Osama Kingdom

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, another five months had passed.

On the training grounds, Madalina was under Luo Ya's watchful gaze, her eyes closed as she swung her sword toward the iron block in front of her.

As the iron blade swept through, the block split in two.

Bang!

Seeing the iron block severed, Madalina cheered and looked toward Luo Ya.

"You've been eating Divine Tree fruits every single day for nearly a year, and you're happy just because you can finally cut iron?"

Smack!

Luo Ya slapped Madalina on the forehead.

Madalina crouched on the ground, clutching her head, while Annajia stood to the side, smiling as she watched them bicker.

After training ended that evening, Luo Ya lay shirtless on his bed in the bedroom, with an equally bare Annajia draped across his chest.

"Give me the Log Pose for the Osama Kingdom. I've delayed long enough; it's time to set sail."

"Really? If things don't go well, just come back. So many years have passed; a few more won't make a difference."

Annajia said this with a mix of surprise and worry; after all, they had grown close over time. Having spent nearly a year together, she couldn't help but worry about him.

Luo Ya pinched Annajia's cheek. "Don't talk nonsense."

Once Luo Ya tucked the Log Pose away, a fierce "battle" ensued.

The next morning, Luo Ya arrived at the pier feeling refreshed and boarded the long-neglected Black Pearl.

Having been away from the ship for nearly a year, the cockpit was covered in dust. It wasn't that Brunen hadn't sent people to clean, but the captain's quarters and bedroom could only be opened by Luo Ya.

The deck and other accessible areas, however, had been kept spotless. After a busy period of cleaning the ship and restocking food and water, Luo Ya was finally ready.

He set sail for the Osama Kingdom.

On the pier, Madalina and Annajia watched the Black Pearl sail into the distance, their eyes filled with concern.

The Grand Line was divided into seven routes, and the Osama Kingdom lay on a different path than their current one. Even with the Black Pearl's exceptional speed, it would still take some time to navigate the sea.

During his days on the ship, Luo Ya spent his time meditating and performing basic physical training.

After all, at his current level, ordinary training methods were no longer effective, and the green Divine Tree fruits had long since ceased to provide any benefits.

Only through intense, heart-pounding combat and slaughter—baptized in blood and fire—could he become stronger.

Finally, he arrived at the port of Bekna Island, where the Osama Kingdom was located.

After locking up his ship, Luo Ya stepped onto the pier. Unlike the bustling, noisy crowds he had seen at other ports, the people here—though numerous—were mostly expressionless as they hauled cargo.

Aside from food and liquor, the most common sight was groups of slaves being driven by whips. Beyond these people who were clearly new slaves, the majority of the population bore a black, wolf-like or dog-like tattoo on their faces, their mouths agape to reveal clear fangs. Whether they were moving cargo or driving slaves, everyone wore this mark.

A small minority consisted of merchants or nobles dressed in finery, haggling with these marked individuals.

Luo Ya wandered around until he reached a tavern, where he ordered some food and beer. He ate while listening to the conversations around him.

"General Ambuseton even caught members of the Kuja Pirates this time!"

"Yeah, yeah, that country where they say it's all women—I don't even know how they give birth, haha!"

"What are you in such a rush for? Once they're wearing slave collars, just spend a few Beli and go experience it for yourself, won't you?"

This was followed by a burst of lewd laughter and vulgar remarks.

After finishing his meal, Luo Ya rented a room. Just as the waiter was about to leave after showing him upstairs, Luo Ya pulled out a stack of Beli.

"Tell me about this country. I'm here as a tourist."

The waiter calmly pocketed the Beli, wearing a look that any man would understand.

"Haha, you lords always say you're here for tourism. The pleasure districts of our Osama Kingdom are quite famous. Plus, I can recommend a few reliable places for you to buy a few to take home and serve you."

Through the waiter's explanation, Luo Ya finally gained a clear understanding of the country.

It turned out that not just anyone could become a citizen of the Osama Kingdom—only those with the wolf-dog brand on their faces.

These were the true nationals, slaves who had been branded with the soul-mark of King Ambux.

They made up the majority of the country; seventy percent of the population fell into this category.

The rest, wearing slave collars, were pirates captured by General Ambuseton or slaves taken from other conquered nations.

Some pirates with exceptional strength would also be branded and enslaved by the King.

However, the people of this country were quite content with their King. After all, in this world, being able to eat, stay warm, and not be killed by passing pirates was considered a happy life.

As long as they followed the rules he set, they could live relatively stable lives.

The way this country operated was somewhat similar to the utopia created by one of the Four Emperors, Charlotte Linlin.

Combined with the marks on everyone's faces, it was likely that their abilities were somewhat related as well. After all, the living conditions in Charlotte Linlin's territory required the sacrifice of lifespan, and the marks on these people's faces couldn't possibly be just for show.

Finally, the remaining people were those from other places—mostly nobles here to purchase slaves, or slave-trading groups here to sell them.

The veranda mentioned earlier was where captured female pirates were fitted with slave collars to serve as courtesans.

It had essentially become a must-visit attraction on the island, and most slave trading also took place within its confines.

After gaining a general understanding of the island's situation, Luo Ya returned to his bedroom to devise a way to approach Ambux.

A stealthy sneak attack was basically out of the question, and given Luo Ya's personality, he wouldn't do that anyway.

However, drawing his blade and charging in head-on would be too foolish, not to mention labor-intensive and thankless.

While brainstorming, Luo Ya pulled out a Den Den Mushi and dialed a number.

As the Den Den Mushi connected, a long face appeared on the receiver, marked with crisscrossing tattoos.

"I didn't expect you to call me, Luo Ya."

"Heh, Dragon, I'm preparing to take down a kingdom. How about I hand it over to you guys to take over after I crush it?"

"We are severely short-handed right now; I'm afraid we can't spare many people."

"Busy stirring up revolutions elsewhere? Surely you can spare enough people to haul away the wealth of an entire country?"

Hearing this, Dragon fell silent on the other end.

After a long while.

"What are your terms?"

"I want a Supreme Grade Sword! If you can't even manage that, you might as well give up on the revolution and go out to sea as pirates, Dragon."

"That is possible, but it will take a year to locate one. After all, most of the Supreme Grade Swords are currently missing."

Now it was Luo Ya's turn to fall into silent contemplation; after all, the wealth of an entire kingdom was more than enough to purchase a Supreme Grade Sword. It was merely a matter of time, given their rarity. If the Revolutionary Army needed that long, he might be better off considering other factions.

However, he had a favorable impression of Dragon, which was why he had contacted him first.

With Luo Ya silent, it was Dragon who became somewhat anxious.

"I will personally owe you a favor!"

It was no wonder Dragon was in a rush; one doesn't know the cost of living until they are in charge. Back in the Marines, he had never worried about food or supplies.

Now that he was leading his own organization, there were countless mouths to feed—after all, one couldn't expect people to revolt on an empty stomach. Dragon lost handfuls of hair every day worrying about money.

"Heh, the Osama Kingdom. I plan to make my move tomorrow."

Having said that, he hung up the phone and lay on the bed, pondering his strategy.