After leaving the abandoned shipyard, Roy and Bullet headed straight for the White Dove.
At that moment, Bullet was looking excited and unconsciously twisted his neck.
" Sabaody Archipelago... Hmph, isn't that the territory of the Marines and Celestial Dragons, Roy?"
"Um!"
Roy thought about it more deeply. Sabaody Archipelago, as the end point of the first half of the Grand Line, is adjacent to the Marine Headquarters and the Holy Land Mary Geoise, a place where all sorts of people mingle.
A vortex where the World Government, the navy, pirates, slave traders, and various underground forces intertwine.
Although the last time it caused a big stir was four years ago, its return this time will inevitably attract attention from all sides.
" Bullet, our main target this time is the Treasure Tree Adam. We must ensure we get the materials first, so let's keep a low profile for now."
Bullet gave a noncommittal snort, but did not refute it. Although belligerent, he certainly understood that the primary task at hand was to ensure the ship could be built smoothly.
The two returned to the dock where the White Dove was moored.
Having received Roy's notification earlier, the group who had been wandering around town returned to the ship.
Tell everyone what's going on.
" Treasure Tree Adam?"
"I've heard that's the toughest wood in the world!"
As a navigator, Stella clearly had some knowledge of the materials used in various ships.
" The Sabaody Archipelago..."
Tesoro's eyes flickered. The Sabaody Archipelago was a place he couldn't bear to recall, but now he had been reborn and had even eaten the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, which was said to be the strongest Logia- Logia Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
"An auction? Looks like I have no choice but to go this time."
"Yes, that's right!"
"However, not everyone is going this time. It's just me, Bullet, Mihawk, and..."
Roy glanced at Tesoro, who was staring intently at him, and decided to take him with him.
"Then let's add Tesoro to the list!"
"Yay!!"
Tesoro cheered. The few who weren't called looked disappointed.
Roy patted Pea's head and looked at everyone.
"Don't be disappointed, there are still tasks for you here."
Upon hearing Roy's words, Savi, Pea, Stella, Enel, who had initially been somewhat disappointed, immediately looked up.
"What big mission is it, boss?" Savi asked impatiently.
"We'll head to the abandoned shipyard first and deliver the gold to Master Tom. You all stay around and protect him, making sure the World Government doesn't disturb him."
"Make sure the ship can be built smoothly once we bring back Adam Wood."
"Understood, boss! Leave this to me!" Savi patted his chest and assured him.
Roy was still a little worried and looked at Stella, the oldest among them.
" Stella, keep a close eye on them and try not to cause too much trouble that might attract the World Government's attention. If they run into any trouble..."
"Yes, Captain!"
This time, Roy directly piloted the White Dove, circling halfway around Water 7 before stopping at the abandoned shipyard where Master Tom was.
After arranging everything, Roy asked Pea for a storage bag and checked the empty space inside; it seemed he could fit quite a few more things in it.
After bidding farewell to everyone and giving the unruly Savi and the others some final instructions, Roy took Bullet and Hawk Eyes and flew towards Sabaody Archipelago Islands, while Tesoro transformed into lightning and followed them the whole way.
Judging from his relaxed demeanor, he was clearly not flying at full speed.
Half a day later, the familiar scene of the Sabaody Archipelago reappeared before their eyes.
The colorful bubbles refracted a dreamlike light under the sunlight, presenting a stark contrast to the darkness and sinfulness of the Lawless Zone.
Roy and his three companions stopped in a deserted area on the edge of the island, where they made simple disguises.
"Boss, where do we go next?"
Roy looked up at the sign on the tree: Area 20.
"Go to Area 13 first. If you want to find information, of course you should find Miss Shakky."
Let's go.
Area 13, Shakky's Rip-off Bar.
Compared to a few years ago, nothing seems to have changed here; the old but clean signs and the quiet atmosphere.
Roy pushed open the familiar wooden door.
"Jingle!"
The bell on the door rang crisply. Inside the bar, Shakky still had that languid and charming look, a slender cigarette between her fingers.
Hearing the doorbell ring, he looked up and his gaze fell on the four people who entered. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, which quickly turned into a smile.
"Oh, what a rare guest!"
"Four years have passed. That little brat has become a big shot now. Roy, ' Heir of the Demon ' Bullet, ' Hawk Eyes ' Mihawk, and this one?"
Shakky's gaze finally settled on Tesoro. Clearly, the Devil Fruit hadn't recognized him, leaving Tesoro looking exasperated as he entered.
"Hey, Sister Shakky, I was one of the first people who followed the boss. I was here before, how could you not recognize me!"
Hearing the reminder, Shakky recalled the scene and finally looked at Tesoro's green hair.
"Oh dear, oh dear, I'm so sorry, sir."
Roy walked to the bar, took off his hood, revealing a handsome and much more mature face, and smiled.
"Miss Shakky, it's been a long time. You're still as beautiful as ever."
"You've got such a sweet tongue. I heard from Rayleigh that your strength shouldn't be underestimated!"
"Hahaha!"
"They're still far from there. Have Roger and the others already gone to the New World?"
"They just set off a few days ago and caused quite a stir on the island."
Shakky put down her wine glass and picked up the wine bottle.
How many drinks?
"Juice will do," Roy said, pulling out a chair and sitting down.
"Hmm! They've set off so early? Looks like we'd better hurry."
"However, we came here to gather some information."
Bullet, Hawk Eyes, Tesoro each found a seat and sat down in silence.
"Oh? What news is so important that you're taking it so seriously?"
Shakky poured Roy a glass of juice, then looked at the three of them.
And you?
"Wine," Bullet said succinctly.
"Same," Hawk Eyes said calmly.
"I... um... I'll have juice too." Tesoro felt inexplicably nervous under Shakky's teasing gaze.
Shakky skillfully poured the drinks, pushed them in front of the group, and then looked at Roy, waiting for him to continue.
"We want to know specific information about the Treasure Tree Adam Wood," Roy stated his purpose directly.
" Treasure Tree Adam Wood is in high demand right now."
"This auction is being held by the ' Shipping King Umit ' Trading Company, and there are quite a few important figures involved. Several famous pirate crews have sent people here, after all, everyone wants their ships to be more sturdy."
Shakky flicked her cigarette ash, her tone slightly grave.
"As for the World Government and the Navy... they haven't openly participated, but CP members are definitely involved, and the Marine Headquarters seems to have gotten wind of it and has been making some significant moves recently."
Roy wasn't surprised by this and nodded.
When does the auction start?
"Tomorrow afternoon, still in Area 1,"
"Do you need me to get you a few invitations? Although, given your methods, you could easily just barge in."
Seeing Shakky staring intently at him, Roy did not refuse.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Miss Shakky."
Shakky smiled and took out four exquisite invitation cards from under the bar.
"It's all prepared, Cheng Hui... ten million Beli."
Roy's lips twitched, but he still paid the money readily and took out a pile of gold coins from his storage bag. Shakky's reputation for 'extortion' was indeed well-deserved.