World, Wait for Me!

Ever since Ye Chen became a Rear Admiral after graduation, another month had passed. During that month, he rarely left the villa, only training in the backyard.

He also applied for a lot of training equipment. Though he ended up drenched in sweat every day and even caused explosions that drew complaints, Ye Chen felt fulfilled.

A month ago, after Smoker and Vergo selected their subordinates, they had left impatiently without staying long, which greatly dissatisfied Hina.

As usual, Ye Chen was bare-chested, wearing weights and lifting a specially made barbell as every muscle in his body tensed during training.

"Brother Ye Chen!"

In a whirlwind, the front door was slammed open. Wearing a dress, Hina made her way to the backyard with practiced familiarity.

From the looks of it, she had often stayed over at Ye Chen's place during the past month. Sure enough, the entire third floor had now been occupied by Hina. Every few days, she returned from the academy and stayed for a day or two.

Of course, Shu and Very Good came with her as well.

The moment she entered the backyard, Hina wore an expression of "just as expected." Over the past month, Ye Chen did nothing but train. Every time Hina came back, she found him training.

When she first saw the scars covering Ye Chen's body, Hina had even shed tears, though she did not know why.

The ground shook as the barbell sank deeply into the earth. Ye Chen stood up, his head covered in sweat, and glanced at Hina.

"What is it?"

Seeing Hina staring at him, Ye Chen was baffled.

"Brother Ye Chen, are you leaving too?" The moment Ye Chen spoke, Hina became dejected. Because Smoker and Vergo had left, her mood had been terrible these past few days. Luckily, Ye Chen was still here. Otherwise, who knew how much of a fuss she would have made.

"Did Shu and the others tell you?"

Picking up a towel from the side, Ye Chen wiped away his sweat.

"Mm." Hina looked utterly disappointed, as if her spirits had suddenly plummeted.

"Everyone has their own path. You'll leave someday too. It's not like you'll never meet again. If you miss them, train hard and strive to graduate soon."

Ye Chen put on his clothes. Seeing Hina in such low spirits, he could not help comforting her.

"But with all of you gone, I feel..." Hina pursed her lips and did not finish, but Ye Chen understood what she meant.

"You'll get used to it. There's nothing wrong with being alone."

"I'm not like you, Brother Ye Chen. How could I possibly endure that?"

"Don't you still have Shu and Very Good?"

"That's different."

"What's different?"

"Because..." Hina abruptly stopped. Her face reddened, and under Ye Chen's indifferent gaze, she ultimately admitted defeat. Lowering her head, she said gloomily, "Brother Ye Chen, you idiot."

Without waiting for Ye Chen's answer, she ran out.

Watching Hina run away, Ye Chen felt utterly confused. He then stopped thinking about it and went to the bathroom, intending to take a shower before developing his ability.

He would leave tomorrow. It was time to settle matters from the past.

The sea surged magnificently, its waves rising and falling as a faint sea breeze lifted Ye Chen's long hair.

Early that morning, Ye Chen left the villa without saying goodbye to Hina and the others. He merely reported his departure, then took some Beli, a Log Pose, and a Den Den Mushi. With a roar, Ye Chen set off alone from Marineford.

Over the past month, Ye Chen had not only trained. He had also learned some things, such as how to use a Log Pose and basic navigation. At the very least, he could ensure that he would not get lost.

As for transportation, it was simply a board—one meter long and half a meter wide.

That was right, just a board, like the kind used for surfing. With Ye Chen's current strength, maintaining his balance was not a problem. Moving forward was even simpler. He only needed to lightly blast off with his right foot, and the powerful impact would send him racing across the sea like a rocket.

Moreover, the Sabaody Archipelago was not too far from Marineford.

It could also be said that Ye Chen was bold because of his skill. Fortunately, these were the waters around Marineford, which were relatively calm. If this had been the New World, Ye Chen would not even know how he died. A random severe storm would probably have finished him.

Perhaps he would only be able to deal with such problems after becoming stronger.

In the Fleet Admiral's office, Kong, Sengoku, and the others had just finished discussing matters. The situation across the seas had grown increasingly unstable lately.

Just then, news of Ye Chen's departure reached Kong through a Den Den Mushi.

It was not only Ye Chen. A few days ago, Sakazuki and the others had also reported their departures to Kong. After all, they were the Navy's future and their movements had to be monitored. If they were killed, it would be an enormous loss.

"That kid finally came around."

Hearing that Ye Chen had left, Kong chuckled.

Over the past month, all the other trainees had left Marineford, while Ye Chen alone had remained. This had puzzled Kong and the others.

"He did not select any subordinates, so he left alone?"

After thinking about it briefly, everyone knew who Kong meant.

"Yes. He left not long ago, and his means of transportation has many Marines talking."

"Oh?" Garp was curious.

"A surfing board. According to the Marines who saw it, there was an explosion, then that kid vanished from the shore."

"A board? Looks like he combined it with his ability. Quite an idea. Just like Aokiji riding a bicycle alone—he stands out from the crowd!"

"Kids just like flashy things like that." Tsuru curled her lip.

"Still, he should be heading for the Sabaody Archipelago this time. It seems he intends to take revenge." Kong frowned slightly. Based on the route and Ye Chen's past, it was not difficult to guess.

"As expected. It would be stranger if he did not go for revenge!"

"Should we have the Vice Admiral stationed at the Sabaody Archipelago keep an eye on him? That place is a mixed bag, after all."

"I'll give the order."

Everyone present knew Ye Chen was going to take revenge, yet no one stopped him. This world was one where the strong preyed on the weak, and they had no reason to stop him.

If the other party had been nobles or had some complicated status, they might have intervened. But if they were merely slave-catching gangs or thugs, there was no need at all.

Ye Chen had no idea that Kong and the others already knew exactly what he intended to do.

Riding the wind and waves, he stood high and looked into the distance. Across the endless azure sea, a figure shot forward like an arrow released from a bow and vanished beyond the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Feeling the sea breeze blowing against his face, Ye Chen let out a long breath. He had come to this world more than two years ago. After shedding so much blood and sweat, he had only just gained the right to roam freely across these seas. His freedom and his life would now begin to bloom in their most dazzling colors.

From this day onward, no one could block his path. He would stand at the summit of this world. No one could control him, and no one could hurt him.

This sea had buried countless corpses, but he would definitely rise above them all.

World, wait for me!

Spreading his arms, Ye Chen's formerly calm face suddenly turned fierce.