190. Cursed Sword Riyuki

A clash of fists and swords occurred again, but this time, the usual sounds of battle were absent. The blade couldn't withstand the force, shattering into countless iron pieces that filled the sky instantly.

"....."

Ain stared at the lengthy sword, now only a handle in her grip. She stood there, momentarily confused, glancing around in bewilderment.

Silence fell! Everyone, including the other recruits, was momentarily stunned into numbness.

Out of nowhere, a ball of pink-colored flames erupted from her palm, swiftly surrounding the sword 's handle. The scattered blade fragments vanished one by one, and even Ain's grip on the sword handle disappeared into thin air.

'This sword doesn't look older than twelve years...'

Atlas shook his head in secret. Ain's Fruit has the power to turn back time by twelve years, affecting not just living beings but also inanimate objects. This ability is considered quite extraordinary and belongs to the category of god-level fruits.

"Since I shattered your sword, here's a replacement for you."

As soon as he finished talking, Atlas waved his hand, creating a swift burst of sound that cut through the air!

Swish!

A lengthy sword , sheathed in a blue-patterned scabbard, floated in front of Ain. The blade's length was similar to the previous one, perfectly fitting Ain's height. The handle lacked any adornments, featuring a carp mouth and engraved with the word "Riyuki," giving it a simple and unassuming appearance.

"For me?"

Ain expressed a hint of disbelief. For a swordsman, the desire for renowned blades is only natural.

"I sincerely apologize for breaking your sword. It was a prized possession not too long ago, and I'm offering it to you as compensation."

This sword was discovered in the possession of a samurai on the Thriller Bark. When Moria was pilfering bodies from Wanokuni, he also confiscated numerous renowned swords, and this Riyuki happened to be one of them.

"You've noticed the sword's name, Riyuki and it holds a position among the 50 Skillful Grade Blades, but..." (T/N: This is a Original Sword)

Atlas gripped the sword handle in his palm and applied gentle pressure.

Clang!

The gleaming blade resembles a dazzling galaxy, long and slightly curved, featuring a blood groove that adds to its fierce appearance.

"This is a cursed sword, a sword that is independent and restless, and likes to cause trouble and chaos..."

While talking, Atlas turned the sword 's handle outward and offered it to the still bewildered Ain.

"...Is this really for me?"

Excitedly, Ain took hold of the Riyuki unconsciously skipping the term "cursed sword" in her mind. His face still bore a hint of disbelief.

"Isn't this too valuable? It's a 50 Skillful Grade Blades!"

"It's fine. If you feel the need to repay me, you can join as an adjutant on my ship after you graduate..."

Upon hearing this, Atlas nodded approvingly. Ain showed promising potential with excellent swordsmanship and valuable fruit abilities. The potential of her Return-Return Fruit, capable of regressing for more than 12 years, could significantly enhance her combat effectiveness with further development.

"Yes! Vice Admiral Hakuryu!"

Ain agreed readily. Atlas, being the most skilled Marine among them, also appreciated Ain's approach towards pirates. Faced with such an invitation, she naturally couldn't refuse.

The training continues with the sound of clanging blades. Besides Ain's special training, Atlas also dedicates time to instruct the basic training of other recruits.

Atlas dedicated the majority of the following days to the recruits' training camp, and time slipped away gradually.

....

Calm Belt, Amazon Lily.

Amazon Lily is a pirate nation where everyone can be considered a soldier. The island lacks arable land for their sustenance.

Survival for Amazon Lily Island hinges on one path—plundering from the outside!

The entire nation consists of women, a dreamland for many. However, hundreds of years ago, this country imposed a 'Men's Ban.' Any man entering Amazon Lily Island faces immediate elimination! Even Rayleigh couldn't set foot on the island when sending the three Boa sisters there.

The Empress serves as the captain of the island's sole pirate group and commands the entire armed forces. They are also tasked with going to sea for plunder, ensuring provisions for the island's residents.

Today marks Boa Hancock's inaugural sea plunder as the new leader of Amazon Lily, a tradition for every leader upon taking office.

The Kuja Pirates' plundering schedule is often unpredictable due to numerous uncertainties at sea. It's impossible to guarantee that the supplies from one raid will last until the next.

While the Kuja Pirates primarily target passing merchant ships and other pirate groups, we can't underestimate them just because they are all women. In the first half of the Grand Line, Amazon Lily is among the few factions with a complete heritage of Haki.

Thus, despite being female combatants, they can stride confidently through a paradise where Haki is scarce, especially under their new leader, Boa Hancock, a rare possessor of Conqueror's Haki!

"Snake Princess-sama, we've spotted a pirate group ahead. Appears to be Bernal's crew with a bounty exceeding 100 million."

On a pirate ship towed by two giant snakes, a Kuja Pirates member briefed their new empress, Hancock, on the situation.

Certainly, Amazon Lily isn't entirely cut off from external information. They maintain a widespread network of news birds, ensuring they stay informed about renowned pirates at sea.

The Kuja Pirates' ships don't depend on wind power like regular pirate vessels; instead, they utilize two enormous snake-like sea beasts to tow them. This unique approach enables them to navigate the Calm Belt freely.

"Excellent. We can't allow this ship to escape before us. My flawless record tolerates no blemishes!"

Upon hearing this, Hancock placed her hands on her hips, leaning back slightly, her arrogant voice resonating in the ears of everyone in the Kuja Pirates.

Compared to her appearance two years ago, Hancock is undeniably more voluptuous and alluring at this time, showing significant progress in both demeanor and strength.

"You are truly enchanting, Snake Princess-sama."

"Every word from Snake Princess-sama is spot on!"

"Wow, you truly embody perfection, Snake Princess-sama!"

Everyone on the pirate ship gazed at the self-assured Hancock with admiration.

....

"Captain, it appears that a ship from the renowned Kuja Pirates has emerged ahead of us."

The lookout of the Bernal Pirates seemed to have spotted something extraordinary and urgently reported it to the captain.

Being an island inhabited exclusively by women, it naturally draws considerable interest from pirates. However, the Calm Belt serves as a natural barrier around the island. Except for the Marines with seastone technology, few dare to challenge the Calm Belt and its Sea Beast.

Now that they have witnessed the rumored Kuja Pirates, they could fetch a significant reward by selling them in the slave market after having some fun with them.

Naturally, all the members of the Bernal Pirates were excited.

----------

Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari