Chapter 67

With Hatchan, as a guide familiar with the Sabaody Archipelago, the Straw Hat Pirates experienced a smooth journey.

Renting a few Bon Chari along the way significantly increased their speed.

Led by Hatchan and his companions, the Straw Hat Crew quickly arrived at Grove No. 13, where Shakky's Rip-off Bar was located.

Upon seeing the name of the tavern, Chopper trembled in fear.

"Hatc...Hatchan! This place... doesn't it look like a scam? We'll get ripped off if we go in, right?" Chopper expressed his concern.

Hatchan smiled reassuringly, waving his hand in a relaxed manner. "Don't worry, it's all good. Everyone here is trustworthy."

With those words, Hatchan pushed open the wooden door of the tavern, and a crisp bell sound echoed in the air.

"Ding lang lang~"

In the next moment, they spotted Shakky, the tavern owner, holding a man who had been beaten to a pulp, and she glanced over at them.

"Welcome! What can I get you?" Shakky asked professionally, but her face showed a hint of surprise upon seeing the newcomers.

"Ah~ Could it be... Are you Hatchan? Long time no see!" Shakky's face lit up with a slightly surprised smile.

Hatchan smiled back, feeling a bit embarrassed as he scratched the back of his head. "Long time no see, Shakky."

"Yeah, it's been over ten years, right?" Shakky replied with a smile. "Take a seat, everyone. I'm a bit busy dealing with this guy, but I'll join you shortly."

"Sure, take your time," Hatchan replied, leading everyone to the sofas nearby.

Shakky politely waved her fist at the guy in her hand.

"Bang! Bang! Bang..."

Chopper and the others shivered in fear, witnessing Shakky's display of strength.

After settling in, Hatchan inquired about Rayleigh's whereabouts, but they were taken aback by the news that he hadn't visited Shakky's Rip-off Bar for over half a year.

With no other choice, they gathered some leads about Rayleigh's location, set off once again on the Bon Chari, continuing their search.

However, during this search for Rayleigh, their companion mermaid, Camie, was abducted by kidnappers. But that's a story for another time.

On the other side in a restaurant,

Carnes and Albedo finished their meal and prepared to check out, ready to proceed to Grove No. 1.

However, something outrageous occurred just as Carnes was about to pay the bill—the boss tried to rip off him!

The boss demanded a whopping 10,000 Berries for their meal, and in the blink of an eye, the entire restaurant, including its owner, vanished from existence.

Unfazed by the incident, Carnes and Albedo continued their journey as if nothing had happened.

As they reached Grove No. 6 at a leisurely pace, accompanied by Albedo, they witnessed several Bon Chari zooming past in the sky. The pedals churned up smoke, showcasing their incredible speed.

"Lord Carnes, shall I snatch one for us?" Albedo suddenly suggested.

Carnes paused for a moment, then chuckled. "No need. Renting one is quite affordable. We can do that later."

"Us?" Albedo looked at Carnes, perplexed, and asked instinctively.

Carnes saw no issue with it, nodding and smiling in response.

Upon receiving Carnes' affirmative answer, starlight sparkled in Albedo's eyes, and the image of riding a Bon Chari with Carnes filled her mind, causing her beautiful eyes to form two crescent moons as she smiled.

"Yes~"

The two of them continued their journey towards Grove No. 1. Along the way, Carnes pulled out a map and studied it briefly.

They still had two Groves to go before reaching Grove No. 1, not too far but not too close either. It would take some time.

Nevertheless, Carnes remained unfazed. As they strolled, cries suddenly rang out from above.

Carnes and Albedo looked up, intrigued by the sounds.

They saw newspapers descending from the sky, thrown by people riding Bon Chari.

Strangely, unlike previous occasions, this time the newspaper deliverers merely shouted the numbers without revealing any further information.

Curiosity piqued, Albedo reached out and caught one of the falling newspapers. After a quick glance, she handed it to Carnes.

"Lord Carnes."

Carnes nodded, and as he took the newspaper and read its contents, he was shocked momentarily. Soon after, a genuine smile appeared on his face.

"So, it's finally happening."

The newspaper in Carnes' hands announced the upcoming public execution of Portgas D. Ace, the commander of the second division of the Whitebeard Pirates, scheduled to take place in Marineford seven days from now.

Carnes had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Counting down, only seven days remained.

Casting a glance at the sky, Carnes spoke leisurely, "We shall meet soon, Newgate."

In Grove No. 1, an auction was in progress. The Straw Hat Pirates had arrived to rescue the kidnapped Camie.

Meanwhile, within the prison holding the goods to be auctioned, a giant and an old man with white hair sat quietly. The giant turned to the old man and spoke in a deep voice.

"The mermaid was taken away."

Sipping his wine, the white-haired old man replied calmly, gazing beyond the iron fence.

"Yes, a mermaid can fetch a hefty sum. Isn't that right?"

The giant turned to look at the old man. "We'll be auctioned off as slaves too, won't we? How come you don't seem worried at all?"

The old man burst into hearty laughter at the remark. "Hahahaha! Who would want an old man as a slave, after all?"

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