Chapter 66: 66. Returning To Wanokuni

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- In the New World, aboard the speeding ship, Yamato and Maria leaned against the railings, gazing out at the increasingly familiar seascape, their excitement bubbling over as they neared their destination. "At our current pace, we should reach Wanokuni in about half an hour," Laffitte announced, steering the ship with practiced ease while glancing in the direction of Yamato and the others. "We're finally here?" Caesar exclaimed with barely contained enthusiasm. "A country where even the news barely reaches...I am looking forward to it." The prospect of visiting a Shandora filled him with the same thrill that had overtaken Hogback. Even without Alex's influence, Caesar's mind was already set on Wanokuni. With the news that they were nearing Wanokuni, almost everyone on board abandoned their tasks to watch the horizon, peering eagerly toward the island and the waters below. After about twenty minutes, the surrounding sea became turbulent, massive whirlpools forming in the waters as if stirred by an unseen force, and the sky grew darker and more foreboding. All signs pointed to something extraordinary just ahead. Then, in the distance, the towering cliffs of Wanokuni appeared, crowned by a colossal waterfall crashing down with a thunderous roar. "What a breathtaking sight," Laffitte murmured, awestruck by the grandeur before him. He wasn't alone; members of the Kuja tribe and other newcomers to Wanokuni's legendary territory also wore expressions of wonder. Navigating past the turbulent waters and the towering waterfall, the crew reached high altitudes. From this vantage point, they glimpsed the land at the end of the waterfall, Wanokuni itself, suspended above a unique sea. Drawing closer, Alex lowered the ship and the floating island to about a hundred meters above ground. As they descended, the fleet glided over Wanokuni, drawing the gaze of countless citizens below. Instantly recognizable, the sight of the famed Sky Island and the Centurion-class ship—last seen half a year ago—set off a chorus of cheers across the land. "It's Shogun Alex, he's back!" "Shogun Alex!!" "Shogun, we love you!" The shouts rose like thunder, echoing across every region they passed. Below, nearly everyone raised their hands, waving flags and fans with wide smiles and joyous faces. For those visiting Wanokuni for the first time, Alex's powerful presence was palpable in the overwhelming admiration and loyalty from the citizens. Yamato and Maria had anticipated a warm welcome, but the sheer magnitude of Alex's popularity was beyond what they'd imagined. Maria, especially, was overwhelmed with emotion. Though only half a year had passed, it felt like a lifetime, and this grand reception made her feel as though she was truly returning home. Shimotsuki Koshiro felt much the same, though he managed to keep his emotions more contained than Maria, whose tears sparkled in her eyes. Yamato, equally moved, waved back enthusiastically, her hand reaching toward the people below. Though her adventures had been thrilling, the sense of returning home filled her with pure joy. Robin, however, felt a tinge of anxiety. With every step closer to Wanokuni, she was reminded of her new role as the country's general manager. The weight of her upcoming responsibilities stirred some doubts—would she be able to handle it? Meanwhile, Hogback and Caesar, brilliant in their respective fields, couldn't help but envision their futures as esteemed figures in Wanokuni. The thought of being revered by so many citizens filled them with ambition and excitement. As the crew from Amazon Lily approached Wanokuni, Gloriosa carefully observed not only the country's grand reputation but also analyzed the structural integrity and prosperity of each region they passed. Reflecting on the results, she couldn't help but admire it. 'Shakky was right. This is a self-sufficient nation, thriving without relying on the World Government's support or outside economy.' Every region they'd passed appeared free from poverty or stagnation, bustling with life and development. In particular, the Flower Capital at the center was strikingly prosperous—far surpassing many core regions Gloriosa had seen before. It wasn't hard to understand why Alex had garnered such fierce loyalty here. With resources from the fabled Golden Island, Gloriosa could envision Wanokuni's future as one of even greater prosperity. 'It might be a stroke of fortune,' she mused, 'for Amazon Lily to be allied with such a stable and efficient nation.' She glanced at the three Boa sisters, who were equally captivated by the sights, and addressed the eldest. "Hancock, come with me later. We'll go meet with Shogun Alex and arrange everything for Amazon Lily." "This... is it so sudden?!" Hancock exclaimed, face flushed with surprise. "Then I must prepare at once!" She immediately hurried off, muttering about needing to freshen up. "But you just washed up not long ago!" Gloriosa shouted after her, exasperated as she watched Hancock race off. 'Honestly, I have to hold her hand for every little thing.' She had planned to gradually introduce Hancock to the idea of their alliance with Wanokuni's leader. Now, watching her granddaughter's eagerness, Gloriosa felt an ominous sense that Hancock's enthusiasm might veer into more... sentimental territory. 'No, surely, it's just admiration for Shogun Alex,' she thought to reassure herself. 'Still, situations like these often spark... dangerous feelings!' "Grandma Nyon! Are you all right?" Sandersonia and Marigold called, rushing to her side as the nearby Kuja warriors gathered in concern. Back in Wanokuni, Alex carefully placed the Sky Island nearby in the waters surrounding Wanokuni. The research institute settled close to the weapons factory, while Amazon Lily's temporary base, as a fortress outside Wanokuni's main lands, was positioned at a safe distance from the sea. Once the Kuja citizens familiarized themselves with the new environment, Alex returned to the Flower Capital with his flagship. After his recent aerial tour, the news of Alex's return had spread throughout Wanokuni. In the Flower Capital, crowds gathered in the main square beneath the Shogun's palace, cheering his arrival. Alex's troops, clad in armor, awaited him, lining the city streets. At the front of the crowd stood a mother and daughter with light green hair, both gazing eagerly toward the approaching ship. As the vessel landed smoothly in the square, Hiyori dashed forward, arms open wide as she called out, "Big Brother Alex, you're back!" "Yo! Hiyori, it's been half a year!" Yamato's eyes lit up, and she rushed forward as well, wrapping Hiyori in a warm hug. The joyful reunion brought a bright smile to Hiyori's face, though it quickly turned to a playful pout as Yamato's enthusiasm overshadowed her own. Alex, taking in the scene, smiled as he reached over to ruffle Hiyori's hair. Then he turned to Toki, offering a respectful nod. "Thank you for managing Wanokuni in my absence. Everything looks in perfect order." Toki shook her head humbly. "With the structure you set, all towns and villages follow the Shogunate's guidance without issue. Administration has been straightforward." Just as Toki prepared to report more details from the past half-year, Alex raised his hand. "I've only just returned, and I'm exhausted. We'll go over everything later—I'd like some rest first," he said, though his sharp gaze lingered on Toki , a hint of unspoken intentions behind his words. Catching the look, Toki's cheeks reddened, recalling their last moments together before his departure. Trying to compose herself, she nodded, half-embarrassed, half-pleased. "Your guests also need settling, Shogun..." Alex's smile only widened as he wrapped an arm around Toki. "I'll let Shinobu handle the arrangements for now. As for us... it's time to catch up properly."