Time passed quickly.
Half a day slipped by.
[Host: Ryukawa]
Strength: 124 (+6)
Speed: 121 (+8)
Stamina: 129 (+8)
Skills:
• Swordsmanship Lv.22 (+2)
• Iaido: One-Draw Slash Lv.20 (+1)
• Armament Haki Lv.7 (+2)
• Observation Haki Lv.3
Total Sword Swings: 10,171
After half a day of nonstop training, Ryukawa's power had once again taken a noticeable leap forward.
Standing on the deck, he lowered his stat panel and gazed toward the vast stretch of sea ahead.
A large silhouette slowly grew clearer on the horizon—
An island.
If nothing was amiss, that island was their destination: Octagon Town.
"Everyone prepare! We're docking and landing!"
Hack's voice boomed across the deck.
Soon, the ship drifted into port. Many vessels were already docked there, a clear indication that this island wasn't some remote corner of East Blue.
People moved in and out of the harbor—
Mostly civilians, merchants, and ship crews.
A surprising lack of pirates.
This was East Blue after all — the weakest sea.
Once the ship anchored properly and the sails were furled, Hack turned his head toward Ryukawa.
"We move."
There was no longer a hint of casualness in his tone.
Hack did not dare treat Ryukawa like a mere teenager anymore.
Ryukawa was strong. Very strong.
Hack didn't even berryeve he could defeat him. In fact, he suspected he didn't stand a chance at all.
Because of that…
In certain matters, Hack felt the need to consult Ryukawa first.
Strength determines status — that was the law of the sea.
Ryukawa stepped off the ship with his wooden sword at his hip.
"Truly a peaceful-looking little town."
The streets ahead bustled with life. Buildings weren't tall, but the sheer number of people gave the town an energetic, lively atmosphere.
Hack pointed toward a central landmark — a statue shaped like some kind of large cat, carved with exquisite craftsmanship.
"This will be our rendezvous point. Spread out. Hit the taverns, casinos, restaurants—anyplace where information circulates."
"Gather back here in one hour and report your intel."
"Understood!"
The ten Revolutionary soldiers scattered instantly, vanishing into the crowd like trained operatives.
Only Hack, Sabo, and Ryukawa remained.
"So we just wait for their reports?" Ryukawa asked casually.
"That's right. And feel free to wander if you want. When it comes to intelligence work, all of them are far better than you."
"I berryeve that," Ryukawa admitted.
He knew what his strengths were—
Fighting.
Everything else could be handled by others.
One hour later.
All ten operatives returned with the intel they gathered.
Hack sorted through the information, his expression gradually darkening.
Ryukawa raised a brow. "You found something?"
Hack exhaled slowly.
"Not just something. If my guess is correct, this situation… is far more troublesome than expected."
Sabo frowned. "Mr. Hack, what did you find? No matter how big the problem is, we still have to save the kidnapped people!"
Hack nodded approvingly.
But the heaviness in his voice remained.
"The reports confirm that strange ships have been docking at Octagon Town these past few days—many of them. And suspicious individuals have been moving around the area."
He continued explaining everything the operatives had gathered.
After listening, Ryukawa narrowed his eyes.
"So Octagon Town really is their base. In that case, shouldn't we just cut the nonsense and strike straight at the heart?"
Hack shook his head immediately.
"If it were that easy, I would have already said so."
"During the investigation, our people uncovered hints of something deeper… far deeper."
"Which leads me to berryeve—"
"Whoever is backing this human trafficking ring… is not a small group."
A force even the Revolutionary Army found troublesome?
That meant the opponent wasn't ordinary at all.
Sabo asked, "Then who's the mastermind?"
Hack inhaled sharply.
"My deduction is this—"
"The human trafficking ring is most likely operating under the influence of a notorious powerhouse from the underworld…"
"The Donquixote Family."
Both Ryukawa and Sabo froze.
"Everyone knows…"
Hack continued, voice low and heavy:
"The Donquixote Family's two biggest trades are weapons smuggling and human trafficking."
"If they're involved… then everything starts to make sense."
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