Luo Chen and the others were completely unaware of what had happened on Whole Cake Island, and after obtaining the information they wanted to know, they all returned to the ship.
The next morning, once the magnetic field of the Log Pose was fully charged, the group finally set off for their next island... Dressrosa.
"Hey, hey, hey, no way! Our next island's route is actually in that Heavenly Yaksha's territory! To be honest, I don't want to clash with him so soon. Are there any other directions?"
Hearing that George and the others were holding a nautical chart of the next island they had bought from the island, with the words "Dressrosa" clearly marked on it, Luo Chen rolled his eyes and said, "I know about it very well."
"Uh... I'm sorry, Captain, all the pointers are pointing that way. It seems we have no other route to take..."
Upon hearing this, George also wondered who the next island's owner would be, and shook his head helplessly, spreading his hands.
"Eh... well, let's leave it at that. Remember, try not to fight anyone there, and don't reveal your identity. It'll be troublesome if that guy gets involved..."
Knowing that things had come to this point and there was no way to change course, Luo Chen could only sigh and advise his crew.
"I remember that's the kingdom of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, right? Judging from your appearance, Luo Chen, you must have had some contact with that guy in Marineford?"
"The Seven Shichibukai, Heavenly Yaksha?! Isn't that Doflamingo, the sea rogue with a bounty of 330 million Beli? Are we going to go to his island next? That's really something! Before joining this place, I did a thorough investigation into that guy for a while, and it seems he's more than just Shichibukai!!"
Upon hearing the title "Shichibukai Tenyasha," Phil rested his chin on his hand, pondered for a moment, and then exclaimed in astonishment.
"A guy like the captain?"
"Well, that's not all. That guy is also one of the bigwigs in the Underworld, a middleman in the arms and slave trade called JOKER. We had a brief, unpleasant encounter in Marineford. Yeah, it was just a small matter where we both wanted to kill each other and tested the waters..."
"Huh??? This is considered a small matter?"
"Lulith exclaimed in astonishment."
"Yes, it's a small matter, but I don't want to have anything to do with that guy right now. My priority is to get a share of the spoils before the Four Emperors are completely reshuffled. I don't have time to get involved with him. Do you understand?"
Luo Chen nodded in response.
"Got it. Basically, just don't make a scene and let that guy find out!"
"Yes, that's right. Alright, now that everyone understands, let's disperse. Especially George, have you and Lulith completed your training quotas for today?"
Seeing that everyone roughly understood the seriousness of the matter and to ensure that they wouldn't cause trouble in Dressrosa, Luo Chen changed the subject and asked about George and Lulith's cultivation progress.
"There's no captain yet..."
"Me too..."
Both of them shook their heads and said...
"Then I'll be your sparring partner. Until we get there, just keep sparring with me... Simple training won't improve you much; you can only get stronger through real combat..."
Upon hearing that the two had not yet completed their daily quota, Luo Chen grinned and immediately took over their remaining cultivation practice.
"Uh... alright, since you're willing to personally guide our training, Captain, I have no objection..."
"I have no objection either..."
Seeing that the two had no objections, Luo Chen turned his back to them and spoke.
"Since you have no objections, then come along. We'll begin our cultivation now..."
Catherine, I'm entrusting the ship's movements to you..."
After saying that, he instructed Catherine had some basic navigational knowledge, to take over George's position.
"Hmm..." Catherine nodded in agreement, then took the Log Pose from George and walked towards the bow of the ship.
Thus, on the way to Dressrosa, Luo Chen took over the two's training progress, providing them with individual sparring sessions to increase their practical combat experience.
As the sun rose in the east and the moon set in the west, two days passed in the blink of an eye. On the morning of the third day, a crescent-shaped island came into view on the bright and clear sea. Dressrosa was about to arrive.
" Luo Chen... we're almost there..."
Seeing that they were getting closer to the island, Catherine's pretty face lit up with joy, and she turned to remind Luo Chen and the others on the boat.
"Hmm?! Almost there? Very good... In that case, let's temporarily halt your training..."
Bang...
Bang...
With that, he pushed off with his heels, instantly flashing past the two men, and simultaneously unleashed a punch, instantly defeating them.
Sizzle...
After transforming into Human-Beast Form, George and Lulith slid backwards along the floor for a distance before stopping. Their strength gave out, their powers reverted, and they returned to human form, lying on the ground without any dignity.
"Get up... Not bad. Although your strength hasn't improved much these past two days, your technique and control over Devil Fruits have become more refined. Hmm, keep up this momentum, and you'll be able to keep up with the pace of the New World's strongmen..."
Luo Chen lowered his head, his eyes sweeping over the two panting figures lying on the ground, a hint of appreciation flashing across his face. He nodded in agreement.
"You know what? That's wonderful, New World..."
Upon hearing this, George's eyes lit up instantly, and he clenched his fist excitedly. At the same time, a trace of hatred flashed in his mind, unnoticed by Luo Chen. It was hatred for his previous enemies. Although Luo Chen had already helped him eliminate his enemies before boarding the ship, the mastermind behind it all was still at large. Therefore, George had never relaxed in the slightest during this time, keeping his nerves on edge and constantly strengthening himself.
"Alright, hurry up and get up and change your clothes. We'll be landing in Dressrosa soon..."
Seeing that the two seemed very tired and unwilling to get up from the ground, Luo Chen couldn't help but remind them.
"Yes!!"
Upon hearing this, the two reluctantly got up and went back to their respective rooms to change into fresh clothes.
"We've arrived... It's a beautiful view, but who could imagine the darkness hidden behind this beauty? But that's not really my concern. Whatever, as long as you don't bother me, we'll be fine. Otherwise..."
Looking at the vast, beautiful garden filled with sunflowers before him, Luo Chen thought to himself.
To avoid trouble, the group did not dock the boat at the harbor, but instead moored it on the side of the island.
"We'll land here. Everyone be careful and don't go looking for trouble..."
As they reached the shore, Luo Chen gave them one last piece of advice.
"Alright, alright, I got it. Stop nagging, Captain Luo Chen..."
Phil waved his hand dismissively and said...
"Okay... let's go up then!!"
Luo Chen waved his hand, and everyone stepped ashore.