320. Chance Encounter

The Grand Line.

Ryu-Sen.

The massive island ship sails toward the Calm Belt, with Amazon Lily situated within its confines.

He had not grasped Byrnndi World's motive fully. Perhaps prolonged solitude in prison has led to admiration for Hancock, hailed as the world's most beautiful woman?

Yet, given Sengoku's arrangement, Atlas had no choice but to comply with the directive.

Ultimately, Hancock collaborated with him.

Word has it that Tesoro's operations in the Grand Line are expanding, thanks to the shield provided by Kuja Pirates.

Boa Hancock's strength delivers a formidable blow to pirates navigating the first half of the Grand Line, serving as a potent deterrent and ample protection for the Soviet Chamber of Commerce.

"Mr. Admiral!"

Suddenly, the Marine responsible for reconnaissance issued a warning from the observation deck: "A ship has appeared ahead, and it seems to be... Shichibukai Dracule Mihawk!"

"Huh?" Atlas glanced at Jinbei beside him, shook his head, and chuckled.

"I didn't anticipate Mihawk would actually answer such a summons."

"Perhaps... he's intrigued by Byrnndi World, a formidable figure from the previous era, don't you think?"

Smoker explained with uncertainty. His perception of this Shichibukai was primarily that of someone eager to challenge formidable individuals from various backgrounds. However, upon hearing the title "World Destroyer," it made sense that he might be intrigued for a while.

"No, you don't get him," Atlas remarked, watching the approaching figure and shaking his head. "That guy's only interested in those skilled with a sword..."

However, halfway through his statement, a sense of foreboding crept in.

'Could this person be here to find me?'

As expected, before the two ships could connect, a man donned in a black top hat, wielding a massive black knife, leaped from the boat and landed firmly on the Baiji's deck.

"Carlos Atlas, you turned me down during the Summit War. There shouldn't be any reason for refusal now, right?"

Eyes as keen as a hawk locked onto him, a formidable aura cutting through the air.

"Oh? It seems you've gained much from the Summit War!! But..."

Atlas scrutinized Mihawk, whose demeanor was reserved, though his eyes remained indifferent.

"No need to rush your refusal. As a gesture, I can share a piece of news that might be more crucial to you."

"Oh?" Atlas' expression hardened. "What's the news?"

He was well aware that Hawkeye was never without purpose.

"No need to venture to Amazon Lily. What Byrnndi World left nearby is merely a small boat, deceptively similar in appearance."

After uttering those words, Hawkeye extended his hand towards the Yoru sheathed behind him.

"...I didn't anticipate that you actually guessed it right!"

Smoker turned his head, offering Kyros a wry smile.

Yet, it's too late to alter anything now; they remain clueless about Byrnndi World's next move.

"You should be able to locate him by sailing along the Calm Belt in the direction of Marine Headquarters."

As Hawkeye unsheathed the black sword, black Haki enveloped it, and the massive blade grew even more profound.

Evidently, he had made progress after enduring a severe beating from Rayleigh.

"Thank you very much for your information..."

"So, you want a duel?"

Hawkeye's hand gripping the knife tightened, his knuckles turning slightly white.

"Daga Kotawaru!"

"Though I'd love to entertain you, it's nearly too late now."

Atlas gauged the timing and shook his head, rejecting Hawkeye's proposition.

Uncertain whether Byrnndi World's objective is Marineford or Mariejois.

If it's the latter, that's acceptable. The sinking of Mariejois wouldn't concern him much. He'd even give the old man a thumbs up.

Hawkeye: "..."

.....

Calm Belt.

"Is our destination Marine Headquarters?"

On the tranquil sea surface, a ship with a colossal cannon at the bow sails. Byrnndi World, towering, stands on the bow's cannon, gently caressing it with his weathered and large hands, without bothering to look back.

"Of course, it's Marine Headquarters. Now, Marineford only has Sengoku in charge. The kid Hakuryu, as mentioned by Byojack, has been moved, and another Marine Admiral is stationed in Mariejois."

"I want to see what Sengoku is planning to do to stop me!! Barororo!!"

In that conflict years ago, had the World Government not resorted to such underhanded tactics, how could the Marines have managed to thwart him?

"World, are you truly going to this?"

"This wasn't our original dream, and the purpose of this ship isn't destruction!! Cough, cough, cough—!"

On the deck, an elderly man, holding a small bottle, coughed twice, his expression marked with concern.

"Enough with your ramblings. If not for you turncoats, I wouldn't have been defeated by those devious folks from the Marines!"

"This era isn't the era I envisioned!"

World remained unconvinced, even if the frail old man was his brother.

He heard it crystal clear—the moment he fell.

This guy took the initiative to escape, leaving him, his only brother behind.

Intellectually, Byojack's decision might not be incorrect.

But emotionally, he couldn't accept it! ! !

They had made a pact to be the freest individuals in the world and embark on adventures together across the globe!

"Cough, cough, cough—!"

"I know you've been blaming me, but..."

"Sebastian, Gairam, Nightin, I'll entrust the rest to you. I need some rest for a while. Keep an eye on the surroundings and report if anything seems amiss."

Without affording Byojack another opportunity to explain, Byrnndi World rudely cut off the elderly man.

He descended from the cannon and proceeded towards a room with a somber expression.

"Leave it to us!"

A woman, adorned in white long sleeves and bold lipstick, replied with a smile. She waved her sleeves that extended to cover her entire palm, emitting a potent aroma of Chinese medicine.

"Count on us too!"

The man with the colossal hammer strapped to his back thumped his chest and declared in a resolute tone.

"Very well."

Byrnndi World paused momentarily, turning around to scrutinize the assembled individuals from head to toe.

"I hope you won't let me down..."

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