vncnus Chapter 42 Who wouldn't want to challenge the strong?
Chapter 42 Who wouldn't want to challenge the strong?
Before setting off,
The entire troupe raised their right arms high, placing them against Kuroro's wrist, much like a football team's pre-match gesture, exuding great momentum.
[Compass of Destiny] activated, and Kuroro marked the wrists of all twelve people before assigning tasks:
"Shalnark, Pyke, Franklin, Shizuku, you four form a group. Your mission is to find the sea chart and treasure hidden by the Golden Lion on this island and then deliver them to Nami."
All four nodded at the same time.
Even if Nami is a genius navigator, she might still need a nautical chart to guide her. As a remnant of the old era, Shiki must have a nautical chart about the Grand Line.
"Nami, you, Machi, and Kubi stay here to provide backup. Peel-off protects them."
None of these people were the fighting faction among the members, making them the perfect candidates to receive the treasure and any potential casualties.
Nami nodded solemnly, while Peeling Fu stood in front of the three with a sense of mission.
"As for Uvogin, Nobunaga, Feitan, and Phinks, the usual rule applies. You two will pair up and be responsible for causing trouble on the island, drawing attention, and creating opportunities for Shalnark and the others to carry out their mission."
The four looked excited about the upcoming battle.
"What about me? What about me?" Bonnie asked when Kuroro still didn't mention her.
"You~" Kuroro said with a hint of teasing, "Of course you're coming with me. The battle against Shiki wouldn't be complete without the help of our Miss Bonney~"
"Can I not go?"
What do you think?
"........."
Bonnie's face immediately fell, and she looked miserable.
Kuroro straightened his expression and said to everyone:
"Remember, our ultimate goal is an elderly, blond man with disabilities in both legs."
"If any of you encounter him, contact me through the compass on your wrist; you are no match for him."
Kuroro's eyes sharpened:
"I'll handle him."
Everyone nodded, and Kuroro slightly raised his head, looking at the island at the very center in front of him:
"Well then... let the hunt begin—"
........
On the largest island at the very center of the floating island group,
In the top floor of the building, a man with long, golden hair like a lion's mane, with a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his mouth, was lounging idly in a large armchair.
His entire body was covered in pure gold hair, a ship's wheel was stuck in his head, and his legs were replaced by two famous swords.
It was none other than the legendary great pirate, Shiki the Golden Lion.
"Indigo, how many pirates have come after hearing the news?"
Sitting below him, a blue-haired man with an afro, wearing a white lab coat and an ugly scarf, replied:
"My lord, this is the thirty-fifth one tonight~"
"Hahahaha—almost there! Once we've gathered a hundred pirate crews, we'll launch an attack on the East Blue, and then... I'll make the whole world tremble under the tyranny of Lord Golden Lion! Hahahaha—"
The golden lion's laughter echoed throughout the building.
"My lord... you shouldn't refer to yourself as 'tyrannical,' but rather as 'dignified'..."
"Really? Such a small thing shouldn't be a big deal, hahaha—"
As the laughter subsided, Indigo continued his report: "By the way, sir, there's one more small matter."
"What is it?"
"Our surveillance snail just detected what appears to be intruders on the island!"
"Oh? How did they find this place?" The Golden Lion looked puzzled, then waved his hand dismissively.
"It doesn't matter, just send some ferocious rare beasts to deal with them."
"Just as I thought, sir."
The two exchanged a sly glance, then their laughter continued:
"Hahaha—"
"I mean, I've already sent out rare beasts, but quite a few were killed by the invaders... even my own men were defeated."
"Gah—"
The Golden Lion's laughter abruptly stopped. "Why didn't you say so sooner?..."
"You haven't asked yet..."
"Why didn't you say so sooner?" Golden Lion cleared his throat. "Take me there and have a look."
The two walked slowly through the castle's passageway and arrived at the monitoring room, where rows of monitoring equipment were occupied by subordinates wearing gas masks.
The golden lion looked up at the screen.
On one screen, a savage with hair standing on end is furiously swinging his fists, bringing them down heavily on a series of rare beasts charging at him.
A swordsman's blade flashed across the entire screen, slicing all the rare beasts around him into bloody chunks.
It was Uvogin and Nobunaga.
The golden lion's eyes slowly brightened, and an expression of appreciation appeared in them:
"Not bad~ This level of strength is enough to make a name for yourself in the New World~ What a powerful force of youth! I'll make them my subordinates—"
He then turned and walked towards the door.
"Sir, where are you going?"
The golden lion waved its hand with its back turned:
"My hands are itching to get started~"
"I'll go and meet them myself."
..........
"Awooo—"
A huge lion, as tall as a three- or four-story building, roared and charged furiously at Uvogin.
"Super Destructive Fist—"
"boom--"
With a violent gust of wind, a fist struck the lion's forehead, causing its body to convulse from front to back. Its once-standing mane slowly slumped down, and it collapsed to the ground, foaming at the mouth.
On the other side, a spotted insect, several meters long and shaped like a tree, was flying low overhead, heading straight for Nobunaga.
"Iaijutsu: Draw Sword Slash—"
"Whoosh—"
As the blade flashed, the enormous body of the Spotted Bug was sliced into three pieces. With a loud thud, dust billowed as it fell to the ground, utterly dead.
Countless enormous and rare beasts continued to attack the two from all directions.
"Is the commotion we've caused considered huge?" Uvogin asked Nobunaga while fighting.
"Tsk, don't ask me." Nobunaga stood with his sword at the ready, looking ahead.
Before them lay a forest ravaged beyond recognition, and hundreds of fallen rare beasts.
"Judging from this, the commotion should be big enough."
"Then when do you think that guy called Golden Lion will come?" Uvogin asked, unwilling to give up.
"How should I know? Feitan and Phinks don't seem to be making any moves either," Nobunaga said impatiently.
"I really hope he can come to our side," Uvogin said with a hopeful look.
"What do you want to do...?" Nobunaga sensed something was wrong. "Don't do anything rash—"
Uvogin's face lit up with a warlike excitement. With a powerful punch, he smashed a charging beast into pieces, splattering blood all over him.
He flashed a kind smile:
"The guy the leader calls a strongman, huh? Don't you want to have a go?"
"Oh right~ You've already fought a top-tier expert, haven't you? That was really strong." Uvogin showed an envious expression.
"It's different. That person didn't have any murderous intent, and besides, with the commander by my side, my life is safe," Nobunaga said.
"But now... I could die."
"Isn't that even better...?" Uvogin's smile grew even more excited.
"Isn't progress in battle supposed to come from facing life-or-death situations...?"
Nobunaga remained silent, because although Uvogin was a scoundrel, what he said did make sense.
Just then, the two of them looked in the same direction at the same time.
There, a powerful aura was approaching the two of them at an astonishing speed.
Uvogin couldn't help but let a wild and unrestrained smile spread across his lips:
"They're here."