Chapter 39 Dragon, Defect!

Sorry for the delay guys I had some late work I had to stop for a bit to finish it Support me on ko-fi if you want

Ko-fi link:

Ko-fi.com/just_fan

100 power stones = extra chapter.

Support on ko-fi = extra chapter

"It's you!"

Ron immediately focused on the knife. 

Although he already possessed Crimson Cry, which dictated that a swordsman should only wield one sword, Although the Crimson Cry strengthens his body, his attack power is not very strong.

If this knife could also undergo multiple evolutions, it might even surpass Crimson Cry.

Of course, this didn't mean Crimson Cry would be discarded. Who said a swordsman couldn't wield two swords? With his evolved brain power, mastering dual-sword or even three-sword styles was feasible.

Riyao could deliver lethal strikes, while Crimson Cry provided the follow-up—an Physical strength and blood control.

"Why would you choose another katana when you already have one?"

A curious voice came from Tsuru, who stood nearby. A swordsman carrying two swords was as peculiar as a sniper carrying two rifles. Mastering a single sword was essential for unleashing its full potential, as different blades had unique weights and handling characteristics. Switching swords impulsively could weaken a swordsman's skill.

"What's the problem?" Ron waved the solar flare. As the blade sliced through the air, a golden-red glow appeared, with flames subtly flickering along its edge. This katana's unique trait was that the intensity of the slash determined the blade's heat. In the hands of a master swordsman, this sword could reach temperatures capable of melting steel.

Ron examined Sun Yao with fascination, feeling a certain satisfaction as if fulfilling a collector's desire.

"I also considered giving this knife as a gift to my younger sister," Tsuru remarked, shrugging. However, with Ron now claiming it, she had to explore other options among the renowned blades.

"These well-crafted swords in the Fifty Level of Good Swords are fine; Gion should like them."

Gion? Ron's brow furrowed as he recalled an image of a bold woman: Momousagi Gion, a future candidate for Fleet Admiral. Known for her quasi-Admiral combat skills, she was also a formidable swordswoman. If memory served, her blade was a mighty sword named Jinpira.

"Clack!" 

The door to the treasure house swung open, and several attendants entered, pushing carts made of seastone. 

"That knife might suit a woman more," Ron said, pointing at one of the boxes.

Tsuru followed his gesture and spotted a slim, elegant, and understated sword.

"Jinpira, one of the Twenty-One Great Grade Swords. How fortunate we came today," she said. Anyone arriving a day earlier would have missed it.

"A fine sword!" Tsuru's eyes gleamed, and she immediately claimed it without hesitation.

With their selections made, they left the treasure house. An escort led them past the high wall, where members of the CP organization awaited to transport them back to the warship and set sail for Marineford.

The ship had barely departed the pier when it slowed and shifted aside.

"What's going on?" Tsuru frowned, puzzled. Marineford, the holy land of the Navy, housed elite soldiers and Admirals of the World Government year-round. Could there really be an attack?

"It's the Tenryūbito's vessel. We must yield to the lord's ship," a CP member said, his expression a mix of reverence and fervor.

Ron followed his gaze to see an opulent, colossal merchant ship approaching from the direction of Mariejois. 

Was it necessary to halt in such a vast waterway?

As the merchant ship came closer, Ron noted a figure on the bow: clad in white attire resembling a space suit with a glass helmet, and with a round, porcine face—there was no mistaking the person as anything but a Celestial Dragon.

Tenryūbito, he thought. These pompous fools really fancied themselves superior. Yet, in truth, they were merely pampered livestock. The CP agents, loyal dogs of the World Government, were expected to cater to them—understandably so.

"The World Nobles have arrived! Kneel in welcome!" 

Ron glanced at the CP agents bowing beside him. If not for his current position as Marine Vice Admiral, he'd have cut them down by now. The idea of a Vice Admiral stooping to the whims of Celestial Dragons was infuriating. He stood still, resisting their absurd demands.

"What are you waiting for? Kneel!" barked a CP officer, seeing Ron and Tsuru motionless. His face twisted in irritation.

Thud! 

Ron responded by kicking the man into the cabin. 

"I've tolerated enough, and now you're pushing your luck," he muttered. "Pathetic. You think you have authority over me?"

The Celestial Dragon aboard the merchant ship looked down at the warship, noting the unmoving figures.

"Who dares defy us?" he said, displeased.

"Honorable Varistor, that vessel belongs to the World Government. The ones aboard are Vice Admirals of Marine Headquarters," a CP agent in a black suit whispered.

"Marines? Mere servants," Varistor snorted, deciding to move on without further incident. Celestial Dragons, while arrogant, knew their status was safeguarded only by the Marines. Although the Marines are not their only power, it is their strongest deterrent.

Once the merchant ship moved on, the warship resumed its course without incident. The CP members, thoroughly cowed, kept their distance, not daring to confront Ron again. The earlier kick had been a harsh lesson, and they now recognized his might. Though not quite at Vice Admiral level, the CP agent still possessed strength comparable to a Rear Admiral, yet Ron's strike had nearly incapacitated him. The Vice Admiral's power hinted at an Admiral candidate's level.

Back at Marine Headquarters, things settled into routine. The G8 branch was now under the guard of other Marine officers, leaving Ron without immediate assignments. Tsuru had been appointed to the Headquarters as a staff officer, a position lacking military command but with the authority to summon Marine forces in emergencies. In terms of influence, it was second only to Admirals and the Fleet Admiral.

"Vice Admiral Ron, what's your true ambition?" A voice interrupted Ron's practice by the sea.

"Dragon?" Ron flexed his joints and halted mid-swing. His brow furrowed as he turned to face the tattooed figure, someone he'd never met nor spoken to before. Why was he here now?

"My ambition? It's simple: to eradicate the pirates and see Marine justice prevail," Ron answered coolly.

"No, that's not it." Dragon shook his head, his eyes searching Ron's face. "I once thought you were as rigid in your beliefs as Sakazuki, an extremist for absolute justice. But now, you're unreadable. I see ambition in you, boundless ambition. You're not content with being an Admiral or even a Fleet Admiral. Your goals are grander than that."

Ron narrowed his eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about, Vice Admiral Dragon."

"You don't need to understand now. But we might be allies one day." Dragon looked out over the sea, his expression solemn. "The World Government's rule has gone on too long. I want to bring change, but I can't do it alone. I need allies with the same vision, people willing to stand against oppression. While you and I differ, our paths might converge."

Ron's gaze met the horizon, his voice laced with irony. "You know I could arrest you for saying this, right?"

"You won't, and you can't," Dragon said, a faint smile on his scarred face.

"Oh, really?" Ron's eyes glimmered as he drew his golden-red blade, encasing it in flames and striking at Dragon's side.

The attack hit nothing but air. Dragon's form dissipated like mist.

"An illusion? Clever. No wonder you dared face me," Ron said, a sly smile tugging at his lips. He sheathed the blade, his voice carried by the wind. "If that day comes, we'll see if I'm in the mood."

I hope your like the chapter 😊.