Chapter 136: The Deterrence of Fame

Boom!!!

The knuckles erupted with a terrifying shockwave, and the sea surface for hundreds of meters around the entire Twilight Ship instantly depressed into a bowl shape!

Pfft pfft pfft, dark green blood immediately gushed out like a waterfall.

The super-large Sea King let out a shrill wail, its severed tentacles twitching as they crashed onto the sea surface, raising countless thick water columns.

But this wasn't over!

Siano flashed forward, diving down along the break in the tentacle, his right fist charging power once more as black Armament Haki mixed with ripples spread outward.

"Get—"

He plunged violently into the sea, his fist smashing heavily onto the Sea King's head exposed above the water:

"SCRAM!!! "

Wei Guo: Modified!

Thud!!!!

The entire sea area trembled violently; the terrifying impact force pierced directly through over a thousand meters of seawater.

The octopus-like super-large Sea King's eyes immediately bulged out, its hard skull emitting a teeth-gritting cracking sound as its massive body was forcibly blasted into the deep sea!

Splash—

Siano shook off the water droplets, descended gracefully from the sky, and stepped back onto the deck using Moon Walk.

The whirlpool current had gradually dissipated, leaving only expanding ripples and dark green blood slowly floating to the surface.

"As expected of Boss Siano."

Smoker, who was steering the ship, exhaled a smoke ring and sighed, "Such a huge creature is rare even in the Grand Line; a single tentacle is over a hundred meters wide, its total length must be at least five hundred meters."

A true island-level behemoth!

And yet.

It couldn't even withstand Boss Siano's second punch, sinking into the sea with heavy injuries and fleeing in a frenzy out of fear.

To achieve this step with pure physical strength alone.

Looking across the entire Marine Headquarters, one could probably count those capable on just one hand.

"Yay!"

Nami high-fived Nojiko, cheering and feeling immensely relieved.

The scene just now, resembling the apocalypse descending, was truly too frightening; they had almost thought the entire Twilight Ship would be shattered.

Thankfully, Big Brother was here to hold the fort!

"The bitter training during this period wasn't wasted."

Siano glanced around at the patch of dark green seawater, nodding in satisfaction.

Back then on Tor Island, during the great battle with Akainu.

When he used "Wei Guo," he still had to revert to his original true form, and a single strike would drain nearly half of his stamina.

It belonged to the category of trump cards kept at the bottom of the box, the kind one would be reluctant to use unless at the very last moment.

But now.

He had already achieved the ability to unleash its power to the fullest even while in the "Paper Drawing Martial Body" form.

Furthermore, the stamina consumption required was less than twenty percent.

And even after combining it with the Ripple Fist Style, the upgraded "Wei Guo: Modified" consumed less than thirty percent of his stamina.

In other words, from now on in battle, when he used this killer move, he no longer needed to worry so much.

Having positive feedback at every moment is just so satisfying!

Time to go back and train!

Siano lifted his leg to step into the cabin, but the giant waves stirred up by the storm caused the Twilight Ship to shake violently left and right again, making him stumble and nearly fall.

Hey, hey, hey, what's going on?

Are you deliberately obstructing and messing up my training plan!

The black-haired boy bared his teeth and looked up.

His gaze fixed on the thick dark clouds in the sky.

Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't interfere with the weather; sailing on the sea, sunny days were an experience, and windy, rainy days were also an experience.

But now...

I'm just enjoying punching, and you have to cause me trouble.

Truly immature, oh Great Sea!!!

The next moment—

Hum!

An invisible, terrifying pressure suddenly erupted!

Crimson light burned like flames in Siano's pupils as Conqueror's Haki surged skyward from him as the center, sweeping outward!

Rumble-rumble-rumble—!!!

The originally churning black clouds seemed to be torn apart by an invisible giant hand; under the impact of the Haki, the thick cloud layers crumbled inch by inch, revealing the long-lost blue sky behind them.

The rainstorm ceased abruptly, and the raging winds calmed instantly.

The sea surface of the entire sea area returned to complete calm at a speed visible to the naked eye, as if the apocalyptic scene just now had been nothing but an illusion.

Sunlight fell once more, shining upon Siano and plating him with a golden outline.

"This..."

Robin, who had just come from the library to the deck, happened to witness the entire scene clearly; her eyes narrowed slightly, and she stood stunned.

He can actually change the climate?

It was her first time witnessing the full eruption of Conqueror's Haki.

Smoker finally let go of the helm, lit two cigars, looked up at the suddenly clearing sky, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

Here it comes again...

Compared to back in Loguetown, this Conqueror's Haki was clearly far more formidable.

This innate kingly quality cannot be strengthened through ordinary training methods, yet it seemed that due to Boss Siano's rising status and spirit, it was constantly becoming even more terrifying.

At the bow.

"Continue sailing."

Siano cracked his neck, casually dropped these words, then walked into the cabin as if nothing had happened, heading toward the training room.

In this sea known as "Paradise."

Whatever he wanted to do, he could do.

A mere storm had no right to dictate terms to him now!

————

Jaya Island, Mock Town tavern.

A light rain pattered outside the window, and the humid air caused the wooden floor to emit a faint musty smell.

Hawk-Eye Mihawk still sat in his usual corner seat by the window, the tequila glass before him already empty.

He did not call for the bartender to refill it, merely staring fixedly at the empty glass.

"... K."

Beside him, Tashigi glanced at the calendar on the bar, hesitating to speak.

————

Aboard the Curtain Fall.

It was now late night; considering it had been a long time since a banquet was held, Zeff was directing everyone to prepare ingredients, with grills and wine barrels filling the deck, the aroma overflowing.

Siano, who had been immersed in cultivation all day, finally emerged from the training room satisfied; after a quick rinse and changing clothes, he came up to the deck.

"Hmm?"

Nojiko, standing on the lookout platform, suddenly narrowed her eyes:

"Hey, everyone, there seem to be people over there!"

Everyone looked in the direction she pointed.

There, amidst a cluster of reefs several nautical miles away, a dilapidated large ship was half-sunken in the seawater, listing heavily with a broken mast, its edges crowded with ragged survivors.

"Shipwrecked? There seem to be quite a few people, probably thirty or forty."

Zeff turned to look at Siano. "Captain, shall we go take a look?"

"Of course."

Siano nodded without hesitation. "Saving lives comes first."

"Understood!"

Smoker immediately adjusted the course, and the Curtain Fall rapidly approached that ship.

As the distance closed, the situation on the stricken vessel became increasingly clear—

It was clearly a passenger ship that had suffered a storm attack; the hull was damaged in multiple places, seawater constantly rushing in, while the survivors, clad in tattered clothes, either clung to floating planks or desperately gripped the ship's edge, their expressions filled with terror and despair.

Yet when they noticed from afar that a massive warship was approaching them, many first froze, then burst into cheers.

"We're, we're saved!"

"Hey—! Save us!"

"Please! The ship is about to sink!"

However, when the Curtain Fall truly drew near and the survivors on the stricken ship saw the emblem on the sails, the cheering abruptly ceased.

In its place came a dead silence.

"Th-that flag is...?!"

Someone's eyes widened in disbelief, their face instantly turning pale and bloodless.

"There's no mistake, that guy at the bow..."

A middle-aged man dressed in noble attire stared fixedly at Siano on the figurehead, his voice trembling: "It's the Great Swordsman Siano, the man who has been dominating the newspaper headlines recently!"

"It really is him!"

"That pirate with a billion bounty from the World Government?!"

In an instant, the survivors' expressions shifted from despair to even deeper fear.

In this sea, pirates would not save people without reason, let alone a monster of this caliber!

Many even began to shrink back, as if what stood before them was not a savior, but an even more terrible disaster.

"Tsk."

Smoker exhaled a ring of smoke and scoffed: "It seems our reputation is even more frightening than a storm."

"I'm afraid it's only slightly better around Loguetown and over in Alabasta." Robin also shook her head slightly.

"..."

Siano stood at the bow, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his expression calm.

The survivors on this passenger ship were of quite complex composition.

There were nobles adorned with jewels, merchants dressed in finery, commoners and sailors in plain clothes, and even several burly men wearing shackles.

Class distinctions were clear, yet in the face of the terrifying natural disaster, they were all equally ragged.

"Hey."

He suddenly spoke; his voice was not loud, yet it made everyone tremble all over.

"Those who want to live, climb up yourselves."

"..."

The survivors exchanged glances; for a moment, no one dared to move.

"What is it?"

Siano raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to come off the ship to invite you?"

"N-no, we wouldn't dare!"

Finally, a sailor gritted his teeth, steeled his courage, and was the first to climb the rope ladder thrown down by the Curtain Fall.

Smoker, cigar in mouth, stood guard at the foot of the ladder; seeing the sailor weak and powerless, he even reached out to help pull him up.

Seeing this, the others followed suit; although the nobles and wealthy merchants wore faces full of terror, under the threat of death, they ultimately chose to board.

Soon, all thirty-odd survivors had been rescued onto the deck.

They huddled together, heads bowed, not daring to breathe too loudly, fearing that the slightest mistake would enrage this group of notoriously fierce pirates.

"..."

Nami, roasting meat nearby, looked at their trembling state and couldn't help but press her forehead: "Do we really look that scary?"

"Can't be helped; Big Brother's reputation has been too prominent lately. With a billion bounty hanging there, wouldn't anyone be afraid?" Nojiko shrugged.

"..."

Robin stood to one side, her gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally resting on several burly men wearing shackles in the corner.

They kept their heads down, their bodies covered in whip marks, appearing even more cowed than the other survivors.

"Slaves?" she asked softly.

"Ah, well..."

A wealthy merchant wiped his sweat and smiled ingratiatingly: "We couldn't possibly call them that; it's just that Lord Garde's estate is short a few gardeners. If this beautiful and moving Young Lady is interested, you may freely pick two for yourself..."

"Shut up."

Siano cut him off coldly.

The merchant jumped with fright, immediately lowering his head, silent as a winter cicada.

"The key." Siano held out his hand.

"Huh?"

"I said, the key."

"..."

The merchant and the middle-aged noble named Garde exchanged a glance; both their complexions changed.

But under Siano's gaze, they ultimately trembled as they pulled out a string of keys.

Siano took them and casually tossed them to Robin: "Here."

Robin met his gaze, smiled, took the keys, and walked toward the slaves.

"..."

Watching this scene, the survivors displayed various expressions.

The middle-aged noble and the wealthy merchant looked ugly but dared not speak;

meanwhile, the commoners and sailors were somewhat stunned, seemingly never expecting that the notoriously ruthless pirates of legend would actually do such a thing.

"Th-thank you..."

The newly freed slaves knelt on the ground, their voices choking with emotion.

"No need." Robin smiled gently. "On this ship, if you must thank anyone, it should be our captain."

The slaves looked gratefully at Siano, but he merely waved his hand casually, turned, and walked toward the dining table.

"Old Man Zeff, prepare some food for them too," he said without looking back. "You can't talk properly on an empty stomach."

"Understood, Captain."

Zeff grinned, turned toward the kitchen, and shortly after emerged carrying several large pots of steaming stew and bread.

The survivors exchanged glances, for a moment unable to believe their eyes.

"This... my lord, can we really eat?" a sailor asked, swallowing hard and speaking cautiously.

"Nonsense."

Smoker, cigar in mouth, urged impatiently, "If you don't dare to eat, then starve."

At this, no one hesitated any longer; the survivors swarmed forward and began to gorge themselves. The nobles and wealthy merchants initially maintained their airs, but soon could not resist joining the scramble for food.

"Hey, eat slower, don't choke to death, okay?" Nami couldn't help but remind them.

"Thank you..." someone mumbled in response.

Siano sat at the dining table, propping his chin with one hand, his gaze sweeping lightly over the crowd.

"Where are you from?" he asked.

"R-replying to my lord..."

The wealthy merchant wiped his mouth and answered tremulously, "We operate entertainment venues in Water Seven. This time we were originally headed to Carnival City, but halfway through we encountered a storm..."

"Water Seven?"

Siano's interest was piqued; he raised an eyebrow. "That place is the world's number one shipbuilding island; the craftsmanship is excellent, so why was your ship so fragile?"

He briefly calculated the timeline in his mind.

At this current time, Bingshan should have just finished integrating the seven shipyards and hadn't been mayor for long, while the CP9 group, led by Rob Lucci, had only infiltrated Water Seven a few months ago.

"This..."

The merchant stammered, unable to speak for a moment.

"My lord!"

A burly man suddenly spoke through gritted teeth, his voice brimming with uncontrollable rage, "He is deceiving you! What Seven Waters City? This ship is no ordinary passenger vessel; it is a slave transport ship in disguise!"

His voice echoed across the deck, and the survivors, who had been gobbling down food, immediately fell silent.

Some stared at each other in bewilderment, while the faces of the nobles and wealthy merchants instantly changed drastically.

"What nonsense are you spouting!"

The middle-aged noble named Gade abruptly stood up, cold sweat beading on his forehead, "My lord, do not listen to this lowlife's drivel; we merely—"

"Shut your mouth."

Siano's voice was soft, yet it choked Gade, freezing him in place, daring not to move.

"Continue speaking."

"Yes, my lord; the reason we could not withstand the storm for long is that this ship was severely overloaded!"

The burly man took a deep breath and continued:

"This ship originally carried over four hundred slaves; the bottom hold was filled with iron cages. When the storm struck this morning, they were locked below, without even a chance to escape!"

"Only we, the strong and robust 'premium goods,' were brought before that noble lord for inspection, thus becoming the lucky ones who survived."

His voice choked with emotion, "They were just like us, originally fellow villagers from the same small island. After the hull fractured, seawater instantly flooded the lower hold; I watched with my own eyes as they struggled trapped inside those iron cages, only to be swallowed by the whirlpool in the end..."

The burly man finally could not hold back; tears streamed down his face as he threw back his head and wailed loudly.

The sea breeze brushed past, and silence fell upon the deck.

"Hey, what is going on? That was over four hundred people..." Smoker bit down on his cigar, staring at the middle-aged noble, his voice icy, "Just gone like that?"

"If they hadn't been locked in iron cages, it wouldn't have come to this," Robin also sighed lightly.

"Waaaaah!"

Nami was so furious she trembled all over; hiss! Suddenly, fierce flames of Xiong Xiong ignited atop her hair. She clenched her fists, "True scum! Don't stop me; I will burn these villains to ash!"

"No one is stopping you."

Nojiko's expression was gloomy, cold air surging around her entire body, her eyebrows and hair turning frosty white, "But you must save half for me."

Damn it, these two little girls are monsters too!

Several wealthy merchants and nobles were startled, retreating a few steps in terror and unease.

The middle-aged noble named Gade turned around, desperately signaling with his eyes to the few surviving thugs and guards.

"..."

However, the few thugs exchanged glances, offered him an awkward smile, then squatted back down, pretending to know nothing as they continued gnawing on their bread.

Useless trash!

Gade raged inwardly, cursing wildly; if not for the fact that his loyal guard captain, a Devil Fruit user, had fallen into the sea during the storm and his fate remained unknown...

Then why would he need to rely on these fellows!

Seeing the orange-haired girl, engulfed in blazing flames, approaching step by step, just as Gade was trembling with fear, he suddenly heard a wealthy merchant nearby shout:

"Look quickly, to the southwest, there is a warship! It is approaching us!"

A warship?

Everyone on the deck was stunned, turning their heads to look in unison.

Indeed, on the distant horizon.

By the moonlight, one could see a large warship flying the Marine flag speeding toward them at full velocity.

"Excellent! It is the Marines!"

"With a warship of this scale, the commander must be at least a Commodore, or perhaps even a Rear Admiral!"

The nobles and wealthy merchants, whose faces had previously been ashen as death, were instantly overcome with ecstatic joy; Gade even jumped up excitedly, waving desperately at the warship:

"I recognize this warship; it is Rear Admiral Allen's flagship from the G-2 Branch! I even conversed with him at a tea party once. Help! Mr. Allen, I am here! Save us quickly!"

At the same time, aboard that opposing Marine warship.

"Rear Admiral Allen!" A Marine soldier rushed into the command room, "Enemy pirate ship spotted ahead! It is... it is the Curtain Fall!"

"What ship?"

The Marine Rear Admiral, who had been drinking tea, underwent a drastic change in expression; he shot to his feet, spilling tea all over himself without even noticing, "The Curtain Fall? Are you certain you did not missee?"

"Ab... Absolutely certain!"

The soldier spoke with excited fervor, "The emblem on the sails matches the wanted poster exactly, and we have already confirmed that the person standing at the bow is indeed the Great Sword Hero, Siano, himself!"

Rear Admiral Allen swallowed hard, his face instantly turning deathly pale.

Siano!

The pirate with a bounty of one billion Berries!

The legendary monster who killed two Warlords of the Sea, whom even Fleet Admiral Akainu personally mobilized against yet failed to capture!

Me fight Siano?

It is sheer delusion; an opponent of this caliber is absolutely not someone a mere Rear Admiral like myself can handle!

"Quick! Change course!"

Rear Admiral Allen nearly shouted his order, "Retreat at full speed! Immediately! Right now!"

"But, Rear Admiral!" The Marine soldier was stunned, hesitating, "Over there, it seems there are survivors from a shipwreck signaling us for help..."

"We cannot worry about that, you fool!"

Cold sweat poured from Rear Admiral Allen's forehead, "Do you wish to die? Even if I personally went out, what difference would there be between me and an ordinary Marine soldier before that man? Going up there is simply courting death; turn around immediately!"

"Yes, sir!"

Although many of the Marine soldiers on the warship felt reluctant in their hearts, military orders were as heavy as a mountain, so they could only execute them swiftly.

Soon, before the incredulous gazes of Gade and the wealthy merchants.

The warship that had been charging forward with fierce momentum suddenly made a sharp turn, sending up huge waves, and fled toward the distance without looking back...

"..."

The deck fell into an eerie silence once more.

The smiles that had just appeared on Gadar and several wealthy merchants' faces instantly froze, the fire of hope in their eyes gradually extinguishing, replaced by even deeper fear.

Those were elite Marines from the G-branch... they didn't even dare to come up and take a look, just fled directly like that?

A bunch of useless trash!

Did they forget their duties like this?!!

"It seems your savior isn't very reliable after all."

The cold sneers of two young girls came from behind.

Gadar's body shook like a sieve; he turned around and saw two figures, one of ice and one of fire, approaching step by step.

Though they were clearly beautiful and lovely girls, the expressions of loathing on their faces at this moment looked to him even more terrifying than demons from hell:

"Now, it is also our turn to settle the score with you on behalf of those poor souls who died in the sea..."

(End of this chapter)