"Ah!!"
Upon hearing that Luo Chen was going to give them special training, George's face fell, and he exclaimed in surprise.
"What 'ah'... Hurry up and eat. Start training immediately after you finish, especially you and Lulith. Your strength is far too weak. You won't be able to survive safely in the New World at this level. The only way to live better is to become stronger. I've taken out my most precious training time to do this with you. Instead of thanking me, you dare to be so disdainful?"
Seeing George's expression, Luo Chen's anger flared up instantly, and he vowed in his heart that he would change his name if he didn't make him lie down later.
After a hurried lunch, the group was barely able to rest before Luo Chen dragged them into training, ostensibly to aid digestion. For two days straight, both Luris and George endured Luo Chen's hellish training, with George receiving particular attention and undergoing twice the training volume of Luris.
He had raised his hand in protest, but Luo Chen immediately retorted, "What, you want to protest against me? Are you a woman too? If you dare to admit it, I'll adjust your training volume to match Catherine's..." This instantly deflated him, and he buried himself in his cultivation.
In the blink of an eye, a day and a half had passed, and it was already the morning of the third day. At this moment, Luo Chen and the others' ship finally approached their destination, the Sabaody Archipelago. Under a white mist, a huge rocky mountain range that seemed to reach the sky was vaguely visible. This was the only way to pass through the New World... the Red Line. By circling around this place, they could pass through the final land and arrive here again, becoming the king of this era... the Pirate King.
The Isel quickly sailed along the massive mountain range, and soon appeared not far from the Sabaody Archipelago. From afar, one could see towering redwood forests reaching into the clouds, dotted with shimmering soap bubbles. Bathed in light, the landscape appeared like a dreamlike place.
But this is only the surface. Hidden within this dreamlike island lies the world's darkest evil. Slave auctions are openly conducted here, disguised as a marketplace for labor. And here dwell the Celestial Dragons, the bloodline of the world's highest creators, who possess indescribable privileges and are protected by the government and the navy. The so-called Cipher Pol is nothing more than their lackey.
The island is now gathering the protagonists of a new era, the Worst Generation. Apart from the Straw Hat crew who have not yet arrived, everyone else has already settled on the island, waiting for the right moment to flood into the New World.
"Wow, what beautiful islands! Is this the Sabaody Archipelago? I heard about it back in the South Blue. It's said that there's an incredibly dreamlike island in the center of the world, located in the Grand Line, called the Sabaody Archipelago."
There, countless soap bubbles rise and fall; the island boasts commercial streets from all over the world, food streets, gambling dens, bars, and more. From that moment on, I longed to one day visit and see for myself whether the rumors were true. And now, it is indeed so...
"Captain Luo Chen, are we parting ways there soon? May I go inside and have a look around? Don't worry, I won't cause any trouble for the Luo Chen Pirates..."
On the ship, as Lulith looked into the distance, she was greeted by an extremely dreamlike scene. Only in her imagination could she describe how dreamlike it was. She couldn't help but have the idea of going inside to take a look. She looked at Luo Chen with her bright, shining eyes and pleaded with him.
"Stop talking, Lulith. Luo Chen won't let you take such a risk. The Sabaody Archipelago harbors unimaginable evil. A beautiful girl like you doesn't have much ability to protect herself. Once you step inside and are targeted by those slave traders, you can imagine the consequences. Moreover, the forces here are complex and intertwined. Even Luo Chen might not be able to save you then..."
Catherine tugged at Lulith's sleeve to remind her.
"Uh... what? Slave traders? Could there be people here like those disgusting guys from before? How could there be... on such a dreamlike island?"
Upon hearing the word "slave trader, "Lulith trembled violently, and asked Catherine in a slightly shaking voice.
"Hahaha, that's right, Catherine is right. The evils hidden here are beyond your imagination. The slave trade was rampant here, and it was once touted as the world's number one slave trading center."
If Lulith gets captured, it will be quite a challenge for me to rescue you. However, if you wish to go in, you can, but you'll need Catherine or Phil to accompany you. Only those two possess the strength to ensure your safety!
Although Luo Chen admitted that rescuing Lulith here would be difficult, he didn't say it was impossible. Just like Luffy and his crew, who were like hotheads back then, even when their comrades were being auctioned off by the Celestial Dragons, they still rushed forward without hesitation.
If someone with his current strength, comparable to his future self two years from now, were to cower and hesitate to intervene in the so-called intricate web of relationships to rescue his companions, what would be the point of him reaping the rewards and continuing towards his dream?
"But Luo Chen, wouldn't this give you...?"
Before Catherine could finish her worried words, Luo Chen raised his hand to stop her, saying...
"No need to say anything more, Catherine. I know what I'm doing. You all feel the same way. If you want to go to the island for fun, don't worry, just go ahead. As your captain, I, Luo Chen, should be your strongest shield. If no one provokes us, fine. But if they do, we don't need to hold back, even if they're Celestial Dragons. As members of the Luo Chen Pirates, you should have the proper demeanor and spirit, understand?"
As if giving a lecture, Luo Chen encouraged them, instantly brightening their previously dim eyes. Their eyes shone as they stared intently at the faintly visible amusement park sign on the island, their excitement growing as they exchanged glances with their interested companions.
"Eh... I understand. I'll stay close to them and keep a close eye on them so I won't cause any trouble for the pirate crew. Is there anything else you need to tell me? If not, you'd better get ready quickly. I can already see the Marines on shore waiting for you..."
Catherine sighed helplessly. As the adjutant to the reserve Admiral Momousagi, she naturally knew more about the island than others. This island, which could be described as a dreamlike place, could not be an exaggeration to call it the Island of Sin. She herself was very reluctant for the crew, especially Lulith, to go ashore for sightseeing, but since Captain Luo Chen had personally given the order, how could she not obey?
Then she caught sight of navy personnel standing in formation with guns on the shore. She knew that the people who had come to meet Luo Chen had arrived, so she had no choice but to ask them with concern.
"Oh... they've arrived already. I didn't expect the Navy to find out about our arrival so quickly. Well, I should get ready then. Speaking of which, I remember there's a big screen in the center of the plaza that broadcasts the live battle situation at Marineford. If you're interested, you can go there and take a look, and see your captain's heroic bearing."
Well, that's all I wanted to say. Oh... by the way, I'll need your help with Phil's affairs afterwards. Don't worry, we'll have a real match after I return...
As Luo Chen spoke, he looked at Phil, who was leaning against the outer wall of the cabin, and entrusted him with the task.
"Gurarararara, since you've said so, then rest assured and entrust them to me. I swear on my honor as Champion Fighter that I will protect their lives..."
Phil had been gazing at the island, a slight stirring stirring within him. However, unlike others who yearned for new things, he was driven by a desire for a decisive battle between the strong. Upon hearing Luo Chen's promise, he smiled and patted his chest in assurance.
"Okay, then I'll leave everything to you. I have to go now, see you soon!!"
Splash...
Having said that, two crimson wings made of Blood Breath materialized behind him, flapping as he flew toward the shore.