Night Talk

Night Talk

Rota had been a little foolish. Had he known, he wouldn't have given the two of them any. It would've been better to save them for himself.

But it was really just a gesture of goodwill, nothing more. As for the taste, Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape probably didn't care much about that.

"Uncle Kizaru, where did you buy this Red Bean Cake?"

After eating a few, Xiao Wu had become completely enamored with the Red Bean Cake. Rota hadn't expected that shop's cakes to be this delicious.

"Uncle bought these from a village near the outskirts of Star Dou Great Forest. I only wanted to try them at first, but since they're so tasty, I'll buy more for you next time~"

Xiao Wu was overjoyed when she heard Rota say he would bring her more next time. She threw herself into his arms and rubbed her head against him.

"Alright, alright. I'll bring more next time. Now let Uncle tell you a few stories, then hurry up and sleep~"

"Okay, okay! I love Uncle Kizaru's stories the most! Where are you going to tell us about today?" Xiao Wu looked at Rota with her large, watery eyes.

"Then today, Uncle will tell you a story about my teacher~"

"Okay, okay!"

When they heard Kizaru was about to tell a story, Xiao Wu's Mother, Sky Azure Bull Python, and Titan Giant Ape all stopped talking as well. First, out of respect for Kizaru; second, because they also wanted to hear his story.

Titan Giant Ape had missed the last story because he had been guiding Rota. After returning, he often heard his big brother and Xiao Wu's Mother discussing the stories Kizaru told, which had made him curious too.

"Then Uncle will begin. First, my teacher was named Zephyr... In the end, he left us."

To be honest, the atmosphere of this story was rather heavy. Even Xiao Wu, usually the most cheerful, felt an indescribable sadness.

Because Rota possessed Kizaru's template, he also felt somewhat sorrowful while telling the story. In the One Piece movie, the final scene had been Kizaru using Yasakani no Magatama to kill Zephyr. Though Kizaru had not been seen crying then, the reflection on his glasses had already said more than enough.

"I never expected you, Borsalino, to have gone through something like this too. We can understand what it feels like to lose one's master..." Sky Azure Bull Python comforted Rota for a while.

Seeing Xiao Wu crying her eyes out beside him, Rota felt that he had chosen an awful story. Next time, he should tell them about sparring with Rayleigh using those health-preserving swords!

Xiao Wu's Mother pulled Xiao Wu into her embrace. Before long, Xiao Wu fell asleep amid her sobs.

"Mr. Borsalino, I think you needn't feel too guilty. Sometimes, people have to do things they do not wish to do. It's best to let it go." Xiao Wu's Mother likewise comforted Rota in her gentle voice.

"Thank you, everyone. That happened a long time ago. This old man doesn't dwell on it too much anymore."

Rota was touched that Xiao Wu's Mother would comfort him, especially since they had not known each other for long. Since Xiao Wu's family was willing to regard him as a friend, Rota would certainly look after them as well.

Titan Giant Ape had fallen fast asleep before the story was even over. There was nothing to be done about that—it was simply his nature!

"My second brother has always been like this. You'll get used to it!" Sky Azure Bull Python said with a smile.

"But speaking of which, Xiao Wu said you came to Star Dou Great Forest this time to take care of some business."

"That's right. This old man needs to recover a Soul Bone that Spirit Hall lost previously~"

"A Soul Bone? Recently, I heard some soul beasts say that not long ago, a human rashly entered the Life Forbidden Zone of Star Dou Great Forest and lost his life there. Apparently, that human was carrying a Soul Bone with him."

Rota had not expected Sky Azure Bull Python to know about this as well, but it made sense. Soul beasts surely exchanged information with one another.

"That should be the one. This Soul Bone is quite important, so this old man must recover it as soon as possible!"

If Sky Azure Bull Python knew anything about the Soul Bone, that would make things much easier.

Just as Rota was about to ask for information, Sky Azure Bull Python spoke first. "Borsalino, if you wish to ask about that Soul Bone, I'm afraid I can't help you, because I don't know much either."

Well, it seemed things were not so simple after all!

"It's fine. This old man already has a lead. A group of people plans to enter the Life Forbidden Zone deep within Star Dou Great Forest to search for it. This old man can simply go with them."

Hearing Rota's words, Sky Azure Bull Python realized that quite a few forces were involved with this Soul Bone. "You mean it isn't just Spirit Hall?"

"Who knows? This old man is merely representing Spirit Hall in recovering the Soul Bone. As for who those people are, this old man doesn't know either~" Rota shrugged, indicating that he was unaware as well.

"If they draw near your side, this old man will deal with them~"

Rota gave Sky Azure Bull Python a reassuring look, telling him not to worry.

Sky Azure Bull Python revealed a faint smile, shook his enormous head, and said, "You really are a trustworthy human!"

Rota smiled faintly as well. "You're trustworthy friends too!"

While Sky Azure Bull Python and Rota were talking, Xiao Wu and her mother had already drifted into dreamland...

"Then this old man will be leaving first. Take good care of yourselves. Next time, I'll tell you another interesting story~" Rota waved, then transformed into a flash of golden light and vanished.

At dawn, just as the sun rose over the horizon, the team led by Reid and Fick was already fully prepared, ready to set out at any moment.

Rota once again stood on a distant tree branch, watching their movements.

"Before we depart, there are a few things I need to emphasize. I hope everyone follows them strictly! First, you must obey orders during the journey. Second, until we find the Soul Bone, you must remain united. Remember this! If you cause unnecessary disturbances deep in Star Dou Great Forest, you all know the consequences!"

Reid stressed this sternly. It was clear that he was a highly responsible leader with strong principles.

"Fick, is there anything else you want to add?" Reid asked Fick beside him.

"No. Reid, you already said everything I wanted to emphasize!"

"Good. If there are no issues, then let's depart!"

Afterward, this Treasure Hunting Team began moving toward the interior of Star Dou Great Forest.

"Wind Concealment, use your soul skill immediately once we enter deep into Star Dou Great Forest!" Reid instructed a man beside him.

"No problem, Lord Reid," the man named Wind Concealment answered.

"Good. Then be ready at any time!"

After seeing the group set off from the tree trunk, Rota prepared to move as well.

"Looks like this old man has to get moving too~" Rota straightened his collar and followed after them.

The group was still moving fairly quickly. Since they were only on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, picking up the pace posed no real problem.

Once they ventured deeper inside, however, they would have to remain vigilant at all times. From that point on, the Star Dou Great Forest would gradually become more dangerous.

The Star Dou Great Forest was roughly divided into the outer region, the core region, and finally the Life Forbidden Zone. Their destination this time was the Life Forbidden Zone, an extremely dangerous place for ordinary soul masters.

If Rota had known the information about the Soul Bone, he could have searched for it alone. Unfortunately, Rota was not omniscient.

He had not asked about it while at Spirit Hall either. If he had, everyone would have known his purpose. Then, if some blabbermouth passed the news on to Qian Xunjie, it would become another hassle.

As for Ghost and Yue Guan, Rota did not want to drag them into this for the time being. After all, this was only a whim of his.