Chapter 23: King Engine

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Despite Shanks's threat, Byakuya wasn't concerned because he was sure this piece of information would shock Shanks. 

"This information is about the former Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Did you know that Roger had a child?" 

Byakuya's calm words fell on Shanks's ears like thunder, "C-captain Roger had a child?"

"It's impossible! When Roger's crew disbanded, he turned himself in a year later. If he had a child, how could I not know?" 

"Moreover, after Roger was executed, the Marines searched Baterilla Island, where Roger was, for months and found no trace of a child."

"Even the World Government isn't aware of this information. Do you think I'll believe you just because you say so?" 

Mentioning Roger, Shanks drew his Gryphon and pointed it at Byakuya, his killing intent gathering but not releasing, as if he would strike Byakuya down in the next moment.

The once clear sky darkened instantly, countless dark clouds obscuring the sun, and dark purple lightning flashing within the clouds. 

"The information we sell at 'Night' is true."

Enveloped in Shanks's Conqueror's Haki, Byakuya maintained a facade of calmness on the surface while his mind raced to figure out how to escape unscathed if Shanks attacked. 

Just then, a notification sound rang in his mind.

[Congratulations, Host, for achieving the achievement 'Fame in the East Blue,' Reward: 500 World Source Points]

Byakuya's continuous slaughter of pirates in recent days had spread his name far and wide in the East Blue, unexpectedly achieving one of the methods to increase World Source Points.

[Host: Byakuya]

[Template: One Punch Man - Saitama]

[Fusion Level: 8%]

[World Source Points: 645]

At this critical moment, Byakuya didn't hesitate at all. Being stronger was always better.

[Fusion Level 8% to 9%, requires spending 280 World Source Points]

[Fusion Level 9% to 10%, requires spending 350 World Source Points]

[Congratulations, Host, for achieving Fusion Level 10%, you can randomly draw a special ability of a powerful figure from the One Punch Man world]

Damn, this is such a stroke of luck! Byakuya was overjoyed.

[Drawing complete, Congratulations, Host, for obtaining the ability of S-Class Hero King, 'King Engine']

[King Engine: Allows the Host's heart to beat violently, emitting a terrifying heartbeat sound. Strengthens with the increase in the Fusion Level of the Host.]

"I'm freaking out here! At a crucial moment like this, instead of giving me a useful special ability, you throw this kind of crap at me?" 

Seeing Shanks, who was ready to strike at any moment, Byakuya had to come up with a solution on the fly.

"Business is about being friendly; why resort to violence?" 

In the next moment, he activated the King Engine, and Byakuya's heart started pounding rapidly, 

"Thump! Thump! Thump!" 

The sound of his heartbeat grew faster and louder, but Byakuya maintained a calm gaze, staring directly into Shanks's eyes filled with killing intent.

Listening to the heartbeat, Shanks felt as if an invisible hand was squeezing his heart, matching the rhythm of Byakuya's heartbeat, creating an oppressive feeling. 

It was an unfamiliar sensation for Shanks, and his face flushed unnaturally, his aura momentarily stagnating.

At the same time, an invincible aura rose from Byakuya, and the clouds in the sky suddenly changed, invisible sound waves breaking apart the pitch-black clouds. 

The sky returned to its usual clear state, with the warm sunlight shining down as if the previous dark clouds had never existed.

Witnessing the changes before him, Byakuya was thrilled. 

Damn, he didn't expect the 'King Engine' to be so powerful; it was almost like a unique Conqueror's Haki. 

"What kind of bizarre ability is this? My Conqueror's Haki was broken!"

Shanks's expression darkened. 

Even though he hadn't displayed his strongest Conqueror's Haki just now, judging from the aura he emitted, there were few in the sea who could break through it. 

The fact that this 'Harry' from 'Night' could do it made him realize that this organization was formidable.

"Shanks, don't get too excited. If you start something and attract Vice Admiral Garp, you'll be in trouble too." 

Shanks said coldly, "I didn't expect you to have such strength."

Byakuya knew he was safe now and finally relaxed. 

"To do business with one of the Four Emperors, naturally, you need someone formidable." 

"Once I fully disclose the information to you, you'll be able to judge its authenticity yourself."

After witnessing Byakuya's strength, even Shanks was uncertain about the power of this 'Night' organization. 

If someone like 'Harry' in front of him was already formidable, what about the other members of this organization? Wasn't their leader even stronger? 

The sudden appearance of such a mysterious organization on the sea was sure to cause a stir.

Seeing that Shanks remained silent, Byakuya continued, 

"Indeed, Roger did have a child before his execution, but the child had not yet been born." 

"At the time, the Marines were searching for Roger's bloodline on Baterilla Island." 

"Roger's wife, Portgas D. Rouge, to prevent the child from being killed, endured the pregnancy for twenty months." 

"She only gave birth after the Marines withdrew their search."

"Because of this, after the child was born, Portgas D. Rouge was too weak, exhausted, and passed away." 

When Byakuya mentioned that Roger's wife was Portgas D. Rouge, a young man flashed through Shanks's mind, wearing an orange sun hat with a few freckles on his face.

Garp's grandson, Portgas D. Ace! Shanks completely understood Captain Roger's decision to entrust his only flesh and blood to Garp for upbringing. 

Garp and Roger had been old rivals/friends who fought countless battles together. 

Over thirty years ago, the two even joined forces to defeat the then-strongest Rocks Pirates.

Garp also earned the title of 'Marine Hero' as a result. Their relationship of both enmity and friendship was complex but also firm. 

This news was probably mostly true. 

Shanks's mood was complicated upon realizing that the child he had seen several times before was the captain's flesh and blood.

This time, when he came, he heard from Luffy that Ace had already set out to sea with dreams of becoming the Pirate King. 

Captain Roger entrusted Ace to Garp for care, perhaps out of trust and the hope that Ace would become a Marine and not follow in his footsteps.

But who would have thought that under Garp's guidance, Ace still became a pirate.

Byakuya looked at Shanks's somewhat melancholic expression and knew that Shanks believed the words he had spoken. 

"Since you have judged the truthfulness of the information, then my task this time is over."

"If you ever need to purchase information in the future, just spread the word and look for the 'Night' organization." 

"Someone will naturally come to you for a trade." 

"Farewell!"

<End Chapter>

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