"Okay, Master Rodney," Sister Slug whispered, slowly sliding off Laboon's body. The giant's new wounds healed as if they had never been there. Laboon seemed to be in perfect health.
The treatment had taken a significant toll on Rodney, and his chakra had been depleted. He needed rest to replenish his energy.
"So it can talk?" Crocus asked, surprised, watching the slug. He'd seen plenty of strange creatures during his time on Roger's ship, but a talking slug was a true curiosity.
"Yes, Sister Slug is a special creature. She may not be strong in combat, but her healing skills are second to none," Rodney said, smiling confidently as he patted the slug's body, demonstrating a little slime trick to Crocus.
"What an amazing ability!" Crocus exclaimed in admiration.
"Master Rodney, the natural energy here is much stronger than before," Sister Slug whispered, "almost at the level required for practicing the Sage Art. How long will it take to practice?"
"I'm not sure, but it might be a little slower than in Shikkotsu Forest," Sister Slug replied.
"Let's leave that aside for now. Sister Slug, thank you for your help," Rodney said gratefully.
"No problem. I'm leaving," Sister Slug said goodbye and suddenly disappeared. Crocus was astonished again:
"Your abilities are truly amazing! You used your fruit powers to drive away such a large slime?"
"Almost. I sent the slug's sister back where she came from," Rodney smiled.
"Rodney, when do you plan to leave?" Crocus asked.
"What? You want to come with me? Well, if there's a ship with a favorable wind, I'll let you join me," Rodney replied cheekily. He intended to accompany Crocus without any specific mission.
"Okay, but first I want to visit the Sabaody Archipelago and meet an old friend. Would you like to join me?"
Sabaody Archipelago... That's where Rayleigh, the Dark King, resides. It looks like trouble is coming for Moria.
Although Roger's pirate crew is aging, they are far from weak. In the world of One Piece, age doesn't necessarily mean weakness, especially when it comes to old legends.
Garp, Sengoku, Whitebeard, Rayleigh... Their power may have diminished slightly, but by how much? Even if they're not as strong as they once were, they still stand at the pinnacle of power.
Family is family, after all.
Crocus was a ship's doctor by profession, but he'd served on Roger's ship and seen a lot. Talking slugs were nothing compared to the wonders he'd witnessed.
"You already mentioned that Buggy was on your ship. Well, I sent him to jail," Rodney remarked casually.
"Haha, that guy, Buggy? You sent him to jail? Well, he probably did," Crocus chuckled, remembering the young man with the red nose.
He wasn't too worried about Buggy: the guy was the captain's favorite and would probably find a way to get out of trouble.
"In that case, Rodney, let's get ready and set sail," Crocus suggested.
"Just like that?" Rodney asked.
"Exactly," Crocus replied.
As for provisions, they were accustomed to life at sea and knew how to stock up on fresh water and fine wine.
"Huh?" Rodney's vision blurred, and a task appeared before him.
[Mission: Disband the Baroque Factory]
Mission Level: B
[Rewards: Shadow Clone Shuriken Technique, Water Release: Water Formation Wall, Mystic Palm Technique, Permanent Chakra Fruit, 5000 Mission Points]
[Mission: Defeat Crocodile]
Mission Level: B
[Reward: Bloodline Limit: Boiling Release, Fire Release: Crimson Nail of the Phoenix Sage Flower, Fire Release: Intellectual Diligence, Lightning Release: False Darkness, Lightning Release: Furious Thunder, 5000 Mission Points].
Two missions?
Surprised, Rodney sank into deep thought. He'd only planned to go to Alabasta via the itinerary, so why were these missions suddenly announced?
And not one, but two missions.
However, the reward was incredibly tempting.
Have B-level missions always been so generously rewarded?
"What happened?" Crocus noticed Rodney's sudden stillness and asked.
"Nothing. I just remembered something," Rodney shook his head and walked up to the cliff. Seeing Mom emerging from the sea, he said, "You're free now. You can go wherever you want."
Momu silently entered the sea, quickly moving away, as if wanting to get away.
- Oh, so you despise me so much?
It was understandable. Momoo feared Rodney more than Arlong. He wanted to escape this unlucky star, knowing his life would be safer once he was away from Rodney. She was finally free, but she didn't know who would provide her with food. In Arlong's house, his baby took care of the food.
"Then we'll go too. It's been a while since I left this place. Laboon, let's set out on a new journey," Crocus patted Laboon's fur, and Laboon responded with a joyful, excited cry.
"What should we do?" Rodney asked.
"We'll enter Laboon's belly. We'll start from the nearest point, Rodney boy, just like with the route you chose."
"Yes, I'm heading to Alabasta," Rodney confirmed.
Crocus thought for a moment and asked:
"If I remember correctly, you're a pirate hunter, right? Are you planning to confront the Shichibukai there?"
In other regions, pirates who infiltrated Alabasta were often destroyed, which earned the people admiration for the Shichibukai.
The Shichibukai were pirates recognized by the World Government. They were allowed to plunder legally and enjoyed a kind of immunity. They were considered servants of the World Government.
Crocodile, Gecko Moria, Doflamingo—these three men acted as filters, systematically eliminating pirates and reducing their numbers. They significantly eased the Marines' burden. While they were a nuisance, it was undeniable that they helped the Marines to some extent.
"Haha, old man, don't say that. I can't face the Shichibukai right now... I guess." Rodney remembered that Crocodile's powers were negated by water, and his sand abilities were useless when wet. He shared this knowledge with Gaara. He wondered if water created with water-based chakra would have the same effect.
If so, he will be able to defeat Crocodile even without Haki.
Crocodile's fruit ability was like divine intervention in Alabasta's affairs, but it was easy to withstand.
Crocodile, immersed in his search for the secrets of Pluto, abandoned his Haki training. His thoughts were filled with maps, ancient legends, and encrypted messages.
"I need to find out something in Alabasta," Rodney said, his voice filled with excitement, breaking the silence. "I noticed something strange, and I need to figure it out."
"Oh? What did you see?" Crocus, always curious and ready for adventure, immediately became interested.
Rodney thought for a moment, as if weighing his words, and then said:
— Someone is secretly using Dancing Powder.
"Dancing powder? In Alabasta, suffering from a water shortage? This is simply unacceptable!" Crocus exclaimed.
"This powder is designed to produce artificial rain, but it's too powerful," Rodney explained. "It absorbs moisture from the air, causing heavy rainfall in the area where it's applied. For a country as arid as Alabasta, relying on the plunder of nature is almost fatal."
"Did you see who was to blame?" Crocus, clenching his fists, looked at his friend with concern.
"I only caught a glimpse," Rodney shook his head. "That's why I want to investigate. And, of course, stop these actions." He made an owl gesture, symbolizing determination.
"In that case, let's go," Crocus nodded. "But I don't think I can keep you company."
"No problem," Rodney smiled. "Thanks for the offer. With Laboon, we can quickly cover these vast expanses. Waiting here for pirate ships arriving from the other direction would be too much trouble."
"Haha, let's go get some wine and water," Crocus clapped Rodney on the shoulder. "Join me and we'll make all the necessary preparations."
"Okay," Rodney nodded, looking forward to the adventures to come.
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