"It's really hot here!"
Aramaki landed in the desert, and the sandy ground beneath his feet sprouted lush grass and flowers, gradually forming an oasis in the barren land.
"Lahahaha! I've heard of King Cobra's benevolent reputation. I hope he doesn't do anything foolish!"
The task assigned by the Five Elders was to monitor King Cobra and prevent him from engaging in trade cooperation with Gurd. As for what Gurd was up to, it had nothing to do with him.
Without national support, even if the Groudon Company was formidable, it would be difficult for them to expand their influence within the World Government's territory.
Small-scale operations didn't matter.
However, Aramaki had other thoughts.
"I'd like to see that guy for myself and find out if he's as strong as the rumors say."
With a sour expression, Aramaki headed toward the port of Yuba.
He had heard the rumors about Gurd—his greatest strength was his impenetrable defense, capable of enduring attacks from Admirals for extended periods.
It was said to rival the "Iron Balloon" of the Four Emperor Big Mom.
In addition, Gurd wielded multiple elemental powers, such as flame, magma, and light, making his offensive capabilities exceptionally fierce.
But his weakness was also obvious—his massive size made him less agile.
Coincidentally, Aramaki's abilities were perfect for countering such enemies. By restraining and draining their stamina, he could capture them alive.
"Lahahaha!"
Aramaki pulled out Gurd's bounty poster, the staggering sum of over 4 billion Berries glaring back at him.
"Such a high bounty really makes one nervous. Well, I'll go say hello first!"
Meanwhile, in the ruins of Aruba...
Workers toiled under the scorching sun, clearing away sand and debris. With money and food as motivation, everyone worked diligently, especially since they were paid daily, eliminating any worries.
Groudon Company's construction equipment had also been transported to the site, particularly large bulldozers and other machinery, greatly improving efficiency.
Everything was progressing smoothly.
Back at the port of Yuba...
Groudon Company had purchased several properties at high prices, turning them into product display stores. Curious customers came in an endless stream.
"Hmm?"
Gurd suddenly looked up, sensing an overwhelmingly powerful presence—one that was deliberately unconcealed and brimming with aggression.
"Who is it?"
Normally, strong individuals wouldn't emit such intense auras unless they actively revealed themselves.
Take Rayleigh, for example. In his daily life, he appeared like a scruffy old man. Unless he entered combat mode, other strong individuals could hardly detect him, which was why he had lived peacefully in Sabaody Archipelago for so many years.
Even in battle, one could suppress their killing intent to hide their presence and ambush enemies. More advanced techniques, like concealing with Observation Haki, were possible—Red Hair could do it.
Such a blatant display of power could only mean one thing: trouble.
Gurd smirked as his Haki surged.
"Oh?!"
In the eastern district of the town...
Aramaki jolted in surprise, sensing the burst of Haki from Gurd.
"Incredible Haki!"
The sheer intensity of it spoke volumes about Gurd's strength. Moreover, the sudden release of Haki clearly indicated that Gurd had sensed him too.
This was an invitation!
"Lahaha, then I'll accept!"
Grinning, Aramaki strode confidently in the direction of the presence, soon arriving at the rocky wasteland outside the town.
At the base of a cliff, a clean mat was spread out on the ground, accompanied by drinks and an array of food—almost like a campsite.
What displeased him the most was the beautiful young woman attending to the target, kneeling beside him and eagerly feeding him.
How enviable!
Gurd looked up at the newcomer.
The ground was sprouting tender grass, flowers blooming in full splendor.
Soon, the Gobi desert transformed into a sea of flowers, elevating the comfort of the campsite by several levels, making it impossible not to relax.
A rather impressive ability!
Gurd raised his glass with a smile.
"Care for a drink, Aramaki?"
"Lahaha, then I won't hold back."
Aramaki sat cross-legged, extending vine-like branches from his body that slithered into the wine bottle, gulping noisily.
"Oooh!"
Aramaki's eyes lit up, exclaiming like a country bumpkin who'd never seen the world.
"This wine tastes amazing!"
"Of course it does."
Gurd swirled his glass.
When conditions allowed, one naturally indulged in the finest.
"Did the Five Elders send you to find me?"
"Lahaha, not exactly."
Aramaki continued drinking. "I came to see you on my own, to witness what kind of person the legendary Earth Calamity really is."
"Is that so?"
Gurd curled his lips.
"And how do you feel?"
"Lahaha, absolutely terrifying!"
Aramaki laughed, waving his hands animatedly.
"My back's practically drenched in sweat. If I had a choice, I'd never want to oppose a monster like you. I'd much rather stick to dealing with King Cobra."
"..."
Gurd's eye twitched.
This guy didn't even bother hiding his cowardice.
For an Admiral, it was downright shameful.
"Gulp—"
An entire bottle of wine was emptied.
"Thanks for the hospitality. It's been a while since I've had such good wine."
Aramaki smacked his lips and stood to leave.
The moment he sat before Gurd, he had felt an overwhelming pressure. If he represented nature, then the man before him embodied the vast earth itself.
Nature depended on the earth for its existence.
He trusted his instincts.
"Wait."
Gurd called out to Aramaki. "Sit down. There's something I want to discuss. After drinking my wine, this little request isn't too much, is it?"
"Lahaha, I hate trouble more than anything."
Aramaki pouted and reluctantly sat back down.
"Fine, what is it?"
"I need a favor."
Gurd pointed across the river.
"See that construction site over there?"
"I see it."
Aramaki looked to the opposite bank, where many workers were bustling about.
Gurd grinned. "Go and do some landscaping for me. Turn that place into an oasis—plant lots of trees. I'll pay you for the work."
"Hey, I'm not some laborer!"
Aramaki's temper flared.
"Don't get it twisted. I'm a Navy Admiral now! If word got out that I did odd jobs for Pirates, where would my dignity be?"
"With your abilities, it'd be effortless."
"That's not the point!"
"Is it about the pay, then?"
Gurd stroked his chin.
"How about 50 million Berries ?"
"Deal—wait, no!"
Aramaki nearly agreed—mainly because the sum was enormous. Even his yearly salary as an Admiral didn't come close.
"This is a matter of principle!"
"Hmm?!"
Gurd's gaze turned icy.
"Two choices. One, obediently go plant those trees. Two, I beat you up, then you go plant those trees!"
"Bastard, don't look down on me!"
Aramaki roared, his face taking on the hue of tree bark.
Though uncertain in his heart, it didn't mean he was truly afraid of his opponent. He had his own pride, and as an Admiral, he would inevitably clash with them sooner or later.
Aramaki's body gradually expanded, transforming in the blink of an eye into a colossal tree-man even larger than a giant. The surrounding ground sprouted massive wooden arms one after another.
"Though it's not yet time for battle, since you want a fight, I'll keep you company to the end! Rahahaha! Watch as I drain you dry!"
"Yare yare."
Gurd curled his lips into a smirk and slowly rose to his feet.
"Chikara, step back."
"Yes, Lord Gurd."
It had been so long since he'd stretched his limbs!
Let's see just how capable the Navy's new Admiral really is!
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