NOVEL WEB Chapter 60: CHAPTER 60
Page One seized the moment to carry Ulti away.
"You can't stay here any longer," he muttered. "Brother Alastor's physical techniques sound terrifying. If he uses them, and you get seriously injured, that's not good!"
As Page One dragged her off, Ulti kicked and protested but eventually gave in, glaring back at Alastor with gritted teeth.
Just then, Yamato stepped out, her curiosity piqued.
"Physical skills? Have you been practicing some secret techniques I don't know about? They must be powerful to rile Ulti up like that! When you return, I want to see it!"
She clenched her fists in excitement, her energy contagious.
Alastor glanced at Yamato, his gaze unintentionally lingering on her striking figure. Swallowing hard, he hesitated.
"Do you really want to try? Maybe... it's better if we don't."
Yamato raised her chin, her pride brimming.
"What's that supposed to mean? Are you looking down on me? Don't forget, I'm stronger than you!"
Faced with her persistence, Alastor had no choice but to reluctantly agree.
"Alright, if you insist," he sighed.
After a few more exchanges, Alastor bid farewell to Yamato and Tama, ready to set off on his journey to find treasure and funds. He had already pinpointed two potential targets: the treasures hidden in the Land of Flowers and the fabled wealth of the Golden City on Skypiea.
-When it came to wealth, it was impossible not to think of Gild Tesoro, the Golden Emperor. A user of the Gold-Gold Fruit, Tesoro had the power to control gold, though he couldn't create it.
Rumor had it that Tesoro controlled 20% of the world's currency, but Alastor was skeptical.
"Someone with his strength could never hold that much wealth without being swallowed up by the Four Emperors or the World Government," Alastor thought.
Still, even a fraction of Tesoro's wealth was worth pursuing. Alastor planned to seek out Tesoro after his dealings in the Land of Flowers, a region known for its riches and influence in the West Blue.
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The Crew Sets Sail
Alastor gathered a small crew, including Page One and Shimotsuki Onimaru from the Samurai School.
"Onimaru, this is your first time leaving Wano," Alastor said. "The world outside is vast, and there will be plenty of opportunities for you to sharpen your swordsmanship."
Onimaru's eyes sparkled with determination as he gripped the hilt of his blade.
Though young, he was disciplined and carried himself with the dignity of a retainer, adhering to the strict samurai etiquette of the Frost Moon clan. His respect for Alastor was evident, so much so that even the more carefree Page One noticed.
Grinning, Page One teased:
"You don't need to stay holed up in that samurai school. With your talent in swordsmanship and armed Haki—not to mention that rare Mythical Zoan Fruit—you're already better than most of those so-called nobles!"
Blushing slightly, Onimaru replied with a bow:
"Lord Page One flatters me, but I will work hard to ensure I don't disgrace Lord Alastor."
Alastor chuckled, shaking his head.
"Pay Pay, you're only two years older than Onimaru. Don't act so superior."
Page One huffed.
"And you're only two years older than me, Brother Alastor!"
"That's different," Alastor said, crossing his arms. "My strength is miles ahead of yours. Keep training, and maybe one day you'll catch up."
The voyage was peaceful but filled with training and exploration. Alastor's warship, crafted with seastone to deter Sea Kings, traversed the Calm Belt, a mysterious, windless region home to colossal sea creatures.
Though tempted to hunt the Sea Kings for their meat, Alastor refrained. These intelligent giants would summon reinforcements if attacked, and even a warship like his would be sunk under their combined might.
The crew spent their days training. Page One, always competitive, pushed himself to the limit, his once-slim frame beginning to bulk up with muscle. Meanwhile, Onimaru experimented with his Mythical Zoan Fruit, developing unique techniques on his own.
Alastor, too, trained diligently, though his progress often required a strong opponent. For now, he focused on refining his physical skills and strategizing for the challenges ahead.
With spirits high and goals set, the warship continued toward the Land of Flowers, the next step in Alastor's plan to rebuild Wano's wealth and power.
It was unfortunate that finding a worthy opponent was so difficult. Though they encountered a few pirate groups along the way, the sight of the Beasts Pirates' flag and Alastor's imposing presence was enough to send them scattering in fear.
There was no avoiding it—Alastor's reputation had spread across the seas.
With a bounty of 660 million berries, the feat of defeating Cracker of the Big Mom Pirates, and escaping from Whitebeard himself, his name was enough to shake the world.
Two days later, the warships passed through the Calm Belt and entered the waters of the West Blue.
Alastor, however, was slightly frustrated. Along the journey, he hadn't encountered any worthy challengers and had only managed to increase his defense stats marginally.
Adding to his disappointment, he didn't even come across the rumored Beast Island. Instead, he stumbled upon an island engulfed in a perpetual thunderstorm.
Out of curiosity, he set foot on it, only to be struck repeatedly by lightning. Though the experience left him badly injured, his system classified it as self-inflicted damage, offering no improvement to his defenses.
"Seems like my luck ran out after my first voyage," Alastor muttered wryly.
Yet, the ordeal gave him a new perspective. Realizing the destructive power of lightning, he began plotting to deal with Enel, the self-proclaimed God of Skypiea. His eyes sparkled with mischief, a sly grin forming on his lips as he imagined his next move.
"Lord Alastor, the latest newspaper from the West Blue," Shimotsuki Onimaru said respectfully, handing over a folded paper.
Alastor scanned the front page. The headline featured Capone Bege, a rising pirate who had made waves in the West Blue and recently entered the Grand Line.
"Hmm, the Evil Supernova are starting to make their mark."
Further down the page, another story caught his attention:
Blackbeard defeats Thatch. Fire Fist Ace in pursuit. War brewing.
Alastor's expression hardened as he closed the paper.
"The war isn't far off. I need to move faster."
He stood abruptly, his voice firm as he issued an order:
"Set full speed ahead!"
Half a day later, two warships docked at the port of the Land of Flowers.
As Alastor stepped onto the land, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. The antique pavilions, intricately carved beams, and grand, traditional architecture reminded him of Wano Country, albeit with a more extravagant flair.
But as he and his crew marched through the towns, the signs of decay were evident. The buildings, though grand, were weathered and crumbling. The people were pale and gaunt, their hollow eyes betraying years of suffering.
The townsfolk cowered at the sight of the fierce, disciplined army exuding an aura of menace.
"Is this an invasion? Has the enemy army landed? How could this happen? Didn't His Majesty say he ceded land for peace?"
The Land of Flowers was embroiled in a war with a neighboring nation, which had an endless supply of weapons from the underground market. The weak king, unable to hold his ground, agreed to a humiliating peace treaty, surrendering land and imposing heavy taxes on his people.
To make matters worse, as a World Government affiliate, the nation had to pay a hefty tribute to the Celestial Dragons—a burden once again passed on to its struggling citizens.
Alastor observed the situation silently, his expression unreadable. Behind him, his subordinates marched in perfect formation, resembling an elite military unit rather than pirates. They ignored the fearful stares of the townsfolk as they advanced.
Gradually, the people noticed that this army didn't burn, pillage, or steal. Their fear turned to curiosity.
An elderly man, likely the village chief, watched with a furrowed brow.
"These aren't soldiers from the enemy country," he said with certainty.
A child tugged at his sleeve. "Who are they, Grandpa?"
Stroking his beard thoughtfully, the old man replied,
"I can't be sure... but that young leader—he looks familiar. I think I saw him in the papers..."
The villagers' whispers faded as Alastor and his men approached the royal palace. They were finally stopped by a group of nervous guards.
"Halt! Who are you? The area ahead is the king's residence—you cannot pass!" the captain of the guards barked, though his trembling voice betrayed his fear.
Alastor didn't even glance at him. Shimotsuki Onimaru stepped forward, his blade flashing as he declared coldly:
"Do not obstruct Lord Alastor!"
Though young, Onimaru fearlessly charged at the guards. Within moments, the captain and his men were lying unconscious at his feet.
"Well done, Onimaru," Page One said with a smirk, cracking his knuckles.
"My turn next."
As the group entered the Imperial City, more guards rushed to stop them.
"Who dares trespass into the palace? Kill them all!" one shouted.
Page One laughed, the thrill of battle evident in his grin.
"Finally, some fun!"
Shimotsuki Onimaru, blade in hand, stood ready by his side as they prepared to storm the palace.
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