The Approaching Clash

The reason for taking such a big risk was mainly to attract the attention of these guards and prevent their subsequent substitution from being discovered.

It's clear that Nelson was very bold.

However, Teach didn't know what Nelson's ability was. He had already ruled out the Swap Fruit because Swap Fruit didn't have a spatial limit.

Similarly, Nelson's swapping ability has a domain within which he can freely swap, but it has a range. Otherwise, he could directly appear on the ship carrying the Heavenly Gold, although that would consume a great deal of his stamina.

Teach could sense that Nelson had used up one-fifth of his stamina in just four substitutions.

Teach was certain that Nelson had not Awakening Observation Haki, but the fact that he could freely switch places within this domain suggested that he had complete control over its contents, an ability similar to the function of Observation Haki.

In a short period of time, Teach analyzed most of Nelson's abilities through just a few substitutions. If Nelson knew this, he would be extremely shocked.

However, this has already reached its limit, and it's difficult to analyze anything further. But even so, we can see the immense potential of this ability; it must be a powerful one.

"So, this is where it is inside." Through his own domain, Nelson could sense that there was another space hidden behind this dock.

He had initially only vaguely believed that the Heavenly Gold was hidden here, but now he truly believed it. Otherwise, why would he have bothered building such a shipyard in this remote place? Was it merely to serve as a transit point along the river?

Nelson wasn't stupid. This dock was rather small, barely able to hold three or four ships at most, so it wasn't very valuable. There were plenty of better docks along the riverbank that could be built much larger.

Nelson's information about the Heavenly Gold was merely an accident, but he heard it from the kingdom's general. It was the guards transporting the last batch of Heavenly Gold. Nelson didn't know that it was Heavenly Gold being transported; he only had some guesses because the items being transported were extremely valuable, and his abilities allowed him to see the treasure inside.

Following the group, he arrived at the shipyard, but could not get any closer because there was another escort team carrying the Heavenly Gold, and the defenses were extremely strong.

He couldn't get close enough to learn more about the situation, but he heard the words "Heavenly Gold" from the general. That's why he set his sights on this place, waiting until the people transporting the treasure left.

Today, he arrived here, and he was not worried about his safety, because his abilities made him virtually invincible.

However, what he didn't know was that two people were watching him and knew of his existence. One of them was naturally Teach, and the other was deep inside the cave, hidden in the ship carrying the Heavenly Gold.

"Is he just a kid?" A middle-aged man guarding the ship had already noticed Nelson when he appeared in the warehouse. His Observation Haki range was not large, only a few hundred meters, which was vastly different from Teach's Observation Haki. Therefore, he did not know Nelson's abilities.

They could only sense the presence of Nelson, a complete stranger.

The shipyard's warehouse was very close to the hidden cave behind it, practically touching it, separated only by a wall. Nelson suppressed his excitement; he knew it was not the time to let his guard down.

He couldn't believe that such precious Heavenly Gold was hidden in this shipyard and guarded by no one else. Although he didn't sense anyone else's presence, this made him even more cautious. He had no intention of leaving now; it was just a matter of danger, and he was confident he could escape. Having finally arrived here, with the Heavenly Gold so close at hand, how could he be willing to leave just like that?

He used his ability again, and the next moment, he appeared outside the wall.

Shortly after he left, Teach appeared in the shipyard's Curry. However, on the other side of the warehouse, Teach had roughly guessed the range of Nelson's ability. He wasn't sure if he could avoid Nelson's detection, so he was being cautious.

The powerful figure guarding the Heavenly Gold did not detect Teach even though Teach was already within his Observation Haki range. His aura was completely concealed, and his Observation Haki covered his body, isolating him from everything, as if he did not exist.

How could such an absolute difference be discovered? In Teach's eyes, this powerful guardian of the Heavenly Gold was only at the level of a regular Marine Vice Admiral. He had mastered Two types of Haki, but only at a preliminary level, and his strength was very low. Even with the amplification of his Devil Fruit ability, his strength was still considerable.

How strong can he become in the first half of this Grand Line? A stable life has long limited his potential. Without battles with strong opponents, his spirit cannot break through, and his Haki cannot improve.

That's why the first half of the Grand Line is called "Paradise." Staying there for too long without challenges will cause your strength to decline.

Nelson slowly stepped forward, cautiously looking at both sides. The surrounding rock walls connected to the river in the center, with only exposed rocks and soil on the edges providing footholds. Ahead, Nelson continued to advance, for he could see some light ahead—light, indicating that something was there.

Thinking this, Nelson quickened his pace, his gaze fixed on the front. The surroundings were extremely quiet, and the "tap-tap" sound of Nelson's footsteps echoed in the space.

This environment made him nervous, even a little scared, because it was completely dark. He quickly walked along the edge of the cave, heading towards the depths where the light was.

But the closer he got, the slower his pace became. The road ahead was unknown; he sensed nothing with his abilities, and no one was there.

But the more cautious he became, the more dangerous the path ahead seemed.

It took Nelson a long time to walk a mere hundred meters. He was almost there. Ahead, there was a huge cave, even larger than the passage. If the outside was a natural cave, then the inside was man-made. He could see the traces of human intervention.

In the center of the cave, a huge, luxurious ship is moored on the water. On both sides of the ship, on the river, there are wooden plank footholds, which is undoubtedly irrefutable evidence that someone was here.

The cave was brightly lit, illuminated by lamps that made it feel like daytime. Nelson was prepared to use his abilities at any moment, but he didn't see anyone inside, not even the two guards.

Could it be that there really is no one guarding it inside? Are they really that confident in the safety of the Heavenly Gold and this place? Nelson was somewhat doubtful.

He slowly moved forward and entered the cave. Before long, he was standing in front of the luxury ship.

"Something interesting is about to happen," Teach thought to himself, watching the scene unfold. Although he was quite far away, he was fully aware of what was happening inside.

Now, although Nelson's expression remained unchanged, he had already discovered that there was a person hiding on the ship transporting the Heavenly Gold, secretly planning to launch a surprise attack on him.

He naturally wouldn't show it. After years of being a thief, his acting skills were quite good. He couldn't act too outrageously, otherwise he might alert the thief.

He didn't know how strong the person guarding the ship was, but they were definitely not weak; they were much stronger than him. He could only rely on his own abilities.

Both had already discovered each other, but Nelson was in the open while the powerful guardian was in the shadows, unaware that Nelson had discovered him. He hadn't expected that Nelson's abilities also included the function of Observation Haki.

If this person's Observation Haki were a little stronger, they would be able to sense Nelson's emotions, and by sensing Nelson's emotions, they could easily know that he had been exposed.

The initiative was now in Nelson's hands. Nelson moved slowly toward the ship, very cautiously, looking around as if investigating something.

Meanwhile, Morey, hiding in the Curry, walked slowly out of the cabin with a slight smile on his face. He was the only person on the entire ship, and he was very familiar with the ship's structure. Sensing Nelson's movements, he entered a sailor's room on the ship. This was the only way to reach the warehouse, and Nelson would definitely pass through here.

Then he will deliver a fatal blow to this intruder and kill him in one move.

The reason he was chosen to guard the ship carrying the Heavenly Gold was because he was a steady and cautious person who wouldn't act rashly. When he did act, it was to be a fatal blow or to eliminate the enemy in a short time. He was cautious, but it was precisely because of this that we felt at ease entrusting this matter to him.

Morey is unaware that he has been exposed, and that within Nelson's domain, all his actions are under Nelson's control.

Nelson first circled the entire ship to get a feel for its internal structure and saw the nearly full, glittering warehouse. Nelson's ability gave him a god-like perspective, allowing him to see everything clearly. The treasures piled up like small mountains made his mouth water.

Although he is not short of money now, especially after gaining this ability, his early experiences have made him somewhat greedy. He is immediately tempted by Beli, his eyes seeming to gleam with Beli's light, wanting to take everything with him. However, now is not the time, nor can he take all the treasures. Taking only a portion is enough for him to eat his fill.

He didn't want to face pursuit from the Navy and the World Government, as well as many others eyeing his treasure.

He forced himself to hold back; he was in great danger right now, on the ship's deck, while Morey hid inside, waiting for Nelson's arrival.

Nelson stalled for time, pretending to observe the ship, while inwardly pondering what to do. He could replace other people, and his space could directly store things, including living beings, but for some reason, he couldn't store people in his space. It was a rule that he couldn't achieve no matter how he tried to develop it.

Even large predators can't be carried; at most, they can only carry small pets.

However, the target he can exchange can only be exchanged with himself; he cannot exchange between two objects.

Otherwise, he could simply replace Morey with the soil in the ground, burying Morey there.

It can also cause Devil Fruit User to swap places with seawater, directly losing their powers and then drowning.

That would be too overpowered, and these are things he can't do. He has the ability to swap, but it's not Swap Fruit.

How should he deal with Morey, this hidden powerhouse who made him feel threatened, but the mountain of treasure on the ship also tempted him.

Although he can store treasures in his spatial storage, he cannot carry too much, as this would consume a great deal of his physical strength. In addition, part of the weight in the space must be borne by his body, and given his current physical condition, he simply cannot bear too much weight.

With the treasure right in front of him, how could he not take it? Having made up his mind, he slowly walked into the ship.

Despite his good patience, Morey began to suspect that Nelson have already discovered his presence after so long without coming in.

Only when he sensed that Nelson had finally entered did he abandon his idea, and he couldn't help but sigh. This thief was indeed very cautious; even with the Heavenly Gold right in front of him, he didn't dare to come in without a single guard.

He knew that Nelson had come here because of the Heavenly Gold, not because he had stumbled upon it by mistake. Although he didn't know where Nelson had gotten the information, he was determined to eliminate this intruder. This was a matter of great importance to the kingdom, and he needed to investigate thoroughly. If anything happened to the Heavenly Gold, their country could be destroyed.

If the Heavenly Gold, escorted by the navy, is stolen at sea, the responsibility can be shifted to the navy and the person who stole it. However, if it is stolen within the kingdom, then there is truly no way to complain.

The two slowly approached each other. Morey sensed Nelson getting closer and was ready to fight at any moment. He took a deep breath. Nelson, sensing Morey's state, unconsciously placed his right hand on his right hip, where a gun was hidden, ready to be drawn at any time.

Although his abilities are powerful, they are not offensive; his main lethality still requires a gun.

At the same time, he was also prepared to use his abilities at any time.

Meanwhile, Teach had unknowingly approached them, hiding in the battle, waiting for their clash.