After shaking off the Sea Kings and escaping the Marines' watchful gaze, Noyer and his crew finally escaped the Calm Belt using the Celestial Drake's electric power.
The Marines' special battleships could navigate the Calm Belt freely without being detected by Sea Kings, but Noyer's crew couldn't do the same.
{T/N: Seastone on the hull hides ships from Sea Kings, while paddle-wheels provide propulsion without wind.}
Robin looked at Noyer with concern, "Aokiji didn't attack?"
Noyer shook his head.
"He had his reservations — or perhaps other motives. He didn't give me a hard time." He turned to Robin, his expression serious, "The next island is close to Enies Lobby. That's government territory. Be careful."
Robin nodded, "Don't worry about me. What about you? Aren't you afraid of being targeted by the government?"
Noyer let out a disdainful laugh, "To hell with the government. They'd better not provoke me."
Robin smiled at him. That childhood fear of government agencies seemed to have vanished without a trace.
According to the original storyline, Robin had voluntarily betrayed the crew at Water 7 to protect the Straw Hats, sacrificing herself.
But now things were different. The biggest difference between Noyer and Luffy's crew was strength. Though Luffy's crew had talent, without a power-up, they'd be around Vice Admiral level at most during that period.
Noyer was different. He had a mysterious Devil Fruit ability, Haki that surpassed the Paradise threshold, and swordsmanship that could rival Mihawk's. He'd practically debuted at his peak.
Robin had witnessed him fight two Warlords of the Sea with her own eyes. She was confident in his strength.
To put it bluntly, she might have been a burden to the Straw Hat crew back then, but she couldn't be a burden to the Warlord-level Noyer. Unless absolutely necessary, the government wouldn't want to provoke someone like him — after all, they might recruit him later.
After adjusting their course and instructing Wyper to watch the ship, Noyer entered loafing mode once again.
On the deck made of processed clouds, three beach chairs were neatly arranged. Noyer lay in the middle, with the sexy Robin on his left and the pure Conis on his right. All three wore sunglasses, enjoying the sea breeze and sunbathing.
He was moved to tears inside. Subordinates doing the work, beautiful women as company, and a top-tier ship — his quality of life had finally been elevated!
Thinking back to those days wandering in the East Blue, he was either all alone or stuck with Ace and the others.
Five whole men! God knows how he survived that.
But honestly, he kind of missed them. He wondered how 'Fire Donkey' was doing…
"It's 'Fire Fist' Ace in the news again…" Robin murmured softly beside him.
Noyer sat up, "Ace?"
Robin nodded and handed him the newspaper, "The News Coo has been covering him constantly lately."
Noyer scanned the paper for news about Ace. The front page was devoted entirely to him, listing several major incidents he'd caused recently:
[ Notorious pirate Portgas D. Ace engaged in a massive battle with the Marines on Nasdre Island, using flames to destroy an entire Marine branch!
Bounty raised to ฿98,000,000. 'Fire Fist' Ace may become a Supernova pirate with a bounty exceeding 100 million by the time he reaches Sabaody Archipelago! ]
Below was Ace's wanted poster. He laughed wildly in the photo, flames dancing from his open fingers against a backdrop of burning ruins.
Noyer smiled. That guy was living freely.
And "Supernova" — so that term already existed during Ace's time? He'd thought only the Worst Generation were called Supernovas.
This newspaper had guts, reporting such things. Weren't they afraid the Marines would come after them?
Conis noticed the smile on his face, "Noyer, do you know him?"
Noyer nodded, "We sailed together for a while. I'd call him a friend."
Robin's eyes widened in realization, "I see… so you copied your flame ability from him."
Noyer hadn't told anyone about the system, so Robin was no exception. She assumed he could copy other people's Devil Fruits.
The whole world seemed to believe he was a Copy-Copy Fruit user. He was happy to let them think so — it was the perfect excuse for his unusual abilities.
At the rate Ace's bounty was growing, by the time they met at Sabaody, that guy might already be a big-shot pirate worth over 100 million.
Noyer suddenly recalled his early "Ace Development Plan"… Catching him would net over 100 million berries.
He was strangely tempted!
Should he capture Ace and turn him in to Garp for the money? That old man probably wouldn't default on payment…
◇◆◈◆◇
Meanwhile, on a mysterious remote island, the Spade Pirates were having a bonfire party with the locals.
"Ah-CHOO!!"
Ace, gnawing on a large piece of roasted meat, suddenly felt his nose tingle and sneezed thunderously.
A small flame shot out of his nose. He grumbled irritably, "Damn it! That Luffy must be talking behind my back again!"
◇◆◈◆◇
Back with Noyer's crew, the "Celestial Drake Tour Group" had been sailing for several days and was finally about to reach their destination. The Celestial Drake wasn't a pirate ship, so there was no need to hide. They docked at the port and parked it there temporarily.
Someone had to stay and watch the ship. Enel couldn't be left alone, so Wyper was left behind. Out of humanitarianism and mercy, Noyer decided to bring Enel along.
As Robin put it, this should be called a prison yard break.
Enel, who hadn't seen sunlight in ages, finally crawled up from the bottom of the ship. When he stepped onto land again, tears nearly welled up in his eyes.
Since leaving Skypiea, these animals had either made him discharge electricity or soak in water tanks for countless days and nights. And he'd actually thought he'd have a chance to escape!
Fat chance!
Noyer affectionately draped his arm around Enel's shoulder and said warmly, "Big guy, I'm taking you out to have fun today. Don't try to save me money!"
Enel clutched a coin with a strangely drawn "100" on it, speechless.
New to this place — or perhaps because his brain had been waterlogged — he really wanted to ask: Is ฿100 a lot? When did the Blue Sea's economy become so depressed? Wasn't ฿100 the price of cotton candy?
The existentially confused Enel didn't notice that Robin and Conis behind him were carrying two backpacks.
Well… Both full of money.
The double-standard Noyer raised his arms and rushed excitedly toward the island, shouting, "Let's go! Time to explore Water 7!"
The others hurried to follow. Only Enel constantly thought about ways to escape.
"Hm?" He suddenly frowned and looked in a certain direction.
His Mantra sensed that someone was watching them.
Enel quickly caught up to Noyer and said in a low voice, "Don't say I didn't warn you — someone's watching us."
Noyer smirked, "I know."
If Enel could sense it, naturally he could too. They'd been spotted right after landing — they'd been targeted from the start.
Noyer knew exactly who was following them — most likely government agents, also called Cipher Pol No. 9 (CP9). He hadn't even gone looking for them yet, and here they were delivering themselves to his doorstep.
Noyer instructed quietly, "Don't make a scene. Let's get into the city first."
The others nodded and quickened their pace.
Meanwhile, the person observing from the shadows extended a hand from beneath a trench coat. A small Den Den Mushi sat on their wrist. The Den Den Mushi opened its eyes and transformed its features — the face looked delicate and feminine, suggesting it was a woman.
The man lowered his voice to report, "Noyer has been spotted entering the Water 7 area. What should I do?"
After a moment of silence, a female voice came through. Just from the sound, she seemed like quite the mature beauty.
"Don't take action yet. Follow them, but don't be too obvious about it."
The woman's voice calmly issued the order.
The man immediately straightened up, "Yes!"
"Water 7 likely has CP9 agents present. Be careful with your actions."
The man nodded, "I understand. I won't make contact with Noyer's group until I've got a clear picture of the situation."
Contrary to Noyer's expectations, this person wasn't actually a government agent. But right now, he had no way of knowing.
◇◆◈◆◇
Noyer arrived at the entrance to Water 7, where many merchants were selling Yagara Bulls at the gate.
Yagara Bulls were creatures unique to Water 7 — domesticated animals that served as the primary mode of transportation for locals. They had vacant expressions but each wore a cheerful grin, making them look endearingly goofy.
Renting a two-person Yagara Bull only cost ฿1,000. Noyer rented two.
He'd originally wanted to ride one with Robin, but unfortunately Conis was extremely averse to Enel. With no other choice, he reluctantly ended up sharing one with that piece of electricity.
The rejected long-eared god's face turned practically green, following behind Noyer in utter dejection.
After entering the city, everyone quickly cast aside their worries. Water 7, this Capital of Water, truly was a place filled with magical charm.
Streets were replaced by water. Interconnected waterways filled with passing pedestrians stretched everywhere, everyone wearing smiles and warmly greeting each other. This style reminded Noyer of another water city from his previous life on Earth.
Conis was dazzled by the buildings on both sides, exclaiming in amazement, "What a beautiful place! Robin-nee, look! That person is selling such interesting flutes!"
Having arrived in the Blue Sea and set foot on an island for the first time, she found everything novel. She excitedly dragged Robin off to explore the streets.
Enel watched the financially free girl run off to play, inwardly lamenting his fate as he looked pitifully at Noyer. Noyer took pity on him and casually bought food for the two of them.
The shop owner greeted them with a smile, "This is our local specialty, Mizu Mizu Meat. The meat quality is excellent!"
Enel curiously grabbed a piece of tender meat on the bone and took a big bite. The next second, his pupils constricted, his gaze went blank, his chewing accelerated, and he swallowed with a gulp.
"Ohhhh!" Enel snapped out of his taste bud ecstasy, electric sparks bursting from his body as he shouted in satisfaction, "This is delicious! The meat is as tender as water!"
Noyer was blinded by the electric light and said helplessly, "Is it really that good?"
He tried a bite himself, and his eyes lit up. Tender and fragrant with a hint of sweetness — but the key was the texture. Though it was clearly meat, it tasted like jelly.
"This meat is amazing! Boss, how do you make it?" Having obtained master-level culinary skills, he was a legitimate chef and couldn't help but ask.
The owner said proudly, "This is Water 7's method of raising meat. Change the location or the method, and you won't be able to make it like this!"
"I see…" Unable to take it with him, Noyer felt disappointed but then said, "Pack another serving to take back for Wyper."
Enel quickly finished his portion and eyed Wyper's Mizu Mizu Meat hungrily. If he weren't outmatched by Noyer, he'd probably try to steal it.
Noyer glared at him but still paid for another serving out of his own pocket.
Having scored a bargain, Enel contentedly followed him back to shore, trailing behind like a child.
"Hello, Mayor-san!"
"Mayor-san, you've worked hard! Please take care of your health!"
"Secretary Kalifa is as cool and elegant as ever!"
"Excuse me, that's sexual harassment♡!"
"Ohhhhh!!"
As Noyer led Enel through the streets, thunderous cheers suddenly erupted from the waterway behind them.
The two curiously pushed through the crowd to look. Enel asked in confusion, "What's going on? Why is this person so popular? Is he a god of the Blue Sea?"
Noyer rolled his eyes, "You're also a god. How come I don't see you being so popular? Didn't you hear what they were shouting? That's the mayor of this city."
Enel scratched his head. What does "mayor" mean? Not a god — is it like a priest?
Noyer couldn't be bothered with whatever this donkey was thinking. He looked thoughtfully at the beautiful woman beside Mayor Iceburg. The CP9 operatives had already infiltrated Iceburg's inner circle.
Kalifa, the "bubble" girl… Noyer had a strong impression of her. To be precise, he had strong impressions of all the beautiful women in the pirate world.
In the original Enies Lobby battle, Nami had defeated her, so she didn't seem particularly strong.
Noyer stepped out from the crowd and approached Iceburg's entourage, "Mayor Iceburg! I'd like to have a word with you!"
Iceburg wore a stylish hairstyle and deep red lipstick. Despite his serious expression, he was unexpectedly approachable. He looked at the young man and asked, "What do you want to say?"
Kalifa adjusted her black-framed glasses with a frown, her acting Oscar-worthy, "Sir, solving your problems is not on the mayor's schedule."
Noyer glanced at her. After catching sight of the valley hidden beneath her professional attire, he quickly averted his gaze, "I'd like your company's shipwrights to help me modify my ship."
Kalifa's displeasure deepened.
"For ship repairs, go directly to Galley-La Company." She said coldly, "Don't block the mayor's path."
Enel looked at her impatiently, blue lightning surging from beneath his arms. He wanted to make this nagging woman shut up for good.
Terror flashed across Kalifa's eyes as she watched him transform into lightning. This man's subordinate is also a Logia-type Devil Fruit user?
Noyer pressed down Enel's hand and smiled meaningfully at Kalifa.
"Secretary miss, I just want to ask something. Don't worry." He looked at Iceburg, "There's one more thing — where is Franky?"
◈◈◈
T/N: Comment, give me Power Stones, like and favorite, it all supports me and makes me go foward with this. Appreciate my other stories as well, I guarantee the good work!
If you want 20 chapters ahead of this novel for just $5 or enjoy a large catalog of good novels with excellent translations (free or starting at $1.5): MrBlackWing (you know where to search)
I'm currently translating another project (for $1.5) where the main character travels through various worlds, like Highschool of the Dead, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, Darwin's Game, and many more, building a massive harem. It will have smut chapters (+18) and spicy images of the female characters. Check it out if you're interested! :)
That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)