Under Stella's precise control, the Ark Maxim sailed along the course of the Log Pose for several more days.
During this time, the newcomers on the ship gradually adapted to the rhythm of the Roy Pirates.
Moria was suffering terribly under Bullet's "hellish" physical training.
However, he could also clearly feel his physical strength and Haki slowly increasing, and that bit of resentment turned into motivation to become stronger.
Under Stella's guidance, Vera also began physical training, and Roy gave her a lot of advice on developing her fruit.
Dr. Gracia, however, was frustrated by the lack of experimental equipment and complained to Roy several times.
Roy had no choice; his priority now was to improve his strength. He could only promise the doctor that he would get the experimental equipment as soon as possible before sending him away.
To keep Dr. Gracia busy, Roy also arranged for Bullet to begin giving him basic physical training.
After all, as the only scientist on the ship, and Devil Fruit User, it would be a huge disgrace to Roy if he didn't even have basic escape skills.
On this day, the weather was clear and cloudless.
Roy and Hawk Eyes were sparring on the deck. Their blades flashed and sword energy crisscrossed, yet both of them kept their movements within a very small area, demonstrating exquisite control over their power.
At this moment, Stella, who had left the driver's seat, interrupted their sparring session.
" Roy! We've now entered Whitebeard's territory!"
Where are we supposed to find them?
Roy and Hawk Eyes simultaneously sheathed their swords and retreated. Roy waved his hand, and a newspaper floated out of the cabin.
Roy unfolded the newspaper.
"Look here," Roy pointed to a news article on the edge of the newspaper.
The Roger Pirates escaped the pursuit of Garp the Marine Hero once again!!!
According to eyewitnesses, the Roger Pirates were last seen near Whitebeard's territory, specifically on Brewing Island.
" Roger and Whitebeard? They are certainly worthy opponents!"
Having gained immense Hawk Eyes from his battle with Golden Lion, Hawkeye is clearly very interested in Whitebeard and Roger.
"That's right,"
Roy folded up the newspaper, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
" Roger and his crew's objective this time is Kozuki Oden, the Second Division Commander of Whitebeard's ship."
"Given how much Whitebeard values his family, a major battle between them is inevitable."
Stella immediately understood Roy's intention in going to Whitebeard's territory and couldn't help but feel a little worried.
" Roy... you want to... intervene in the clash between two 'kings,' but last time you faced the Golden Lion..."
"Don't worry, Stella."
Roy gave him a reassuring look.
"This time it's different from the Golden Lion; there won't be a fight to the death."
"Moreover, a clash between two legendary pirate crews is a rare and precious opportunity for us to hone our skills and learn from each other!"
"How could the Roy Pirates miss an opportunity like this?!"
"Alright!" Stella could only helplessly reply, looking at Roy's enthusiastic expression.
"Good!!"
"Then adjust course! Destination— Brewing Island! Full speed ahead!"
"Understood!" Stella immediately returned to the cockpit, Ark Maxim, propelled by golden-red lightning, sliced through the sea and changed course.
Upon hearing the news, Bullet was so excited he almost roared to the heavens.
Being able to participate in the clash between the elite members of the Roger Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates was the battle he had always dreamed of!
Tesoro, while manipulating lightning to replenish the ship's energy, muttered to himself...
"Hopefully I can snag some benefits along the way... I've heard Roger's treasure is quite substantial..."
After several days of sailing, the outline of ' Brewing Island ' came into view.
Roy used his Observation Haki to spread out, but he did not detect any trace of Roger or the others on the island.
"I'm too late! Looks like they've already set off!" Roy thought to himself as he stood at the bow.
According to Roy's understanding, the great battle between Whitebeard and Roger should have taken place on a deserted island.
However, due to my involvement, I don't know if we can still fight on the desert island as before.
"Sigh! Hopefully, I can catch up with their battle!"
Roy sighed softly, signaling Stella to stop the boat, and looked at Tesoro.
" Tesoro, you're fast. Go ashore and gather information to see where the Roger Pirates went."
Leave it to me!
Tesoro responded, his body instantly becoming elemental, transforming into a bolt of Inazuma and disappearing from the spot. The next moment, he appeared on the streets of Brewing Island.
" Roy..."
"Let's talk about it when Tesoro gets back!"
Roy patted Bullet on the shoulder, interrupting him as he was about to speak.
The group remained on the boat, waiting; the atmosphere was somewhat somber.
The anticipated showdown did not happen, which disappointed Bullet and his team who had been full of expectations.
About half an hour later, a flash of lightning appeared, Tesoro returned to the deck. Before anyone could ask, he hurriedly began to speak.
"Boss, we've found out."
"The tavern owner on the island said that the Roger Pirates did indeed arrive here two days ago, but they only stayed for a short time, replenished some supplies, and then left in a hurry."
"Which direction did you leave in?"
"It's in the northeast!"
"And there's another crucial piece of information—shortly after the Roger Pirates left, a Marine warship followed them headed in that direction."
" Garp!" Bullet's fighting spirit ignited instantly.
"That naval hero got involved too!"
"Oh! No, the tavern owner said it's just an ordinary warship."
Tesoro's answer immediately dampened Bullet's spirits, but Roy was overjoyed.
If I remember correctly, before the major battle between the Roger Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates, Roger and his crew did indeed first deal with a group of Marines.
It seems their meeting didn't change because of Roy's involvement.
Roy instructed Stella to unfold the nautical chart, then traced Roy finger towards the northeast.
"Ahead of here... lies an unmarked archipelago."
Stella carefully examined the nautical chart and calculated the distance.
"They've only been gone two days. If their course remains the same, the Ark Maxim should be able to catch up quickly!"
"Let's go!"
"Full speed ahead, keep up with them! Hopefully, you won't miss this battle between legends!"
"Um!"
Bullet clenched his fists tightly; he had been looking forward to this battle for a long time.
Hawk Eyes silently began wiping his Black Blade.
Apart from the three who had just boarded, everyone else on the boat looked on with anticipation.
Ark Maxim changed course again and sped along the northeastern route.
After sailing at full speed for about a day, Roy, standing at the bow, suddenly frowned.
"There are lingering signs of battle ahead..."
As the ship continued forward, everyone saw a large amount of ship debris floating on the sea, clearly the wreckage of warships.
Some fragments of naval uniforms were also floating in the seawater.
"This is... the warship that was tracking Roger?" Tesoro.
Bullet clenched his fist excitedly. "So, we're getting closer and closer to them!"
"It seems so." Roy nodded.
"Keep going!"
After Roy finished speaking, he unleashed his full Observation Haki, and the Ark Maxim took flight under Tesoro's control, flying even faster forward.