Chapter 126: Water 7, the encounter of fate

These two Devil Fruits had different colors and shapes.

One was pure white, shaped like a jade plate.

The other was pale yellow, looking somewhat like a cactus.

Xia Nuo examined them for a while, but had no impression of either.

"Hey, what fruits are these? Do you recognize them?" He turned to look at Jabra.

"Cough..."

Jabra on the ground struggled to support himself with his arms, glaring at him. "You steal our things, and you still have the nerve to ask us? How shameless! How could I possibly tell you..."

"Of course I recognize them, chapapa!"

Fukuro, who was originally lying on the ground with his body twitching, raised his hand reflexively:

"One is the Zoan Cat-Cat Fruit, White Tiger form, and the other is the Logia Sand-Sand Fruit—it's the fruit of the Warlord Crocodile, who was killed by that terrifying big pirate Xia Nuo, oh. Both are very precious types, chapapa!"

"Fukuro!!!!"

Jabra roared through gritted teeth, clutching his chest, nearly dying of anger on the spot.

"Is that so?"

Xia Nuo raised an eyebrow.

Another Logia?

Am I at odds with Logia types? One after another...

However, just as Fukuro said, these two fruits were indeed of high value.

The Sand-Sand Fruit goes without saying, and the White Tiger Fruit is probably the top tier among Zoan types, excluding Mythical Zoans.

No wonder he heard them say earlier that the credit for obtaining these two fruits could offset the guilt of this failed escort mission.

He was originally just passing through this island, taking a vacation by the way, but the harvest wasn't small!

Xia Nuo nodded with satisfaction, leisurely putting the Devil Fruits back into his package and tying it up again. Jabra, lying on the ground beside him, saw this scene with eyes full of unwillingness.

"Hey!"

Jabra roared, but didn't dare to continue attacking. "A guy like you is definitely not a nobody. Stealing people's things is one thing, but you don't even dare to show your true face; that's too contrary to the style of a powerhouse, isn't it?!"

Defeating them, the elites of CP9, with a casual move in one encounter—this strength could simply be described as unfathomable!

"Seems like it..."

Xia Nuo rubbed his chin and nodded. "Buggy, just call me Buggy. That guy wearing the wolf mask earlier is my pet, Lion Richie."

"Hmm?" The three were stunned in unison.

Buggy, Buggy...

Wait, seems like I've heard this name somewhere—

*Thump!*

Before they could recall, the three of them rolled their eyes and fainted in unison.

"Since you were very cooperative, I won't kill you."

Xia Nuo easily picked them up one by one and threw them into the trash heap.

He controlled his strength precisely, enough for the three to sleep until tomorrow night, and by then, he would have long since left here, and even reached Water 7.

He had no murderous intent toward these guys who hadn't actively come to find trouble, but he also had no interest in recruiting them, especially someone like Fukuro...

Better to let him continue to exert his talents in the World Government.

Of course, the wool that should be sheared still couldn't be let go.

【You sacrificed Fukuro's big-mouth zipper, gaining 300 points】

【You sacrificed Kumadori's entire head of hair, gaining 300 points】

【You sacrificed Jabra's handlebar mustache, gaining 400 points】

A total of 1,000 points, bringing Xia Nuo's remaining points to 32,500.

Jack's hadn't been sheared yet; Xia Nuo wanted to wait. He felt that the most valuable things on that kid should be the two giant tusks after turning into a mammoth.

Once Jack learned Life Return, he would use the excuse of checking his progress to break off a tusk and try sacrificing it.

Before leaving the alley.

Xia Nuo glanced back at Jabra and the others one last time.

These agents were actually decent in terms of martial arts techniques.

But whether in strength or speed, in his opinion, they were a mess, and they hadn't even mastered Haki.

This gave him a general idea of the level of the rest of CP9.

If it was only to this extent...

It seemed there was absolutely no need to worry about the partners who had gone to Water 7 first.

The next morning.

The Sea Train departed from the pier, speeding toward Water 7.

But this time, the ones riding the train were the girls.

Nami leaned on Robin's shoulder, listless, dozing off every now and then.

After arriving at the carnival last night, she had been the one who played the wildest; although she had slept for a few hours after it ended, she still couldn't get her energy up.

Kuina was sitting opposite, holding the two Devil Fruits, head lowered, quietly pondering something.

"Are you still not planning to eat the fruits?"

Nojiko asked, resting her chin on her hand. "Clearly, when Big Brother handed these two fruits to you last night, I saw you were a bit tempted by the White Tiger Fruit. How come you've changed your mind after waking up?"

Now on the *Rakumu*, not counting the Captain and the two pets, the rest of the crew were almost all Devil Fruit users.

—Only Kuina and Zeff were left.

Uncle Zeff, well, he was still that stubborn self.

Insisting on his philosophy that a chef on the sea absolutely couldn't be a landlubber, he wouldn't eat a Devil Fruit even if he died.

This certainly made sense.

But Nojiko also had a guess in her heart, thinking that Uncle Zeff might believe he was getting old and his future growth potential was limited.

Therefore, he simply left the opportunity to the younger people who boarded later, while he slowly faded out of the main combat sequence and focused on managing his kitchen and restaurant.

Just like... the Streusen in the Big Mom Pirates that Big Brother mentioned?

And Kuina...

Under Nojiko's gaze, Kuina finally shook her head and put down the two fruits.

"I won't eat them." She said softly, her attitude calm and firm.

"This White Tiger Fruit, when I first saw it last night, did indeed make me hesitate. After all, it's a good thing that's considered precious even among Zoan types."

"After eating it, my strength, speed, and recovery ability could all be greatly enhanced, which could significantly increase my immediate combat power."

Kuina paused, her fingertips gently brushing the hilt of her sword.

"But, that is not my 'Way'."

Her path had been set since the first time she gripped a bamboo sword in Shimotsuki Village.

—Don't rely on external forces, rely only on yourself, and reach the top as the world's greatest swordsman!

This was certainly a more difficult path.

But precisely because of that, when she reached the peak of swordsmanship, that glory, that brand-new era, would truly belong to her alone.

Just like Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman today.

"Eh—" Nojiko blinked. "How should I put it? It's really your style."

She reached out and hugged Kuina's shoulder, grinning:

"But in that case, you'll have to work even harder than now, right? After all, the monsters on our ship are getting more and more numerous. Be careful that your position as Vice Captain isn't lost."

Not to mention the latecomers, Jack, who had just joined, was an out-and-out monster.

His physical strength was extremely astonishing, his fruit ability was perverted, and although he looked dumb, his talent for practicing martial arts was actually quite high.

In just these two days, his Armament Haki already showed signs of being an entry-level skill; it was estimated that in a month or two, he would be able to master it proficiently.

Kuina knew this too, but didn't care.

Work even harder on training?

She lowered her head and glanced at Wado Ichimonji, her mouth curling up slightly:

"No matter, that suits me just fine."

Descendants of Wano really talk in such a pedantic way, Nojiko thought, secretly curling her lip, and put the two Devil Fruits away.

*Tsk*, when would they run into a rookie worthy of these two fruits?

*Woo—woo—!!!*

The Sea Train spewed rolling white smoke, speeding along the tracks.

Suddenly, the train carriage shook violently, and with a muffled "thump," it seemed to have hit something.

The carriage swayed slightly, its speed pausing for a brief moment, but it soon returned to its original rapid pace.

Robin had originally thought it was an illusion, but when she looked out the window...

A giant light-brown frog was rolling and flying out, smashing into the sea in the distance with a "plop," splashing waves several meters high.

It was splayed out, belly up, its eyes becoming like mosquito coils, floating dizzily on the water surface, its tongue lolling to one side.

Not sure if it was still alive...

Was this frog trying to block the train?

After the surprise faded, Robin's gaze carried a trace of pity and sympathy.

Unfortunately, with such a disparity in size and strength, how could it possibly succeed?

Just like her in the past, alone, facing the behemoth that was the World Government, making her unable to breathe...

But now...

Robin lowered her head, looking at someone sleeping sweetly on her chest, and patted her cheek with a smile:

"We're almost there, wake up, Nami."

"Hmm... are we there?"

A giant bubble popped on Nami's nose. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, dazed.

She looked out the window.

Sure enough, in the distance on the horizon, a magnificent and prosperous city had already come into view.

Water 7.

This miracle land known as the "City of Water and Shipwrights" was like a dream island growing from the depths of the ocean.

Countless azure waterways ran through the entire city like blood vessels, connecting streets of different heights into a complex, three-dimensional network.

And the most eye-catching was the fountain at the highest point of the city center, like a giant pillar reaching for the sky.

It elegantly threw seawater into the high sky, only to scatter into a sky full of water mist at the top, draping the entire city in a dreamlike veil.

"Wow..."

Nami's sleepiness instantly vanished; her whole face was nearly pressed against the train window, her eyes unblinking as she admired the beautiful scenery before her.

A moment later.

*Woo—!*

With the long whistle, the Sea Train slowly pulled into the "Blue Station" platform.

"We're here!"

As soon as the train door opened a crack, Nami rushed out like a cannonball, clutching the still-dazed Nomi tightly in her arms.

"Slow down, wait for us, Nami!" Nojiko hurriedly grabbed the luggage and chased after her.

Robin and Kuina exchanged a glance and shook their heads helplessly.

Sure enough, without Xia Nuo by her side, this girl was simply like a wild horse off the leash, lawless, and no one could control her.

The two walked toward the direction where the two sisters had disappeared, talking as they walked:

"Before coming to Water 7 this time, Boss Xia Nuo gave us three serious tasks."

"The first is to exchange all the treasures obtained from the City of Gourmet into cash, then take the cash to the shipbuilding companies on the island and have them overhaul the *Rakumu*."

The treasures she mentioned referred to those seized from "Blood Saw" Jax.

That night, everyone had finished dinner and returned to the cabin, only to find more than a dozen treasure chests on the deck the next morning.

It was estimated that the citizens on the street had helped move them, and they hadn't taken a single cent of such wealth, leaving Kuina to only sigh at the local simple folk customs.

"The treasure chests are still on the ship; it's estimated they'll take another five or six hours to arrive."

Robin smiled faintly. "However, since we arrived first, we can make preparations, such as finding out the location of the banks on the island and planning the route."

"Hmm, leave that to me, Sister Robin. You go and meet up with Nami and Nojiko."

Kuina nodded slightly. "Take them and find the most reliable Vivre Card maker nearby. The previous towns were small and we couldn't find one, but in this big metropolis, there must be one."

"Is this the second thing the Captain ordered?" Robin asked. "Then what's the third?"

"The third..."

Kuina rubbed her chin and pondered; this was Xia Nuo's habitual action when thinking, but she had imitated it at some point:

"I don't quite understand either. Boss Xia Nuo only said that there are ambitious guys lurking on this island, and maybe we can stretch our limbs a little..."

Are we being targeted...

Robin frowned slightly: "Should we buy a few more masks?"

She was someone who didn't like trouble.

The atmosphere of the Mask Carnival clearly wasn't limited to the City of Spring Queen; in Water 7, one could also see guys wearing masks and exaggerated outfits on the road from time to time.

The pier outside the station also had quite a few vendors selling masks.

"No, forget it."

She shook her head and sneered. "Since Boss Xia Nuo said so, they definitely aren't any formidable characters. Masks are for the carnival, not for being a coward. Let's just leave it at that. If anyone dares to get in the way, let them ask the sword in my hand first!"

She was full of murderous intent, and the passersby nearby felt a chill for no reason, shivering and standing further away.

"Being with Kuina is also very safe." Robin watched the reactions of the people around her and smiled.

"Is that so? Pity we have to split up now."

Kuina said calmly. She suddenly stopped and looked across the waterway at the shop with the "Bull Rental" plaque:

"I'm going to rent a Bull and find the bank's location. You go and meet up with Nami and the others; if anything happens, contact me via Den Den Mushi."

"Hmm."

Bulls were marine creatures unique to Water 7 and were also the most common means of transportation in this city.

Resembling seahorses, they were very strong; even the smallest Bull could carry four or five people and shuttle freely between the waterways of this metropolis.

And the largest Emperor Bulls could directly tow large warships.

On the train, several of them had learned some common knowledge about Water 7 through the booklets sold by the conductor, so Robin understood immediately and nodded.

Kuina didn't say anything else, and the two split up at the fork in the road.

Ten minutes later.

Inside a tavern.

"Cheers!"

Nami and Nojiko sat at the bar, drinking heartily.

"Oh my, so you're here."

Robin pushed open the louvered door and walked in, saying helplessly: "I looked all over for you. Although we don't need to be in such a hurry to find the Vivre Card shop, Nojiko, the Captain gave orders, right? We can't let Nami drink at such a young age..."

"Ha! Knew you'd say that!"

Nami had a triumphant expression, as if she had predicted it, and held her glass high:

"Look closely, it's non-alcoholic cocktail sparkling wine! It's called 'Dream Star.' Anyway, that's what the uncle wrote on today's menu at the door. As soon as I saw it, I couldn't help but sneak in... right, Uncle Blueno!"

The burly man behind the counter, although sturdy, had a warm smile on his face, looking very honest. "Yes, it just mimics the flavor of wine, non-alcoholic; even children can drink it. However, little girl, I'm only twenty."

"Tsk, no way. Except for that annoying brother of mine at home who wants to control everything, I won't call anyone else brother!"

Nami snorted. "Besides, you look so old; are you really only twenty-something? Calling you uncle is fine, right?"

Look old?

Blueno lowered his head and sighed with some sadness, but quickly adjusted his emotions, turned his head, and looked at the door with a smile:

"Welcome, new guest. What would you like..."

The moment he saw Robin's face, Blueno's smile stiffened.

"What's wrong, uncle?"

Nami looked up strangely, looked back and forth, and immediately reacted, casting a disdainful look at the other side of the bar. "Hey, Sister Robin is very pretty, but that's no reason to be like this. Like a pervert who's never seen a woman, it's very rude!"

Blueno quickly restrained his expression and continued to wipe the glass with his head down:

"Sorry, sorry, I just thought this lady looked familiar, like I'd seen her somewhere before."

"No, it's this girl who's too rude."

Nojiko poked Nami's forehead in annoyance and turned to Blueno: "Uncle, give us another glass of Dream Star. Sister Robin, would you like to try it? The taste is indeed quite good."

Robin smiled and nodded.

"Okay, please wait a moment." Blueno turned to mix the drink, his movements skillful, but his peripheral vision was always scanning Robin.

What did these two girls call each other?

Sister Robin?

Is it really that woman.

After mixing the drink, Robin took a sip and was slightly surprised, her eyes showing appreciation: "The texture is great, and it really does taste like real wine."

"Thank you for the compliment." Blueno scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

After drinking for a while, Robin turned to Nami: "Alright, we've rested enough, we should go find the Vivre Card shop."

"Eh—let's sit for a while longer!" Nami muttered in dissatisfaction.

Nojiko patted her shoulder: "Don't be willful. Let's finish the things Boss ordered first, then you can play however you want."

"Fine, fine..." Nami jumped off the high stool reluctantly, and didn't forget to wave at Blueno before leaving. "Uncle, we'll come back to drink your sparkling wine next time!"

"You're welcome anytime."

Blueno stood like a puppet, maintaining his smile, motionless, but after watching the three leave the tavern, his smile gradually disappeared, and his eyes became cold.

He came to the door, hung up the "Temporarily Closed" wooden sign expressionlessly, and took out a Den Den Mushi from under the counter and dialed a number.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 145 =====

(End of chapter)