For the next month, Oguro remained at Twin Canyons under Crocus's guidance.
Crocus was astonished at how quickly Oguro grasped Observation Haki. In just one month, he had completed the basics!
"Your talent reminds me of Roger!" Crocus exclaimed.
"His Observation Haki could even perceive the sounds of all things. With your talent, you might be able to reach that level too."
Oguro smiled humbly. After all, Observation Haki was ultimately a form of perception.
The stronger a person's soul power, the sharper their senses.
Compared to the world of pirates, the Soul Reaper's spiritual power was far higher—so mastering Observation Haki came naturally to him.
"Thank you for your guidance all this time, Senior! It's time for us to take our leave!" Oguro said, standing and bowing deeply in gratitude.
Crocus nodded.
"A man like you belongs in the Grand Line! Go! I'm looking forward to seeing just how much of a shock you can deliver to this world!"
During this month, the bounties for Oguro's crew had also been released.
As captain, Oguro's bounty reached 100 million Berries!
Rukia had 80 million, and Rangiku 65 million.
In reality, Oguro had not fought at all during the earlier skirmishes, so the Navy didn't know that his strength was far below that of Rukia and Rangiku.
But as captain, he was automatically set with the highest bounty.
With his first bounty already surpassing 100 million, Oguro's name quickly spread across the Grand Line.
After bidding farewell to Crocus, the crew passed Twin Canyons and entered the Grand Line. Their first goal was Gaia Island. Without a permanent Log Pose, they had to follow the temporary one, hopping from island to island to accumulate magnetic readings.
The long voyage across the sea was tedious.
But Oguro noticed something unusual in the past few days.
Somehow, Rangiku had quietly switched to a bikini swimsuit and spent every day on deck basking in the sun.
Her curvaceous figure was fully on display as she moved about.
Oguro knew he shouldn't, yet his eyes seemed drawn by some irresistible force—he couldn't look away.
Within two days, seemingly provoked, Rukia and Nami had also changed into swimsuits.
Not as provocative as Rangiku, but each had their own charm.
Suddenly, the deck became a dazzling display of beauty.
At one of the small islands, the crew stopped to resupply.
In a local diner, they ate while chatting.
Nami asked, "Oguro-dono, didn't we promise Crocus we'd rescue Brook? Why are we heading to Gaia Island first?"
Oguro smiled. "Have you ever heard the legend of El Dorado?"
"The liar Roland's story? That's just a tale, right?" Nami seemed familiar with it.
Oguro lowered his voice, a mysterious smile on his face. "That's no story. El Dorado really exists."
"What?" Nami's eyes sparkled with gold. "Does that mean there's treasure? Oguro-dono, are we going to find gold?"
"Um… you could say that," Oguro replied, not denying it.
After dealing with Enel and taking Skypiea, the legendary treasure of El Dorado would definitely be in their hands.
"Then let's finish eating quickly and leave!"
Hearing about treasure, Nami could barely eat. She hurried everyone onto the ship.
Though the story of the liar Roland was dismissed by most as fiction, Nami instantly believed it—because Oguro said it.
In the corner of the diner, two people—a fat one and a thin one—muttered to each other quietly.
"Did you see them?"
"Yes! The 100-million-Berry 'nobleman,' Sith Oguro! The 80-million-Berry 'Ice Queen,' Rukia Kuchiki! And the 65-million-Berry 'Smoke Witch,' Rangiku Matsumoto!"
The fat one grinned excitedly. "They just said El Dorado is real! We need to report this back immediately! If the company can seize that treasure, it'll be a major achievement!"
The thin one nodded firmly. "With this credit, we could be promoted big time! No more running around getting intel in the hot sun."
"Judging by their course, they'll pass Whiskey Peak! That's where we'll catch them!"
If Oguro were present, he'd immediately recognize them as members of Baroque Works.
Whiskey Peak appeared to be a welcoming town, but in reality, it was a trap designed to capture pirates.
And this time, they had no idea—they believed they were about to hook a big fish.
Elsewhere, in Alabasta, at the Rainfall Casino…
Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords, was savoring red wine in his room.
Suddenly, the door opened, revealing a tall woman with short black hair.
Crocodile frowned. "Nico Robin, what are you doing here?"
Robin's flawless smile was as deceptive as ever. "An external informant reported that Sith Oguro is approaching Whiskey Peak—and they have confirmed information about El Dorado."
Crocodile's expression shifted. His back straightened instinctively.
"El Dorado? It's real?"
Robin kept her smile. "According to intelligence, their goal this trip is to gather treasure from El Dorado. The informants hope to capture them alive at Whiskey Peak to extract the details, but they're concerned about their strength. They requested reinforcement from the organization."
After all, a newcomer with a bounty over 100 million and two powerful subordinates was not to be underestimated.
"See which commander isn't busy and send them. Make sure we get that El Dorado information!"
Crocodile's excitement was hard to hide.
He had already spent two years gathering resources in Alabasta and expected another year of preparation.
Plus, he needed to manipulate public opinion, stir conflict between the royal family and the citizens, and maintain his heroic image—all while spending money like water.
If he could seize El Dorado, he'd never worry about funds again.
"I understand. I'll dispatch reinforcements immediately," Robin said without surprise.
And so, as Oguro drew closer to Whiskey Peak, a vast net was slowly being spread to trap him and his crew.
***
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