Leaving Elbaf, Setting Sail Again!

Rocks' fight with the two CP0 agents was not in doubt.

After ten minutes of fighting, the two CP0 agents collapsed on the ground from exhaustion, while Rocks had only expended a significant amount of stamina.

However, Rocks was not satisfied with his performance.

It was only because the two CP0 agents were already severely injured and unable to move freely that he had the opportunity to wear them down. In the end, his victory over the two CP0 agents was not a clean win; rather, the two CP0 agents, realizing they had no chance of escape, resolutely ingested a fatal poison.

Magnus did not intervene.

Stopping CP0 agents from committing suicide was not a simple matter. In any case, he understood the general situation: the head of the CP Organization believed that with the disbandment of the White Wolf Pirates, some shelved plans could be restarted.

It wasn't just Carmel's side that had changed.

"It's been over half a year since the pirate crew disbanded."

Initially, Magnus's idea was to find a place to retire after disbanding the pirate crew. But if he was no longer able to fight, why should he risk his life for past promises?

However, the appearance of the system changed everything.

Over the past half-year, Magnus felt his body slowly recovering. The integration of his body and skills, the awakening of Conqueror's Haki, and finally, the battle with Rona, allowed Magnus to completely surpass his former self.

Ripley and Rocks were also growing at an astonishing rate.

This world is divided into four seas—East, West, South, and North—by the Grand Line and the Red Line. The Grand Line is a circular oceanic region that intersects the Red Line perpendicularly. It is also the most magical and dangerous sea route in the world.

Some call the first half of the Grand Line the pirates' paradise, while others call it the pirates' graveyard.

But regardless, the pirates and Marines active in the first half of the Grand Line would not be too powerful.

The latter half of the Grand Line, the New World where Magnus and his crew were currently located, was where the strong resided.

Magnus chose to stay in Elbaf for two reasons. Firstly, the process of drying and preserving the Adam Wood used for shipbuilding took a very long time. Even with the craftsmanship of the Giants, building a ship would take several years.

Secondly, he wanted to train Rocks and Ripley.

The only way to become stronger was to fight against strong opponents.

However, facing enemies that were too strong all at once would not be a battle, but a suicide mission.

Now, Magnus felt that even the weakest of them, Rocks, was qualified as a crew member.

Of course, pride leads to complacency.

Until Rocks defeated Ripley, he could only be an intern.

With three people on the ship, someone had to do the chores, right?

After Magnus's group brought Gulz and Haierdin back to Elbaf, they were warmly welcomed by the Giants.

Especially after learning that Ripley had single-handedly severely injured three CP0 agents, the old Giant Yoruru was so happy that he drank three large barrels of Green Fairy consecutively. After getting drunk, as if recalling something, he blushingly shouted that he wanted to challenge Magnus to a one-on-one fight.

Ripley naturally couldn't let the elder challenge her captain, so she decisively knocked Yoruru out, putting him into an infant-like sleep.

At the banquet, Magnus clinked glasses with Harald.

"Harald, I might not be able to keep my promise."

"Oh?"

"I originally planned to stay in Elbaf for two years, waiting for Rocks to grow and Ripley to become even stronger before setting sail."

Magnus poured himself a drink from a wine cup larger than his own body.

"But plans don't always keep up with changes."

Magnus smiled and pointed towards the sea, "The sea is calling me. This world has prepared a stage for me. If I refuse it, I would be too ignorant."

Magnus's gaze was sharp and bright.

After his battle with Rona, his activities in Elbaf would definitely be exposed. If the World Government's army were to attack, Elbaf might not be able to withstand the pressure.

After all, those old monsters of the World Government had been looking unfavorably upon the Giants for a long time, but they had never made up their minds.

Magnus did not want to be the catalyst.

Not at least for now.

"Then what about your ship?"

As the King of Elbaf, Harald could think of what Magnus was thinking, but there were some things he couldn't say himself.

"I'll leave it in your care for the time being."

Magnus laughed heartily. Anyway, building a ship with Adam Wood would still take a considerable amount of time, especially since Magnus wanted to build a large ship that even Giants like Ripley could easily accommodate, which would take even longer.

Originally, Magnus hadn't been able to make up his mind, but after Ripley ate the Mini Fruit, the most practical problem was also solved.

"I'll have to make my old partner work a bit harder."

Since Elbaf had no other ships, Magnus had to bring out his old partner again, letting his Black Pearl hold on for a while longer.

This might be the Black Pearl's last voyage.

"Carmel, Linlin will stay in Elbaf for the time being. Her size is too large, and she won't fit on the Black Pearl."

Magnus found the nun Carmel.

"I will come to pick her up before the next Winter Solstice Festival in Elbaf."

As long as she wasn't starving, Charlotte Linlin's Gluttony Disorder wouldn't easily trigger. Magnus had originally intended to bring her along, but given Charlotte Linlin's weight, Magnus feared she would crush his Black Pearl.

The Black Pearl was already quite old and couldn't withstand too much strain.

"Leave it to me."

Carmel sighed, looking at the white-bearded Magnus.

He wanted to persuade him, but didn't know where to start.

"Don't die out there."

"Pfft hahaha, Carmel, I won't die even if you do."

"...Get lost!"

Carmel's previous sadness vanished. This man was as detestable as ever!

However, before leaving.

Magnus checked the only mission on his system panel.

[Mission: Defeat Giant King Harald!]

[Unbelievable, the Giant King of Elbaf is willing to engage in a one-on-one fair duel with you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.]

[Mission Reward: Conqueror's Haki strength increased, cell activity increased. (Unfinished)]

After fighting Rona, Magnus clearly realized that Haki only improved after battling strong opponents.

With Magnus's current strength, only the world's top powerhouses could put pressure on him.

Ten years ago.

Both Magnus and Harald had touched that threshold but couldn't cross it.

Ten years later.

Magnus looked at Harald, Conqueror's Haki surging around him.

"Harald, let's fight!"

"Alright!"

Although he preferred peace, Harald never shied away from a challenge.

The same Conqueror's Haki rose around Harald.

Black and red light intertwined and clashed.

No one knew the outcome of this battle.

All they knew was that the entire underworld of Elbaf trembled for three full days.

Then.

Two men, covered in blood, sat on a flattened mountain range, raised their wine cups, and drank, laughing in unison.

A week later.

The White Wolf Pirates left Elbaf.