Chapter 200: Hidden (Part 2)
Like a sow, Big Mom only knows how to produce countless offspring; "Beasts" Kaido is a useless drunk shut-in; and Whitebeard—recruiting adopted sons just to play house.
A string of insults like these hit the headlines in the latest interview feature.
The entire world exploded in an instant.
Not only were ordinary citizens left speechless, but even many veteran pirates were shocked by Eric's arrogance.
"Man, he really dares to say it! Our new 'Emperor,' Daren Eric!" Many pirates burst into laughter, clapping after reading the news.
"Stepping on Big Mom, punching 'Beasts' Kaido—never seen such a cocky brat before!" One pirate spun around, his cape fluttering. "Let's go, boys! Time to see this so-called new Emperor of the Seas for ourselves!"
Naturally, the members of the Big Mom Pirates and Beasts Pirates were furious. Many wanted to tear Eric apart alive, grind his bones to dust. Kaido even flattened an entire mountain out of rage.
As for Whitebeard's crew, they also felt insulted and united in anger. Luckily, Whitebeard himself knew better—understanding the government's schemes, he stopped his "sons" from retaliating. Still, he remembered Eric's name, planning to "have a talk" later.
"Something terrible's happened!"
Perona burst into the training room with a newspaper in hand, shouting as soon as she arrived.
"What's all the noise about?" Eric took the paper while mid-training and scolded, "In any situation, remain as steady as a mountain—"
"What the—!" The moment he saw the headline, his calm face broke.
"Damn you, Morgans!"
Beside him, Gin was shamelessly flattering. "As expected of Captain Eric! Not only did you become an Emperor of the Sea, but you even insulted the other three—"
He immediately shut up after meeting Eric's eerie gaze.
"Hahaha! That's the man I chose! Truly an emperor's spirit," Esdeath said, eyes shining. "Seems I'll have to intensify our sparring sessions."
"Indeed," Skaha added smoothly. "Only through harsher training can a true king build the might worthy of the title."
The two "battle goddesses" chimed in perfect harmony.
"Hello? Master? Esdeath?" Eric muttered weakly.
While steering the ship, Gin asked curiously, "Captain Eric, where are we heading next?"
"Amazon Lily," Eric answered. He only remembered that Luffy trained for two years on an island near the Daughter Island—a place with a harsh climate and countless beasts, perfect for hiding and training.
Beyond that, he had no clear knowledge of where else in this world was suitable for seclusion.
At that moment, both the lawful and the underworld sides of the sea were hunting the Dawn Pirates—some for fame, others for the bounty.
"What kind of place is that?" Kurumi tilted her head, recalling something from her original world. "The name sounds like the warrior nation, the Amazons, from my world."
Teacher Chiron, ever the scholar, explained patiently: "Amazon Lily is the homeland of the all-female tribe known as the Kuja. It's also called the Daughter Island—as the name implies, only women live there."
Hearing this, every crew member slowly turned toward Eric, who instantly broke into a cold sweat, scrambling to explain. "I remember there's an uninhabited island nearby—perfect for our training and hiding!"
Kurumi's crimson eyes locked onto him, her lips curving in mischief. "Ara~ Then why go to Amazon Lily, instead of that deserted island?"
"Because I don't know its name," Eric said quickly. "Without a name, my Jack Compass can't locate it. See?"
He pulled out the compass—its needle completely still.
Chiron spoke up, "Captain, you mean 'Ruskaina,' right?"
"Ruskaina? What's that?"
Seeing his genuine confusion, Chiron explained, "It's also called the Island of 48 Seasons. It's said that an ancient kingdom once existed there, but humanity lost to nature. Now, only gigantic ferocious beasts remain. It's nearly uninhabitable."
"Yes, yes—that one…" Eric stopped midsentence, realizing trouble.
"Then let's head there directly, shall we, Eric-san~?" Kurumi said sweetly, pressing him to decide.
'There's no way I can tell them the truth—that I need to meet the world's most beautiful woman, the Pirate Empress…' Eric thought, secretly glancing at the system interface only he could see:
[Monthly Mission #12: Rescue the Pirate Empress Operation]
Preview: After learning that Daren Eric executed a Celestial Dragon, the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock becomes desperate to find him. Though initially restrained by Gloriosa and her sisters, her longing builds up for over two months, finally erupting like a volcano.
Goal: Save the ailing, love-stricken pirate empress, who is bedridden and whispering your name.
Reward: +1 Achievement Point / +5 Bond Points / Ally: Amazon Lily / Admirer: Boa Hancock.
'These system missions are getting more and more ridiculous,' Eric grumbled internally. 'First it was that Navy–Pirate CP nonsense, now it's "get a little fangirl" as a reward? And honestly, this should've come bundled with the Dragon-slaying mission anyway!'
"Eric-san?"
Kurumi leaned down, her beautiful face inches from his. "You're spacing out again. What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing! Now that we know the island's name, the compass should work. Let's head to Rus—"
"Ruskaina."
"Yes, Ruskaina." Eric added inwardly, Since it's close to Amazon Lily anyway, I can cure Hancock's love-sickness quickly and be back before anyone notices.
Kurumi narrowed her eyes. "You're not planning to visit the Pirate Empress, are you?"
"Of course not," Eric said, voice small, gaze darting away.
Akame stabbed verbally, "Whenever Eric lies, his eyes shift down to the left."
Esdeath, examining Hancock's old wanted poster, smirked. "The Pirate Empress? One of the Seven Warlords? She looks strong. Maybe we should go fight her?"
Kurumi sighed. "You battle maniac, zip it."
Skaha's red eyes began to glow. "I can see the future, and Eric—"
"Alright, alright!" Eric threw up his hands. "Fine! I admit I intend to see her—but not in the way you're thinking!"
"Hmph." Kurumi smiled slyly. "Wouldn't it have been easier to just admit that earlier?"
Gin, petrified by the silent war unfolding before him, could only watch in awe. Love battles are way scarier than any real fight.
"Gin, set course for Amazon Lily."
"Yes, Captain!" Gin straightened, staring resolutely ahead.
"Kurumi…" Eric said, touched.
"If you manage to charm the Pirate Empress and form an alliance, that'd be perfect, wouldn't it? And she's a stunning beauty with long legs—nothing to lose."
"That'd be nice, yeah…" Eric said absentmindedly—and instantly realized his mistake.
Kurumi's delicate elbow slammed into his ribs.
"Ouch!"
(End of Chapter)
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