"Needle Hell!"
Wilder's voice was like a chant from the depths of hell. In an instant, the two Goren brothers were enveloped in swamp, resembling two cicada chrysalises.
"Aaargh!"
Bloodcurdling screams of terror and agony erupted from within, as if something horrific was happening inside the "chrysalises." The swamp cocoons twisted for a while, then slowly ceased their movements. The screams died down at the same time.
Drip, drip, drip… Blood seeped from the lower surface of the "chrysalises," pooling and then dripping onto the deck.
The people on deck watched this scene, not daring to breathe, their eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and dread as they looked at the two cocoons. Although they didn't know exactly what had happened inside, the horrifying screams alone were enough to tell them that the two men had undoubtedly died suffering some unspeakably cruel fate. This made them feel a chilling fear when they looked at Wilder, terrified of suffering such a fate themselves.
Wilder was oblivious to the onlookers' inner turmoil. He stood up and, expressionlessly, tossed the two swamp-encased "chrysalises" into the sea.
No one knew what those two had just endured. Of course, Wilder wouldn't say, and no one dared to ask.
"Plunder their valuables!" Wilder said coolly, looking at the opposing ship, which was already preparing to turn tail and flee.
"Yes!" Kaneshiro was thrilled. Wilder's command signified that he had truly boarded the great ship that was Warlord Wilder.
Soon, in a panic, people on the opposing ship began to jump overboard, abandoning their vessel, hoping to try their luck and see if they could survive by drifting.
Unfortunately for them, it was a futile effort. Wilder showed them what it meant to cut down weeds. A single Storm Kick swept out, bisecting a large group of them at the waist.
Since he had already decided to accept Kaneshiro's "gift," Wilder wouldn't pass up this opportunity to establish his dominance. Thus, he appeared particularly vigorous this time.
In the end, not a single person from the opposing ship escaped.
"Tell me, who is your superior?" Wilder grabbed the last survivor, looking at him coolly.
"I don't know! I really don't know anything!" The sole survivor was terrified, shaking his head frantically, his face a mask of horror.
"It seems you truly don't know." After speaking, Wilder enveloped the man's head in swamp, letting him struggle and suffocate to death.
This method of killing once again sent shivers down the spines of everyone on board, Kaneshiro included. He secretly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Wilder didn't consider himself a cruel person. It was just that sometimes, seemingly straightforward methods could achieve the best results, such as deterrence. So, he did it.
"Kaneshiro, how far is it to Dressrosa from here?" After cleaning up the "battlefield," Wilder stood at the bow, gazing into the distance, and asked without turning his head.
"Dressrosa, you say… It's not very close. It will probably take another two or three days to get there," Kaneshiro replied cautiously. After a moment's hesitation, he added, "Lord Wilder, aren't you planning to go to the Red Leaf Company?"
Wilder ignored Kaneshiro's form of address. "We'll talk about that later. I need to go see a friend. Just take me to an island near Dressrosa. You can head back afterwards."
"Alright." Kaneshiro nodded, though his mind was wondering who this friend of Wilder's might be.
Due to Wilder's sudden change of plans, the ship had to alter its course.
At this point, only a day had passed since Wilder had hunted down Burgess and Van Augur in the Sabaody Archipelago. And by now, news of the incident had already begun to spread across the seas.
"Warlord of the Sea, Lucifer Wilder, encountered Jesus Burgess, Captain of the Blackbeard Pirates' First Ship, in the Sabaody Archipelago, and a battle ensued." "Burgess was defeated. Van Augur of the Blackbeard Pirates arrived and rescued him. After regrouping, the two fled under Wilder's pursuit." "Burgess's subordinates were nearly wiped out. Burgess lost his right leg, and Van Augur was injured."
These few short sentences immediately sent shockwaves across the seas. The information they contained was far more significant than the brief words suggested. Those with insight knew that the New World was likely to descend into chaos once again. At the same time, some were astonished by Wilder's strength, while others, greatly intrigued, began to prepare for a good show.
"What will Blackbeard do next? He won't let this slide, hahaha, this is getting interesting." "A Warlord versus the Blackbeard Pirates, who are most likely to become the next Emperor crew. Let's wait and see. The seas are getting more and more interesting."
News Coo spread this information throughout the world. Some had already received the news earlier and felt a sense of gravity.
"After waiting so long, has he finally entered the New World? Looks like he's made his preparations, Lucifer Wilder." Some who had been watching Wilder for a long time breathed a sigh of relief. Wilder had shot to fame in a single battle but had then chosen to retreat to the East Blue when his prestige was at its peak, a move that had aroused the vigilance and attention of many.
"A wolf has entered the New World." "What will he do? Will he choose to join the eye of the storm at this time, or will he opt to bide his time?" "No matter what, Blackbeard has suffered a considerable loss this time, hasn't he? Losing face at a time like this is not a good thing, hahaha! I ought to thank that Wilder fellow!"
Just as discussions were in full swing across the seas, another bombshell was dropped, instantly stirring up monstrous waves!
News Coo Urgent Report: [The Blackbeard Pirates will not spare any individual or faction that dares to provoke them.] [Blackbeard himself has issued a challenge: A declaration of war against Wilder! He hopes Wilder doesn't die too quickly.]
This news made the seas completely boil over. Everyone was excited and agitated. However, those with insight were somewhat disappointed upon seeing this news. Blackbeard choosing to issue a challenge from afar indicated that he wouldn't actually go to war with Wilder at this time. The reason for such a response was merely to deter other opportunistic minor players, telling them: "It's not that retribution won't come, it's just that the time isn't right yet. Those who want to emulate Wilder should first consider the consequences."
Wilder naturally understood such reasoning. Therefore, after reading the newspaper, he merely smiled faintly.
He hadn't expected, however, that the day after Blackbeard's challenge, another piece of news would blow the seas apart.
News Coo Urgent Report: [Wilder has responded to Blackbeard's challenge as follows: Ready anytime!]
Ready anytime!
Those four simple words made the hearts of everyone who saw them skip a beat. The four words exuded dominance and arrogance, completely making the seas explode!
"Truly a domineering man." On Kuja Island, Boa Hancock's brow furrowed slightly as she looked at the newspaper in her hand. But in the next moment, her face slowly turned red. "Ah! He said he wants to be the officiant at mine and Luffy's wedding! Should I tell Luffy about this? Ahhh!" The Pirate Empress once again descended into her fantasies.
Of course, besides the pirates paying close attention to this matter, the Marines and the World Government were also monitoring it.
"That fellow… he finally did something good for a change." Kizaru held a document, reading through the whole affair, his expression unknowingly turning sleazy.
Although Wilder and Blackbeard's exchange from afar consisted of only two short sentences, it still sent tremors through the seas. Everyone eagerly awaited their next exchange, but Wilder and Blackbeard tacitly maintained their silence, and no further news emerged, much to the disappointment of many who were looking forward to a good show.
The Red Leaf merchant ship Wilder was on had unknowingly been sailing for over a day. As they were about to reach an island, the ripples from the news had still not subsided.
"First, ensure your own safety. Contact me if anything happens. I'll come back to deal with your matter after some time," Wilder said to Kaneshiro as the ship reached the docks.
"I know, rest assured, Boss. Knowing him, he won't make a move for now," Kaneshiro said with a shrewd smile.
Wilder nodded. "Take the time to improve yourself. Also, keep an eye on island matters. Notify me immediately if you find anything."
After giving his instructions, Wilder disembarked.
"Understood." Kaneshiro replied to Wilder's retreating back. The ship then slowly turned and sailed away.
"Looks like I need to get a detachment of the Monitoring Unit over here first," Wilder thought as he walked along the pier leading into the island.
"The people following me must be identified as soon as possible. Additionally, the investigation unit can start gathering information about islands." The thought of a group of people secretly observing him made Wilder's killing intent flare. This matter couldn't wait; hidden enemies were the most dangerous and had to be dealt with swiftly.
Entering the island proper, Wilder first found a secluded, deserted alley and dialed Ashin's Den Den Mushi.
"Boss." Ashin's voice was as gloomy and hoarse as ever.
"Ashin, detach some personnel and send them to the New World. Have your deputy lead them. The East Blue is still not stable enough yet; I'll be more at ease with you watching over it."
"Understood." Ashin was a man of few words and didn't ask Wilder for reasons.
After ending the call, Wilder walked out of the alley as if nothing had happened.
"Before the matter of the base island is settled, there are three main things to do next: first, continue training and getting stronger; second, start making contact with the underworld to prepare for events a year and a half from now; the officer factory matter can be put on hold for now—if an opportunity arises, I won't miss it, but there's no need to actively seek it out."
Wilder analyzed in his mind what he currently faced and the things that needed to be done: "Islands, cultivation, gaining a deeper understanding of the underworld…"
Connecting these matters, a decision faintly formed in Wilder's mind.
"First, find a place to eat." He needed a place to gather some information.
"There are many things to do, but if I connect them all, I only need to do one thing." Wilder thought as he walked.
"Making contact with the underworld—this process can accomplish the other tasks as well, and it doesn't conflict with my ultimate goal; in fact, it helps."
After wandering the streets for a bit and gathering some information, Wilder found an elegantly decorated, quiet restaurant and walked in.
Ordinarily, this kind of environment wasn't a good place to inquire about things, but Wilder had learned about this restaurant's other side. Besides its daily operations serving delicious food, this restaurant held an unknown secret: apart from being a restaurant, it was also a "recruitment point."
"This counts as the most superficial part of the underworld, doesn't it?" Wilder thought.
He didn't rush into anything but called a server over and ordered a bottle of red wine and a steak.
Wilder knew well that elegant and polite people were more likely to gain others' goodwill. The beautiful and sexy lady boss at the counter, who kept glancing over, captivating like a gorgeous red rose, was the best proof. She was probably around thirty, with a smoking hot figure, a bewitchingly charming face, and long, sexy legs—Wilder took it all in.
Perhaps it was due to her age, but Wilder felt she had more "flavor" than Claire.
Or perhaps cuteness couldn't compare to sexiness. When she looked over, Wilder pretended to casually turn his head. The moment their eyes met, she threw him a coquettish wink.
Wilder silently put down his knife and fork, took a sip of red wine, and picked up a napkin, wiping his mouth with an extremely dignified posture.
Then, he stood up and walked towards her.
"What's your husband's name?"
Perhaps it was the first time she had encountered such a unique "pickup" method; the beautiful lady boss was momentarily stunned.
"Hehehehe…" Coming back to her senses, she laughed so hard her body swayed. Then, she shot Wilder a coquettish glare. "Your way of hitting on someone is really strange. Why ask about my husband?"
"You are too beautiful, so I want to know who he is. Only then can I make him disappear from this world, and then you will be mine," a voice full of charm said.
This time, the beautiful lady boss's reaction was somewhat strange. Her expression stiffened, a forced smile on her face. An exquisite short pistol was now pressed right against her heart.
"Sir… is there something about the establishment that dissatisfies you?" she forced a smile, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke in a hushed tone.
"No, I am very satisfied. The food is delicious, and the wine suits my palate. Most importantly, I wasn't lying; you are very beautiful. Everything is impeccable."
"Th-then… that is…?" The beautiful lady boss didn't dare move an inch. She cautiously probed.
"I said, I need your husband to disappear. Tell me, what's his name?" Wilder's hand, holding the pistol, gradually tightened.
"I don't have a husband." Unsure if it was due to pain, fear, or grievance, tears welled up in the beautiful lady boss's eyes. She fought hard to keep them from falling.
"Is that so… Just kidding. My apologies, I frightened you, beautiful lady boss." Wilder nonchalantly withdrew the gun, reached out, and gently wiped the tears from the corner of her eye, appearing very tender.
All the better if she doesn't have a husband, Wilder thought, his smile still gentle. Of course, he wasn't coveting her beauty. Everything he had just done was a test. This woman possessed both sexiness and gentleness; it would be too out of character if she didn't have a husband. Wilder had actually gathered a fair bit of information before coming. This woman indeed had no husband—that was the public word, at least. Wilder wanted to test if it was true. From the current looks of it, the woman probably wasn't lying.
"You need a husband." Wilder cupped her face with both hands, turning it towards him, his eyes fixed on hers.
The woman didn't know Wilder's true meaning, but she could tell his words were not ordinary. She felt aggrieved. This person… was he humiliating her?!
Wilder had found out before coming that this woman was actually having a very hard time. She had inherited her father's "family business," but this had also attracted the covetous eyes of some people. She needed to do certain things within her power in exchange for a win-win situation.
"I think we need to talk. In your room," Wilder said, looking at her, the corners of his mouth slowly curving up.
Seeing Wilder's smile, the woman's heart trembled. She slightly averted her head, avoiding Wilder's piercing gaze.
"You… come with me," she said after a moment of silence, sighing almost inaudibly.