Chapter 119: Return to Battleship Island
Huff... huff...
Golden Lion floated not far from Luo Han in the sky, gasping for breath. Three minutes of nonstop slash waves, topped off with a super slash infused with his full willpower — even for someone as powerful as him, it was exhausting.
But!
Golden Lion's gaze was fixed on Luo Han's face — full of excitement, no sign of fatigue, not even a single drop of sweat. His own face darkened.
"What kind of Devil Fruit is this brat using?!"
That "force field fruit" claim was obviously nonsense. He could launch slash waves endlessly, his defense was absurdly strong, and even Golden Lion's ultimate slash hadn't made so much as a dent in that transparent shield. Luo Han wasn't even winded.
Such an illogical Devil Fruit ability… There was no way Golden Lion would believe it was just a "force field" type.
Meanwhile, Luo Han composed himself, hiding his grin, and looked directly at Golden Lion.
Golden Lion stiffened. He flared his Haki again, acting like he could fight ten more battles — but Luo Han could see through it. His spirit had waned, and there was hesitation in his eyes… perhaps even fear. Even if Golden Lion hadn't realized it yet, Luo Han had.
Smiling faintly, Luo Han said, "Golden Lion, let's end the fight here. We had our differences before, but I got what I came for today — so I'll let you go."
Before Golden Lion could reply, Luo Han turned and flew back to his ship. Whoosh! The vessel sped away toward Battleship Island.
Golden Lion remained hovering, face clouded. Though neither side was seriously injured, he knew: he had lost.
He returned to hover above Kyo (Silver Axe) and the others, looked around, and said, "The ship's gone. Someone go to Battleship Island and bring another one. It's close — I won't go."
"I'll go," said Hank, stepping forward. From the fight, he could tell something had shifted in Golden Lion.
"I'll come too," said several other crew members who were below Golden Lion in strength.
"Then go," Golden Lion said flatly.
Splash! Hank and the others dove into the sea, swimming toward Battleship Island, leaving the rest of the group in silence.
—
Meanwhile, Luo Han's ship flew full speed toward the island — and onboard, he was being scolded by four angry women.
"I admit it, okay? I wasn't trying to show off, I just wanted to get back to the island quickly…" Luo Han said awkwardly.
"Oh? You weren't trying to show off?" Spoon-jie's voice turned dangerously sweet as she narrowed her eyes, exuding silent pressure.
"I-I didn't mean it like that! I just forgot to warn you guys before accelerating…"
"So you admit you were going to show off — you just forgot the warning part," Aishi said, her hair frazzled, her teeth grinding, eyes sharp.
"N-no! I wasn't trying to show off, I swear!"
"And my sandals?! Huh? My sandals flew off and I can't find them now!" Toki shouted, waving her bare foot at him, her gaze ice-cold. "You! Owe! Me! Luo Han!!"
Ugh… Luo Han winced and turned toward Sora, who was missing one high heel and had hair like a bird's nest. She stared at him silently.
"I'm sorry! I won't do it again!" Luo Han quickly apologized.
Hmph!
As soon as he did, the four of them stopped yelling and quietly returned to fixing their hair or searching for their shoes.
"Yep… never argue with women. Just apologize fast," Luo Han sighed in relief.
This time, he gently guided the ships toward Battleship Island — no sudden boosts. Last time, he'd accelerated instantly just to get back and test a new ability, nearly launching everyone off the deck. Luckily, his telekinetic shield had cushioned the blow, but the result was still… chaos.
Like on Tucker's ship — the whole crew was sprawled on the deck, seeing stars.
…
"Han-ge, we're here," Cole reported, stepping up beside him.
"Yeah, I see it." Luo Han looked ahead. They'd reached the harbor outskirts. Other ships were sailing out, heading in all directions.
Every ship that saw Luo Han's approach veered off respectfully, giving him the right of way.
Soon, the two ships docked at Pier No. 1. Everyone disembarked.
Perhaps due to his battle with Admiral Kong, or perhaps because the Navy didn't want to destroy Battleship Island, they never returned after Luo Han left. Many residents who had fled began returning, and the island was slowly regaining its former prosperity.
"Alright! Everyone go enjoy yourselves — I'm heading out!" Luo Han said, and without waiting, took off toward the mountaintop. He needed a quiet place to think. He had too many ideas — no time to waste.
The rest of the crew looked at each other, shrugged, and scattered.
At the top of the mountain, Luo Han landed beside the same massive ten-meter-wide hole left from his fight with Kong.
With a thought, he activated Mind Armor Mode. His right hand formed a blade. Shing! A pale blue slash sliced just below the old hole.
CRACK!
People on the island looked up as the peak of the mountain was cleanly severed, then tossed casually into the sea — BOOM!
"Look! That's Lord Blue Demon! He cut off the entire mountaintop in one slash!"
"With Lord Blue Demon back, Battleship Island is safe again! I'm bringing my cousin here. Only my hometown is truly safe! Hehe!"
The islanders were thrilled to see Luo Han again. Some even began planning to relocate their families to the island, believing that with Luo Han around, nothing could threaten them.
—
Meanwhile, on Hachinosu Island, in that same quiet room…
"He's back? Alright. Got it. Don't worry about it," Rocks said calmly as he hung up the Den Den Mushi after speaking with Hank.
Thud. He leaned back into the sofa, deep in thought. That brat Luo Han came back — and immediately fought Golden Lion. From what he'd heard… it looked like he even won. That Devil Fruit ability really was terrifying. But no matter how strong it was, if Luo Han ever learned his true power, he'd kneel just the same.
"Oi, Pearce. Any updates on the Celestial Dragons?" Rocks asked suddenly.
A slick voice answered from the black-and-white Den Den Mushi on the table. "Not yet, Lord Rocks. It's not that easy. We're talking about the heart of the World Government."
"Keep watching. I'm not waiting another few years for this."
"Don't worry, Lord Rocks. Inside Mary Geoise, it's hard — but the moment they come out, I'll know. They won't escape my surveillance."
"I hope so," Rocks said with a faint smile, then hung up.
Silence returned to the room. Only a soft melody from the record player echoed faintly.
(END CHAPTER)
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