One Piece: From Picking Up Red Hair's Broken Arm

Chapter 206 Fat Tiger's Heart Flutters, Four Emperors' Braised Noodles

This money?

Fujitora put down his wine cup and sighed:

"That's right. Before coming here, I rescued two children on the edge of the Calm Belt and sent them back to their homeland in the Western Sea."

"That place is almost a complete ruin, filled with starving and homeless people. Therefore, I plan to go back and use this money to help them get medical treatment and rebuild their homes..."

"What? You lost so badly, all the money you finally managed to earn back was just thrown away like that?"

Xia Nuo interrupted Fujitora, displeased, "Hey! Don't make this incredible act of righteousness sound as simple as drinking a glass of wine, Ichika!"

As he spoke, he casually took out a bag and tossed it in front of Fujitora.

"This is?"

Fujitora was slightly taken aback.

"The money, we just squeezed it from the World Government, we can't even spend it all."

Xia Nuo chuckled and poured himself another glass of wine. "Rebuilding an entire town, 300 million Berries probably won't be enough. Let's add my share!"

Fujitora subconsciously weighed the money pouch in his hand... it contained more than the money in his briefcase, at least four or five hundred million Berries.

We've never met before, and you've already given it to me?

He couldn't help but smile wryly, carefully put away his money pouch, and then raised his wine glass:

"Your Excellency Xia Nuo, you are being far too generous and trusting of me."

"So what? It's all free money from the World Government anyway."

Xia Nuo didn't care at all, clinked glasses with him, drank it all in one gulp, and then suddenly changed the subject:
"However, Yixiao, have you ever thought that relying solely on yourself to help others is ultimately just patching things up and doing small-scale work, addressing the symptoms but not the root cause?"

"..."

Fujitora remained silent, put down his wine cup, and said in a deep voice, "What you mean is..."

"This world is completely rotten."

Xia Nuo said slowly, "When I first set sail, I was just like you, trying my best to help wherever I went, but then what?"

“After we leave, nothing will change. Pirates will still flock to the Grand Line from all the seas, and the Heavenly Gold will still weigh heavily on people. The common people will be caught in the middle, powerless to resist, just like this fragile glass cup…”

Snapped!
The wine glass shattered into pieces instantly.

The proprietress, who was kneeling on the ground and diligently wiping the floor, froze, turned her head, and gave Xia Nuo a resentful look.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I'll reimburse you when we settle the bill later!"

Xia Nuo scratched his head awkwardly.

After the proprietress turned away, he looked at Fujitora again and said sincerely:

"Without fundamentally changing the world, tragedies like this will continue to repeat themselves, creating a vicious cycle. No matter how much patching and repair is done, it can only save the situation temporarily, not permanently."

“I am well aware of the reasoning you have given me.”

Fujitora hesitated for a moment, then shook his head and sighed, "But saying it is one thing, doing it is another. Those who make such grand ambitions are facing that behemoth called the World Government!"

"In this world, too many heroes and great men have either retreated after witnessing the power of the World Government, or gradually changed their original intentions after expanding their own territories and dominating a region, such as Kaido, one of the Four Emperors..."

"Kaido?"

Smoker, who was listening nearby, was taken aback.

Why is that guy involved?
"Yes, that man, even though he now occupies Wano Country, he has degenerated into a pure tyrant and villain."

Fujitora's expression turned reminiscent. "But that guy, when he was young, also had a similar spirit to Lord Shano. He even declared that he would use his power to change the world..."

"so what?"

Xia Nuo burst into laughter, his laughter tinged with arrogance:

"You think I'll become the next Kaido? Don't be ridiculous! What kind of level is he? Don't compare me to that kind of guy!"

"At nineteen, I'm almost at the pinnacle of this world. And Kaido at nineteen? Forget being a Marine Admiral, could he even defeat Smoker?!"

Hey boss, don't treat me like a unit of measurement!

Smoker's eye twitched.

Fujitora was speechless; what he said was true... and he really couldn't find a way to refute it.

"Anyway."

Xia Nuo picked up a new wine glass and continued:
"From childhood to adulthood, my favorite thing has always been overcoming difficulties. It is precisely because this kind of dream seems impossible that it is worth pursuing!"

He downed a glass of wine in one gulp and declared with boundless pride:
"Hey! Yixiao, I assure you, as long as you join us, you can not only continue to be a chivalrous hero, but also witness... no, personally participate in creating a brand new era with like-minded people!"

Even if we ultimately fail, so what? History has already been written, and future generations will remember us!

Does your heart flutter, Gian?

He didn't believe this guy didn't have his own ambitions! He didn't believe this guy was content to remain a lone wolf forever!

Those who reach the pinnacle of the world are all people with their own beliefs.

Otherwise, Fujitora wouldn't have taken the initiative to participate in the global draft and compete for the position of Marine Admiral!
However, this man who dared to defy the Celestial Dragons to their faces joined Marineford six years later because there was nowhere else on the high seas where he could realize his ambitions.

But things are different now. With him here, the Fallen Ones will surely become a better home than the Marine Headquarters!
"..."

Fujitora fell into a long silence.

He touched the bag containing the huge sum of money, and images of crying children in the ruins flashed through his mind, along with all the injustices he had heard and seen over the years...

Finally, everything dissipated, and the image froze on the inviter, who was laughing wildly.

He's not the kind of person who can be easily persuaded with just a few words.

But before meeting with Xia Nuo, he had already done his research and research on the other party's background and had a deep understanding of him.

Otherwise, someone who hates evil so much wouldn't have bothered to have a drink with a villain designated as a pirate by the World Government.

The world's greatest swordsman, Shano.

His character is trustworthy;

Their strength is beyond question;
Finally, tonight, I personally and clearly felt from the other person that strong will to defy all hardships and strive towards their dream...

This man might truly be worth following.

“I have a condition,” Fujitora finally spoke.

"Tell me."

"Please remember what I say today. If one day you break your promise and follow a path similar to Kaido's..."

Fujitora raised the wooden cane he was holding, and for the first time fully opened his empty eye sockets, revealing the terrifying whites of his eyes. An invisible pressure made Smoker's hair stand on end.

"Then don't blame me for using this supreme great sword to personally send you to hell."

"no problem."

Xia Nuo readily agreed, "If that day ever comes, believe me, you won't even need to lift a finger. The rest of the crew—Robin, Bear, Smoker, and the others—won't let me off the hook either."

"Is that so?" Fujitora glanced at Smoker with a hint of surprise.

Smoker's attention, however, was completely elsewhere. He had even forgotten about smoking his cigar and was staring in astonishment at Fujitora's wooden cane...

ha?
Is this for real? This tattered wooden stick is actually one of the twelve Supreme Grade Swords? On par with the swords wielded by Hawkeye and Whitebeard…

You can’t see it at all!
"It seems that, as you said before, there are indeed many like-minded people on your ship. If we can fight and struggle together... I can't help but feel hopeful."

Fujitora, unaware of Smoker's thoughts, put away his staff and solemnly said:
"In that case, from this day forward, you shall be my captain, Lord Shano!"

“However…” he hesitated, “please forgive me, I have some matters to attend to and I’m afraid I cannot go to sea with you immediately.”

"Should I go back to the West Sea and wrap up my solo career?"

Xia Nuo had expected this. She glanced at Fujitora's briefcase and grinned. "It's alright, go and handle it with peace of mind. We can wait. How long will it take?"

"It won't be long, less than half a year, probably only three or four months."

Fujitora said apologetically, "I will handle things over there as soon as possible. At the same time, before officially joining the Fallen Ones, I would like to have a chat with an old friend who once invited me to join the Navy."

An old friend?

Who?
Smoker was immediately filled with curiosity and wanted to ask for clarification, but Shano seemed completely unconcerned, simply grabbing the bottle and filling the three of them's glasses.

"No problem, it's settled then. We'll hold a formal welcome banquet for you in a few months. As for tonight..."

He laughed heartily, "Let's keep it simple, let's have a drink first!"

Ding!
The three men raised their glasses high, the crisp sound of them clinking together echoing clearly in the quiet tavern…

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

That night.

Fujitora then parted ways with Shano and hurriedly left the gambling city.

The rest of the crew, on the other hand, enjoyed a relaxing night.

The following day at noon, after replenishing its supplies, the Fallen Curtain sailed out of the dock and continued its journey towards the World Kingdom.

There's not much of a road left.

……

It was only late January, and spring was already in full bloom all over the world.

Biscuit Island.

This is the outermost island in the northwest of the thirty-six islands in the Totland Sea.

It is also one of the "Four Sweet Generals," Cracker's territory.

As the tea party approached, the island was designated as one of the outposts for the reception.

All guests arriving in the Kingdom from the west must register here. Only after their invitations and identities are verified will they be allowed to enter the heart of the Kingdom – Cake Island.

Charlotte Castadian stood on the dock, her long purple hair swaying gently in the breeze, but her eyes held a hint of sorrow and unease.

She is Bigom's sixth daughter and Cracker's twin sister.

Although she wasn't appointed as a minister, with such an accomplished brother, Biscuit Island could practically be considered half of her territory.

That's why she was assigned to Biscuit Island to receive guests from that direction.

The other guests don't matter, just follow the procedure.

But coincidentally, it is said that the most eye-catching guest at this tea party will most likely come from this direction.

This is really...

"Hey, Cracker."

The Kastadian couldn't help but whisper, "My mother suddenly specified that I should take the initiative to contact that person, but I've never been in a relationship before. This is just too much to ask..."

"Making things difficult for you? This is giving you a chance, you idiot!"

A deep voice came from behind, and a burly biscuit soldier emerged from the shadows. Cracker's true form was hidden inside the armor. He snorted:
"Don't be intimidated by that guy's fearsome reputation. No matter how strong he is, he's still a man. And men, in the end, are all lustful. You, on the other hand, are so beautiful and cute."

"As long as you can win his heart and marry him, our Charlotte family will gain an extraordinary top-tier fighter, and you will also make a great contribution and, like me, gain my mother's favor!"

"Isn't it cute?"

Castald sat down on the grass, rubbing his face in frustration. "Even if you say that, Cracker, I still don't really have much confidence..."

She definitely looks like a typical teenage beauty, cute and adorable, and younger girls all adore her.

But in reality, he is already very, very old; next month will be his fortieth birthday.

At this age, she's old enough to be Lord Shano's mother.

Will the other party mind or find this objectionable?

Worry lingered in her mind, making it hard for her not to feel anxious...

"Shut up!"

Cracker interrupted sharply, "If Mom hears you saying such discouraging things, you can expect to have your lifespan taken away! Cheer up!"

He slapped her on the forehead, saying with exasperation:

"Besides, do you think you're the only one who's been assigned a task? Garrett, Smoothie, and even Brin were all called in by Mom for instructions. At this tea party, Mom is determined to take down that Shano!"

"Compared to them, you're just as good in every way... at least that's how I see you! Anyway, you have to seize this opportunity and show me your usual confidence and poise!"

Yes, confidence and composure!
Castard rubbed his swollen forehead, straightened his back, and finally managed to muster his strength. Just then, the outline of a ship gradually appeared on the horizon.

At the top of the mast, a white flag embroidered with crossed swords fluttered in the wind.

"It's here! This is definitely the ship!"

Cracker's eyes lit up, and he gave her a shove. "Quick, quick, get to the shore and stand there in advance. I'll cover for you and be ready to help you at any time!"

Castard staggered to the end of the pier, watching the famous ship, the Fallen, sail closer and closer to him, and suddenly became a little nervous.

Getting closer...

The legendary figure gradually became clearer—

A handsome young man in black clothes and black hair stood calmly at the bow of the ship. Although he was just standing there casually, the surrounding light seemed to dim a little.

hiss……

Castald almost stopped breathing for a second.

So handsome! The photo on the wanted poster was already handsome enough, but once you feel his aura in person, his charm immediately rises to another level.

If before it was just to fulfill her mother's request, now she's genuinely starting to fall for it.

Castard took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart.

She took a few steps forward, preparing to greet them with her sweetest smile, but suddenly stopped, her eyes widening in surprise—

All that could be seen on the deck was...

The tall and slender Smoothie was leaning lazily against the railing, holding a glass of orange soda in her hand, raising the glass to her with a half-smile.

Beside her, several of her sisters, including Galette and Mukuru, glanced over.

How could this be?
Castad gritted his teeth.

Almost everyone who was given a task by their mother is here...

(End of this chapter)