Chapter 111: The Sun Suspended in the Sky Will Eventually Fall
Click.
With the sound of a spatial door opening, Nezumi returned from the deep underground to the surface.
Three consecutive fights to the death, maintaining the "Annihilate" state throughout, had inevitably drained his stamina.
Especially the massive spatial collapse triggered by combining the Giant's Arm and the More-More Fruit—it wouldn't be surprising if a single use completely depleted him.
However...
"At least it's done..."
Returning to the surface, Nezumi muttered softly.
Only now did he notice the cave wall, already hollowed out, was in tatters, cracks visible everywhere.
Clearly—even though the battle took place deep underground, the intensity had transmitted to the surface.
Through the cracks and holes in the cave, Nezumi could see the distant sea.
The sunlight illuminating the ocean was gradually moving westward.
The sun, which had been suspended in the sky, was beginning to descend.
Nezumi knew it would eventually fall beneath the sea.
Several days later, Dinosaur Island.
"A-Admiral Hanafuda, do we really need to take everything?"
Watching the treasures being moved out of the secret chamber on Dinosaur Island and loaded onto the ship under Hanafuda's orders, a subordinate hesitated.
These treasures, accumulated by Hanafuda over the years, were worth over ten billion Berries—comparable to the treasury of a small kingdom.
"Hm?"
Before him, Hanafuda's pupils instantly narrowed into ferocious slits. "Are you questioning my orders?"
"N-No! I... I just wanted to ask, where are we taking them?"
The subordinate quickly corrected himself.
"Where? You don't need to know."
Hanafuda spoke calmly. "We'll be staying in Wano for a long time. I have a secret place to keep this treasure safe."
As he spoke...
Puru Puru Puru.
Puru Puru Puru.
A Den Den Mushi rang nearby. The subordinate breathed a sigh of relief and handed it over. "Admiral Hanafuda, it's... it's 'The Plague' Queen!"
Hearing this, Hanafuda snorted before picking up.
From the other end came a slightly eccentric voice. "Yo, Mr. Hanafuda."
"I heard you fought BIG MOM's Cracker this time—how was it? Satisfied with my previous modifications?"
From the address, it was clear Hanafuda, as Kaido's friend, held a high status in the Beast Pirates.
"Very good."
Hanafuda clenched his fist, answering softly.
Exaggerated cheers erupted from the other end. "Glad you like it!"
But then, the voice turned serious.
"Admiral Hanafuda, Brother Kaido told me—you're coming back to Wano for a while?"
"That's right."
Hanafuda remained concise.
"That's excellent! Brother Kaido has something important to discuss with you. It's about that guy, Caesar Clown..."
Queen sounded annoyed.
"That guy's artificial Devil Fruit tech seems to have made a breakthrough. Although he's still in the SSG, he's apparently contacted Joker. They'll discuss cooperation soon... That guy, as always, has no integrity as a researcher."
Said the man who freely performed human experimentation.
"Anyway—the Zoan fruits you collected in your 'Treasury' might come in handy soon. So Brother Kaido asked me to notify you specifically: please come quickly!"
He said.
After finishing, Queen could be heard muttering, "Investing so much treasure in that trash tech... what bad taste. My modifications are clearly the best tech..."
Listening, Hanafuda smirked.
He understood Queen.
Caesar Clown (SSG No. 2), Queen the Plague, the famous Vegapunk, and Vinsmoke Judge of Germa 66—these renowned scientists were once part of the same research team (MADS).
Their research paths differed, so they despised each other.
But that didn't matter.
What mattered was...
"Treasury, huh? I understand..."
He grinned.
"I'll be there soon."
At the same time, 'Totto Land'.
Whole Cake Island, inside the massive Whole Cake Chateau.
"Mamamama—is that really what Cracker said?"
BIG MOM's massive figure sat on an exquisite chair, Zeus and Prometheus floating beside her.
"Yes, Mama."
Reporting to her was a man carrying a sword shaped like an ice cream cone.
It was Totto Land's 'Minister of Gelato', Charlotte Moscato.
"Brother Cracker reported that the 'Major Undertaker' has agreed to cooperate and will deliver Nezumi's head in... a period of time."
"A period... of time?"
BIG MOM's dangerous voice followed immediately. "He should know that answer doesn't satisfy me, right?"
"And... why didn't he come see me personally?"
BIG MOM clearly wasn't satisfied with this vague description—she wanted a specific time, preferably seeing Nezumi's head right now.
Moscato, one of the few Charlotte family members with a strong sense of justice, immediately explained for his brother. "Mama, it's mainly because 'Kaido' is involved."
"Brother Cracker fought Hanafuda, who represented the Beast Pirates, and was injured quite badly—Brother Perospero and Brother Katakuri confirmed it. His injuries even weakened the Biscuit Soldiers he usually makes for patrol."
"But Brother Cracker is willing to guarantee with 60 years of his lifespan: you will definitely see 'Nezumi' at this year's 'Tea Party'!"
Hearing this, the bloodshot redness in BIG MOM's eyes finally subsided slightly, her mood improving.
Perhaps because she knew Cracker wouldn't dare defy her or guarantee with 60 years of life lightly.
Perhaps because mentioning Kaido made her realize the difficulty.
Or perhaps simply because...
"Tea Party... I'm really looking forward to it!"
BIG MOM let out her unique, cheerful laugh. "Using the head of The Zodiac's 'Nezumi' as a gift... Peclo's idea isn't bad! Mamamama!"
The two Homies floating beside her quickly agreed. "Yes, yes, Mama!"
"The atmosphere will definitely be lively then!"
The usual music of Whole Cake Island began to play, seemingly anticipating the next Tea Party.
But clearly.
Neither BIG MOM, nor the Homies, nor anyone on the sea could imagine...
Just how 'lively' that upcoming Tea Party would be!
☆☆☆
-> 30 Advanced chapters Now Available on Patreon!!
-> https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Hollowborn
(Just remove the hyphen (-) to access patreon normally)
If you like this novel please consider leaving a review that's help the story a lot Thank you