Chapter 139: Arrival at the Valley of the Gods
Everyone's expression darkened—if the full naval force was being mobilized, that meant the Fleet Admiral and all the Admirals were joining the operation. This was no ordinary mission.
Ochoku (Wang Zhi)stepped forward and cautiously asked, "Captain Rocks, are you saying the Navy is coming to stop us from reaching the island with the great treasure?"
The moment he spoke, the atmosphere tensed. All eyes turned to Rocks, awaiting confirmation.
A glint of cunning flashed in Rocks' eyes as the corners of his lips curled up. "That's right. The Navy wants to stop us. But we'll leave early—head straight to the island. They still think we're here. We'll catch them off guard."
Everyone's eyes lit up. The plan was solid. Shouts of agreement echoed through the hall.
"No problem, Captain! We'll follow your lead. Let's go get that treasure—hahaha!"
The pirates were all smiles, fired up by dreams of unimaginable riches. But judging by the glint in their eyes, many had their own hidden agendas.
Rocks noticed everything but didn't care. He rose, arms outstretched, giving the final rallying cry.
"Shiki and Luo Han will each command a ship. We're heading out now from the sky. The others will depart tomorrow under Hank's lead. One way or another, the great treasure will be ours!"
"Got it! No problem!" everyone responded.
Luo Han frowned a little. He hadn't even agreed, but everyone had already committed. Oh well—there was nothing worth arguing over.
The entire group then headed to the port. Everyone boarded their ships. Luo Han, Cole, and Whitebeard boarded Rocks' personal vessel, which included many original members of the Rocks Pirates.
The rest boarded the ship under Golden Lion's command.
After Rocks gave Hank his instructions, the group departed for the mysterious island.
Many pirates on Hachinosu were still unaware anything had changed. By the time they found out the next day, Rocks and the others would already be gone.
The Navy didn't know either. The departing ships only included the elite pirates who had joined recently for the treasure, and since only two ships left quietly, no attention was drawn.
High above in the silent skies, the two ships soared—Rocks and his group leading, Golden Lion's group trailing behind.
"Where did things go wrong? How did the World Government figure out I was after the Valley of the Gods?" Rocks stood at the bow, wind in his face, unable to piece it together.
Sure, he'd leaked the news about finding the treasure. But that alone shouldn't have prompted the Navy to mobilize every available force. Clearly, the Five Elders had issued a direct order. The timing—right after he located the Valley—was too perfect to be coincidence.
"Let's just hope we make it in time. But still… how did they know?"
What Rocks didn't realize was that his plan had been flawless—release news of a treasure to divert attention, then strike the Valley of the Gods with his full force.
It would've worked… if not for one precognitive girl's single word: "God." Or rather, if not for Luo Han's presence at all. Without him, the Five Elders never would've made the connection. In the end, his downfall was sealed by a mysterious force he couldn't see.
At dawn, with the sun barely peeking over the sea, casting a soft warmth over the world…
After flying all night, Rocks and his crew arrived at the island indicated by the life paper.
Hovering at 6,000 meters above the sea, the two ships stopped to observe the fabled island below.
Surrounded by towering mountains, the island resembled a fortress built by the gods. At its center lay a vast plain, dotted with small forests. In the very middle stood a massive palace.
Around that palace were Navy and CP0 forces.
Luo Han, Cole, and Whitebeard stood at the ship's edge, peering down at the island.
"So that's the Valley of the Gods. Which means the end of the Rocks era is near. Time for me to begin my own path," Luo Han thought, eager for battle to begin.
John's eyes gleamed with unrestrained greed as he stared at the palace. "The treasure must be in there."
Ever since he looted a few kingdoms half a year ago, he hadn't felt this kind of thrill.
No one answered. All eyes turned to Rocks, waiting for confirmation.
Rocks looked away from the horizon and met their gaze.
"That's right," he said in a firm voice. "Let's go claim the treasure that belongs to us!"
Cheers erupted. Pirates roared in excitement. Shiki and Luo Han piloted their ships straight toward the giant palace.
But just as they approached, down on the palace lawn, eight figures lay leisurely on recliners. One of them suddenly bolted upright, panic in his eyes.
A former Admiral nearby stood and asked, "What's wrong?"
The CP0 Commander's face was grim. "Why is the Rocks Pirates here?"
He turned and ordered, "Dys, notify the Fleet Admiral immediately. Tell him Rocks D. Xebec has appeared at the Valley of the Gods and request immediate backup."
"Yes, sir!" CP0 Captain Dys, wearing a white mask with black markings, pulled out a Den Den Mushi and relayed the alert.
The CP0 Commander also called the Five Elders directly.
"What?! You're saying Rocks is at the Valley of the Gods right now?!"
A roar echoed from the snail.
Then silence.
"All eight of you are there. I don't care what it takes. You must stop Rocks D. Xebec from getting anywhere near that palace. Even if the Celestial Dragons die in front of you—you stop him."
"This is a no-fail mission. Success or death."
"Understood," the CP0 Commander replied. Click. He hung up and turned to the others.
"You heard the Five Elders."
The three former Admirals exchanged glances and smiled. "Let's use our final technique—Life Return: Burn!"
The CP0 Commander looked to the CP0 Officer. "We seven, along with six Vice Admirals, will intercept Rocks. Your Devil Fruit is unique. Stay here with the CP0 elites. Defend this place as long as possible in case things go wrong. We'll be back."
"Yes, Commander!"
The CP0 Commander nodded, then turned to the others. "Let's go meet the so-called King of the Era."
Thirteen people—seven CP0 agents and six Navy Vice Admirals—launched at full speed toward Rocks.
Meanwhile, the Navy Fleet Admiral received the call just as the grand navy fleet reached halfway to Hachinosu.
Click. He hung up the Den Den Mushi in silence.
So it was that island… the Valley of the Gods.
Rocks' target had always been it. And he had already left during the night.
The Admiral stepped out of his cabin and summoned a messenger.
"Gather all officers ranked Vice Admiral and above to my ship. Immediately."
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Bankai10