Chapter 316: Unloading at Sky Island

Despite Adrian's ability to easily suppress the these two CP0 agents, don't underestimate them, because both of them are level 80 characters, which means, they are the upper half of the strongest in the sea.

Even though there's a certain strength gap between them, they're still in the same power range.

Neither side's abilities are enough to completely overwhelm the other.

After a hard-fought battle…

Stussy ultimately couldn't overcome Mr. Fox's almost maxed-out Iron Body defense. She could only watch as he, like an inflated puffball, used the dark cover of night to successfully float up and escape the confines of St. Poplar Island.

After thoroughly enjoying the spectacle of two fighting, Adrian left content.

In his plan, Mr. Fox was meant to tie up Stussy.

With this fellow traitor lurking in the shadows, the Queen of Pleasure Street would likely behave more cautiously.

Even if Mr. Fox really fell to Stussy's hands this time, Adrian would secretly help him escape.

Luckily, Mr. Fox's own strength was just enough.

Returning to the Abyss on the coast of St. Poplar Island, Adrian released the drunkenly sleeping Moon Isaac Jr. from Rumi's stronghold, casually placing him in a room with Shanks.

Adrian then retired to his captain's quarters, spending the night in peace.

The next morning…

The Abyss slowly sailed away from St. Poplar Island.

After the events of last night, Moon Isaac Jr., who thought he'd wake up under the World Government's control, was surprised to find himself back on the Abyss.

After a moment's thought, he could only come to one conclusion: he had been saved by the White Ghost!

"Ah! Little Shanks, it seems I was of no help at all this time. You'll have to look after yourself." Moon Isaac Jr. sighed.

"Uncle Moon, what are you talking about?" Shanks asked curiously.

"Nothing!" Moon Jr shook his head, not wanting to share these trivial matters with Shanks.

"Where are we headed now?" Moon Jr asked.

"According to Rumi, Adrian plans to temporarily change course and take you back to the Future Kingdom first," Shanks replied.

Moon Jr looked a bit embarrassed. Without any combat ability, he understood Adrian's intention—to prevent him from encountering any more accidents and ending up in even more dire situations.

"Looks like I'll have to toast Adrian a few more drinks today!"

"Please don't," Shanks replied irritably, "On this ship, besides you, I'm the only one who drinks!"

They chatted a bit more before Shanks suddenly remembered something important. He quickly grabbed his precious sword, 'Kogarashi,' and went to find Rumi, then reported to his master, Golden Lion, to start his daily sword training.

"Wait a second? Why does Little Shanks' sword look so familiar?" Moon Isaac Jr. rubbed his big nose in confusion, watching Shanks' disappearing figure.

"It feels like I've seen it somewhere before. But where…?"

A few days later…

The Abyss successfully arrived at the island where the Future Kingdom is located, a winter island named "Baldimore."

Apart from some native residents, Baldimore Island also had many half-mechanical, half-organic modified animals.

These modified animals were mostly the handiwork of the super scientist Vegapunk before he left the Future Kingdom.

Since Vegapunk's departure, these mechanical creatures have received no maintenance yet remain lively and have survived for more than twenty years.

When Franky was sent flying to the Future Kingdom by Kuma, he encountered a semi-mechanical snake that defied biological norms.

Adrian could only marvel at this world, and the power of devil fruits, and also the hardworking Mr. Vegapunk.

High-tech wizards are truly amazing!

After a brief tour of the Future Kingdom, before bidding farewell to Moon Jr Isaac, Adrian borrowed numerous books on oceanography from the "scientist grandpa" and learned much about the Future Kingdom, especially about the exams.

Though Shanks was reluctant to part with Uncle Moon, whom he hadn't seen in years, they were no longer on the same ship and had their own lives to live.

After a farewell banquet, the Abyss once again sailed away from the surrounding waters of the Future Kingdom.

"So, what do we do next?" Shanks asked Adrian on the deck of the Abyss, looking at Winter Island, Baldimore, disappearing into the distance with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"No, Shanks, you might be misunderstanding something," Adrian shook his head. "Next, I plan to act alone!"

Previously, Adrian had brought Shanks from the West Blue to deliver this golden talent to Little Sky Island 'Weatheria', hoping he would become a competent security guard. If not for the task of the "Wind Wielder," which required some time sailing in Paradise, Adrian would have already flown with Shanks to Little Sky Island Weatheria!

Now that the "Wind Wielder" task was complete, Adrian had no reason to continue dragging Shanks along.

Golden leek, go grow wild and free on the ten-thousand-meter-high Sky Island!

And you can also accompany that long-eared thief!

"Adrian, are you leaving?" Shanks asked seriously, his right hand in his pocket pinching his thigh, to keep from laughing.

"Yes, I'll take you away first," Adrian nodded indifferently.

"Take me?" Shanks, momentarily dumbfounded and pressing too hard, asked through gritted teeth. Are you going to send me away like Golden Lion?

"Huh? I didn't tell you before?" Adrian stroked his chin. "I have a base on Little Sky Island."

Though Shanks was eager to escape Adrian's grasp, he didn't want to live on a ten-thousand-meter-high Sky Island! Even if Adrian left him here, it would be better than being thrown onto a Sky Island!

Shanks still hoped to one day return to the Four Seas and gather his crew!

Without giving Shanks a chance to refuse, Adrian called Rumi to store the Abyss and everyone aboard into the Fortress.

Then, using a Vivre card pointing to Little Sky Island Weatheria, Adrian turned into a ghostly shadow, flying through the air.

Sun doesn't do much, so what about lightning? He didn't want to test that. That's why every time there was ill weather, he would fly above the clouds.

Thanks to his ghostly speed, Adrian reached Little Sky Island by mid-afternoon.

Rumi released Shanks and Dr. Moy from the Fortress.

"Dr. Moy, this will be your home from now on," Adrian said, nodding to Dr. Moy.

"Th-thank you, sir!" Dr. Moy looked around, pleased with the peaceful Sky Island, and expressed his gratitude profusely.

"As for you, Shanks," Adrian turned to him, "Please grow strong quickly!"

"I know that without you telling me!" Shanks snapped, exasperated.

Adrian patted the second-generation Straw Hat on the shoulder before disappearing.

On Weatheria Island, one he study meteorology to advance the 'Scholar' task progress, but Adrian was eager to level up quickly!

Extreme Trial, current progress: 950/1000!