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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 162: The Arrival of Ace
"Is this the Drum Kingdom? It's so cold."
In mid-June, Winter Island remained unbearably chilly. A figure with a bare torso stepped onto the coast, unable to suppress a shiver.
"Why has Blackbeard come here?"
The owner of the figure voiced his question. He wore an orange cowboy hat, and on his back was emblazoned the emblem of the Whitebeard Pirate Crew.
This figure was Ace, who had arrived here half a month earlier than in the original story due to Xiaqiu's deliberate promotion of this matter.
"Huh."
Ace shook his body, sparks appearing on his skin as the cold was dispelled by his warmth. He exhaled, "I should find something to eat first."
Ace walked toward the nearest village. Upon entering, his unique attire drew the attention of those around him.
"That's a bar over there."
Ace spotted a sign and hurried inside, making his way to the bar counter.
Seeing his outfit, many people turned their gazes toward him. Who would be foolish enough to walk around bare-chested in this freezing weather?
"Do you have anything to eat here?" Ace asked the bartender behind the counter.
"Sandwiches and hot dogs," the bartender replied directly.
"Five Hot Dogs, please." Ace tapped on the table and added, "And a glass of whiskey."
"Five?" The bartender asked, a bit incredulously. "Are you sure?"
"Of course."
Ace said impatiently, "Hurry up, I'm starving."
"Coming right up."
The bartender first poured the whiskey, then moved to prepare the Hot Dogs. Ace took a sip of his drink while waiting. Once the Hot Dogs were ready and served, he dug in eagerly.
However, just after finishing the first one, Ace suddenly stiffened, his head crashing into the plate as he fell into a deep sleep.
"Is he dead?"
Seeing this scene, the bartender cautiously leaned closer, raising his arm to check. Just as he was about to touch him, Ace suddenly propped himself up and resumed eating the Hot Dogs.
He ate while dozing off, and after finishing, he burped and asked, "How much is it?"
"Five thousand Berries," the bartender replied with a smile, extending his hand.
"Five thousand Berries? That's way too much!" Ace exclaimed with wide eyes. "Your prices are double what they are outside."
The bartender shrugged. "This is Winter Island. Our ingredients are quite scarce here."
"Alright then."
With no other choice, Ace pulled out a ten-thousand Berries bill and handed it to the bartender. After receiving his change, Ace pushed the money back and said with a grin, "Keep the change. I want to ask you something."
"What news?"
The bartender extended his hand to press the money down but did not pick it up.
"Ace said, 'Not long ago, a pirate crew called Blackbeard came here and caused quite a ruckus. I want to ask about their whereabouts.'"
"I'll tell you what I know."
The bartender took the money and continued, "A month and a half ago, the Blackbeard Pirate Crew arrived here and fought against the then-king Valpo and the guard army. Valpo was defeated and fled the country, and he hasn't returned since. As for Blackbeard, they stayed here for three days, resupplying before leaving."
"A month and a half? That's quite a long time."
Ace stroked his chin and asked, "Do you know where they went?"
The bartender shook his head. "I don't know, but it seems they headed west."
"Is that so?"
Ace nodded and pulled out some more money. "Thank you for the information. Please prepare some food and water for me."
"Sure."
The bartender went to the back to prepare some food and water, which he handed over to Ace before Ace left the bar.
"With such a long time passed, they must have left already. It seems I'll have to ask around at the next place."
Ace felt somewhat disappointed; it was frustrating that they had come a month and a half ago, and he was still receiving news that was too late.
As Ace walked toward the port, he suddenly stopped and said lightly, "What do you want by following me?"
"I have news about Blackbeard."
A somewhat hoarse voice came from behind. Ace turned around and found a middle-aged man.
"Do you really have information on them?" Ace asked skeptically.
"Of course."
The middle-aged man replied, "Follow me to my room."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Ace hesitated for a moment but decided to follow him. They arrived at a door, and after seeing the man enter, Ace cautiously approached. Not noticing anything unusual, he slowly walked in.
Upon entering the room and reaching the living area, the middle-aged man did not stop but headed straight for the bedroom. He took out a key and unlocked the door.
"Come in."
The man opened the bedroom door and stepped inside.
However, Ace noticed that the man's movement was somewhat slow; the weight of the door was more than he had imagined. As Ace approached, he felt no weakness in his body, so he slowly walked in.
Inside the room, there was a Transponder Snail on the table.
This person's identity was not ordinary.
The price of a Transponder Snail was quite high, making it difficult for an average civilian to afford one. However, in many areas, large Transponder Snails were prepared—immobile and similar to landline phones.
After inviting Ace to sit down, Ace asked suspiciously, "Who exactly are you?"
"I am called Smith, and I cannot disclose anything else."
The man looked at Ace and asked, "You are Ace, the captain of Whitebeard's second division, right?"
"That's correct."
Ace nodded and said, "Did you just have news about Blackbeard?"
Smith replied, "Yes, Blackbeard is currently in Magu Town, which is a gathering place for pirates. They arrived there yesterday and will likely stay for a few days."
"Really?"
Ace felt a surge of excitement but then furrowed his brow and asked, "But how do you know this?"
Smith answered, "We belong to a powerful organization that monitors all pirates in this area. We recognized you, and since you were inquiring about Blackbeard and his crew, we sought you out."
"But why tell me?" Ace asked in confusion.
Smith replied, "Because you are a captain under Whitebeard. Blackbeard betrayed Whitebeard, and our leader has a history with him. Naturally, we want to help you."
"So it's because of Dad," Ace said with a smile. "Thank you. But where is Magu Town?"
Smith pulled out a compass and said, "Magu Town is located on Gaya Island, along this route. It’s the island after Alabasta. They have been there for some time now. Here is a Permanent Compass that will take you directly there."
"Thank you, this really helps me out. I'm going to pursue him right away."
"Wait a moment."
Smith looked at Ace and asked, "Can you find them? What if you get there and they have already left?"
"Well..."
Ace paused, turning to Smith.
Smith continued, "We can provide you with other contacts to guide you, but we hope you can tell us what happened at that time so we can keep a record."
"Alright."
Ace thought for a moment and slowly sat back down.
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