Entering the New World

Chapter 125: Entering the New World

After spending a few days on Fish-Man Island, Rodney visited the Mermaid Cafe, the Fish-Man Karate Dojo, and the Fish-Man Jujutsu Training Ground, learning the techniques from both places.

Some of these techniques were specific to Fish-Men and beyond his ability to use, but he could always substitute them with ninja skills.

Later, with the help of several Sea Kings, the Black Pearl sailed peacefully into the New World.

As the sea surged, the Black Pearl rose and fell with it. Rodney laughed heartily, "Comrades, welcome to the New World! Our first stop is Punk Hazard!"

"Wow!!!"

Only Leicester and Brook responded loudly, while the others turned away without saying a word.

Rodney cleared his throat awkwardly and said, "Don't be like this; you're making me lose face. Let's make a detour to Punk Hazard first."

"Huh? Captain, didn't you say we were going to Dressrosa?" Leicester asked.

"I remembered something, so I need to go to Punk Hazard first."

With less than a year left before Luffy set sail, this was the perfect time for Caesar Clown to return. Rodney wanted to deal with him without hesitation. 

Rodney believed in protecting children, and he couldn't tolerate anyone who harmed them. As Princess Otohime and Fisher Tiger had said, children were the future of this world. Even if he thought the world was messed up, he was determined to save the children.

"Robin, you'll probably like Punk Hazard," Rodney said.

"Why is that?" Robin asked.

"Because it's an island filled with deadly toxins, perfect for you." 

Robin could absorb toxins and store them within her body, using them in battles. The more toxins she stored, the more powerful her poison attacks became.

"Punk Hazard sounds promising," Robin said with a seductive smile.

"By the way, Rodney, there seems to be a ship approaching from over there. It looks like a Marine ship," Brook said, noticing a ship in the distance heading towards them.

Rodney looked in that direction and saw a fleet approaching. The white Marine flags waved in the wind, making it clear that they were Marines.

"Don't worry; I'm a Shichibukai. What can they do to me? It's also a good opportunity to ask them for directions to Punk Hazard. Raise the sails and bring the ship closer," Rodney ordered.

"Understood!"

The wind filled the sails, and the Black Pearl, designed by Iceburg and others, was perfectly suited for sailing on the seas, quickly approaching the Marine fleet.

On one of the Marine ships, two elderly individuals sat.

One was a graceful elderly woman with white hair, and the other had short purple hair and wore sunglasses. His right arm was a scientific crystallization, the Iron Arm Franky.

Zephyr, formerly one of the Marine Admirals, known as "Z" or "Black Arm" Zephyr, had earned the nickname "Don't Kill" for his refusal to kill during missions. At the age of 42, his family had been killed by pirates, leading him to despise pirates. He had planned to resign from the Marines but was persuaded by his superior, Vice Admiral Stainless, to become an instructor instead.

Throughout his life, Zephyr had trained numerous Marines, including the current Marine Admirals and a group of Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals. Six years ago, the training ship he was supervising was attacked by pirates, and only two of his students survived. Zephyr lost his right arm during the attack and had it replaced with a scientifically enhanced Iron Arm.

Zephyr then formed the Marine Rookies, leading his surviving students to hunt pirates on the seas. He believed in justice and continued to fight for it.

"Report! It's Rodney, one of the Shichibukai, aboard the Black Pearl. They're approaching us," one of the Marines reported.

Vice Admiral Tsurru, who looked surprised, said, "Is that young man entering the New World already? Young people are always so impulsive."

Zephyr commented, "Rodney? The one who defeated Moria shortly after becoming a Shichibukai? I heard he trained under Garp for a while. I'd like to meet this young man."

"However, his crew members might be troublesome."

Zephyr inquired, "How so?"

"They have Nico Robin, the 'Devil Child,' the eldest daughter of the Vinsmoke family, Reiju Vinsmoke, Perona from Moria's Pirate Crew, a chef from the Gourmet Island, and a recent addition, Brook, the musician who was rescued from Moria's crew by Silvers Rayleigh."

Zephyr frowned, "Is it mainly because of that musician?"

Robin had been wanted since she was a child, but both Zephyr and Tsuru knew about Ohara. They could easily turn a blind eye to Robin's wanted status. 

Reiju Vinsmoke's situation was unique, and she wasn't wanted by the Marines. Perona's information was scarce, and she wasn't on their priority list. 

Brook, on the other hand, was different. He had been saved by Dark King Rayleigh from Moriah's crew, and that alone was enough to warrant attention from the Marines. However, they were wary of interfering with him because of Rayleigh's identity. Thus, they chose to observe him.

The Marines might have a group of tacticians, but they couldn't predict that Brook was a pirate from Roger's era, having died once and come back as a skeleton. 

"That's right, but Brook's music is quite good. According to our reports, he's a bit of a pervert who enjoys looking at women's underwear," the Marine reported with a cough, adding, "People on the seas often have unique quirks."

Zephyr chuckled and said, "Indeed, it seems that way."

Soon, the Black Pearl arrived next to the Marine ships. Rodney jumped onto their ship and greeted them, "Hey there, Vice Admiral Tsuru! Long time no see. I didn't see you when I visited Marine Headquarters last time. I bought you some tea, Fleet Admiral Sengoku also likes it. Is this gentleman..."

His gaze landed on the muscular Zephyr, who had a distinctive appearance with his sunglasses and Iron Arm.

"Nice to meet you, young man," Zephyr greeted Rodney.

"Oh, the voice of the lecherous hermit," Rodney teased.