forward, disappearing and reappearing at Elken's side, her injured right foot stomping down hard.
"That's enough."
A voice rang out, and Cecilia's leg came to a halt just in time. She looked toward the distance where Bola stood with arms crossed.
"You can't kill him," Bola said coldly.
"Such a pity."
Cecilia shrugged, releasing her Devil Fruit ability. One long, pale leg slowly retracted, and she stood barefoot on the ground. "So what about my ranking now?"
Bola scoffed. "He couldn't defeat you; you are still R4."
"So I gained nothing and ended up injured?" Cecilia asked, a hint of dissatisfaction in her voice.
"You can challenge R," Bola replied.
"Fine."
Cecilia stretched her body. "Can I leave now?"
Bola nodded, and Cecilia limped away, boarding her ship and departing from the place.
After she left, Elken took a while to get up. His head was still spinning, but he spoke up. "I'm sorry, Vice President; I lost the match."
Bola waved his hand dismissively. "You just acquired the Devil Fruit; your performance was acceptable. Go back, continue to train, and improve yourself. Don't let R down."
"I will."
Elken stood up and stumbled away, disappearing into the distance.
Bola then walked to the side, looking at the giant beast with closed eyes, and gently asked, "He didn't defeat Cecilia; what is your opinion?"
"It's understandable that the performance is lacking after just obtaining this fruit."
Xiaqiu opened his eyes and looked in the direction where Elken had left. "Tell him after some time that explosions can be used not only for attacks but also for propulsion."
The difference between Elken and Cecilia lies in speed; the latter is naturally skilled in kicking techniques and is very fast. After acquiring the Ostrich Form, her leg strength has increased even more.
Elken had previously worked at the Fighting Hall and participated in the city's Boxing Match, where he won a championship. His dodging and agility were already inferior to his opponent's, not to mention the Devil Fruit.
However, even if Elken could use the Bomb-Bomb Fruit to deter Cecilia from approaching, if she wanted to escape, he would be helpless.
But if he could make good use of the Bomb-Bomb Fruit—like exploding his feet to propel himself forward, or exploding his backside for thrust, or causing an explosion on one side of his body to change position—he could achieve incredible speed and mobility. At that point, he would be able to keep up with Cecilia's pace, combining it with powerful attacks that would leave her with no options.
Even if she wanted to run, she might not be able to escape.
Thus, Elken had great potential; at least an A-grade potential.
"I will do as you instructed," Bola said. After a moment's thought, he added, "The matter from last time has been scheduled by Vivi for three days later."
Xiaqiu nodded. "Then prepare for it; we will set out in three days."
"Understood."
Bola immediately responded.
Three days later, Bola boarded the submarine, which was activated, and Xiaqiu accompanied him as they headed towards Alabasta.
As they traversed the surrounding waters, the submarine slowly surfaced on the eastern desert side of Alabasta. Bola stepped out of the submarine and arrived at the Coast.
"This is the Permanent Compass to the G4 branch."
There was a middle-aged man waiting there, who handed Bola a Permanent Compass. He then took out a Transponder Snail and said, "The intelligence personnel will contact you proactively to provide specific information, but no more than three times."
"Thank you for your trouble."
Bola nodded, putting away the Permanent Compass and Transponder Snail, before re-entering the submarine and heading off into the distance.
Xiaqiu hurriedly followed, wanting to go to the G4 branch under Bola's guidance.
After three months of arrangements, Vivi utilized official channels and intelligence networks to uncover a lot of information about Barley Town and Demon Spider Vice Admiral, including their stationed locations.
The former was stationed at headquarters, while the latter served as the commander of the G4 branch base.
The G branch had a total of eight bases (the anime originally had eight; otherwise, it would have been five), all commanded by a Vice Admiral, directly overseen by the Naval Headquarters, with ranks equivalent to those at headquarters.
Among them, the G1 branch was located at the entrance of the New World. However, after significant events, due to adjustments at Naval Headquarters and Marineford, the Naval Headquarters moved to G1 at the entrance of the New World, with Flying Squirrel Vice Admiral serving as the base commander.
In the G5 branch, Virgo serves as the leader, while Smoker heads to the New World.
The G Branch has appeared before and is located in the New World.
Ace from the G Branch once arrived in the Paradise while searching for Blackbeard.
G8 is an anime original and is situated in Paradise.
(With odd numbers in the New World and even numbers in Paradise, this creates an extended setting: odd numbers are in the New World, while even numbers are in Paradise.)
During Vivi's investigation, Barley Town is under the command of a Vice Admiral, while Oni Spider is the head of the G4 branch.
(Note: The G Branch Base and the Vice Admiral of the headquarters are not contradictory. For example, Admiral Gumeir, who is responsible for the G Branch, went to Naval Headquarters during the Marineford War and is also one of the sixteen Vice Admirals at headquarters.)
One is at headquarters, and one is at a branch; the location of headquarters is clear. However, there are strange ocean currents in front of it, and with so many Vice Admirals present, only a few can be attacked.
Thus, Xiaqiu chose Oni Spider, who serves as the head of the G4 Branch Base.
The G4 branch where Oni Spider is located lies in the first half of the Grand Line, between the second and third routes to the left of Judgment Island.
This information can be easily found, but the problem is that its location cannot be pinpointed. The G4 branch is not on any route and cannot be accessed through ordinary record pointers; therefore, a Permanent Compass must be created.
Vivi spent three months sending her subordinates to the G4 branch to become ordinary sailors. Currently, she holds a rank of Third Class Seaman but is not aboard Oni Spider's battleship.
She took a month to create a Permanent Compass, which she then handed over to Vivi before it was sent to Bola.
Moreover, the spy had to report specific information about when the Vice Admiral would leave on the ship.
With the Permanent Compass, they could head towards the G4 Branch.
Bola piloted the Submarine, followed closely by Xiaqiu.
The Submarine moved slowly, needing to avoid dangerous areas, so it took two hours to reach the G Branch Base.
"That's it."
Xiaqiu looked at the massive Branch Base, especially at the structure facing the harbor, which had a large sign reading G-4.
In the harbor of the Branch Base, several Naval Battleships were docked, two of which were particularly enormous.
They measured over eighty meters, approaching a hundred.
Super Battleships.
These were typically standard Battleships for a Vice Admiral, but a Major General could also use them.
For instance, the Demon Slayer Order would deploy ten Super Battleships, with one Vice Admiral commanding two of them, one of which would be overseen by a Major General.
Both Super Battleships bore the G5 insignia, but it was impossible to determine which one the Vice Admiral would board or whether those on board were indeed Vice Admirals.
Thus, they needed spy communication and provided a Transponder Snail for this purpose; the other party would find an opportunity to notify them using the Transponder Snail.
Xiaqiu would leave with the Battleship when the Vice Admiral was deployed, assessing the journey. Once the enemy was on their return trip and far from the surrounding islands, Xiaqiu would initiate an Attack.
Aside from the Giant Vice Admiral, other Vice Admirals should be familiar with the Six Styles, at least mastering a few of the more useful techniques.
As long as they could perform Moon Step, if one attempted to escape into the air towards the nearest island, it would be a futile effort.
Thus, Xiaqiu needed to find an opportune moment.
There were only three chances available, and it was hoped that within those three attempts, a suitable attack opportunity could be found.
Xiaqiu glanced at the Branch Base, retracted its body, and submerged into the ocean, capturing the surrounding Magnetism and detecting several faint sources of it.
Continuing towards a few Magnetism points, Xiaqiu located an island approximately six nautical miles from the g4 Branch Base. The island was dense with forests and towering mountains, completely deserted.
Afterward, Xiaqiu returned near the Submarine and tapped on the front window with its claws before swimming off into the distance.
Bola immediately instructed someone to control the submarine to follow, arriving at a nearby island and boarding from the rear.
The submarine then slowly surfaced as Bola and several subordinates continued onto the shore, including five individuals known as Billionaires.
Four of them would observe the area around the island for any approaching Navy vessels, including those returning or departing.
Once any Navy presence was detected, they would signal for the submarine to submerge and avoid detection.
This location would serve as a temporary headquarters while they waited.
Bola would receive the information here, then report it to himself before proceeding.
...
"So, G Branch has a Vice Admiral stationed there, and you are sure you want to Attack them?"
In a secluded area, Bola asked softly.
Xiaqiu nodded and said, "That's right, I have to do this."
Bola sighed, "But it's too dangerous. What if..."
"There is no 'what if.'"
Xiaqiu replied, "If the Attack fails, I will escape as quickly as possible."
Bola nodded, looking at Xiaqiu, his eyes flickering with concern. "I'm afraid you might get hurt. Facing a Vice Admiral, you may not..."
"Is that so?"
Xiaqiu looked at Bola and asked, "Do you think I'm no match for the Vice Admiral?"
Bola worriedly replied, "After all, the Vice Admiral is very powerful, and you have only defeated a Commodore before."
"I will become stronger."
Xiaqiu said lightly, "Of course, if I die, then Baroque Works will be handed over to Vivi."
"Vivi?"
Upon hearing that name, Bola's expression froze as she asked, "Why hand it over to Vivi?"
Xiaqiu snorted and replied, "So you don't care about my life or death, but are concerned about Baroque Works?"
"No, no, that's not it."
Bola hurriedly said, cautiously adding, "I certainly don't think you would die; I just don't understand why it would go to Vivi."
Xiaqiu sneered and said, "Who else could it go to? Elken and Cecilia are skilled in combat but lack strategy. Heckler has managed a casino for a year and three months, but he's merely a suitable operator without a broader vision—he's even less capable than Vivi. Feng Kelei is too impulsive to take on the role of president. As for you..."
Bola immediately perked up her ears.
Xiaqiu coldly asked, "Are you sure you can manage a group? Are you certain your strength can deter others?"
"I..."
Bola thought for a moment and realized she wasn't cut out for that role. However, it was impossible for her to have no ambition regarding Baroque Works, so she said, "If it's given to Vivi, what difference does that make for Baroque Works' demise?"
"It won't."
Xiaqiu replied, "With the support of Alabasta Kingdom, Baroque Works will only thrive further; it will become wealthier and stronger."
"Bola" expressed her concerns, saying, "But she won't allow a killer organization to exist. She will definitely abandon some people, and then..."
If she took away "Baroque Works," where would she go from there?
"Xiaqiu" replied, "Then you should pray that I don't die."
"Xiaqiu" lay down and closed her eyes. This was inherited from "Dinosaur," allowing her to shut her eyes.
"Then, President, I'll go check the situation ahead."
"Bola" said as she turned to leave. Once she had walked a distance away, she sighed. It seemed that the plan she had been uncertain about could no longer be executed.
As "Bola" spent more time with "Xiaqiu," she realized that "Baroque Works" couldn't be controlled by a single giant beast. If it needed to control "Baroque Works," then she could easily fabricate a president, just like "Nico Robin."
The only exception was the president's strength. Despite the president's formidable power during the battle with "Heckler," it was clear that "Heckler" was not without combat ability.
So how could they kill the president?
"Bola" initially thought of a plan. She could contact "Heckler," r5, and r4. As long as they didn't let him go to area 6, there was a good chance they could defeat the president.
It wouldn't be difficult to convince them; they could simply have the giant beast devour the members of "Baroque Works" and demand their assistance in killing.
Alternatively, exposing her identity would be risky. Most people would find it hard to accept her identity as a giant beast, especially since she had previously killed subordinates who possessed "Devil Fruit" abilities and transferred their powers.
Such disregard for her subordinates' sacrifices and directly killing them would surely instill fear in others.
Both methods are viable: kill her and establish a new Baroque Works.
This idea carries significant risk, and Bola has been hesitant to make a move.
Until recently, when he learned that he was going to attack the Vice Admiral. What if he could manipulate things so that the Navy killed him instead?
He decided to inform the Navy's G4 branch about the attack, using it as bait to eliminate the president.
Even if they couldn't kill him and he managed to escape, they could still coordinate a siege, ensuring success.
Bola felt conflicted, unsure whether to proceed.
However, after hearing Xiaqiu's words, he had no choice but to abandon the plan.
Vivi had established an intelligence organization, with many members being part of Baroque Works. She could rally most of them to her side, and she was also aware of the situation in Whiskey Hill Town.
Not only that, but she could also reclaim the casino; without Xiaqiu's threat, Baroque Works had no leverage for cooperation.
Moreover, Heckler, Christmas, and Cecilia from Canola Flower City Port could all be controlled.
Without funding and expansion teams, losing three Senior Agents would severely cripple Baroque Works, resulting in over half of their strength being lost.
If Alabasta pursued Baroque Works, then they would be completely eradicated.
Should he kill her?
The disparity in strength was stark, and even in terms of strategy, Bola felt somewhat inferior.
Thus, he could only pray for the president's survival; his threat was too great. As long as he was alive, Alabasta's Harbor would be completely inaccessible to Vessel.
Moreover, Alabasta now had two port cities, and the only one capable of blocking Xiaqiu was Vivi. However, Vivi couldn't manage both at the same time. With Xiaqiu's destructive power being so immense, any attack on either city would be unstoppable.
Xiaqiu was still alive, and he remained Vice President. But if he handed things over to Vivi, even if he survived, he would no longer enjoy his current status.
Bola extinguished the thought of taking action. Perhaps he could contact Vivi and take over Baroque Works in exchange for a better position?
"I must kill the Vice Admiral."
After she left, Xiaqiu slowly opened his eyes.
Of course, he wouldn't hand Baroque Works over to Vivi. He did this to prevent her from taking any drastic measures.
She had never trusted Bola, nor had she ever trusted Vivi.
He worried about Bola betraying him and feared that Vivi might turn against him.
Bola and Vivi could restrain each other, and with his own Deterrence in place, neither dared to act against him.
However, as Vivi's strength grew and she began to infiltrate Baroque Works, her threat became increasingly significant.
There was even a possibility that the two might unite in an attempt to undermine him.
Xiaqiu needed to intimidate Bola and Vivi.
A stronger power, along with the ability to harm the Natural System.
This Vice Admiral was the best choice.
Oni Spider possessed Observation Haki and Armament Haki, and was also a master swordsman with a robust physique.
By consuming him, Xiaqiu could enhance his own physical strength. Most importantly, he would gain Observation Haki, allowing him to perceive the enemy's movements. With Armament Haki, he could inflict damage on Vivi.
Combining all three aspects would elevate his strength to a new level.
Even if the entire Baroque Works united, they might not be able to defeat him.
Thus, in a certain sense, Xiaqiu had to kill Oni Spider.
Comment 0 Comment Count