Chapter 24:An Unexpected Detour

Shin soon started searching for the rest of the Spade Pirates on the beach and around the pirate ship.

Among them, Shin's stamina was second only to Ace's. With the chakra in his body, he was less affected by the seawater's weakening effect, allowing him to get up first.

After Shin pulled Ace from the sea, Ace quickly recovered. Most of the other Spade Pirates had been in the cabin, so they weren't injured much, though exhaustion and weakness were inevitable.

"By the way, where are we?" Deuce asked in a frustrated tone after everyone had gathered.

Shin looked around, focusing on the coastline. Just a few dozen meters offshore, they could see the endless vicious currents. These currents appeared to hold the entire island aloft, a highly distinctive feature.

Shin's expression shifted as he realized their location. "This should be the land of Wano, the base of the infamous Beast Pirates."

"Wano?" asked one of the crewmates.

"The Beast Pirates' base?" another added, the Spade Pirates exchanging wary glances. They had intended to find the Red-Haired Pirates, not run into Kaido's crew.

Ace, undeterred, pressed his hat with a smirk. "So Kaido's here too? Perfect. Let's practice on Kaido before dealing with Whitebeard."

Shin could only sigh at Ace's overflowing confidence, knowing that Kaido and his top officers were likely out on an expedition, sparing Ace from Kaido's wrath.

While they spoke, a group of locals appeared, dressed in traditional Wano attire. However, their clothes were in tatters, and they held makeshift weapons—tools and sticks—with fear and determination on their faces.

"It's pirates!" one cried.

"What are they here to steal from us?" another exclaimed.

"I won't let you succeed!" a third shouted.

Shin rolled his eyes. 'Look at them—they're too poor to have anything worth looting. Rags, sticks, and maybe some straw for bedding.'

"Ugh, this is such a hassle," Shin muttered, glancing at Ace. "Ace, calm them down."

Ace smiled, tipping his hat. "Leave it to me!"

With a burst of the conqueror's haki, he caused the villagers to collapse to the ground, unconscious.

"Was the conqueror's haki necessary? A bit overkill, don't you think?" Shin remarked, surprised. He had expected Ace to use a burst of his flame powers to startle them.

"This was quicker," Ace replied, though his expression turned serious. "They seem to be in a pretty bad situation."

Shin nodded. The people of Wano were indeed suffering. In the New World, the territories of the four emperors varied considerably in how they treated civilians. For example, in Charlotte Linlin's domain, while people paid a "soul tax," they at least lived comfortably. In Whitebeard's and Shanks's regions, civilians lived relatively decent lives. But under Kaido, people barely survived.

[A/N: Totto Land's citizens sacrifice their lifespan every six months as a tribute.]

"Let's wake them up and see what they can tell us. Hopefully, they're calmer now."

In a small, run-down village, the elderly chief recounted Wano's struggles with a weary expression and trembling hands.

"So, if we take down Kaido, Wano will return to what it once was, right?" Ace interrupted, eager to cut to the chase.

"Kaido... No, no... Many samurai have tried," the chief replied, his voice filled with hopelessness.

Sensing the chief's fear, Ace didn't argue but shifted the conversation. "Then, what about getting rid of this Kurozumi Orochi guy? He seems like part of the problem."

The chief shook his head violently. "The country of Wano cannot survive without its shogun!"

Shin rolled his eyes, recognizing the chief had been brainwashed into accepting Orochi's rule. Seeing this, Ace decided not to press the issue, realizing the villagers themselves weren't yet ready for a revolution.

Still, as he observed the emaciated villagers, Ace felt a pang of pity. "Shin, how much food do we have left on the ship?"

Shin thought for a moment. "Probably enough for us to last two weeks. Why, Captain? Are you planning to play the hero again?"

Ace flushed slightly. "It's within our power to help them a bit, right?"

Shin folded his arms, leaning back against the wall. "Think carefully about that. I've learned that due to severe pollution, Wano's land can hardly support crops. Even its forests are sparse, and animals here are often poisonous from the contamination. And with the island's sky-high location, there aren't many sea creatures either. Supplies are scarce."

Ace, however, remained undeterred, determination flickering in his eyes. "Maybe. But Kaido's and Orochi's forces must have some land and food stored to support their army, right?"

"Ha! So, you're really planning to tackle Kaido before facing Whitebeard? That sounds just like you, Captain," Shin said with a resigned expression.

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BONUS CHAPTER SINCE WE HIT THE REVIEW MILESTONES.

I will continue the mass release later. Stay tuned!

For every power stones milestone: 50,100, 200, 300,400,500 I will release a bonus chapter.

I will also release a bonus chapter for every two reviews until it reaches ten reviews.

Review status: [6/10]