Chapter 32 - 32 – Leaving Elbaf, Setting Sail Again!

Rocks' battle with the two CP0 agents held no suspense. After ten minutes of sustained fighting, the two CP0 agents collapsed from exhaustion. Rocks, on the other hand, was merely drained of stamina. But... He wasn't satisfied. Because both CP0 were already seriously wounded, barely able to move. That was the only reason Rocks had time to wear them down. And in the end, he didn't truly defeat them—they took their own lives, swallowing lethal poison once they realized there was no escape. Magnus didn't try to stop them. Preventing a CP0 agent from committing suicide was never easy. Besides, he had already gleaned what he needed: After the disbandment of the White Wolf Pirates, the higher-ups in CP had hoped to restart old shelved plans. And clearly, the ones making moves weren't limited to just Carmelo's side. "It's been over half a year since the crew broke up." At first, Magnus had planned to retire peacefully somewhere quiet. He was old. Worn. Why cling to the promises of the past? But then the system appeared. And over this past half-year, Magnus could feel his body gradually recovering. His strength and skill realigning. His Haoshoku no Haki (Conqueror's Haki) awakening. That battle with Rona— It pushed him beyond the man he used to be. Meanwhile, Ripley and Rocks were growing at astonishing speed. This world was divided by the Red Line and the Grand Line into four seas: North, South, East, and West. The Grand Line—where land and ocean intersected vertically—was a ring-shaped sea. A place known as both the most wondrous and dangerous stretch of ocean on Earth. Some call the first half of the Grand Line a pirate's paradise. Others call it a pirate's graveyard. But regardless of what you call it— The pirates and Marines in the first half were never truly strong. Only in the New World— The second half of the Grand Line, where Magnus and his crew were now— did true power dwell. Magnus had chosen to stay in Elbaf partly because building a ship from Adam Wood required an incredibly long drying and anti-corrosion process. Even for the skilled giants, building one could take years. The other reason— Was to temper Rocks and Ripley. To grow stronger, they needed to face strong opponents. But jumping straight into battles too far beyond them would just be suicide. Now? Even the weakest of them—Rocks—was finally a qualified crew member. Of course, pride leads to complacency. Until he defeats Ripley in battle, Rocks will remain a trainee. Every crew needs a deckhand, right? After bringing Gerz and Hairdin back to Elbaf, Magnus and his group were met with a hero's welcome. Especially when word spread that Ripley singlehandedly crippled three CP0 agents. The elder giant Yorlur was so delighted he chugged three massive barrels of green fairy brew. Drunk and flushed, he suddenly shouted that he wanted to challenge Magnus to a duel. Naturally, Ripley couldn't let her elder challenge their captain— So she knocked him out cold, sending him into a baby-like sleep. At the banquet, Magnus clinked a giant cup with Harald. "Harald... I may not be able to keep my promise." "Oh?" "I originally planned to stay in Elbaf for two years. Let Rocks grow. Let Ripley grow even stronger. Then set sail again." Magnus tilted the towering mug and poured it down his throat. "But plans never keep up with change." He smiled, pointing toward the sea. "The ocean is calling me. The world has prepared a stage. If I don't take it—wouldn't I be the rude one?" His eyes shone with determination. After the battle with Rona, it was certain that word of his strength would spread. If the World Government brought its full force down, Elbaf might not withstand the pressure. The elders of the World Government had long held disdain for the giants. They just hadn't made their move yet. Magnus had no intention of being the spark that lit that fire. At least, not now. "Then what about your ship?" Harald asked. As Elbaf's king, he clearly saw through Magnus' concerns—but some things were better left unsaid. "Just leave it here for now," Magnus laughed. After all, that Adam Wood ship would take quite a while to finish. Especially since Magnus wanted to build a ship large enough to carry even Ripley with ease— A giant-class vessel. It would take even longer. Magnus had originally hesitated. But after Ripley ate the Mini Mini no Mi (Mini Mini Fruit)— that problem was solved. "Guess my old partner will have to suffer a bit more." Elbaf had no spare ships— So Magnus had to rely once again on his aging Black Pearl. This would probably be the Black Pearl's last voyage. "Carmelo—keep Linlin here in Elbaf for now. She's too big for the Black Pearl." He found Sister Carmelo. "I'll come for her before next year's Winter Solstice Festival." As long as she wasn't hungry, Charlotte Linlin's eating disorder wouldn't trigger. Magnus originally wanted to bring her, but with her enormous weight, he feared she'd crush the Black Pearl. The ship was old. It couldn't take much more. "Leave her to me," Carmelo sighed. She looked at Magnus' white beard and aged face. She wanted to say something... But didn't know where to begin. "Don't go dying out there." "Puhahahaha! Carmelo, if you're dead, there's no way I'd be!" "...Scram!" Carmelo instantly snapped out of her sentimental mood. This man really was just as infuriating as ever! And yet— Before leaving... Magnus glanced at the only mission on his system panel. Mission: Defeat Giant King Harald! Unbelievable—The King of Elbaf has agreed to a one-on-one duel. A once-in-a-lifetime chance. Reward: Haoshoku Haki intensity increase, Cellular Vitality boost. (Incomplete) His battle with Rona made it clear— Haki only grows when tested against true strength. And now, only the strongest in the world could challenge him. Ten years ago— Neither Magnus nor Harald had crossed that threshold. Ten years later— Magnus looked at Harald, his Haoshoku no Haki blazing. "Harald. Let's have a match." "Alright." Harald was a man of peace— But he never backed down from a challenge. His own Haoshoku surged forth. Black and red lightning crashed and twisted through the air. No one knows who won that duel. Only that the underworld of Elbaf trembled for three straight days. And then— Two men, drenched in blood, sat on a flattened mountain, clinking cups, laughing like brothers. A week later— The White Wolf Pirates set sail from Elbaf once again. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome] [Thank You For Your Support!]