Keep Improving! Moria's Crew Caught in a Whirlpool

Lin Ye had never believed that the strong should refrain from acting against the weak.

As long as it made him stronger and did not violate his fundamental principles, he could do anything.

After all, in a world where the strong were respected and death could come at any moment, strength was his most fundamental support.

If the weak died, no one would pity them.

With such thoughts and convictions, Lin Ye swung his sword without hesitation.

His sword had inherited that same philosophy.

His swordsmanship was simple and efficient, designed solely for killing.

The slaughter continued across several reefs as Thriller Bark sailed directly into Wano Country's waters, then accelerated upstream against the current.

Holding a blood-dripping sword, Lin Ye turned to look at the sailing ship climbing the massive waterfall.

He could clearly see Moria standing at the bow, still holding his blade forward with that arrogant, wild expression.

Lin Ye withdrew his gaze and looked behind him.

On this reef, trembling pirates huddled together, staring at Lin Ye in terror.

When Lin Ye's gaze fell upon them, some pirates' legs gave out, and they were on the verge of collapsing to their knees.

A black Flying Slash swept past them. The clustered pirates stiffened, then sprayed blood and crumpled to the ground.

Sword in hand, Lin Ye headed for the next reef.

A short while later.

[Blank Trait: 158]

Lin Ye was very satisfied as he checked this haul.

It seemed the Beast Pirates' pirates were of quite good quality.

Their drop rate was higher than the pirates aboard the ships he had encountered before.

They looked like ordinary fodder, but their chances of dropping traits were higher.

Moreover, quite a few Two-Color Haki traits had dropped among them.

Based on his current analysis, Two-Color Haki, Three-Color Haki, and certain Devil Fruit abilities were higher-quality traits.

At minimum, they could be broken down into three Blank Traits.

It seemed his plan could be accomplished this time.

That was, raising at least one trait to level 10 here.

What Lin Ye wanted now was to upgrade Divine Departure, his highest-level trait.

As long as he could raise it to the maximum level, he should have the power to resist Kaido. Even if he could not defeat Kaido, he would still be able to retreat safely.

Of course, if he could upgrade some of his other traits while accomplishing that goal, that would be even better.

Kaido occupied Wano Country, so he definitely had plenty of subordinates.

Thinking of this, anticipation flickered in Lin Ye's eyes. He looked toward the waterfall pouring down from the ring of enormous reefs surrounding Wano Country, bent his legs slightly, then shot into the sky.

The air exploded beneath his feet as Lin Ye raced toward the waterfall at tremendous speed.

But the instant he crossed the waterfall, Lin Ye's expression tightened.

A whirlpool even larger than Thriller Bark had appeared in the waters within Wano Country's inner ring.

The whirlpool was violent.

Lin Ye clearly saw the island-like ship circle several times within the whirlpool before being swallowed whole and vanishing.

He also saw figures being flung from the ship as the vortex spun.

But compared to the whirlpool and the massive ship, human figures were far too insignificant to notice.

"So they fell into a whirlpool right after sailing upstream?"

As he watched the whirlpool that had swallowed the huge ship slowly fade away, Lin Ye searched through his memories.

Wano Country had been closed off because of its environment and the actions of those in power within it.

This should have been a natural disaster outside Wano Country, not something controlled by people.

Thriller Bark had simply been unlucky this time.

But had Moria encountered something like this originally?

Lin Ye frowned as he pondered.

If they had suffered heavy losses because of this whirlpool, it would not be good news for him.

His plan would likely run into trouble then.

But seeing that the whirlpool had already dissipated, Lin Ye had no intention of diving into the sea to search.

Who knew where the undercurrents beneath the water led.

Even though he had not eaten a Devil Fruit and did not have the weakness of fearing seawater, staying underwater for too long would still make it difficult to guarantee his own safety.

Still, Moria and his crew were not weak, and Thriller Bark was exceptionally sturdy.

They should not have been completely wiped out.

Thinking this, Lin Ye simply headed toward the massive island on the other side of the waters ahead.

Then he would wait. If Moria was fine, his great battle with Kaido would definitely continue.

It would not be too late to hurry over then.

Even if it did not, he could not have come here for nothing.

That was the judgment Lin Ye made.

After all, opportunities to harvest traits freely were rare. He could not let one slip away.

In Lin Ye's eyes, Wano Country was now a massive and richly rewarding hunting ground.

But if he acted alone...

A thought stirred in Lin Ye's mind.

[Upgrading Strong Physique to level 7 will consume 64 Blank Traits. Upgrade?]

"Yes!"

[Strong Physique upgraded to level 7]

The effect was immediate. Lin Ye instantly felt his muscle fibers become tougher and his heart beat more powerfully.

But that was not all.

[Cat-Cat Leap upgraded to level 5]

[Mighty Arms upgraded to level 6]

[Blank Trait: 14]

Since he was going to act alone, he could not afford to hold back for now. He would strengthen himself first.

Strong Physique improved his body's overall strength.

Cat-Cat Leap and Mighty Arms specifically enhanced the strength of his legs and arms.

One increased his mobility, while the other increased the power he could wield in direct combat.

If he truly encountered danger, every trait other than Strong Physique could be destroyed.

"That should be enough for now!"

After upgrading the three abilities again, Lin Ye looked toward the rapidly approaching massive island.

Next, he would avoid Kaido and any powerful fighters who might delay him, then begin the slaughter.

Lin Ye's figure became a black shadow as he landed directly along Wano Country's coast.

After landing, he fully spread out his Observation Haki.

Without lingering, he vanished in an instant.

Several hundred meters away, Beast Pirates pirates were using telescopes to watch the place where the three-masted ship had just sunk into the whirlpool.

"Report to the captain immediately! Moria's crew fell into the great whirlpool. We don't know where they'll emerge!"

The pirate who lowered his telescope immediately shouted, only to hear several heavy thuds behind him.

His heart tightened, and he abruptly turned around.

A swordsman stood behind him, while the few companions who had been beside him earlier had already been beheaded.

Only then did the smell of blood spread through the air.

Lin Ye considered that shout the pirate had managed to make.

It seemed falling into the great whirlpool most likely would not result in the ship being destroyed and everyone dying.

They did not know where they would emerge, which meant the undercurrents connected to the whirlpool could lead anywhere.

"Where is this place?"

With that thought, Lin Ye's expression softened, and his voice became gentler.

But the pirate whose telescope had fallen to the ground did not believe that this youthful-looking fellow was easy to talk to.

"Ah!"

The pirate drew the long blade at his waist and slashed straight at Lin Ye.

Lin Ye raised a hand, gathering Armament Haki in his palm as he caught the descending blade.