Chapter 50: Encounter

Two weeks later,

"Well, it looks like we're approaching the capital of Acarnania, the 'Land of Fairy Tales,' Odesseus."

At the top of the mast, Rosinante held a telescope, observing the undulating landscape appearing on the horizon. After comparing it with the nautical chart in his hands, he confirmed that this voyage had finally reached its destination.

It had taken just a "short" two weeks to sail from Spade Maruzuki to this point. However, Rosinante and his crew had already encountered four rounds of sea battles. While deliberate misinformation played a role, the chaos of this world's waters was evident.

These four waves of pirates were nothing extraordinary, and there weren't any super-strong opponents worth millions in bounty. But their fighting strength was not to be underestimated; Rosinante's crew had undergone a significant amount of training.

At the very least, everyone's artillery skills had improved dramatically.

"We're finally here?"

As Rosinante descended from the mast and explained the situation of their impending arrival, Torrebor, leaning by the captain's quarters, was invigorated.

"Great, I can finally enjoy myself at a tavern!"

Throughout the journey, amidst rough seas and frequent battles, even their leisure time was spent in training and combat, all led by Rosinante. For Torrebor, the idyllic moments on land felt like a thing of the past.

Every day was just eating, sleeping, exercising, and battling pirates in an endless loop. It had almost exhausted Torrebor.

"Ahaha, alright, I'm going to indulge in some drinking too!"

Compared to Torrebor, who was originally more of a "white-collar worker," Diamante still had the physical stamina, but his nerves, stretched tight all the way, needed some relaxation.

The two of them slung their arms around each other's shoulders, their laughter filled with an understanding of the "relaxation activities" that couldn't be put into words.

"You two, don't go bothering ordinary people."

Rosinante didn't inquire further; he just warned Torrebor and Diamante not to engage in any antics like harassing innocent women. As for any consensual, short-lived "romance," he had no say in the matter.

"Who's staying to watch the ship?"

"I'll do it."

Pica's high-pitched voice echoed from the deck. His imposing physique still had quite a presence as long as he didn't speak.

"Then, I'll leave the trading to you, Doflamingo."

"No problem."

Doflamingo pushed his sunglasses up. As one of the two "leaders" of the Don Quixote family, he was actively working to expand his knowledge and skills.

"In that case, I'll go with Doflamingo."

Vergo nodded. As one of the family's leaders, how could Doflamingo not have an "assistant"?

"Haha, don't worry."

Torrebor bent down and leaned closer.

"After I'm done, I'll come help Doflamingo—negotiation is my strong suit."

No, no, no. Setting aside negotiation, did you accidentally reveal your "quick" secret, Torrebor?

...

Half an hour later,

The Don Quixote ship slowly entered the port city of Odesseus.

This city, known as the "Land of Fairy Tales," was naturally filled with fairy tale elements: a row of white docks extending into the sea like piano keys, the seaside buildings built from wood piled into various geometric shapes, all painted in bright colors.

On the white cylindrical windmill tower, four vertical red wings slowly turned.

And, in addition to the sky-blue castle halfway up the hillside, there was a white mountain peak in the distance. Finding a painter here wouldn't be a problem.

In the city's harbor, a dozen or so merchant ships were moored. Like diligent ants, porters were unloading goods from ships originating from other Northern Sea kingdoms and loading them with agricultural products from the five nations of the "Entegray Alliance."

As the Don Quixote ship docked at the pier, before the gangway could even be set up, Rosinante had already leaped from the ship, waving his hand to the crew behind him. Alone, he blended into the flow of people on the dock.

A serene river flowed through the heart of the city, flanked by crimson-leaved maple trees, scattered white birches, and long, drooping willow branches brushing the water's surface.

Pedestrians strolled hand in hand or leisurely walked. Children played on the ground, hopping and skipping, while a poet under a tree scribbled lines on paper, and an elderly person with a canvas in hand splashed colors onto it.

Everywhere was suffused with an artistic atmosphere.

"The scenery is nice, and the culture is rich. I just wonder if there are any strong individuals around."

Compared to conducting business and trade, Rosinante was more inclined to seek battles and enhance his skills when exploring different countries. Of course, encountering a master who could guide him would be even better.

Unfortunately, during this period, most of the "masters" Rosinante knew were busy on the Grand Line. Even the training program run by Kuzan, the instructor of Rumble Balls and Three-Sectional Staff, hadn't been established yet.

Furthermore, with Rosinante's current foundation, unleashing a Thunder Bagua would likely leave nothing but ashes behind.

Thinking about getting hit to understand Rumble and Bind? That wasn't even a consideration.

While contemplating his future plans, Rosinante casually wandered through the city. It wasn't merely sightseeing; he was assessing potential family influences through his own strength.

However:

"Isn't this place a little too 'clean'?!"

Standing outside a narrow alleyway, Rosinante's face was full of astonishment.

He had deliberately chosen complex areas and dimly lit alleyways, circling around, but to his surprise, he hadn't encountered even a single person who looked like a "thug." Rosinante couldn't help but look around the alleyway, and there wasn't a surveillance camera in sight... This was absurd!

Now was the turbulent Great Age of Navigation. The seas were even more chaotic than the "Great Pirate Era" that followed Roger's declaration. After the Great Pirate Era, a large number of pirates flocked to the Grand Line. They either died at the hands of fellow pirates or ended up incarcerated.

In such a peaceful city, this was simply unrealistic!

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

?!

A voice sounded behind Rosinante, causing the muscles beneath his clothes to tense suddenly!

Though it was a voice that anyone would perceive as "gentle" at first listen, Rosinante's expression turned extremely ugly.

Because he hadn't detected anyone approaching before the person spoke.

This person was a master!

"Sorry, I got lost."

By the time he turned around, Rosinante had already lowered his guard, sheepishly scratching his head and offering a "bashful" smile.

A few meters away from him on the street was a young man and woman.

The woman was tall and wore a simple black-and-white long dress. Her voluminous golden hair cascaded behind her, with fiery orange tips. A gentle smile graced her face, and her violet eyes radiated concern.

Beside her stood a young man in a suit with short, black, slightly curly hair. He wore a flower-patterned cravat around his neck and stood with a posture as upright as a pine tree. He appeared to be of a serious and earnest disposition.

"Lost your way?"

The woman, who looked to be in her mid-20s, took a few steps forward, her elegant attire highlighting her noble aura. With one hand gracefully lifting her skirt, she extended the other hand friendly toward Rosinante.

"Where's your home? I'll take you back."

"If—"

Before Rosinante could respond, the elegant lady spoke up again.

"If you don't have a place to go, come with me."

"Miss,"

The young man with slightly curly hair beside her suddenly stepped forward, blocking Rosinante's path and extending his hand to prevent the elegant lady from "picking up" someone on the street.

"The charity auction is about to start. Please don't keep the guests waiting."

"Fine."

Overpowered by the assertive young man in the suit, the elegant lady could only stand up reluctantly. The upcoming auction was related to the funding of an orphanage, and they couldn't keep the guests waiting for long.

"Young sir, if you have nowhere to go—"

As the elegant lady turned to leave, she looked back at Rosinante with concern.

"The 'Whitesand Orphanage' over there can provide you with a warm bed and some bread. Please rest assured, as long as I'm in charge... cough, the whole Odense won't and shouldn't have wandering children."

"Pick, let's go."

As the tall and short duo of the elegant lady and the young attendant turned to leave, Rosinante's smile faded.

Although this elegant lady behaved gracefully, had a sincere gaze, and spoke gently, her combat prowess was definitely not weak! Under her long dress, she wore white high heels, yet there was no sound as she walked.

She's a skilled kicker!

And that curly-haired youth gave Rosinante a sense of encountering a kindred spirit.

Not referring to a Devil Fruit user, this youth was different from the elegant lady. Both Rosinante and the young man excelled at disguises, assassination, and had blood on their hands.

Wait... Pick?

Watching the backs of these two as they left, Rosinante's gaze flickered.

The appearance of the youth seemed to overlap with that of a gentleman who hadn't yet donned his baby clothes.

Could it be... senior Pink?

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(End of this chapter)