Chapter 343: Chapter 343: Ace Comes Through Someone Else’s Hands!
Chapter 343: Ace Comes Through Someone Else’s Hands!
With Kun now part of the crew, the Ship of the Gods underwent a subtle transformation.
It was no longer powered by the drain of rare energy resources or Infinity Stones. Instead, Kun’s sheer speed and strength in the ocean made him the ship’s new engine. And the best part? He required no fuel—just intent.
Ryuunosuke had given Kun a few basic instructions, and soon after, Nojiko was able to communicate with him fluently. The two got along well. So much so that Nojiko made Kun’s massive head her command post, riding up there to guide their journey directly.
After several smooth days, the crew reached the outskirts of the Sea of Amadoa.
"Captain, we’ll be arriving at the Sabaody Archipelago in three days," Najenda reported as she examined a spread of intelligence papers.
"Lately, the Navy’s been unusually active. Reports are pouring in from everywhere. It’s looking like the purge of the Seven Warlords of the Sea is already underway."
She furrowed her brows. "But that doesn’t make sense. Neither the Navy nor the World Government usually acts this aggressively. If they want to solidify their power, wouldn’t it be more effective to focus on the Four Emperors instead?"
Ryuunosuke smirked as he leaned on the railing.
"The purge of the Shichibukai... was a mistake from the start. Using pirates to control other pirates? Short-sighted."
He crossed his arms, eyes narrowed toward the horizon.
"This latest move isn’t the Navy’s initiative—it’s a statement. A power play orchestrated by the World Government to give the Navy room to breathe. But don’t confuse the two. The real leaders at the top of the World Government... they don’t care about these games."
Najenda tilted her head. "But wouldn’t that contradict their interests? Without the Heavenly Tribute, they don’t have a stable income. If they alienate their allies, who’ll fund them?"
"You’re assuming they need the Heavenly Tribute," Ryuunosuke replied calmly. "But the World Government has deep roots."
He turned, looking over his shoulder.
"The Kingdom of Daikono, for example—one of their allies—sits atop three massive mineral veins. Every year, their ’tribute’ is all rare metals. Metals Doflamingo once traded in bulk."
He gestured casually. "Then there’s the Kingdom of Byklav. Forty-six islands under one flag. Different climates, year-round harvests, exports that feed nations. All under the control of the World Government."
He listed several more examples, each one revealing just how vast the shadow of the World Government truly was. Food, metal, textiles, weapons—they had their claws in every corner of the global economy.
"The Heavenly Tribute is just smoke and mirrors," he said at last. "A distraction. The real money flows underground."
"I was going to suggest passing this intel to the Revolutionary Army," Najenda murmured, but Ryuunosuke raised a hand to stop her.
"I’ve already sent it."
On the sea, not every war needed to be fought directly. Sometimes, the smartest move was to let others strike the blow.
Najenda nodded and turned to handle logistics, while Ryuunosuke remained on the deck. Moments later, Akahime and Kuina walked up to him.
"Brother Ryuunosuke, are we going to see the Straw Hats this time?" Akame asked, eyes sparkling with excitement.
Ryuunosuke smiled. "Mm. Haven’t seen those knuckleheads in a while. Curious to see how much Luffy’s improved."
Then he looked to Kuina. "And Zoro’s swordsmanship...?"
Kuina crossed her arms and frowned thoughtfully. "He’s improved. Started developing his own techniques again. But he’s been too heavily influenced by Mihawk. I’ve been working to steer him back to his own path."
She let out a sigh.
"Zoro uses three swords. But lately, it feels like he’s trying to fight like a one-sword swordsman. That’s not who he is. If he continues to follow Mihawk’s style, he’ll never reach his full potential."
Ryuunosuke nodded. "Then keep pushing him. He needs to find his way."
He was about to say more when—
"Brother!"
A familiar voice burst across the sea, followed by a surge of intense heat.
BOOM!
A figure shot down from the sky and landed hard on the deck, flames dancing off his shoulders.
"Ace!?"
Ryuunosuke stared at him in shock. "What the hell are you doing here?"
Ace scratched his head sheepishly. "Hehe... I heard you went out to sea again. Thought I’d come find you. Looked around East Blue, didn’t see your ship, so I kept chasing your trail until I finally caught up."
He grinned, then—
Guuuugugugugu...
His stomach rumbled like an engine.
"Haha! Still the same bottomless pit," Ryuunosuke chuckled. "Come on. We’re heading to meet Luffy. I hear the brat’s grown stronger."
As he led Ace inside, Kuina and Akame headed off to prepare food.
Seated on the deck, Ryuunosuke poured two cups of tea.
"How’s Whitebeard’s health?" he asked.
"And let me see how your flame’s developed."
Ace lifted his palm, a white flame igniting instantly. But this time... there was a streak of green within it, and a hint of that familiar blue remained in its core.
"Pops doing well," Ace said confidently. "There haven’t been any major battles lately. As long as he rests properly, he should be fine."
"Now it’s our turn to fight."
Ryuunosuke studied the flame carefully. It was several times more potent than before—more stable, more alive.
"Not bad at all," he said with a smile. "If you keep pushing, once your flame awakens... even a top-tier magma user won’t be able to suppress you."
Ace laughed—but then, his expression shifted. His gaze dropped, and his voice lowered.
"Brother... I need to ask you something."
Ryuunosuke raised an eyebrow. "What’s with the serious face? Don’t tell me... you’re getting married?"
"Wha—No!" Ace waved his hands furiously, turning red. "It’s not that."
He hesitated.
"It’s Pops. He... he wants me to inherit the Whitebeard Pirates."
The words hung in the air like a heavy anchor dropped to the ocean floor.
Ryuunosuke’s smile faded as he leaned back, letting the weight of the statement sink in.
"...I see."
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