Chapter 192: The Fury of The Sea

Luo Ning saw no reason to withhold the details of his conversation with Zunesha. Sharing such fascinating information held no risk; these companions wouldn't spread it further. Public knowledge, however, would likely turn it into mere entertainment.

"Who knew Zunesha originated from that very kingdom?" Robin mused, her curiosity piqued by the prospect of the ruined kingdom. "The thought of exploring its remains is captivating."

The revelation ignited a spark of curiosity within the group. Luo Ning's words, coupled with Wano Country's apparent historical ties to the kingdom, fueled their desire for knowledge.

"I want to go. I can take you there." Luo Ning declared with a grin, prompting everyone to glance towards...

"Hold on, don't you need all the coordinates? Did you already acquire them, Master Luo Ning?" Hancock inquired, her gaze filled with adoration, which flustered Luo Ning slightly.

"Ahem, not quite," he admitted. "While I lack the complete set of coordinates, I can pinpoint the location of the Great Kingdom. And what natural disaster could possibly impede my power?" he challenged with a smile.

His compass held the key – it could point directly towards the Great Kingdom. Navigation wouldn't be an issue. As for the treacherous waters, natural disasters held no sway over him. The world held no threat capable of harming him.

The prospect of venturing to the ruins of the Great Kingdom exhilarated Robin. After all, they had endured significant hardship in pursuit of the truth behind the void century. Historical texts offered a glimpse into the past, but what if the source itself existed?

The Great Kingdom, after all, created those very texts. These weren't mere documents; they were testaments to a bygone era, built to withstand the test of time. Exploring the ruins firsthand presented a far richer opportunity for unraveling the mysteries of the past. No more endless searches – the answers might lie within the very heart of the fallen kingdom. The prospect of exposing the truth of the void century fueled Robin's eagerness to take flight and embark on this journey.

"Given everyone's enthusiasm," Luo Ning began, gauging their interest, "how do you feel about spending a few days in Zou before we depart?"

"Who has time for more sightseeing after hearing about the Great Kingdom?" Nami scoffed, voicing the collective sentiment. There was no desire to linger.

Even Zou's inhabitants, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi, were consumed by curiosity about the Great Kingdom, as were the people of Wano. However, a tense silence now filled the air. They were unsure whether to request passage aboard Luo Ning's vessel.

While the allure of the Great Kingdom was undeniable, propriety dictated their silence.

"Don't give me those puppy-dog eyes," Luo Ning chuckled, scanning the faces filled with wide-eyed curiosity. There's plenty of space – bringing a few more won't hurt. Consider it a sightseeing trip for them.

After some deliberation, they settled on a group: Kozuki Hiyori and the Wano family generals, along with Nekomamushi and Inuarashi. The others, for now, would remain on the warship.

"Sounds like a plan," Luo Ning confirmed. "Then prepare yourselves – we set sail tomorrow morning!"

With that, the group dispersed to rest, their excitement buzzing beneath the surface. Sleep was elusive for many that night, replaced by a nervous anticipation for the wonders that awaited them in the ruins of the Great Kingdom. Dark circles marred some faces the next morning, a testament to their restless slumber.

"Alright, curiosity seekers, let's board the ship and set sail for the ruins of the Great Kingdom!"

Following Luo Ning's command, the chosen few joined him on the warship, which promptly departed. The remaining ships held their position, awaiting their return. Luo Ning's flight ability promised a swift journey to the Great Kingdom. Their stay would be brief, but undoubtedly eventful. The others would wait patiently.

Thus, the ship soared towards the designated location, its speed truly impressive. Thankfully, Reiatsu provided a protective barrier, shielding them from the harsh elements. Now, Kozuki Hiyori finally understood how Luo Ning managed such a rapid descent from Impel Down to Wano Country. This phenomenal speed was almost unbelievable. Yet, the Reiatsu shield ensured a smooth ride, free from the battering of storms that would have otherwise sent them plummeting into the unforgiving sea.

A gasp escaped someone's lips. "Look ahead! What in the world is that?!"

A terrifying sight materialized before them. The sea churned with a multitude of swirling eddies, their ominous forms punctuated by towering, ever-shifting waterspouts that danced across the surface. It was an impassable barrier.

The sight was enough to electrify even Nami, a wielder of the Thunder Fruit. The churning sea seethed with countless swirling eddies, punctuated by towering waterspouts that danced like menacing leviathans, their forms constantly shifting. Lightning flashed within them, a terrifying spectacle.

While a single individual might be able to navigate such a treacherous zone, locating the Great Kingdom amidst this vast and perilous expanse would be a near-impossible feat. An even greater concern was the difficulty of escaping once one entered. These weren't mere whirlpools; they were monstrous waterspouts that whipped the seawater into a frenzy, flinging it skyward.

Devil Fruit users, especially Logia users like Nami with her Thunder Fruit or Kizaru with his Light Fruit, might be able to shrug off the lightning's wrath. However, seawater held the power to nullify their abilities – a touch, and they were just ordinary mortals at the mercy of the elements. Avoiding such contact within this churning vortex would be a near-impossible feat.

"What in the world is this place?" Nami, ever the navigator, breathed, her voice tinged with awe and a hint of fear. "I thought I'd seen the worst the New World could throw at us in terms of weather."

This wasn't mere weather. It was a cataclysmic convergence of natural disasters, an inferno of churning water and crackling electricity. Any vessel daring to enter would be dashed to pieces in an instant.

"No wonder the coordinates and navigation route are crucial," Robin chimed in, a sheen of sweat forming on her brow. Never had she witnessed such a horrific display of nature's fury on the high seas. The others shared her apprehension – the sight before them instilled a profound sense of dread.

Suddenly, a colossal Sea King, a monstrous creature of the deep, was swept into the maelstrom, its immense form swallowed whole by the swirling vortex. The sight served as a stark reminder of the raw power they were up against.