Chapter 73

After a long fight, both Arthur and Shanks ate and drank their fill. With the unique and terrifying resilience of the people in this world, they quickly recovered despite the intense battle.

Hawkeye Mihawk silently sailed away after watching the match.

Once he regained his energy, Arthur returned to his boat and said goodbye to Shanks. As Arthur's white yacht gradually disappeared over the horizon, Shanks leaned on the side of his boat, silently drinking his wine.

Beckman, with a cigarette in his mouth, walked over and leaned next to Shanks. "I can't figure this guy out," Shanks said, taking a sip of his wine and smiling helplessly.

Beckman nodded and exhaled a ring of smoke. "His vision is so high that we can't even imagine what the world looks like through his eyes. I can sense his boundless ambition and expectations, but there's also a cloud of mystery around him."

"What do you think of him?" Shanks asked, turning to Beckman. Among his crew, Beckman was the one he trusted most to share his concerns.

"He doesn't seem like a bad person, which is strange considering his immense ambition. It's really peculiar," Beckman replied, tapping the ash from his cigarette. "Also, his Conqueror's Haki is terrifying, much stronger than yours. It has a dominating presence."

Shanks nodded, "I felt that too. However, I don't think Arthur is an enemy. But for the Will of D, it might be different. The future is uncertain and foggy."

While Shanks and Beckman were discussing Arthur, he was already more than a hundred kilometers away.

This trip to the New World had been incredibly rewarding for Arthur. Not only did he obtain the pure gold that could grant him a lifespan of ten thousand years, but he also acquired the Mythical Zoan Bat Fruit (Batto Batto no Mi), Model: Vampire.

The battle with Shanks had been particularly beneficial. Arthur estimated that it wouldn't be long before he could reach 500 million volts of power. By then, he would be able to truly match an Admiral or even one of the Four Emperors.

Standing at the pinnacle of the world, Arthur had fewer worries.

He had always been cautious, but now, he felt that maybe he didn't need to be as careful.

However, Arthur shook his head suddenly. "No, no, I can't do this alone. Urkiai, Nilu, Weber, and the others—they're only vice admirals, and the strongest among them are just elite vice admirals. That's not enough!"

"When I go back, I'll find an island and leave them there for a year! The Angel Legion's plan should really start."

Feeling optimistic about the future, Arthur's heart swelled with excitement. He planned his return journey, stopping only at nearby islands for supplies and moving quickly toward Fish-Man Island.

But first, he needed to visit an island. It would take some time to find it, as it had no magnetic signature and might be hard to locate.

The island in question was Punk Hazard, a significant island from the original plot.

Arthur wasn't particularly interested in the island itself, but there was something there that caught his attention—the artificial Zoan-type Devil Fruit, specifically the dragon model created by Dr. Vegapunk.

However, Arthur was uncertain if Punk Hazard had been destroyed by poison gas.

The only thing he knew was that Punk Hazard was on a route that didn't pass through the Isle of Thor.

But this area was vast, and even with his keen observational Haki, finding it in the boundless sea would be challenging.

After much deliberation, Arthur finally took out a Den Den Mushi.

"Blubru, Blubru~"

Click~

The phone worm was answered by a low, familiar voice.

"Humhhhhhhh~ Arthur? Why did you call me so soon? You've been quite the sensation lately. After defeating Jack the Drought and holding your own against Red-Haired Shanks, the World Government has you under close watch."

The voice belonged to Donquixote Doflamingo, also known as "Heavenly Yaksha."

Arthur didn't doubt the authenticity of this statement. He knew Doflamingo's true identity and trusted his information. Frowning, Arthur said, "I need your help with something."

"Oh?" Doflamingo, who was far away in Dressrosa, sat by the window of his room, looking out into the distance.

"I need to find Punk Hazard Island. Can you tell me where it is?" Arthur stated his purpose.

"Huh?" Doflamingo's expression changed. 'How does he know about Punk Hazard? It's a crucial location for me. What is he planning?'

"What do you want with that island? It was a secret research base for the World Government, but a year ago, it was hit by a poisonous gas explosion and became a dead zone," Doflamingo said, probing for more information.

"My strength can handle any remaining poison gas. I have my reasons for going there," Arthur replied, not ready to disclose his true intentions. 

Doflamingo's mind raced. 'Does he know about the artificial Devil Fruits being produced there? Is he planning to interfere?'

For a moment, Doflamingo's face darkened. Punk Hazard was essential for his future plans, and he couldn't allow anyone to jeopardize it.

"It's nothing major, you don't need to worry," Arthur said with a slight smile.

"Huh? Worry? Heh heh, Arthur, you're overthinking it," Doflamingo replied, though his mouth twitched and the veins on his forehead bulged.

"Fine, I'll send two of my subordinates to guide you," Doflamingo decided, thinking it best to monitor Arthur's actions closely.

"Alright, I'll be waiting on Thor's Island," Arthur agreed and hung up.

As the phone worm's eyes closed, Doflamingo's expression grew grim. He felt something was off about this Sky Island king named Arthur. Initially, he hadn't taken Arthur seriously, despite his Conqueror's Haki.

But within days, he heard Arthur had defeated Jack the Drought, which surprised him. Later, he learned that Arthur had fought Shanks to a standstill, which left him shocked. Arthur's strength was at the level of the Four Emperors, something Doflamingo hadn't anticipated.

The more he thought about it, the darker his expression became. Finally, Doflamingo summoned Buffalo and Baby 5, gave them instructions, and sent them to Thor's Island to meet Arthur.

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