Chapter 281: 281 Farewell Hancock
In addition, the Sky-Moon Shield is not only indestructible but can also absorb all forms of energy-based attacks.
When the waning moon on the shield becomes a full moon, the absorbed energy is converted into moonlight and released in a single burst.
Hancock hasn't tested its full power yet, but she thought it's quite strong.
Concerned about the black shadow going berserk, Lynch remained on Amazon Lily, but he wasn't idle.
Surrounded by the Calm Belt, Amazon Lilyprovided him with ample opportunities to hunt. For a month, he ventured into the sea daily to enjoy free "seafood."
During this time, the size of his Sun Candle form increased by over 30 meters, reaching 426 meters. The goal of 500 meters was now within reach.
As Lynch hunted pirates in the sea, people from his country often gathered on the beach to watch.
In this semi-isolated land, nothing was more entertaining than Lynch's live-action food broadcast.
Emerging from the sea in his Sun Candle Form, each step he took sent tremors through the earth.
The moment his body left the water, the dark light that repelled seawater vanished, and the black halo behind him, burning for years, flared up once more. His soft mane swayed elegantly in the strong wind.
"Bah, bah, bah."
A human voice came from the mouth of a unicorn-like beast. The stench was unbearable.
After a month of eating Sea Kings, he felt like he was going to throw up.
His body reeked of that fishy smell, and it took ages to wash off. For a holy beast with a sensitive nose, this was pure torture.
Thankfully, the black hole in his mouth instantly broke down Sea Kings into energy.
Otherwise… he'd rather not think about eating them raw. Thanks to his phagocytic gene, he didn't have to live like a wild beast, tearing flesh and drinking blood.
He was close to reaching 500 meters in size, about to break through the world's limit. The thought alone filled Lynch with excitement.
A month on Amazon Lily had proven that the Empress could handle the current black shadow. It was time to leave and return to West Blue.
On the shore, countless Amazonians gazed up at the massive figure emerging from the sea.
Coming ashore with a body rivaling a Sea King was a breathtaking sight.
"Wow… it's huge!"
A young girl's mouth hung open. Her sister was right seeing Master Lynch up close was truly spectacular.
Lynch's majestic head, powerful horns, sturdy claws, and soft flowing mane made people want to dive in and roll around.
It was like cuddling a giant cat, just one deep breath, and the sensation of his silky fur would be pure bliss.
A girl had even skipped class just to see Lynch.
And after witnessing this? Totally worth it!
"Hmm… so big~"
"It's really big~"
The other girls blushed, tilting their heads so far back they were practically looking at the sky. Together, they weren't even the size of his fingernail.
Lynch shifted back into human form, threw on his coat, ignored the crowd, and went to find Hancock to say goodbye.
"I… can't I go with him?"
Hancock hugged him tightly, refusing to let go.
Elder Nyon narrowed her eyes, worried that the Empress might just run off with Lynch. This kid was Amazon Lily's only hope.
"No, you still need to stay here and continue training your ghost energy."
Lynch struggled for a moment but, realizing he wasn't breaking free, simply let her hold on. By now, he was used to Hancock's hugs and had developed enough composure not to embarrass himself in front of everyone.
"Okay then…"
With red eyes, Hancock whispered, "I'll stay and train hard, so I can help you even more in the future."
"Remember, you must come back to see me often!"
"I got it." Lynch waved goodbye to everyone on Amazon Lily. "Hancock, I'll visit you often."
"Goodbye!"
The crowd on the shore waved as Lynch departed.
Hancock gazed at his fading figure, unwilling to look away until he completely disappeared into the sky.
"I have to train hard and master my ancestor's power as soon as possible!" She took a deep breath, steeling her resolve.
Elder Nyon nodded in satisfaction. It seemed Hancock was handling his departure well, at least, that's what she thought.
But Hancock's next words nearly made Granny Nyon tumble into the sea.
"Then, I can go find Lynch and get married~"
"She lost it!" The guard behind her nearly tripped.
Hopefully, this motivation helps her train…
Before returning to West Blue, Lynch made a brief stop at Sabaody Archipelago to check on the former slave auction house. It was still in ruins, no one had dared to rebuild it.
"Oh? Are you my benefactor?"
A little girl's voice suddenly came from the sea.
Lynch turned around and saw the mermaid girl he had rescued before. If he remembered correctly, her name was Camie.
"Are you Camie?"
"Yes! I knew it—you're really my benefactor!" Camie beamed with excitement, leaping two meters high from the water, her fish tail shimmering under the sunlight.
"Why are you out here again? Be careful, or you'll get caught by slave traders again."
"No way! Thanks to the Emperor and Whitebeard, there are barely any slave traders near Fish-Man Island these days."
"Besides, we didn't come out just for fun this time. We're here to help our boss gather inspiration!" Camie explained.
"Camie, who are you talking to?"
A starfish suddenly popped out of the water.
A talking starfish?
So now even starfish can talk these days…
"Papagu, remember the benefactor I told you about?" Camie whispered in his ear.
"So you're the one who saved Camie last time!"
The starfish, Papagu, removed his hat in a surprisingly polite manner and bowed.
"My name is Papagu, Camie's boss and mentor."
"Lynch," he replied simply.
"Lynch? Why does that name sound exactly like the Emperor's?" Papagu muttered, puzzled.
No, no, no—it couldn't be. There was no way a legendary figure like that would appear right in front of him. It must just be a coincidence.
"Thank you for saving Camie last time! Let me treat you to oysters! Delicious oysters!"
Camie chimed in, acting playfully. "My benefactor, you must be hungry too! Come on, let's eat together. The oysters are amazing~"
"In that case, I'll take you up on the offer."
Lynch didn't refuse their hospitality and followed the mermaid and the starfish to a seaside oyster shop.
The freshly caught oysters were served with a squeeze of lemon—soft, briny, and slightly sweet with a refreshing citrus kick.
The oyster soup mixed with lemon juice was just as delicious, warming the stomach and sharpening the appetite.
Besides raw oysters, there were also grilled oysters.
Plump oysters were topped with minced garlic and vermicelli, then lightly grilled over charcoal until sizzling with fragrant oil. The flavor was rich and unique.
Just as he was enjoying the meal, Lynch's den-den mushi rang.
It was Monet.
After a month, the biological and chemical weapons that Doflamingo had asked Caesar to prepare had finally been delivered to West Blue.
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TO BE CONTINUED
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