Divine Departure! (No Reason Needed, Still Getting an Extra Chapter!)

Upon hearing Gawain's utterly ineffective threat, the surrounding crowd rolled their eyes in agreement.

Gion smiled slightly and said contentedly.

"Yes, that's terrifying, sir. That's a whole half of my pension."

If we deduct 3 billion Beli a year, we'll only be able to buy two and a half fewer Marco.

At this point, Gion, carrying a cup of sake, raised it to Gawain.

Gawain smiled, took a sip of his drink, put down his glass, and turned to Franky and Iceburg, asking them a question.

"By the way, the Dark Bird Ship cost around 720 billion to build. Is that the cost price?"

"Of course, my lord!"

Iceburg was immediately startled.

"I would never embezzle funds from our ship, and I am not the kind of person who would be so short-sighted. Rest assured, sir, I have already handed over the accounts to Miss Kalifa!"

"Haha, don't be nervous, that's not what I meant."

Gawain waved to Iceburg.

"What I mean is, build a ship similar to the Dark Bird Ship, but without the special technology contained in ours."

The idea is to ensure that the ship, besides being large enough and luxuriously decorated, doesn't need wings, jet propulsion systems, or anything that would increase the budget.

"So, what do you think the cost of a giant cruise ship that would normally be provided to my people would be?"

"I see!"

Iceburg nodded.

"I had already considered this issue while building the Dark Bird Ship, so I made a mental note of it."

If we disregard the standard large ships used for combat and special acceleration, which lack amphibious capabilities, the cost would only be around 220 billion Berries. Even with luxurious interiors, the budget wouldn't exceed 280 billion Beli.

At this point, Iceburg pointed to the wings of the Dark Bird Ship.

"These wings really cost a lot of money, from the materials used to make them, to the machinery that ensures their regular movement, to the Adam Wood that prevents them from wearing out excessively."

These wings alone are more expensive than the ship itself!

Iceburg glared fiercely at Franky.

"This is also why the first shipbuilding budget was only 300 billion Beli; the idea for the wings came from Franky's sudden inspiration!"

"But this sudden inspiration allowed the Dark Bird to break through the limitations of the sea, and that's enough."

Gawain interrupted Iceburg's complaints, then paused to think for a moment.

"The cost is 300 billion, so after Rosward attends the banquet, I'll announce that I spent a full trillion on purchasing the ships."

After all, the base price of a large ship is too high, even for the Celestial Dragon. The profit of about 700 billion yen per ship is already quite good, even after deducting labor hours and costs.

However, my judgment is not as good as that of you real businessmen, Iceburg. Do you think this price is appropriate?

"I... I only wanted 880 billion..."

Faced with Gawain's suggestion, Iceburg shook his head in shame.

In terms of status, ambition, and determination, it's understandable that we might not be as good as adults; after all, everyone has their own expertise, and adults are born leaders.

But now, even in his primary business as a businessman, he's not as greedy as the adults!

In silence, Iceburg secretly made up his mind that once the casino opened, he would have to be even more ruthless!

As for Gawain, upon hearing Iceburg's reply, he smiled and raised his glass.

"Since Iceburg thinks it's fine, then the number is settled. After Rosward attends the banquet, everyone mustn't let it slip."

That's enough for tonight, I should rest too, I have to get up for training tomorrow morning.

Cheers, everyone!

Just as the Dark Bird Ship was slowly sailing out of the Calm Belt, the Sabaody Archipelago...

A ship moving at an extremely slow speed and with an extremely erratic trajectory slowly collided with other ships docked at the pier.

The ship that was hit was a pirate ship. It was the middle of the night, and a group of pirates were eating hot pot and singing songs when they were suddenly hit by someone.

So a group of drunken pirates immediately followed their captain, rushed onto the deck, and rammed their small, dilapidated ship while cursing loudly.

"Damn it, who dared to ram our ship? Our captain is Blue-Haired Joe, with a bounty of 64 million... glug glug glug...?!?"

Before the pirate could finish speaking, a ring of ripples suddenly emanated from around their ship.

The pirate felt his body sink, and he sank into the sea along with his ship!

About two minutes later, the ship broke through the seawater and floated back to the surface, but the waterlogged vessel was completely unable to function properly.

Soon, the ship capsized, and all the pirates on board crowded onto the side of the ship that was floating above the surface.

While struggling to regain their footing, the panicked sailors looked in confusion at the ship that had just rammed them.

The sailors cried out in terror.

"Then... everyone on that ship is dead!"

"They're all dead!!!"

The disheveled Blue-Haired Joyce stared wide-eyed.

"No wonder even I didn't realize it was a ghost ship!!!"

And so, as news of the ghost ship began to spread across Sabaody Island, a middle-aged man dressed in a blue-purple samurai outfit, with X-shaped scars covering his eyes and a simple Staff Sword at his waist, arrived at a kabuki theater in the Lawless Zone of Sabaody Archipelago.

Facing the fierce-looking greeter, the uncle smiled slightly, then took out a crumpled newspaper from his pocket and handed it to the greeter.

"I happened to hear in a casino on Membara Island that Sabaody was preparing to host the World Gambling Tournament."

Ah, it's really tough. As a blind person, I simply can't see the words on the newspaper.

But because of my love for gambling, I've caused trouble for many well-meaning people.

Through their directions, I finally arrived at this place.

"Excuse me, has this competition ended? If not, where do I register?"

"Ha, another fool from out of town. This is the Lawless Area of Sabaody Island. Even the Celestial Dragon don't pass through here!"

"Register! I'll let you register!"

While laughing and joking, the blind man slapped the greeter in the ear!

In that instant, the wind seemed to pause, and the blind man suddenly drew his sword, then twisted his wrist.

"Snort!"

With a soft snort, the blind man gracefully sheathed his sword, while the fake greeter in front of him, who was actually a cunning villain, was left without a single piece of cloth!

And so, half an hour later, on Tree Island No. 55, at the entrance of the Galley-La Company's branch office on Sabaody Island.

The cunning villain indeed transformed into a genuine greeter, respectfully escorting the blind man through the registration point.

It was already past midnight, and the young lady in charge of reception at the registration point was exhausted.

But Galley-La Company was offering so much that the young woman rubbed her eyes and gave the blind man a gentle smile.

But in the next instant, when the young woman saw clearly the blind man's eyes, which were ruined by scars, she suddenly stopped!

Under normal circumstances, a well-trained young lady wouldn't have given herself away so easily.

But the late hour and exhaustion prevented her from concentrating.

Sensing the change in the young woman, the blind man frowned slightly, then said softly.

"Please excuse me, I have surprised my gambler friends more than once because of my blindness."

But I hope you can understand that gambling stems from the beauty of probability, a beauty that even the blind cannot easily relinquish!

As soon as he finished speaking, the blind man bowed slightly to the receptionist.

"If you understand what I mean, then please put aside your surprise and help me complete the registration form."

"Okay, okay!"

The young woman quickly said this, then took a deep breath, pretended to gently pat her cheeks, and acted as if she was the one who was very sleepy.

She then took out the registration form as naturally as possible and whispered to the blind man.

"Uncle, it's inconvenient for you, so I'll fill it out for you."

What is your name?

"I'll just smile; I'm sorry for causing you trouble!"

He smiled and nodded solemnly.

At the same time, the young woman's grip on the pen tightened slightly.

"Uncle Yixiao, is that you? May I ask what your area of expertise is?"

"Dice, of course. I love the sound of them hitting the dice cup."

He smiled and nodded.

In the reception room, the young lady's pen scratched softly as she waited quietly. Half a minute later, the young lady spoke gently to her.

"Alright, sir, I've filled out your registration form. We don't have any special requirements regarding the contestants' identities, so all we need is your name and gambling preferences."

Here is your player number. You're very lucky; you drew number 30,000. Please take it.

"Thank you." Yi Xiao nodded and took the number plate.

Seeing this, the receptionist continued speaking to Yixiao.

"Uncle Yixiao, the gambling skills competition will officially begin in five days, at Tree Island number 55, 56, and 57 in Sabaody."

Finally, I wish you good luck in your gambling!

Accompanied by the young lady's blessing, she smiled, bowed slightly, and then slowly left the reception room.

About half a minute after Xiao left, the young woman suddenly banged on the wall behind her.

Upon hearing the sound, a small window opened in the wall, and the young woman handed over Yixiao's registration form.

Before long, two figures emerged from the darkness of the Galley-La branch office, relentlessly pursuing the direction Yixiao had gone.

They searched for half an hour but couldn't find Yixiao anywhere.

Three days later, at the gates of Mary Geoise.

Accompanied by the slow movement of the pedestrian walkway, Shalria held a small mirror, checking her makeup as she spoke excitedly.

"I never expected that Brother Gawain would actually invite me to lunch!"

This is a proposal! Waaaaah, it must be a proposal! I knew he would love the Long-Haired Rabbit Fruit I gave him—it's my most treasured possession, the cutest Devil Fruit in the entire ocean!

Hearing his daughter's excited words, Rosward, sitting atop the tall slave, frowned in displeasure.

"Shalria, keep your composure Gawain is the one who beat and hurt your brother!"

On this trip, we must overwhelm Chief Gawain with our imposing presence; you are absolutely not allowed to embarrass me!

As soon as he finished speaking, Rosward glanced disdainfully at the gates of Mary Geoise.

"Ugh, the pedestrian walkways never extend beyond the gates of Mary Geoise, what a nuisance!"

"Slaves, move!"

As soon as Rosward spoke, the guards following behind him immediately brandished their whips and lashed the slave's mount hard.

After being whipped, the slave beneath Rosward gave a humiliated look and then crawled dejectedly toward the gate.

As he crawled, the Impel Down insignia branded on his shoulder was clearly visible!

Meanwhile, near the Sabaody Archipelago, Gawain's ships gradually slowed down.

Standing at the bow of the ship, Hancock gently draped a coat over Gawain as she spoke.

"The people of Sabaody are watching our ship. From this day forward, your name will surely be renowned throughout the seas along with the Dark Bird."

"Whether a name can spread depends not on the onlookers, but on the Albatross hidden among them."

Gawain took a deep breath of the sea breeze, then waved to someone behind him. Franky in the control center immediately pressed a button.

Shortly afterward, the small jet boat used for short-distance landings fell into the sea from inside the Dark Bird's belly.

As it made this movement, the wings of the Dark Bird Ship were also spreading, casting a shadow over the Dark Bird Ship.

Crash!!!

The sound of a sword being drawn rang out instantly. Gion leaped up and flew to the top of the tallest mast of the Dark Bird Ship!

On the deck below, Rayleigh frowned slightly.

He first sat up from the rocking chair, stretched, and then Rayleigh smiled at Gawain.

"Little Gawain, this money won't be easy to get. It's only been a few days, and a very troublesome guy has already barged onto our ship."

As soon as the words were spoken, the others lying in the rest area opened their eyes, staring in astonishment at Gion's location!

On the highest mast of the Dark Bird Ship, Gion stood to the left of the transverse mast, sword in hand, frowning as she looked at the middle-aged man in a samurai robe ahead.

When she saw the man's closed eyes and scars, Gion was slightly taken aback.

"Blindness, scars, you just smile!"

"It is I!"

Faced with Gion's question, Ichisho stood up straight and nodded.

"I am very sorry, I came uninvited, it is really impolite of me."

But I hope you can understand, after all, not everyone can suppress their curiosity.

I'm genuinely curious as to why I, who have always kept a low profile, have become the target of your search.

"Either you give me an explanation, or you and the people on this ship will never see me again."

After speaking, Yi Xiao lowered her head and waited expressionlessly.

Meanwhile, on the deck, everyone except Rayleigh looked up in disbelief.

Hancock clenched her fists and roared.

"What a disgrace! I was actually sneaked onto the ship by someone else, and I even discovered it later than that rabbit!"

Hearing Hancock's words, Rayleigh, far away, laughed and raised his glass.

"Haha, Hancock, and all of you, you'd better watch out from now on."

In combat, Observation Haki is indeed less effective than Armament Haki, because unless you master special advanced techniques of Observation Haki, such as the ability to Future Sight.

Otherwise, the evasion effect provided by Observation Haki is indeed not as strong as that of Armament Haki.

You're all reckless! Your battles are always so straightforward, and your Armament Haki is so powerful, it's already more than enough.

However, in terms of Observation Haki, you can only be considered proficient, but that's far from enough!

The guy who got on our ship probably has an Observation Haki level that's way beyond the limit. If he were outside your Observation Haki range, he could see your every move.

By following the loopholes in your respective positions, we can naturally infiltrate your inner circle!

At this point, Rayleigh shook his head, then stood up, sword in hand.

"I'm getting old, alas. If I were fifteen years younger, I would never have let him touch the mast before I realized it."

From today onwards, it seems I need to get a little exercise too. As for you all, I must say something.

When your strength gradually approaches the top, what determines your strength or weakness is never your strongest area, but rather your weakest area!

From now on, you should spend less time playing beach volleyball and practice properly with me and Gawain.

As for now..."

With a swift movement of his feet, Rayleigh leaped into the air, rushing towards the mast while letting out a triumphant shout.

"Now let me see who it is that almost suppressed my Observation Haki!"

Teng!

Rayleigh strode onto the mast, pointed his sword, and grinned.

"Young man, stop with the flowery language. After we disbanded back then, did all the pirates turn into sissies like you now?!"

In our day, the only proper way to greet someone was to use a knife in your hand!

Rayleigh strode forward, his right hand rising sharply towards Yixiao.

At the same time, Rayleigh shouted.

"Let me borrow my old friend's swordsmanship to make my strongest declaration of returning to the sea, and to commemorate his passing!"

Divine Departure!!!

After ten consecutive days of releasing 13,000 words of content, is it reasonable and legal to ask for votes now?

Tickets, please!!!