Remember this site in one second: iashu. Massive collection of books, free to read and download.
A month had passed since Ye Chen became a rear admiral and graduated. During that month, he rarely left the villa, only training in the backyard.
He had also applied for a great deal of training equipment. Though he ended up drenched in sweat every day, and even caused an explosion once that drew complaints, Ye Chen felt fulfilled.
A month ago, after Smoker and Vergo had chosen their subordinates, they had left impatiently without staying long, much to Hina's dissatisfaction.
As usual, Ye Chen trained shirtless, wearing weighted gear and lifting a specially made barbell, every muscle in his body taut.
"Brother Ye Chen!"
The front door was slammed open. Hina rushed in wearing a dress and, clearly familiar with the place, headed straight for the backyard.
Judging by the way she acted, she had stayed over at Ye Chen's place quite often this past month. In fact, Hina had now claimed the entire third floor, returning from the academy every few days to stay 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 utter unsurprise. Over the past month, Ye Chen had done nothing but train. Every time Hina returned, she found him training.
The first time she saw the scars covering Ye Chen's body, Hina had even cried. No one knew exactly why.
The ground shook as the barbell sank deep into the earth. Ye Chen stood up, sweat pouring down his face, 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. Smoker and Vergo's departure had put her in a terrible mood for days. Fortunately, Ye Chen had remained behind, or there was no telling how upset she would have become.
"Did Shu and the others tell you?"
Ye Chen picked up a towel from the side and wiped away his sweat.
"Mm." Hina looked utterly downcast, as though all the energy had drained out of her.
"Everyone has their own path. You'll leave someday too. It isn't as if you'll never see each other again. If you miss them, train hard and strive to graduate."
Ye Chen put on his clothes. Seeing Hina in low spirits, he offered a few words of comfort.
"But after all of you leave, I just feel..." Hina pressed her lips together and did not finish, but Ye Chen understood what she meant.
"You'll get used to it. Being alone isn't so bad."
"I'm not like you, Brother Ye Chen. How could I possibly endure it?"
"Aren't Shu and Very Good here too?"
"That isn't the same."
"How is it different?"
"Because..." Hina abruptly stopped, her face flushing red. Under Ye Chen's indifferent gaze, she was ultimately defeated. Lowering her head, she said despondently, "Brother Ye Chen, you idiot."
Without waiting for Ye Chen's reply, she turned and ran out.
Watching Hina run off, Ye Chen felt baffled. He soon 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 rose and fell in magnificent waves as the faint ocean 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 filed a report, then took some Beli, a Log Pose, and a Den Den Mushi. With a roar, he set off from Marineford alone.
This past month, Ye Chen had not only trained; he had also learned some basic knowledge, such as how to use a Log Pose and navigate. At the very least, he could ensure that he would not get lost.
As for his means of travel, it was nothing more than a simple 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 easier. All he needed was a light burst from his right foot, and the powerful impact would propel him across the sea like a rocket.
Moreover, the Sabaody Archipelago was not too far from Marineford.
It could be said that Ye Chen was bold because he was skilled. 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. Any severe storm would probably finish him off.
Perhaps he would only be able to handle such problems once he grew stronger.
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Kong had just finished discussing matters with Sengoku and the others. Recently, the situation across the seas had become increasingly unstable.
Just then, news of Ye Chen's departure reached Kong through a Den Den Mushi.
It was not only Ye Chen. Sakazuki and the others had also reported their departures a few days earlier. After all, they were the future of the Marines, and their movements had to be monitored. If they were killed, it would be a tremendous loss.
"That brat finally came around."
Upon hearing that Ye Chen had left, Kong chuckled.
Over the past month, all the other students had left Marineford. Ye Chen alone had remained, which had puzzled Kong and the others.
"He didn't select any subordinates? In other words, he left alone?"
With a little thought, everyone knew whom Kong meant.
"Yes. He left not long ago, and his means of transportation has stirred up quite a bit of discussion among the Marines."
"Oh?" Garp was curious.
"A surfboard. According to the Marines who saw it, there was an explosion, and then that brat vanished from the shore."
"A board? Looks like he combined it with his ability. Quite imaginative—just like Aokiji riding a bicycle by himself. He really stands out!"
"Young people just like flashy things." Tsuru curled her lips.
"Still, he should be heading to the Sabaody Archipelago this time. It seems he intends to take revenge." Kong frowned slightly. Considering the route and Ye Chen's past, it was not difficult to guess.
"As expected. It would be stranger if he didn't go take revenge!"
"Should we have the vice admiral stationed at the Sabaody Archipelago keep an eye on him? That place is full of all sorts of people."
"I'll give the order."
Everyone present knew that Ye Chen was going to seek revenge, yet no one stopped him. This world was ruled by the strong, and they had no reason to stop him.
If it involved nobles or someone whose identity carried major implications, they might intervene. But if the other side was merely a slave-catching crew or a group of thugs, there was no need at all.
And Ye Chen had no idea that Kong and the others already knew exactly what he intended to do.
Riding the wind and waves, Ye Chen looked out from afar. Upon the boundless azure sea, a figure shot forward like an arrow loosed from a bow, vanishing beyond the horizon in the blink of an eye.
Feeling the sea breeze rushing toward him, Ye Chen let out a heavy breath. He had been in this world for more than two years. After shedding so much blood and sweat, he had only just gained the qualifications to roam these seas. His freedom and his life were about to bloom in their most dazzling colors.
From this day onward, no one could block his path. He would stand at the pinnacle 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 it all.
World, wait for me!
Ye Chen spread his arms, and his previously calm face suddenly turned fierce.
Before you continue
Explore the wiki