After a brief conversation, the group moved into the streets, and in just a short time, they vanished from sight.
Alabasta, beside the City Gate, at an Open-Air Tavern
"Oh my god, is that guy even human? How is he so tall?!"
"It's not just tall, he's enormous! Absolutely massive!"
"Even sitting down, he's over 30 meters tall! If he stood up, he'd be, what, 70 or 80 meters? That's terrifying!"
Seated on an enormous chair beside the tavern was a truly colossal man, drawing gasps of shock from the crowd around him. Anyone entering the city gate would be stunned by the sheer sight of this giant. His towering form was beyond terrifying, if he were to stand, he'd resemble a literal mountain.
His height alone was greater than the city walls.
Dressed in all black, the giant sat perfectly still like a statue, his expression cold and unfeeling.
Many curious citizens stood at a cautious distance, watching him in stunned awe. They had never seen a being like this in their entire lives.
"Bruu-bruubruubruu!"
Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi rang.
The giant, who hadn't moved at all until now, slowly lifted his gaze. He reached into his coat and pulled out the Den Den Mushi.
"Hm?"
The deep rumble from his nose sounded like muffled thunder, and the breath from his nostrils turned into two gusts of wind that swept forward, forcing nearby onlookers to stumble back.
He was just too big, his breath alone stirred the air like a storm. If he actually started moving, it would be like a mountain crashing down, shaking the earth, unstoppable.
"No. 6, No. 1 says to regroup now." The cold voice came through the Den Den Mushi before it abruptly hung up.
No. 6 tucked the Den Den Mushi back into his coat and then stood up.
As expected, upon standing, he rose even taller than the city wall, a full 80 meters in height. Compared to him, the humans on the ground looked like ants.
"Thank you for your hospitality."
He nodded at the tiny tavern owner in front of him, then turned and strode away.
His massive steps spanned dozens of meters. In just a few strides, he was gone from sight.
All that remained was a cluster of civilians nervously watching his massive silhouette disappear, only gradually beginning to disperse.
At the tavern entrance, the middle-aged owner's legs went weak. Not until No. 6 completely vanished did he finally let out a heavy sigh and collapse to the ground.
He would never forget how, not long ago, that group had effortlessly killed three of his staff, like swatting insects, and then placed this enormous monster here to wait.
"He's gone… finally gone…" He sighed, but the terror in his heart did not fade.
After causing a stir throughout the street, No. 6 finally regrouped with the other five.
"Team Leader, reporting in."
No. 6's deep voice echoed as he approached the group in the distance.
"Climb onto his body, we need to remain hidden and wait for No. 2's instructions."
No. 1 nodded, then stepped forward. In an instant, he leapt high into the air and flashed onto No. 6's shoulder.
The others, all wearing the same cold expressions, followed with a few blurs of motion, each landing silently on No. 6's massive frame.
Then, the gigantic No. 6 began walking again, each step shaking the city slightly as they left the area.
None of this was known to Rojen and the others, who were far away on the outskirts.
Right now, Rojen was smiling as he examined the treasure Crocodile and his group had collected this time.
It was the result of Kornans's entire life of effort and business dealings. The wealth was no small amount, even if the enemies hadn't given everything to Jason and the others, it wouldn't have been far off.
"System, assess the value of the treasure before me."
Rojen spoke silently to the system and waited for its response.
"Total: 230 million Belly. Would you like to deposit it into the system balance?"
Three seconds later, the system's icy mechanical voice rang out.
"Two hundred million."
Rojen smiled, sure enough, Crocodile was good at getting things done.
"These were all looted goods, Captain. What should we do with them?" Jason asked.
"What should we do?" Rojen raised an eyebrow and waved his hand. Instantly, the pile of treasure, stacked like a small mountain, vanished, absorbed directly into the System.
"Still not enough. You'll need to head out a few more times."
Watching the treasure they had brought back disappear into thin air, Jason and the others were momentarily stunned. But they could only chalk it up to the captain's special ability.
As for whether they felt any greed toward the treasure, none of the three had the slightest interest anymore.
Trens was deeply loyal to those he cared about. Though he once craved wealth, ever since stepping onto the path of becoming stronger, he had gradually changed. New desires had taken root in his heart, and worldly riches meant less and less to him.
Crocodile never lacked money in the first place. Compared to developing his Devil Fruit abilities, mere treasure was meaningless.
As for Jason, there was no need to even mention it.
After giving them a bit more guidance and helping them enter a state of inner cultivation, Rojen left.
"Meow!"
In Rouge's bedroom, Rojen was immediately greeted by Lordling, who pounced and meowed aggressively at him.
"Haha, you've worked hard lately. Once Ace is born, I'll cook you the most delicious feast ever." Rojen laughed warmly.
"Meow."
Hearing that promise, Lordling finally retracted his claws, gave Rojen a disdainful look, and returned to Rouge's side.
Rouge was reclining on the bed, her expression peaceful and serene.
"You've come again. There's really no need to keep watching me like this." Seeing Rojen, Rouge spoke gently.
"Ace is about to be born. As his uncle, of course I need to be here for him." Rojen smiled softly.
He and Rouge chatted for a while, with Lordling occasionally inserting itself into the conversation, much to Rojen's helpless frustration.
Suddenly, Rojen's smiling expression changed.
But he didn't say anything. He simply stood up slowly.
"I should go. You two get some rest." With that, he turned swiftly and walked out of the bedroom.
As a martial artist with heightened senses, Rojen, especially at his current level, with 350 of his 365 acupoints opened, was far beyond ordinary.
Just now, for a brief instant, he had sensed an unfamiliar aura.
His body moved like the wind. In just a few breaths' time, Rojen had reached the area outside.
His sharp gaze swept across the surroundings with deadly precision, and gradually, his expression turned serious.
Outside, the wind stirred fallen leaves. Fields of nanohana (rapeseed flowers) swayed gently. Everything looked peaceful, not a soul in sight.
But Rojen was certain that, for a fleeting moment, someone had been here.
He stood outside for a full fifteen minutes, but found nothing. In the end, he turned and returned to the bedroom.
That night, Rojen addressed Crocodile and the others with a grave expression.
"Starting tomorrow, Crocodile and Jason will go out."
"Trens, stay in the courtyard and continue cultivating."
"Stay alert, watch for any unfamiliar presence."
The three could feel the seriousness in Rojen's tone and nodded solemnly.
(End Of This Chapter)
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