Chapter 73: News from Elbaf!

The Shrink Tunnel—this was one of the fruits of Ripley's Devil Fruit development over the past months. Magnus had helped Ripley refine her ability to fix her power within a designated area. Anyone passing through that area would automatically be affected by Ripley's Devil Fruit, shrinking their bodies. While not particularly useful in combat, its value in daily life was immense. For example, on the cramped ship cabins, shrinking the crew effectively increased the space for activities. Even Rocks, Newgate, and Ripley could train without fear of damaging the ship's interior. With reinforced flooring and walls, their sparring caused minimal harm. That's why Toki had thought her room seemed so spacious. It wasn't the room—it was her that had shrunk. "So Ripley-san, you're a Devil Fruit user too?" Toki asked in surprise after Magnus explained. "Too?" Ripley's ears perked up in curiosity. "Does that mean you're a Devil Fruit user as well, Sister Toki?" "This..." Toki hesitated. The ability to traverse time was her greatest secret. Could she really trust Ripley? "That's enough," Magnus interjected, waving his hand. "It's not good manners to pry into someone's secrets." Beside them, Toki quietly exhaled in relief—yet felt a pang of disappointment. Did this mean Magnus had no interest in her? She'd resolved to keep her feelings in check, to see him only as her savior. But seeing how little he cared for her secret, Toki couldn't help but feel... insecure. Was she... not attractive enough? Of course, Magnus didn't know what she was thinking. To him, Toki was a traveler destined for the future. Her Toki Toki no Mi (Time-Time Fruit) was powerful, but it didn't enhance combat. To Magnus, that held little value. Yes, Toki was beautiful—among the most beautiful women he'd seen. But beauty alone meant nothing. If Toki wanted to move forward into the future, so be it. Magnus wouldn't keep her just for her looks. If she wished to stay, he'd gladly accept. If not, that was fine too. After all, his visit to Wano was to open its borders, not to chase after her. And if she insisted on leaping thirty years into the future, Magnus promised himself that Wano, thirty years from now, would not be the same—he'd make it a land without even an admiral. If Toki thought he was just a kind man, she'd be mistaken. His kindness was for his own people. Against his enemies, no matter how much he admired them, he'd never show mercy. On the fifth day of Toki's stay, with ten days of sailing left to reach Elbaf, Magnus decided to stop at a small island. "Hurry up and bring me the lumber!" "Yes!!" Seeing Magnus fuming over a hole in the ship, Rocks and Newgate dared not provoke his wrath. Ripley's ability could shrink their bodies—but not their strength. That's why Magnus had ordered Dean, the fishman shipwright, to reinforce the training room with iron plating. But Rocks and Newgate had lost track of time while training, and when Ripley's shrinking effect wore off, they'd crashed through the hull, leaving a gaping hole in the Black Pearl. Luckily Magnus noticed in time; otherwise, the ship might have sunk. And Ripley, who'd been watching with glee, didn't escape his ire either. "If your ability lasted longer, this wouldn't have happened. Now go chop wood too!" Ripley stuck her tongue out at him, then returned to her giant form and trudged off into the forest. It was then Toki learned the truth: Ripley was actually a giant. The petite figure she normally saw was her Devil Fruit form. So Magnus and Ripley... weren't even the same race? Could a human and a giant even have children...? Blushing, Toki slapped her cheeks, chastising herself for having such impolite thoughts. To distract herself, she asked, "Magnus-san, how much farther to Elbaf?" "About ten days." Because Magnus possessed an eternal log pose, they could sail directly there without stopping. Other pirates, lacking such a luxury, would have to record each island's magnetic field as they traveled. But something felt off as Magnus set foot on this island. The skies were swarming with too many birds. By all accounts, this place wasn't home to any great nations—only a few villages. The Navy and CP0 shouldn't have any business here. Yet Magnus could sense several strong auras retreating the moment they noticed him—each at least vice admiral level. Were they being watched? It was impossible to be shadowed in the middle of the sea. The only explanation was that they'd been spotted the moment they landed. From above, a letter fell. But Magnus didn't even glance at it. Instead, he shot toward the retreating figures. In the blink of an eye, Toki saw Magnus appear hundreds of meters away—and then disappear entirely. Barely half a minute later, he returned, dragging a CP agent and a Navy officer by the collar. From their mouths, he learned the news: The World Government... had already moved against Elbaf! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome] [Thank You For Your Support!]