22. Arriving At East Blue!

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Calm Belt.

clatter—

Under the diligent pull of the sea beast, the small sailboat swiftly moved forward, cutting a white wavy line through the calm Calm Belt sea.

On the small sailboat, Rob held a sword in his hand, practicing his sword technique with focused precision. His other abilities were progressing steadily: his navigation skills were adequate for sea travel and would naturally improve over time. His medical skills, originally developed to create potential and body-building potions, no longer required intense study now that the potions were successful. Other abilities didn't need immediate cultivation.

So, Rob decided to accelerate the development of his sword skills. Next, he planned to visit Shimotsuki Village in East Blue to see Shimotsuki Kozaburo. There, he hoped to learn the old man's sword-crafting techniques and forge a top weapon for himself. With his newly crafted famous sword, he aimed to make a name for himself on the seas and reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship.

"Call—"

After a long practice session, Rob exhaled deeply.

"Speaking of which, the current Hawkeye is still young and hasn't won the title of 'World's No. 1 Swordsman'. Should I take the title from him directly?"

It seemed like an interesting challenge.

Rob decided to compete with Hawkeye for the title of the world's number one swordsman if the opportunity arose.

Just as Rob was contemplating this, a loud bang sounded.

bang—

A massive Sea King, large enough to swallow both the small sailboat and the sea monster pulling it, emerged from the depths. It seemed poised to devour them both.

Despite the appearance of the enormous Sea King, the sea beast pulling the boat remained calm, knowing that Rob would handle the threat.

"Hello!"

Rob calmly addressed the giant Sea King about to attack:

"You are in the way!"

Roar?

The Sea King's movements halted, its huge eyes fixed on Rob, who stared back indifferently. Doubt flickered in the Sea King's eyes.

Swish—

Rob's gaze sharpened, and a red light burst from his pupils:

"Get lost!!!"

He didn't unleash his full Conqueror's Haki, but his body radiated a violent aura, directly targeting the giant Sea King.

The Sea King, feeling Rob's powerful presence, suddenly perceived him as enormous despite his actual size. In its eyes, Rob transformed from a tiny figure into a towering giant, making the Sea King feel like a small loach by comparison.

And Rob was still growing larger in its eyes!

An extremely dangerous aura emanated from Rob, causing the giant Sea King to instinctively feel fear. Its enormous body retreated subconsciously before plunging back into the sea, disappearing amidst the huge waves.

Rob barely paid attention as the giant Sea King fled. This had happened numerous times since they entered the Calm Belt. Even the sea beast was accustomed to it, let alone Rob himself.

...

Three days passed.

East Blue.

Shells Town—

After releasing the sea beast as agreed, Rob and Robin arrived at their first island in East Blue on the small sailboat.

Shells Town was not yet under the tyrannical rule of Morgan the Axe. The Marine Base stationed here was well-managed by a competent branch colonel, giving the town a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

Walking down the street, Rob and Robin observed the happy smiles on the faces of the townspeople.

Robin sighed subconsciously:

"It's really East Blue... Even the age of great voyages hasn't affected this place much! It's indeed the 'symbol of peace' advertised by the Marine and World Government!"

Hearing Robin's observation, Rob smiled:

"Of course! Because the bad things aren't reported! Whether East Blue is truly good or not, you have to discover for yourself to feel it more intuitively. But it's true that East Blue has fewer pirates than other places."

Robin tilted her head thoughtfully:

"Is it because of the 'Marine Hero' - Monkey D. Garp?"

Rob nodded. He wasn't surprised by Robin's analysis. She had always been smart, and as she grew, she thought about things more comprehensively. It was natural for her to make this connection.

The reason there were fewer pirates in East Blue and why they were generally weaker than those in other seas was because Garp often visited home. Consequently, the Marines paid more attention to maintaining order in East Blue due to Garp's influence.

This also meant that the pirates in East Blue were generally weak. However, if one emerged from East Blue, they often became a formidable figure on the Grand Line and across the seas.

"Let's go!"

Holding Robin's small hand, Rob led her towards a restaurant in town:

"Let's eat something first, then we'll explore East Blue more. I also want to buy a nautical chart and see if there are any precious herbs for sale. We've got a lot to do today!"

Robin nodded obediently. Allowing Rob to hold her hand, she boldly looked around, not worrying about her safety at all.

As long as Oni-chan was with her, she could do anything with confidence!

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