Chapter 47: Setting Sail
“Wuhu~”
On a large ship on the sea surface, Aoxi was excitedly running back and forth along the edge of the deck like a husky returning to the countryside for the New Year.
Having lived two lives, this was still her first time sailing out to sea; previously, the most she’d done was paddle a duck boat on a small lake in the park.
The boundless sea surface made Aoxi feel uncontrollably exhilarated. Although the ocean she’d seen downward from Kaido’s flame cloud before was also spectacular, it was indeed only from a normal perspective that one could more clearly feel the ocean’s waves and grandeur.
“Aoxi, don’t run around like a kid; so many people are watching. How about acting a bit more dignified?” Nearby, Obei casually leaned against the railing, holding a glass of juice in her hand as she quietly admired the sea scenery.
At this time, she had changed into a new outfit—no longer a plain long skirt, but a loose dark blue children’s shirt and a pair of jet-black long pants, plus a sleeveless white windbreaker in the president’s style.
Slightly oversized gold-framed sunglasses hung at her collar, giving a casual and stylish look.
Sea breeze carrying a faint blue scent blew from behind, causing her hair strands to dance along with the upright collar of her white jacket.
Her somewhat mature attire paired with her delicate face that still retained childish innocence created a bizarre beauty in the mismatch… undoubtedly a movie-level scene.
“I’m a kid right now anyway; what dignity do I need… As for you, what’s with posing like that all alone over there?” Aoxi had also changed into a new outfit: a red T-shirt with white shorts, plus a long white jacket, making her look neat and tidy overall.
“I’m savoring this voyage carefully.” Obei gently shook the juice in her hand, her posture growing even more relaxed.
“Come on, stop pretending. You were even more excited than me when we first boarded; you vanished in a blink if not careful, and now you’re calling me out.”
“I… I was just curious about the ship’s structure back then; it was purely an examination from a researcher’s mindset.”
“Heh~”
“Hahaha, alright alright! No more bickering.” Burufaruto appeared at the right moment, interrupting the two’s daily squabbling.
“What do you think of my ride—the Minotaur? The cannons on this thing outnumber those on ordinary Navy warships! And their power is no less inferior.”
Burufaruto’s ride, the Minotaur, was one of the only five large ships currently in the Beasts Pirates.
The other four were Kaido’s and Ember’s rides, plus two large supply ships, managed by two combat team captains under Burufaruto and Ember.
It had to be said that as an executive’s ride, the Minotaur had a highly distinctive appearance.
The ship’s prow was carved with a lifelike bull, its two long ox horns serving as the pirate ship’s ram, seemingly made of metal. The sides of the hull had fish-scale-like decorations, and the stern was shaped like a mermaid’s tail.
In the center of the ship stood a massive main mast, its sails bearing the Beasts Pirates’ highly characteristic skull pattern, with a small pirate flag atop the lookout tower.
“Can you let me fire a few shots later too, Uncle Burufaruto?” Aoxi looked at the cannons on the ship with sparkling eyes.
“You little brat! Now you know to call my name? Call it a few more times; if Uncle feels pleased, I’ll let you fire to your heart’s content!”
“Really? Uncle!”
“Of course! Bangbu, take this girl below deck later and teach her how to aim and fire.” Burufaruto pointed at Aoxi and said to the cannon team’s captain.
“Leave it to me, Boss.”
“Yay~ Thanks, Uncle Burufaruto.”
“Hahaha, alright, go on.” Burufaruto ruffled Aoxi’s little head with a big laugh, then thought of Obei again.
“By the way, blue-haired brat, do you want to fire a few shots too?”
“No need; I’m not interested in these old-style cannons.”
Obei shook her head; for her, smoothbore cannons like these antiques really held little appeal. Compared to that, she was more interested in the laser gun she’d seen at Sain’s place back then.
“Is that so? Then do as you like.” Seeing she wasn’t interested, Burufaruto didn’t say more.
“So, where’s our destination this time?” Obei asked.
“Fenrir Island, not far from here. We’ll seize that island and some surrounding subordinate islands when Boss Kaido attacks Hachinosu Island.”
“I see our speed isn’t fast; not in a hurry?” Obei noticed the ship had unfurled only a mainsail.
“Correct. Boss Kaido will first head to the Totland Sea Area to rendezvous with Golden Lion and the others, then land on Hachinosu Island together; it’ll take about two days.
As long as we arrive near Fenrir Island within two days, it’s fine. Arriving too early risks enemy attacks.
Once their reinforcements leave, it’ll be much simpler for us to strike. You two will join in too; this opportunity is rare—time for you both to see some blood.”
Burufaruto explained in detail and informed Obei that she and Aoxi would have to fight this time, giving them mental preparation first.
“See blood?”
Obei lowered her head to look at her hands; her palms were small, white, and flawless.
After all, they were figurine hands she’d crafted herself, then brought to life with divine power—naturally perfect in every detail.
“The day has finally come? Faster than I imagined. Wonder if Aoxi can adapt.”
Over these days in the canteen, Obei had often heard the pirate crew members talk about past battles, treating taking lives as commonplace.
She’d been listening silently, imagining herself joining in.
Obei knew that if she wanted to stay in this world, her hands would inevitably be stained with blood sooner or later; she’d already steeled herself mentally.
She didn’t dwell on it long before Aoxi’s shouts drew her attention.
“Obei, Obei! Look, it’s a cannonball! A real one, round and shiny! I’ve only seen them in cartoons.”
Childlike Aoxi had forgotten their earlier bickering and carried a cannonball bigger than her head onto the deck.
“Uncle Burufaruto, are these cannonballs solid?”
“Of course not; solid cannonballs have so little power. These are filled with gunpowder—explode on impact with the enemy ship.”
“Oh? Not solid lead bullets then?”
Hearing it differed from her imagination, Obei grew slightly interested, took the cannonball from Aoxi’s arms, and began examining it.
“Hm~ Indeed, only a thin metal shell outside, completely filled with gunpowder inside… Explodes on impact?
But how does it solve the bursting issue? Or is there some special structure…”
Obei tapped the cannonball in her arms and started muttering to herself.
“Uh… what’s up with the blue-haired brat? Why’s she chanting with a cannonball?”
“Ignore her; she mutters to herself when puzzled by something. She’ll figure it out soon.
Anyway, I’m hungry, Uncle Burufaruto. What’s for lunch? No more steak; I’m tired of it~”
“You little brat, having food at sea is lucky enough; don’t be picky.
You know even affiliate countries of the World Government have citizens who can’t afford wild vegetable roots? Especially after paying annual Celestial Gold.”
“Uh… What’s Celestial Gold?”
“Protection fees those Celestial Dragons extort from affiliates. Never mind those appetite-ruining fat pigs. No sea beast meat for lunch today—fish instead.”
“Yay! Ah, but not raw.” Aoxi immediately requested.
“Fine, I’ll have them make fish balls.”
“Wuhu~ Thanks, Uncle Burufaruto!”
……
Meanwhile, the Beasts Pirates’ main force—a fleet of two large ships packed with combat personnel and several small boats—was heading to the Totland Sea Area.
This time, aside from the two large supply ships with Burufaruto carrying materials for construction works, the rest were almost entirely combat personnel and cannonballs.
Kaido brought minimal supplies, planning to storm Hachinosu Island in one go, then have his subordinates load the treasure and leave.
Of course, he’d enjoy the battle for a bit; opportunities like this were rare.
He wouldn’t need ships for pickup anyway; he’d fly back after.
“Buruburuburu~”
Kaido’s Den Den Mushi rang at that moment.
“Mamamama~ Mamamama~ Kaido, have you set off?”
The Den Den Mushi’s face now had distinctly feminine features: long eyelashes, purple eyeshadow, and bright lipstick.
On the other end was none other than BIG MOM—Charlotte Linlin.
“Yeah, set off. Should arrive in two days. Can’t wait, old woman?”
“You brat! I’ve always treated you like a younger brother; show some respect!”
“Nothing else? I’m hanging up.”
“Mama~ Don’t be so hasty.” The anger faded from the Den Den Mushi’s face, her tone calming. “What do you think of this alliance?”
“What to think? Dissolve after taking the island; then we’re all enemies.” Kaido said impatiently.
“You guy! I’m being serious.
That bastard Shiki has more power than us; if we fight separately, he’ll take the lion’s share, leaving us scraps.”
“So what’s your point?”
“Team up, Kaido. Let’s team up and snatch the meat from that lion’s mouth!”
BIG MOM proposed teaming up from the other end of the Den Den Mushi, but Kaido didn’t agree immediately.
“You’re after that treasure? Your goal should be John’s territory in the Totland Sea Area, right?”
Correct, like Kaido, BIG MOM’s target was also John’s territory.
Her Totland Sea Area, besides the main island Cake Island, had thirty-four other islands scattered around.
These years, BIG MOM had been expanding outward, aiming to claim all thirty-four islands as her territory to build a “Whole Cake Island” accommodating all races.
John’s forces were mainly around Hachinosu Island, but not far from Totland, so nine eastern islands in the Totland Sea Area were actually held by John.
Several others were in the hands of Silver Axe, Wang Zhi, and such.
BIG MOM planned to seize all these islands at once this time, then start building her envisioned “Whole Cake Island”.
“Mamamama~ I do want that territory, but I don’t want to let go of Rocks’ treasure either. Isn’t the essence of pirates greed?”
Her main goal exposed, BIG MOM didn’t mind; she was indeed very interested in Rocks’ treasure—specifically “certain” treasures.
“Well? Decided? Team up with me?”
“Greedy old woman! Fine!” Facing a proposal beneficial to him, Kaido had no reason to refuse.
“But let me tell you, Linlin! This isn’t like before; anyone scheming against me, I’ll twist their head off!”
“Mamamama~ Happy cooperation then!”
Ignoring Kaido’s threat, BIG MOM laughed heartily and hung up.
“Mr. Kaido, that woman’s so proactive—must be some conspiracy?” Ember was certain BIG MOM’s motives weren’t pure.
“Dunno, probably eyeing something in Rocks’ treasure. Doesn’t matter; we stick to our plan. Raise all sails; pick up speed.”
……
Two days later, Totland Sea Area.
On the somewhat foggy sea surface, over a dozen BIG MOM Pirates ships were already waiting here.
“Mamamama~ Long time no see, Kaido.”
Standing on the BIG MOM Pirates’ flagship 【Queen Chanson Mama】, the nearly nine-meter-tall Charlotte Linlin greeted Kaido.
Compared to the Rocks era, her figure had slightly gone out of shape, likely from frequent births. Overall, she was still quite alluring.
Behind BIG MOM stood the Charlotte Family’s eldest son Charlotte Perospero and second son Charlotte Katakuri.
Both near adulthood, they were already key combat forces in the pirate crew.
Especially the second son Katakuri, who had executive-level strength and indeed managed an island as a ‘minister’ in the BIG MOM Pirates.
“Oh?! That one over there, could it be…” After greeting Kaido, BIG MOM’s gaze locked onto Ember almost immediately.
Ever since seeing Ember’s distinctly characteristic wings at Shiki’s banquet last time, she’d associated him with a nearly extinct race.
After gathering all materials on that race back home, BIG MOM confirmed Ember’s identity and fell into fervor ecstasy.
“Hey! Kaido, give me that kid! My ‘Whole Cake Island’ can’t do without him!”
BIG MOM stared with fervor at Ember; if not for Kaido present, she’d probably have started seizing him by force.
“Want me to kill you here, Linlin?” Kaido met her gaze directly, rejecting without hesitation.
“Mama~ You’ve become so unlovable!”
The fervor in BIG MOM’s eyes faded slightly, but she still stared fixedly at Ember.
“Hey! Kid, if you ever want to come here, I’m always welcome.”
“I won’t betray Captain Kaido; give up.” Ember rarely addressed Kaido as captain.
“Tch…”
“Enough chit-chat. Where’s that guy Shiki? Not here yet?”
“Mama~ Probably soon. Our appointed time is noon, still some time away.”
But just as she spoke, BIG MOM looked up at the sky; Kaido followed suit.
Above the sky’s cloud layer, dozens of pirate ships were breaking through the clouds toward below.
The originally pristine white cloud mass seemed torn by wild beasts, fragmented and scattered.
At the forefront of this massive fleet was a huge pirate ship with a golden lion carved at the prow, its mouth agape as if roaring Haki overlord roar, sails bearing the Flying Pirates’ striking emblem.
This was Golden Lion Shiki’s ride, the flagship of the Flying Pirates!
Though the pirates below had battled in the New World for years and were worldly, this sight still shocked them deeply.
It was the sky’s natural dominance over the ground.
Dozens of pirate ships flying far beyond cannon range created an insurmountable gulf, like a fierce beast atop a mountain casually eyeing prey below.
“This… this is the legendary Flying Pirates?” Some pirates’ legs began trembling involuntarily.
“Too… too strong! A fleet this size flying in the sky.”
“That’s Golden Lion Shiki, one of the New World’s strongest factions!”
“Then how strong is the Whitebeard Pirates, their equal?!”
Seeing the fleet overhead, awe stirred in the pirates’ hearts.
“Hahahahaha! I didn’t come late, did I?”
Wild laughter echoed from the high heavens, followed by a figure slowly descending.
Slung with dual swords, cigar in mouth, mane of flamboyant golden hair—it was none other than the Flying Pirates’ admiral, Golden Lion Shiki!
“Hey, Shiki! Lower your ships; I don’t like looking up at people!”
BIG MOM’s voice, though not Haki, steadied some panicked pirates below.
“No rush, Linlin.” Golden Lion landed on the sea surface, casually touched a ship afloat there, and both BIG MOM Pirates’ and Beasts Pirates’ ships floated into the sky.
“This time, let’s fly straight over from the sky and surprise that guy John! Hahahaha!”
“Don’t touch my ship casually, Shiki!” Kaido was clearly dissatisfied with Shiki’s overbearing act.
“Shiki, want to start the war now?!” BIG MOM’s face darkened too.
“Don’t sweat the small stuff; let’s head out! I can’t wait anymore!”
Shiki ignored their anger, manipulating the fleet upward anyway. In fact, controlling their fleets was deliberate—to suppress them and seize initiative.
With a wave of Shiki’s hand, the fleet of dozens of ships of all sizes broke through to ten thousand meters, above the clouds.
Thus, the New World’s largest fleet since Rocks’ death—the strongest pirate alliance—headed from unreachable high altitude straight for the former Rocks Pirates’ heartland: Hachinosu Island.
The New World, restless since the God Valley Incident, was about to unleash another massive storm.
No one yet knew what impact this unprecedented pirate clash would have on the future great sea’s landscape, but undoubtedly, a new order would be born in the New World.
And a terrifying beast lurking for over a year would soon bare its greedy fangs to its ‘predecessors’ for the first time.
