Chapter 20: The Future Course
After Rocks left, the baker, who had been cowering behind the counter, shakily raised his head, his face a mix of fear and relief. He looked at Oro and Linlin, his lips trembling, but he didn't dare to utter a word.
Oro casually tossed another small nugget of gold, which landed precisely on the counter.
"This is for the trouble."
The baker stared at the gold—enough to rebuild his shop twice over—and nodded so vigorously he seemed to want to burrow into the floorboards.
"Let's go, Linlin." Oro patted the girl beside him on the shoulder.
Linlin responded with a soft"Mm," carefully placing a candied berry tart into her mouth. Then, one hand on her axe and the other clutching her cloth bag of "spoils," she followed Oro out, thoroughly satisfied.
The moment they stepped out of the shop, the prying eyes from the docks grew even more complex. Fear, curiosity, scrutiny… a mixture of emotions, though none dared to openly show hostility. Rocks D. Xebec's personal appearance and peaceful departure had made the bloodthirsty pirates of Beehive Island realize that this golden ship and its master were not to be trifled with.
Back on the Golden Dawn, Gerd stood at the ship's rail, her pale blonde braids swaying lightly in the sea breeze, her face etched with worry. Seeing the two return safely, even carrying a large bag of pastries, her furrowed brow finally relaxed.
"Are you both alright? What happened at the port just now…?"
"We met the man who's about to become this place's ruler and struck a deal."Oro succinctly recounted his agreement with Rocks concerning the Magnet-Magnet Fruit.
"Dressrosa… a kingdom ruled by the Riku family, known for its passionate dances and sugar industry. But to hold its own in the New World, it must be formidable." Gerd seemed lost in thought; her knowledge of the outside world came mostly from Oro's stories and Elbaf's hidden archives. "And getting involved with Rocks…"
"It's just a transaction.He may have other motives, but we needn't concern ourselves with them." Oro reiterated, his gaze sweeping over the eyes hidden in the harbor's shadows.
Just then, a speedboat flying a rough skull-and-crossbones flag approached. Several nimble pirates carried several large, tightly sealed wooden crates and, after receiving permission, boarded the Golden Dawn.
The lead pirate was respectful toward Oro. "Captain Oro, by order of Captain Rocks, we've brought samples of every known anti-venom fern on the island. All have undergone preliminary preservation and come with known information." He handed over a thick parchment inventory. "Captain Rocks wishes you smooth sailing to Dressrosa."
Oro didn't reply immediately, instead signaling for Gerd to take charge. Gerd opened a crate. Inside, various exotic plants were neatly categorized and well-preserved—some brightly colored, some bizarrely shaped, most emitting complex, spicy or bitter aromas. These ferns would greatly aid her in refining her medical skills and developing her Cook-Cook Fruit abilities.
Gerd nodded to Oro.
"Thank Captain Rocks for me,"Oro said courteously.
Once everything was confirmed, the pirates departed swiftly without lingering.
"Efficient and decisive."Oro gazed toward Beehive Island's port, seeming lost in thought.
"So when are we going to Dressrosa to get that fruit?" Having finished the last chocolate chip cookie, Linlin licked her fingers and asked. Her interest in the adventure itself far outweighed her curiosity about any pastries she might encounter along the way.
"If I fully activate the gold thrusters, a month should be more than enough. But to be safe, we'll depart now." Oro issued the order decisively. "Raise the sails, set course! Destination—the waters around Dressrosa!"
At his command, the massive Golden Dawn stirred to life once more. Hidden golden mechanisms throughout the ship began to operate quietly. Thick golden cables, like living tentacles, deftly retrieved the anchor. Enormous sails rose slowly under the pull of golden pulleys, and the rudder, adjusted by fine golden threads, steadily turned toward its new heading. This colossal vessel, a fusion of giant craftsmanship and the power of the Gold-Gold Fruit, displayed extraordinary maneuverability under Oro's control.
The golden bow slowly turned, cutting through the slightly turbid waters surrounding Beehive Island, and sailed toward the vast, boundless blue.
They gradually left behind that pirate den, brimming with ambition, violence, and opportunity.
---
On the open sea, the concept of time grows vague. Only the occasional leap of a giant sea monster or the distant sight of an unfamiliar ship breaks the monotony.
Oro spent most of his time on deck, occasionally consulting the nautical charts and the sailing notes given to him by Elder Oruuru, carefully plotting their course to avoid known dangers. Sometimes, he studied the Eternal Poses, attempting to use his perception of gold and other metals to understand the magnetic mysteries they contained.
Meanwhile, Gerd immersed herself in her new "treasure trove." She moved the fern samples into a specially prepared cabin workshop, using her Cook-Cook Fruit ability to carefully extract their juices and grind them into powder, testing their toxicity, medicinal properties, and interactions. The air was often filled with faint herbal scents, occasionally punctuated by the small pop of a failed experiment or the smell of something burning. Gerd hoped to develop a more effective universal antidote, a rapid treatment, and even explore incorporating these properties into food.
Linlin was the most active person aboard. Beyond her unwavering daily training—using the rolling waves and unfortunate sea monsters as imaginary foes—her greatest joy revolved around Oro and Galz.
"Oro~ How much longer? I'm so bored~"
"Gerd~What's for afternoon tea? I just stunned a huge school of fish with the aftershock of my 'Country Destroyer'! Look!"
"Hey,Oro, how strong are the enemies in Dressrosa? As strong as Grandpa Yaruuru?"
Faced with Linlin's boundless energy and curiosity, Oro usually tested her patience and strategic thinking with complex naval warfare board games. Alternatively, he'd engage her in high-intensity Armament Haki sparring to effectively burn off her excess energy. Galz, however, always managed to soothe her restlessness with delicious new snacks and a gentle smile.
---
Another day passed. The setting sun painted the clouds and sea a magnificent gold and crimson.
Linlin had just finished a Haki spar with Oro.Though she was still thoroughly suppressed, her speed in gathering Haki and her defensive resilience had improved significantly since their time in Elbaf.
Sitting on the deck, drenched in sweat, she watched Oro wiping down a small iron practice sword with a soft cloth, and suddenly asked:
"Oro,after we help Rocks get that Magnet-Magnet Fruit, are we going to look for Skypiea?"
Oro paused slightly, looked at Linlin, then at Gerd, who had just emerged from her workshop.
He shook his head."Skypiea is our contingency plan—an ideal escape route and base. But before that, we need to accumulate more experience, resources, and intelligence in the first half of the Grand Line, in that sea known as 'Paradise.' The naval presence is stronger there, and the environment is relatively milder, making it suitable for our further development. Also…" His gaze grew somber. "We must be more vigilant. The CP may not command the Marines, but the World Government does. Let's hope they haven't paid much attention to Carmel and her network. But we can't rely on the enemy's negligence. The reason we left Elbaf so openly was to avoid causing more trouble for everyone there. Ultimately, all problems stem from us not being strong enough. As long as we—"
"Become stronger!" Linlin eagerly interjected. The two core concepts of "becoming stronger" and "new snacks" filled her with motivation. "Anyway, with Oro and Galz here! Anyone who dares steal the fruit, I'll use my 'Country Destroyer' to send them and the auction house flying!"
Gerd was amused by Linlin's declaration and took her strong arm. "Alright, it's time for our future sea warrior to replenish her energy. How about we try grilling some of those newly discovered mushrooms and seafood tonight? We can use the fish you stunned this afternoon."
"Yeah!"
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