Shattered Dreams, Tears Falling from the Corners of Her Eyes

"I'll keep an eye out for Devil Fruit on the Black Market for you later," Shakky said. "If there are any suitable abilities, I'll buy them for you."

It would be even better if it were a Logia Fruit, since such Devil Fruit allows the user to Elementalization, thus greatly enhancing their ability to survive!

"No problem." Xi Yan nodded and said, "It would be even better if there were Devil Fruit suitable for Merry."

Shakky was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then said with some surprise, "Isn't this Cloud Cloud Fruit for her to eat?"

She thought this Logia ability was for Merry to eat, but it turns out it wasn't?

"No, this Devil Fruit was prepared by Nami," Xi Yan explained. "Her strength is also very weak, but her compatibility with the Cloud Cloud Fruit is much higher."

"Why do you say that?" Shakky raised an eyebrow.

"Because her usual attack method is to use the Clima-Tact to create Raiu and strike people," Xi Yan explained. "But if the Clima-Tact is destroyed, she will become a lamb to the slaughter, so this ability is more suitable for her."

"Is that so...?"

Recalling the information she had gathered about the Cat Burglar, Shakky nodded and said, "It seems that's really the case."

That little girl seems more suited to this Devil Fruit Merry.

Then, Shakky said, "In that case... I'll keep an eye out for the Black Market."

"If I find a suitable one, I'll buy it for Merry."

This time, Xi Yan didn't stand on ceremony with Shakky and nodded in acceptance of her suggestion.

"If possible, it would be best if it were Logia one," Xi Yan said.

While it's true that Haki can suppress the Elementalization of Logia, not everyone possesses Haki, right?

"Logia aren't so easy to encounter," Shakky said, shaking her head.

She knew that Logia Devil Fruit were better at protecting themselves, but the problem was... there weren't many of those!

Xi Yan was aware of this issue, so he didn't insist.

"Then let's see how it goes," Xi Yan said.

"Um."

Shakky nodded, then said, "I'll take care of all these things for you within six months, and then I'll let you know to come here to collect the money."

"If there are any White Den Den Mushi) then, I'll give them to you as well."

"Just go at your pace, I'm not in a rush," Xi Yan said.

Xi Yan knew that dealing with these things was not an easy task, so he naturally wouldn't urge Shakky.

Besides... it would be two years before they resumed their journey, so there was no rush.

Shakky nodded upon hearing this, indicating that she understood.

After lighting a cigarette, Shakky took a satisfying drag and then said, "By the way... how did you manage to get away from the World Government?"

"They actually managed to convince them that you were really dead..."

"I escaped by faking my death," Xi Yan said.

"Suspended animation?"

"Hmm, feigning death."

Xi Yan nodded and said, "I used this method to successfully convince Kizaru and the others that I was dead."

"That's why the World Government released that kind of newspaper."

"I see..."

Seeing that Xi Yan didn't seem inclined to explain further, Shakky asked again.

After all... that's their secret!

As a friend, she naturally wouldn't pry into the matter.

"By the way, Uncle Rayleigh, do you know how to deal with the God's Knights?" Xi Yan said, "I've been fighting them for almost a day and a night, but I still can't kill them."

"That ability that seems to grant immortality...?"

"Yes."

"When you meet Rayleigh, ask him," Shakky said, tapping her cigarette ash. "He might know something."

The Roger Pirates had a direct conflict with the God's Knights, so... they might know how to deal with those people.

"Uncle Rayleigh...?"

Recalling Uncle Rayleigh's old face, Xi Yan nodded and said, "Okay, I understand."

"I'll look for him when I get back."

"You want to learn Haki from him?" Shakky raised an eyebrow.

"Um."

Xi Yan nodded and said, "Uncle Rayleigh is an expert in this field after all, so it's good to learn more from him."

"Hmm...that's true." Shakky nodded.

Although Xi Yan's talent is indeed quite extraordinary, comprehending a higher level of Haki is not an easy task.

So... it wouldn't hurt to learn from Rayleigh.

As for whether Xi Yan can be taught well...

Rayleigh is a big shot on the high seas, so teaching Xi Yan some Haki techniques shouldn't be a problem for him.

Then, Shakky said with some emotion, "If only you had Conqueror's Haki, then you could..."

I do.

Shakky:???

Shakky, who was interrupted, was stunned for a moment, then looked at Xi Yan with surprise and said, "You kid have Conqueror's Haki?"

"Yes, I have."

Shakky paused for a moment upon hearing this, then said, "You're not trying to tell me that you Awakening Conqueror's Haki in Mary Geoise, are you?"

"That's right," Xi Yan said with a smile.

Seeing the smile on Xi Yan's face, Shakky was immediately rendered speechless.

Not only did they plunder the Treasure Vault of so many Celestial Dragons, they also gained a reputation that was enough to shock the world.

Then... he Awakening Conqueror's Haki?

This guy made a killing!

After a moment of silence, Shakky said, "You've really given me another surprise."

No wonder she has her eye on this little guy!

"Actually, I didn't expect to Awakening Conqueror's Haki," Xi Yan said. "This is quite an unexpected surprise."

"Then let's learn from that guy Rayleigh," Shakky said. "Let's try to master all of his Haki techniques!"

Now that this kid has Conqueror's Haki, then... he's qualified to learn Conqueror's Haki Infusion Entanglement!

Whether or not Xi Yan can learn it depends on his own talent and Rayleigh's teaching ability.

"That's natural," Xi Yan nodded.

If I could learn Conqueror's Haki Infusion, I could probably reach the level of one of the Four Emperors.

Of course, the development of Ninjutsu should not be neglected.

After all... he really wanted to unlock the Wood Style ability!

If he could learn Wood Style, he would have a chance to further develop his Mangekyō Sharingan, so this was something he couldn't afford to neglect!

As for whether we can manage the workload...

Don't be ridiculous. With his special Dojutsu and Shadow Clone Technique, why would he need to fear cultivation?

How can someone who hangs up such a thing feel so at ease with themselves?

Thinking of this, Xi Yan chuckled.

"What are you laughing at?" Shakky asked Xi Yan curiously.

It seems like this kid isn't thinking anything good.

"Nothing."

Xi Yan shook his head and then said, "Shakky-jie, is it okay to just leave those things piled up down there?"

"Do you need me to process them in batches using scrolls?"

"Can I use this scroll?" Shakky raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Uh... no." Xi Yan shook his head and said.

He hasn't yet developed Sealing Scroll ordinary people can use, so it can't be used.

"That settles it then." Shakky rolled her eyes at Xi Yan and said, "If I can't even use it, what would I do with a scroll?"

"Aren't I right here?"

"Don't you have to go back?" Shakky said. "I can't just let you stay here for six months because of this."

Wouldn't that waste Xi Yan's cultivation time?

Therefore, Shakky does not intend to do that.

Seeing that Xi Yan was about to say something more, Shakky said, "Alright, don't worry about this, just leave your safety to your older sister."

Just like she said before, if she can't even handle this matter, then she might as well give up.

"Alright then," Xi Yan nodded.

Then, Xi Yan picked up the snakeskin bag beside him and said, "Since there's nothing more for me here, I'll head back now."

More than ten days have passed, and Hancock is probably getting impatient, so it's better to go back sooner rather than later.

"Then let's go back early," Shakky said. "Otherwise, it wouldn't be good if Hancock saw the latest issue of the newspaper."

She had confirmed that Xi Yan was still alive, but Hancock hadn't!

So... let's go back to Amazon Lily as soon as possible.

Upon hearing Shakky's words, Xi Yan's expression changed slightly, and he said, "The latest issue of the newspaper...?"

Indeed, if Hancock saw the latest newspaper, she would definitely come after her.

Thinking of this, Xi Yan immediately stood up, picked up the bag, and walked out.

"Hey hey hey!"

"Wait a moment!"

"What's wrong?"

Xi Yan paused at the door, then turned back to Shakky with a puzzled look and asked, "Is there anything else you need to tell me?"

Shakky did not answer immediately, but bent down and took out a large pot of wine.

After placing the wine jug on the table, Shakky patted it and said, "Take this jug of wine."

Upon seeing what was inside the wine jug, Xi Yan fell silent.

Then he said, "Is this for Uncle Rayleigh?"

"What should I bring him?" Shakky said speechlessly, "This is for you."

What's the point of giving Rayleigh this kind of wine now, since that guy won't be back anytime soon? So she never intended for Xi Yan to bring Rayleigh this kind of wine in the first place.

"For me?"

Xi Yan raised an eyebrow and said, "Shakky-jie, what you're saying..."

Shakky didn't give Huanxi a chance to finish speaking, interrupting her directly. "Alright, enough nonsense. Would your sister harm you?"

This is a high-end item worth 100 million Beli; she doesn't usually give it away to just anyone.

"Well... alright then."

Seeing that Shakky had said so, Xi Yan stopped being coy and went back to put the wine jug into the Sealing Scroll.

"That's more like it!" Shakky said with a smile, "You'll thank me sooner or later."

"Actually, I don't really need it," Xi Yan muttered.

Shakky rolled her eyes upon hearing this, then said, "Alright, enough nonsense, let's go."

"See you later, Shakky-jie."

"Um."

After finishing her sentence, Shakky seemed to remember something and said, "Oh right, take your Den Den Mushi."

"Oh, they're here!"

After casually placing the Den Den Mushi into his pocket, Xi Yan activated his Transformation Technique, turning himself into someone else's appearance, and then darted away with a whoosh.

Watching Xi Yan flee in disarray, Shakky curled her lip and said, "Young people these days are so thin-skinned."

Then, with a smile on her face, Shakky picked up the cigarette that had been on the table, took a drag, and said:

"I hope these two young people will like the wedding gift I prepared for them~"

After smiling, Shakky picked up the Den Den Mushi on the table and dialed the number of one of her subordinates.

"Pineapple pineapple pineapple~"

"Pineapple pineapple pineapple~"

"Pineapple pineapple pineapple~"

"Click~"

"Hello, is this the BOSS?"

"Yes, it's me."

Shakky said calmly, "There are blackfish to deal with. Bring a few people to my place."

"Yes, Boss!"

"Click~"

After ending the call, Shakky turned to look out the window, squinted, and began to think.

She had to be careful in order to get this shipment out safely!

Meanwhile, the New World.

On an island called Rikovicia, Katakuri had just led his crew in a fierce clash with the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates. In the end... Katakuri defeated the opposing captain with overwhelming superiority and took over this island famous for its sweets!

"Call..."

After letting out a long sigh of relief, Galette glanced at her subordinates and asked, "Have the wounded been treated?"

"It's all taken care of."

"That's fine then," Galette nodded.

After this expedition, my men should be much stronger now.

This is a good thing for their Totto Land.

Then Galette said, "Hey, do you have the latest issue of the newspaper?"

"The latest newspaper?"

"Yes," Galette nodded. "If you have any, bring me a copy."

I haven't heard from Xi Yan for so many days, and I wonder how he is doing now.

"This..."

The subordinate hesitated, clearly not wanting to give it to Galette.

"Um?"

Upon seeing this, Galette frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"

"Does my word no longer carry weight?"

"No, it's just that Katakuri-daren instructed that I couldn't bring you the newspaper, so..."

Upon hearing this, Galette immediately realized something was wrong.

"Why won't my Katakuri-gege let me read the newspaper?" Galette murmured.

Could it be... could it be that something happened to Xi Yan?

Thinking of this, Galette immediately said, "Get me the newspaper right now, hurry up!"

"But..."

"Bump!"

Without giving the other party a chance to waste words, Galette slammed the pistol at her waist onto the table.

That look seemed to say, "If you dare to say another word, I'll shoot you dead!"

Seeing this, the subordinate hesitated for a moment, then steeled himself and went out to get Galette a newspaper.

As for whether Katakuri-daren will punish him afterwards... we'll have to wait and see, but it's better than being beaten to death now.

"Lady Galette, the newspaper you requested..."

After snatching the newspaper, Galette opened it and glanced at it before her legs gave way and she slumped onto the stool.

The blatant headline was telling her again that the man she had chosen... was already dead...

A tear slid down her cheek, Galette said with some pain, "Xi Yan..."

At that moment, all her illusions shattered.

"Why..."

Katakuri, arriving near Galette, sighed helplessly and said, "Why did you do this to yourself?"

He didn't want his sister to see the message because he was afraid of upsetting her, but in the end... sigh.

Upon hearing her brother's voice, Galette immediately looked up and asked, "Katakuri-gege, is Xi Yan really dead?"

Looking at Galette, whose eyes were filled with tears, Katakuri paused for a moment, then said, "To be honest, I don't know."

"Have no idea?"

"Hmm." Katakuri nodded. "Normally, having this photo would mean he is indeed dead."

"But... this kid is immortal, so I can't confirm whether the World Government deliberately released this information."

While the latter statement may have been somewhat comforting, Katakuri's point wasn't entirely without merit.

After all... Xi Yan is immortal!

"It's good that there's a possibility of survival," Galette said with a sigh of relief.

Seeing Galette's renewed hope, Katakuri, wanting to say something but holding back.

"Katakuri-gege, I know what you want to say, but please don't," Galette said.

Katakuri paused for a moment upon hearing this, then nodded and said, "Okay."

Having hope is always better than having no hope, isn't it?

Just then, a subordinate ran in, saying, "Lady Galette..."

"Ah, Katakuri-daren is here too."

"What happened?" Galette asked.

"The Azure Wolf Pirates have arrived on this island," his subordinate reported. "Looks like they're here to cause us trouble."

Katakuri frowned upon hearing this. They'd actually come looking for trouble; were they a powerful group of pirates?

However, he quickly seemed to realize something and gave a speechless look.

The next moment, Galette asked, "Are those pirates very strong?"

"No, the captain only has a bounty of 150 million."

"One hundred and fifty million..."

After speaking, Galette paused for a moment, then turned to look at Katakuri and said, "Katakuri-gege, leave them to me."

She's in a really bad mood right now, so... these guys can just consider themselves unlucky!

"Good."

Katakuri, understanding Galette's thoughts, did not refuse but readily agreed.

Then he turned and walked outside, saying, "Let's go, I'll cover you."

Although the other party's bounty was less than 200 million Beli, he was still a pirate who had fought his way up, so he had to keep an eye on him.

"Yes, Katakuri-gege!!"