Wind King Barrier—Artoria usually applied this technique to her sword, surrounding the blade with wind that altered light refraction, making the weapon's true form invisible. This concealed her identity and could mislead enemies about the weapon's length, putting them at a disadvantage.
Besides swords, the technique could also be applied to vehicles to reduce drag and increase speed. Combined with riding skills, it could make ordinary motorcycles rival Noble Phantasms in velocity.
Now, the Wind King Barrier enveloped the Bubble Bike. The vehicle seemed clad in a streamlined armor, speed spiking instantly, catching up to and surpassing Tom.
Tom chased stubbornly. Zhang Da Ye saw the scenery blur past: 48GR, 47GR, 46GR…
The two raced like the wind, dodging pedestrians and uneven terrain. Somehow, they managed to ride the Bubble Bikes faster than motorcycles, skillfully avoiding all obstacles.
The only imperfection? Zhang Da Ye's heart couldn't take it. He had ridden motorcycles, but never off-road ones!
Too thrilling!
Artoria, full of fighting spirit, and Tom, desperately chasing, left Zhang Da Ye with only one option:
"Ahhh…"
Screaming embarrassingly, he tried to stay composed, hoping Tom could handle the bike and that Artoria would protect him if he flew off.
He couldn't help but recall Victoria Cindorly from the West Blue, who fell from a stage, and Guina from the East Blue, who tumbled down stairs—both died from the falls.
No, I must become strong, survive falls from Sky Islands, be like Teacher Kai!
For now, he clung tightly to the bike.
Finally, Tom stopped first, utterly exhausted, his upper body draped over the handlebars, tongue lolling, sweat dripping from his fur.
Victorious, Artoria released the Wind King Barrier, executed a graceful drift, and stopped in front of Tom. She reached through the bubble, clasped his hand, and smiled slightly: "You're strong, Tom."
But Tom had no strength left to respond.
Zhang Da Ye patted Tom's head in consolation, then lightly tapped him, complaining: "I thought I was going to die!"
Although directed at Tom, Artoria blushed slightly. Whenever it involved winning or losing, she couldn't help taking it seriously.
Endangering her Master on a whim wasn't what a good Servant should do. She wasn't a Servant yet, but as a protector, the responsibility was similar.
After a while, Zhang Da Ye recovered, and Tom caught his breath.
They were on a sparsely built part of an island.
Zhang Da Ye saw a tree numbered 32GR and, in the distance, the towering Bubble Ferris Wheel and Free-Fall Ride.
Thanks to Tom and Artoria, they saved at least an hour en route to Island 30.
"Up ahead is Sabaody Park. Want to go in?"
No response—Artoria's eyes were fixed on a figure nearby, her expression unprecedentedly serious.
Zhang Da Ye followed her gaze: a tall man with red hair, black cloak, and sword at his waist resembling a Western-style hilt.
"Not… Red-Haired Shanks?"
"Da Ye knows him?"
"Yes, captain of the Red-Haired Pirates, very strong, still growing. Once he enters the New World, he could soon become a Pirate King. Fortunately, compared to ordinary pirates, he's relatively decent. Still, better avoid trouble."
Though Shanks was admired in the anime—strong, calm, respectable, yet playful with friends—meeting him in person was intimidating. He was a pirate with a reputation forged in battle. Even a mere touch of Conqueror's Haki could be dangerous.
"He's noticed us but seems non-hostile." Artoria's hand already made a sword-grip motion.
Zhang Da Ye realized hiding was futile. He silently assessed what he could use to survive—milk, firecrackers, firearms, mousetraps… none gave him any sense of safety. He clutched Tom, hoping Shanks treated ordinary people as harmless in real life, like in the anime.
As Shanks approached, the air grew tense. His face neutral, eyes curious, fixed on Artoria.
When they were less than three meters apart, an invisible aura radiated from Shanks. Tom's fur bristled instantly; Zhang Da Ye's heart raced, seeing Shanks like a ferocious beast ready to devour.
At almost the same time, Artoria's ahoge twitched, and a similar invisible ripple emanated from her, countering Shanks' aura and also affecting Zhang Da Ye and Tom.
The effect was positive—Zhang Da Ye felt the oppressive weight vanish. Fear disappeared.
Though rationally he knew he couldn't resist Shanks, he could now meet his gaze calmly and plan his next move.
First, restrain Tom, who was clearly more affected and already rolling up his sleeves to fight.
'This must be Artoria's B-rank leader aura, inspiring allies, functioning like Conqueror's Haki here. Unlike Conqueror's, it can nullify enemy Conqueror effects—strategically more useful.
I recall a Revolutionary Army commander with a morale-fruit ability—similar concept… but that's not important. What is important is what Shanks intends, a whim?'
Before Zhang Da Ye could analyze further, Shanks drew his sword, "Griffin."
Artoria's silver armor materialized as she clashed blades with Shanks.
Clang! Sparks flew, wind roared.