Chapter 25

Leaving the small garden, Arthur began to feel a headache coming on.

Beside him, the lovely Jessica kept pestering to see the wings behind Arthur. However, Arthur couldn't exactly flaunt his cute little wings, so he firmly declined.

Despite Jessica's persistent pleas, noting Arthur's usually affable nature, she hit a wall this time as Arthur remained reluctant.

Moving on from the small garden, their next destination was an island occupied by Crocodile's bounty hunters. However, the night passed uneventfully as they had ample supplies and nothing much of interest there.

Continuing on their journey, Arthur headed straight for the Twin Gorges.

"So, you're the sky island's god?" crocus' hair, unlike its future white hue when Luffy visited seven years later, retained its original color.

Arthur nodded, receiving a curious glance from crocus. The idea of a fifteen-year-old being a deity surprised him. That year, Roger had set sail for the last time and had invited Arthur to join the Merchant Marine.

This led to Arthur's visit to the sky island with Roger, aided by the rising currents. Apart from that occasion, crocus hadn't returned there and had been guarding Rab ever since.

After chatting for a while, Arthur proactively inquired about the practice method for Armament Haki.

Despite his surprise that a sky island god like Arthur would be interested in Armament Haki, crocus didn't hesitate to share the method. While he himself wasn't adept in using Armament Haki, having accompanied Roger in the New World, he was familiar with its practice techniques. Although not a combatant, his experience with Roger allowed him to understand how to practice Armament Haki.

After explaining the details to Arthur, he realized that the method was similar to what the giants had told him. However, given the advancements over the past century, the current method seemed more refined.

Knowing a better cultivation method, Arthur felt secretly satisfied, realizing his efforts weren't in vain.

Afterward, Arthur and crocus departed. Their destination was the East Blue Sea, although Arthur wasn't entirely certain about the person's presence there.

Coincidentally, the person they sought was originally in the East Blue in the original story, but Arthur had a hunch and bid farewell to crocus. He brought Jessica along, despite her initial plan to be left at Whiskey Mountain, and set course for the East Blue Sea.

Soon, Arthur navigated the boat into the sunny sea. While both sides of the Grand Line were sunny, the East Blue Sea felt notably calmer and more peaceful in comparison, devoid of wind and waves.

"The Grand Line is often called a paradise garden, but it's hard to imagine how perilous the seas have become in this new century," Arthur muttered to himself as he set his course toward Loguetown, following crocus' directions.

Arriving in the East Blue Sea, Arthur couldn't resist the allure of Loguetown. Besides, Jessica had been cooped up on the ship and was eager to set foot on land to buy two swords.

"As a swordsmith or a dual-sword maker, how could one go without two swords?" Arthur remarked.

"What's your purpose in coming to the East Blue Sea, Arthur? I've heard stories that One Piece began its journey here and transformed into the legend it is today within three years. It's quite notorious," Jessica asked casually, enjoying a chilled juice on the top deck in her swimsuit.

Trying to avoid eye contact, Arthur, feeling a bit flustered, replied, "I'm looking for someone."

Jessica narrowed her eyes, stealing glances at Arthur who avoided direct gaze, a playful smile on her lips. "Who are you looking for?"

"Golden Lion!" Arthur responded, sensing Jessica's amusement.

"Huh?" Jessica gasped, covering her mouth in surprise. "You mean the Pirate Admiral, Golden Lion Shiki, one of the legendary Three Great Pirates?"

Arthur nodded in agreement, surprised by Jessica's knowledge. Over the days they'd spent together, he had come to realize Jessica's depth of understanding about the powerful figures in their world.

"Of course! This young lady is an aspiring adventurer aiming to become the King of Adventure! How could I not know about a formidable force like Golden Lion? Besides, I'm a dual-blade Maker, and Golden Lion is renowned as a top dual-swordsman, a master swordsman!" Jessica exclaimed proudly, showcasing her diverse knowledge and passionate demeanor.

Arthur couldn't help but admire Jessica's versatility, noting how she seamlessly transitioned between lively, lovely, dignified, elegant, and even cold and noble temperaments.

As their boat continued on its course, Arthur suddenly sensed a daunting presence about 30 kilometers away, well within his visual range.

The moment this aura emerged, Arthur's body instinctively tensed. It was a sensation he hadn't experienced since consuming the Thunder Fruit.

The aura's intensity was overwhelming, making Arthur realize that even with his Thunder Fruit abilities, he might not stand a chance if confronted directly. At best, he could only hope to escape with embarrassment.

"Who could it be? Is it him?" Arthur pondered aloud, a specific figure flashing through his mind.

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