Chapter 135: What the Celestial Dragons Have Always Sought
On the quiet deck of the ship's bow, everyone turned to look at Luo Han after Sora's question, waiting for his explanation.
Luo Han glanced at Sora, shrugged, and said, "No one's ever seen this so-called great treasure, but the legend of it has always circulated across the seas. That's one of the main reasons Rocks was able to gather so many powerful pirates.
Everyone's been waiting for this treasure to surface. So many years have passed that even when Rocks said a year or two ago it was close to being found, no one took it seriously.
Most thought the legendary treasure was just a myth. But now, Rocks claims he's found its exact location."
Luo Han paused briefly before continuing in a serious tone: "So, you can imagine—there's definitely going to be an all-out war."
"This isn't like before. Given how much the World Government and the Navy care about the Rocks Pirates, I'm sure they've already heard the news."
"When that time comes, the World Government won't sit idly by. And as for the Rocks Pirates... who knows. One way or another, it's going to be a brutal, chaotic clash."
"In short—you're all too weak. There's no need for you to get involved. Cole and I will handle it."
Luo Han's words left everyone speechless.
Aishi opened her mouth, wanting to say she could fight with everything she had—but after experiencing the harsh reality of this world, she knew she'd only be a burden if she went.
Sister Shao, surprisingly, remained calm. She knew that no matter how fierce the upcoming battle might be, Luo Han and Cole would be safe.
After all, a certain spoiler-happy girl was still acting absent-minded, her head tilted, eyes glazed over—still trying to figure out what the great treasure was.
Clearly, for someone who could see the future, it meant there wasn't any danger this time.
"Alright then. We'll wait here on Battleship Island until you both return," Sister Shao said calmly.
"Huh? Big Sis?" Aishi looked confused. Why did it feel like Sister Shao wasn't worried about Luo Han and Cole at all?
"Well, we've got our little spoiler girl here, don't we?" Sister Shao replied, gesturing at the still-distracted girl. "If even she's not worried, then there's nothing to worry about."
Aishi blinked, then her eyes lit up. The others caught on too, and all turned to Amatsuki.
"Hmm? What?" the girl noticed their stares and snapped out of her daze. "Why are you all looking at me like that?"
"Yue Shi, aren't you worried about Luo Han and Cole?" Aishi asked sweetly, like a wolf in sheep's clothing, clearly baiting her.
"Worried? Luo Han?" The girl looked blank for a moment, then smiled as she started to say something—"You mean God, umm...!"
Everyone paused. Only Sora's eyes lit up. But before she could say more, Luo Han's voice cut in.
"Alright, that's enough. It's enough to know we'll be fine. Don't spoil the rest—it'd make life too boring."
He glared at the girl. "No more spoilers. Got it?"
She pouted and nodded with a sulky expression.
Luo Han released his psychic control. The girl instantly changed her expression and looked like she was ready to give him an earful.
"Hmm!" Luo Han narrowed his eyes.
The girl instantly reverted to a pitiful look.
Heh... Sister Shao and the others chuckled quietly at the scene.
"Alright! That's all I needed to say. Go back to whatever you were doing," Luo Han said with a smile.
The group dispersed, leaving only Sister Shao behind.
"Luo Han, after this gathering at Hachinosu... you're planning to leave the Rocks Pirates, aren't you?"
Her tone was certain, her eyes filled with concern. Even though she had heard the outcome from Amatsuki, it was still Rocks they were talking about.
Luo Han paused, then realized she didn't know Rocks would be defeated by Garp and Roger working together, disappearing afterward, which would lead to the dissolution of the Rocks Pirates. Naturally, she was worried something might happen to him after he left.
"Don't worry, Sister Shao. After Hachinosu, the Rocks Pirates will disband. When that's over, Cole and I will help you find a dream island to open a bar," Luo Han said confidently, flashing a mysterious smile.
Sister Shao was momentarily stunned. Then, recalling the odd behavior of both Luo Han and Amatsuki, she realized they must already know what was coming. She still couldn't fathom what event could cause the fall of the Rocks Pirates—but she didn't press further. After all, she had nothing left to do with that crew anymore.
"Then I'll be waiting for you and Cole to come back," she said with a smile, turning to leave.
Luo Han turned back to the sea beyond the harbor. It was as if he could already see the great storm beginning to gather on the horizon.
…
Three days before Luo Han received the notice from Rocks about the Hachinosu gathering—
At the World Government's Holy Land of Mary Geoise, where the Celestial Dragons lived, a group of them rode a gondola, slowly descending from the top of the Red Line, preparing to set out for the New World.
Their entourage included the CP0 Commander, several CP0 officers, three squad captains, ten elite agents from various Cipher Pol branches, and a number of slaves.
Upon reaching sea level, they were joined by three retired Admirals, the current Marine Inspector General, and six Vice Admirals as escorts.
One Celestial Dragon flagship and three Marine warships—four ships in total—departed quietly.
Their destination: a mysterious island.
"They're heading to that island again."
In the office of the Five Elders at Mary Geoise, the sword-wielding elder stood by the window, gazing through the clouds as if he could see the fleet sailing toward the New World.
"For hundreds of years, they've searched countless times and still haven't found it. They're still not giving up?" said the blond elder on the couch, his tone dark.
"This time seems different. Several shield-class CP0 agents went with them. Even three retired admirals are providing escort," said the long-bearded elder, frowning.
"Let them be. What we should be worrying about is Rocks. What exactly is he planning?" The elder with the curved beard seemed unconcerned about the Celestial Dragons, but uneasy about Rocks' continued silence.
"Whatever he's planning, just keep him under surveillance," the sword-wielding elder said coldly, eyes gleaming.
"Agreed," they said in unison.
Meanwhile, on Hachinosu, in the room where Rocks usually kept dozens of Den Den Mushi, everything was unusually quiet.
Suddenly, one of the snails rang.
Click. The line connected, and a sharp, raspy voice came through, breathing heavily.
"Lord Rocks… just now… the Celestial Dragons set out for the New World. Their exact destination is unknown."
The room fell silent.
Then, loud laughter exploded. A domineering wave of Conqueror's Haki erupted, sweeping across the entire island. Dozens of pirates fainted instantly under the pressure.
"So the Valley of the Gods has finally appeared! My plan is about to unfold."
Rocks muttered to himself as he sat on a couch. Then, straightening his face, he spoke into the Den Den Mushi.
"Whatever it takes—keep a close watch on those Celestial Dragons. The moment they land on any island, bring me a life paper from that location. Understood?"
"Yes, Lord Rocks. I look forward to seeing you make world-shaking headlines," the voice responded eagerly before the call ended.
"Three days from now, inform those impatient fools—let them know the great treasure has been found."
Rocks leaned back on the couch, a smug grin on his face as he quietly laughed to himself.
…
(END CHAPTER)
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