The Rocks Pirates fleet was on its way back.
Aboard the transport ship loaded with Heavenly Tribute.
The cabin doors stood wide open, and the piles of gold and treasure inside nearly spilled onto the deck.
Rare treasures from countries around the world, exotic local specialties, century-old vintage wine... The dazzling array was enough to make anyone's eyes swim.
Deeper inside, a special display had been set up, showcasing the most valuable spoils from this voyage—
Devil Fruits and Famous Swords.
Luo Tian leaned against the ship's railing, sipping the fine wine offered to the Celestial Dragons.
It was said to have been brewed for a hundred years from a hundred kinds of rare flowers and fruits. A single cask could buy an entire town.
"Ding! Mission complete: intercept Garp!"
"Rewards issued: Congratulations! You have obtained advanced Observation Haki and the techniques for using Ryuo!"
Luo Tian's eyes flickered.
Advanced Observation Haki... Ryuo...
These two rewards had come at just the right time.
His battle with Garp had made him keenly aware of the gap between himself and the top fighters.
It wasn't Devil Fruit abilities or swordsmanship, but the depth to which one could use Haki.
After all, in this world, Haki stood above everything else!
Garp had trained his Armament Haki to the level of Ryuo, even mastering internal destruction. Every punch carried the terrifying power to pierce defenses and strike vital points.
If he hadn't used Void Manifestation in time, he would probably have been injured in that fight.
Shiki had taken a sneak attack from Garp, and his face was still sore.
The difference between Ryuo and Conqueror's Haki Infusion was that the former enhanced penetration, while the latter increased critical damage.
"Gyahahaha! Luo Tian, you sure stole the show this time!"
Shiki carried a cask of fine wine and took a long swig before walking over and smacking a newspaper into Luo Tian's hand.
"Take a look! Those useless Marines sure moved fast!"
Luo Tian lowered his gaze.
His handsome young face was clearly visible on the wanted poster.
The photo seemed to have been snapped by a Visual Den Den Mushi during the battle. In it, he was holding his sword as he faced Garp's Fist.
Beneath it, the words stood out:
[Luo Tian, Officer of the Rocks Pirates]
[Bounty: 2,500,000,000 Beli]
[Dead or Alive]
2.5 billion!
Even though he'd been prepared, a flicker of surprise crossed Luo Tian's eyes when he saw the figure.
A first bounty of 2.5 billion... That was unprecedented.
It seemed the Marines had truly been driven to desperation this time.
"Gurararara!"
Heavy footsteps approached. Whitebeard came over carrying a cask even larger than Shiki's and laughed heartily.
"The Marines are still the same. They've buried the news of their failed operation and are telling the public only that we stole the Heavenly Tribute."
"A first bounty of 2.5 billion... The Marines really went all out this time."
Whitebeard tipped back his head and took a big swig of wine before continuing:
"But you could also call it 'raising someone up just to bring them down.'"
Luo Tian glanced up. "Raising me up?"
"That's right."
Whitebeard explained:
"They're putting you on a pedestal and making you a target.
A rookie with a 2.5-billion bounty will attract the attention of who knows how many ambitious people on these seas.
Pirates who want to make a name for themselves by stepping on your head, Marines who want to take your life to earn a promotion, and the Underworld's hired assassins..."
"But the Marines are also under pressure.
The theft of the Heavenly Tribute is a world-shaking event. They can't cover it up, so they have no choice but to make it public.
And when they do, they have to give the people an explanation.
Why was the Heavenly Tribute stolen? Because the Rocks Pirates are too powerful, and because they have a monstrous rookie."
"That way, the Marines' failure becomes 'understandable.'
It's not that they're incompetent; it's that the enemy is too strong."
Whitebeard's analysis had hit the nail on the head.
Luo Tian smiled faintly.
"So my name... has spread across these seas? That's not a bad thing!"
By now, the whole world knew that the Rocks Pirates had a new officer as powerful as a monster.
That meant that, starting today, he'd officially joined the ranks of the "big shots" on these seas.
Wherever he went, his face and name would inspire awe, fear, greed, and murderous intent...
But they would also bring power and status.
"A first bounty of 2.5 billion... Just what you'd expect from a disciple of mine, Golden Lion Shiki!"
Shiki showed not a shred of shame as he thumped his chest proudly, as if Luo Tian's achievements were all his doing.
"Looks like the Marines have their eyes firmly on you now! But don't worry. With me around, anyone who dares lay a hand on you will have their stronghold torn apart!"
Luo Tian rolled his eyes. "Hey, hey, Shiki, when did I become your disciple? We just sparred, that's all."
Just then, a figure slowly emerged from the cabin.
Rocks walked over to Luo Tian, Shiki, and Whitebeard. His gaze swept over the wanted poster in Luo Tian's hand, and the corner of his mouth curled into a meaningful smile.
"You three, come with me."
The three followed Rocks deeper into the cabin.
The interior was much larger than it appeared from the outside. The enormous space, more than fifty meters long and wide, was filled with...
Treasure.
A veritable mountain of gold.
All kinds of gold, silver, and jewels were piled high.
"So this is the Heavenly Tribute?"
Luo Tian couldn't help but exclaim.
These treasures were probably worth as much as a major country's treasury.
He made a rough estimate. The gold, silver, and jewels alone were worth more than a hundred billion Beli.
And this was only the ordinary treasure.
"No need to be surprised."
Rocks kept walking without turning around. "The real treasures are in the inner room."
Shiki slung an arm over Luo Tian's shoulder and lowered his voice.
"That's right. This stuff is just to keep the crew happy.
Let them grab a few gold coins and jewels, and they'll be satisfied. That'll keep them from making trouble."
"What we officers want..."
"Are the things that can truly make us stronger—"
The four continued deeper in, crossing a valley of piled-up treasure until they reached the door.
The moment Luo Tian stepped inside, his pupils contracted.
Seven exquisitely carved brocade boxes sat neatly on the room's display shelves.
On either side stood weapon racks made of ebony, displaying precious swords and blades that gleamed with flowing light.
Other display shelves held one priceless treasure after another.
"Gyahahaha! Now these are what we're after!" Shiki burst into laughter.
These Devil Fruits and Famous Swords were crucial to Shiki, who had ambitions of setting out on his own.
He'd already planned it out: if the promising subordinates on his ship ate the fruits, their strength would soar. When he eventually left the Rocks Pirates and struck out on his own, he'd have a stronger crew to build on.
Luo Tian and Whitebeard exchanged a glance, then walked toward the treasures, but their reactions were rather muted.
Both already possessed top-tier Devil Fruit abilities.
Luo Tian's Space-Space Fruit had limitless potential, while Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit was hailed as the "strongest Paramecia"—though, of course, the Space-Space Fruit was an exception.
Besides, each person could eat only one Devil Fruit, so they had little interest in these.
As for Famous Swords, Luo Tian had Black Dragon, and Whitebeard had Murakumogiri. Both were Supreme Grade Blades.
The treasures before them were precious, but they still weren't enough to catch their eye.
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