vncnus Chapter 247 Heading to Elbaf
Chapter 247 Heading to Elbaf
Chapter 247 Heading to Elbaf
Northwest of Egghead Island, an abandoned electromagnetic catapult passage.
A tremendous electromagnetic force enveloped the entire catapult platform!
"Hold on tight—!" Vegapunk's roar was drowned out by the deafening roar.
Buzz—! ! !
The powerful acceleration pinned everyone on the platform to the spot! Jason and Bucky let out a series of barely audible screams.
The enormous apple-head structure encased Vegapunk's main body, and together with the platform carrying Bonney, Hercules, Da Vinci, Jason, and Buggy, it shot out at an astonishing speed along the sloping, abandoned passage, like a stone thrown by an invisible giant hand!
Boom!
The temporary reinforced partition at the end of the passage was easily smashed, and the platform carried the group out of Egghead Island, tracing a huge parabola before plummeting towards the distant azure sea!
Below, the naval forces were attempting to land but were stunned by this sudden turn of events.
"What is that?!"
"It's Vegapunk's escape pod!"
"Fire! Stop them!"
Sporadic cannon fire rang out, but it proved futile against the platform's astonishing speed and the wind pressure generated by Hercules' casually swung stone axe.
Pfft!
The platform crashed heavily onto the sea, creating a huge splash.
Thanks to Vegapunk's advanced technology and Hercules' stability, the platform did not fall apart, but instead floated on the sea like a specially made raft.
"We did it! We escaped!" Jason collapsed on the platform, panting heavily, as if he had just crawled back from hell.
Bucky immediately fainted, foaming at the mouth.
Bonnie rushed to the life support pod immediately. After confirming that her father's condition was stable, she breathed a sigh of relief and looked gratefully at Hercules and Da Vinci.
Da Vinci gracefully straightened his wind-blown hair and robes, and smiled.
"What a thrilling and exciting journey! However, the crisis is not over yet."
She pointed into the distance, where on the horizon, several pirate ships flying the skull and crossbones flag were cutting through the waves!
Leading the pack was none other than Red Shanks' flagship, the Red Voss!
"It's Shanks!" Bonnie exclaimed in surprise.
It turns out that after tying down the main naval force and creating an opportunity for Vegapunk, Shanks did not go far away, but instead remained patrolling the waters surrounding Egghead Island, ready to meet up with any allies who might escape.
The Red Fosse quickly approached and launched the small boat.
Shanks himself stepped onto the platform, his gaze sweeping over the disheveled but mostly unharmed crowd, lingering for a moment on Hercules and Da Vinci, a meaningful smile on his face.
"Looks like I've arrived just in time," Shanks said with a smile, then looked at Vegapunk.
"Doctor, it seems you've made your choice."
The apple-head structure opened, revealing Vegapunk's upper body. He pushed up his glasses, his tone complex.
"Rather than falling into the hands of the World Government and being purified, it's better to gamble on the possibilities of the future. Shanks, thank you this time."
"You're welcome, Doctor. Your knowledge and wisdom are crucial for navigating future changes."
As Shanks spoke, his gaze turned to Da Vinci.
"Beautiful lady, I am Shanks, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"And Lord Hercules, it's been a long time. You're still as valiant as ever."
Leonardo da Vinci returned the greeting with elegance: "A pleasure to meet you, Lord Red-Haired Shanks. I am Leonardo da Vinci, Caster class."
"By chance, we ended up traveling with Mr. Bucky and Miss Bonnie."
Shanks nodded.
"This place is not safe to stay any longer. Although the Navy has temporarily retreated, the World Government's pursuit will not stop."
"Please come with me to Elbaf, which is a relatively safe place. We also need to plan this carefully."
"Elbaf? The land of giants?" Vegapunk mused.
"That's good, the environment there might offer some unique research perspectives."
Soon, everyone was transferred to the Red Fosse.
The crew members of the Red-Haired Pirates curiously sized up the new member, especially the extraordinary Da Vinci.
Buggy and Jason were also carried onto the ship. The former was still unconscious, while the latter began to recover and curiously looked around at the legendary pirate ship.
The ship adjusted its course and set sail towards Elbaf, the home of the giants.
New World, aboard the Red Fosse.
The sea breeze, carrying a salty smell, blew against the sails as the Red Fowles cut through the azure sea, sailing steadily on its way to Elbaf.
Having temporarily escaped the imminent crisis, the atmosphere on the ship eased considerably, but a heavy veil still hung in the air.
Vegapunk's apple-head structure was positioned in a relatively wide corner of the deck, where he was examining data from Bonney's father's life support capsule via external equipment, together with Da Vinci.
Hercules sat nearby like a silent guardian, his beast-like eyes occasionally sweeping over the red-haired crew members around him.
Bonnie stood by, his face showing weariness and worry.
Shanks, holding a bottle of liquor, walked over to Vegapunk and handed him a glass.
"Doctor, how is the situation?"
Vegapunk's mechanical arm took the glass and placed it aside: "Temporarily stable."
"However, the energy reserves in the life support capsule are greatly depleted during the escape and need to be replenished as soon as possible."
Moreover, I have several clones on the island who are aware of my current situation, which is one of them that worries me. I'm afraid he might lead the navy to track us down.
"The tracking problem can be solved once we get to Elbaf. The giants have their own unique shielding technology."
Shanks took a sip of his drink and turned his gaze to Da Vinci.
"Ms. Da Vinci, if I may be so bold, your existence seems to differ from our understanding of this world. You are not preparing to be summoned in the Holy Grail War."
Leonardo da Vinci smiled slightly, his wise eyes seeming to see right through people's hearts.
"Mr. Shanks is indeed astute. Indeed, in a way you can understand, we are drifters swept here by an unexpected storm."
"An unexpected storm?" Shanks mused.
"Is it related to the power that Blackbeard possesses? And that Arjuna—"
"The connection may exist, but it's not direct," Leonardo da Vinci said with an elegant shrug.
"What we are sensing is a disturbance in a deeper level of rules. The Blackbeard and the entity behind him seem to be forcibly grafting a foreign divinity onto this world, which in itself will cause rejection and distortion of the world's foundation. And we—we have been affected by the ripples of this distortion."
At this moment, Jason, having recovered, approached with an exaggerated expression: "Wow! Is this the Emperor of the Sea's ship? It's truly magnificent!"
"I am Jason, captain of the Argo, the great and heroic leader! Long time no see, Redhead!"
Shanks looked at this self-proclaimed great hero who seemed somewhat frivolous and smiled.
Jason, it's been a long time.
He didn't completely believe it, but he didn't point it out either. His Observation Haki told him that Jason did indeed possess considerable power, but his personality was—somewhat peculiar.
Meanwhile, Buggy, who had just woken up, was boasting to the Red-Haired Pirates' executives about how he had displayed his prowess on Egghead Island, which drew laughter from everyone.
Lucky Roux, while munching on a chicken leg, said, "Bucky, you're still the same as ever!"
Beckman didn't join in the commotion. He leaned against the ship's railing, lit a cigarette, and focused his gaze mainly on Da Vinci, speaking softly to Shanks as he approached.
"That sorceress is frighteningly knowledgeable."
Shanks nodded. "Yes. They are a significant variable. Blackbeard possesses near-godlike power, and we might need some unconventional assistance as well."
The days of sailing passed by one by one.
During this period, Leonardo da Vinci and Vegapunk frequently engaged in in-depth discussions on various scientific and mystical issues.
Sometimes the arguments would even escalate to the point of red faces, greatly benefiting the onlookers, especially the technicians like Yasopp, while also leaving them feeling dizzy and confused.
Hercules remained silent most of the time, occasionally displaying his strength at Bonney's request, leaving everyone in awe.
Jason tries to act as a lubricant for the team, often making things worse, but he does bring some joy.
Buggy quickly became friends with the old members of the Red-Haired Pirates, reminiscing about their time on Roger's ship.
Bonnie gazed at her father's sleeping face, then at the people around her who were fighting to protect her and her father, her heart filled with complex emotions. She walked to the bow of the ship and looked out at the boundless sea.
"What are you thinking about?" Shanks' voice sounded behind her.
Bonney didn't turn around, and said softly, "Thank you, Mr. Shanks. If it weren't for you—"
"No need to thank me, Bonney." Shanks looked into the distance. "Your father holds a crucial truth about this world, and Blackbeard and the World Government both want to control or erase that truth. Protecting you is also protecting the possibilities of the future."
He paused, then continued, "Besides, we're all on the red side, and we've made an agreement. The red side are allies! Our other friends will definitely do the same, right?"
He thought of Luffy, and a smile appeared on his lips.
"Is it... Straw Hat Boy?" Bonnie asked.
"Oh? Have you seen each other since Alabasta?"
"No, but he was a really interesting guy." Bonnie nodded.
"Mr. Shanks, what should we do after we arrive in Elbaf?"
"First, ensure your safety and the doctor's safety, and find a stable energy source and treatment plan for your father."
"Secondly, we need to integrate the intelligence we have gathered and figure out Blackbeard's true purpose and the nature of Arjuna's power. Finally—"
Shanks' eyes sharpened. "We need power, power to fight against the power of the gods. Elbaf, as one of the oldest races, may hold the answer we need."
Several days later, on the Elbaf coastline.
The towering shadow finally appeared on the horizon.
The towering mountains, the unimaginably huge trees, and the rugged and imposing stone buildings built against the mountains all proclaimed the arrival of the land of giants.
Just by getting close, you can feel an ancient, wild, and powerful aura emanating from you.
The Red Fowles looked like a child's toy boat in front of this huge coastline.
At the port, many giants had already gathered.
They gazed curiously at the human pirate ship. Leading them were two renowned giant warriors, the Blue Oni Dorry and the Red Oni Brogy!
Because of Tescatlipoca, they ended their century-long duel in the Little Garden ahead of schedule and returned to Elbaf.
"Bang bang bang bang! It's Shanks' ship!" Brogy's booming voice was like thunder.
"Oh ho ho ho ho! There's another—very powerful aura!"
Donley's gaze instantly locked onto Hercules, who stood like a small mountain on the deck.
The ship slowly approached the shore and the gangway was lowered. Shanks stepped down first and smiled at his two old acquaintances.
"Dongli, Brogy, long time no see! Looks like you've finally settled things?"
"Hahaha! That duel is temporarily put on hold!" Brogy laughed loudly.
"The world has become so lively, how can we stay in that little garden forever!"
Dorry nodded. "I sensed some unusual fluctuations and came back. Shanks, the guest you brought—is quite extraordinary."
At this point, Vegapunk, Da Vinci, Bonnie, Jason, and Baki also disembarked.
Hercules' enormous size was striking even among giants, and the wild aura he exuded made the giant warriors present involuntarily grip their weapons tighter.
"This is Dr. Vegapunk, the world's number one scientist," Shanks introduced.
"These two are Lady Leonardo da Vinci and Hercules, spirits from afar. This is Miss Bonney, and Jason and Buggy."
An old giant with white hair and beard, wearing ancient leather armor and holding a huge wooden staff, stepped forward, surrounded by several giant elders.
He is the current Grand Elder of Elbaf, Yoruru.
"Red-haired Shanks, welcome back to Elbaf."
Elder Yoruru's voice was deep and authoritative, and his gaze swept over the people behind Shanks like a hawk, lingering on them.
"And there's also Vegapunk, the genius, and the warriors from beyond this world known as Heroic Spirits."
Elder Yoru's words sent a chill down everyone's spine.
He clearly knows a lot.
"Elder, do you know us?" Da Vinci asked with great interest.
"The history of the giants spans most of this world's history," Elder Yoruru said slowly.
"We record the starry sky and listen to the whispers of the earth. We can sense the recent disturbances in the world, the forced implantation of alien divinity, and the aura on you that does not belong to the rules of this world."
"Elbaf is not only the home of giants, but also one of the guardians of ancient knowledge."
He paused, then looked at Shanks: "You've brought not only guests, but also huge variables and troubles."
"The World Government won't let this go, and that Blackbeard who has mastered forbidden power will probably also set his sights on this place."
Shanks calmly met the elder's gaze: "Yes, elder. We have brought trouble, but we have also brought hope."
"Dr. Vegapunk holds the truth of the world, and Ms. Da Vinci and Mr. Hercules possess knowledge and power that are beyond our comprehension."
"We need the protection of Elbaf, and we also need the wisdom and strength of the giants, to face together the storm that is about to sweep across the entire world."
Elder Yorulu remained silent for a moment, surrounded only by the sea breeze and the breathing of the giants.
After a long while, he slammed his wooden cane down heavily.
"Very well! Since the storm is unavoidable, the giants' warriors will not back down!"
His loud voice echoed throughout the port.
"Elbaf, welcome! Let us enter the royal city and, by the campfire, recount your experiences and the crisis facing this world. Perhaps, within the ancient trials and sealed knowledge, we can find a way to confront the power of the gods!"
Amidst the curious, scrutinizing, but mostly enthusiastic gazes of the giant warriors, Shanks and his companions, following Elder Yorul, stepped into Elbaf, the ancient and secret land inhabited by the legendary giants.
Their arrival will surely stir up new waves on this ancient land.
The secret will be revealed around the campfire in Elbaf.