2 chapters will be uploaded on daily basis i.e. 14 Chapters will be uploaded every week apart from the bonus chapters.
1 Bonus Chapter will be uploaded for every 50 Power Stones or 1000 Collections.
All interested readers can read advanced chapters on:
[email protected]/Heroicverse
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Upon returning to Cocoyasi Village (Coco Village), Auguro resumed his routine of training rigorously, constantly punching and kicking large mountainsides.
His mastery of Armament Haki grew steadily, and the overall quantity of his Haki was increasing at a healthy rate.
During this time, Auguro considered training his Observation Haki. However, this training typically required him to be blindfolded while dodging attacks. Neither Kuchiki Rukia nor Matsumoto Rangiku dared to strike with full force at Auguro, who was effectively the Soul King in their eyes.
Even when he forcefully ordered them to attack seriously, they would instinctively pull their punches. Frustrated, Auguro eventually had to abandon that particular training plan.
Finally, after a month, the sailing ship Auguro had ordered arrived!
It was a standard, no-frills vessel, about a fifth smaller than Luffy's Going Merry. The figurehead was a statue of a sea goddess, meant to invoke her protection and ensure safe voyages.
"All aboard! To the Grand Line!" Nami shouted excitedly from the deck.
Although she hadn't joined the Straw Hat Pirates in this timeline, her goal of drawing a world map remained unchanged. Heading to the Grand Line was the first step toward realizing that dream!
"First, let's go to Loguetown! We need to see if we can buy a Log Pose for the Grand Line!"
Auguro was well aware of the Grand Line's unique nature, so he didn't rush into it recklessly. Without a Log Pose, there was a near-certain chance of getting utterly lost! Loguetown, as the gateway to the Grand Line, would most likely have the navigational device.
Auguro's ultimate destination was Skypiea (Sky Island), which meant he would need to get to Jaya Island first. Ideally, he wanted to find an Eternal Pose set for Jaya. However, the East Blue, being the weakest of the four seas, was unlikely to stock such high-end goods as an Eternal Pose.
Loguetown.
Famous as "The Town of Beginnings and Endings" and the site of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger's execution, its name was known across the world. Every year, at least eight to ten thousand pirates sought to enter the Grand Line from here.
However, since Smoker was stationed in the town, the number of pirates had noticeably decreased. At the very least, they wouldn't openly charge in while flying their pirate flags.
A Logia-type Devil Fruit user was an absolute game-changer—a dimensional-level threat—in the Haki-scarce East Blue.
Nami went off to buy a Log Pose. Kuchiki Rukia and Matsumoto Rangiku decided they wanted to go shopping, dragging a reluctant Yamada Hanatarou along as their porter. This left Auguro alone to visit the execution platform. In the world of One Piece, it was a must-see landmark—a true pilgrimage site!
Regarding Roger, Auguro only respected his sheer strength, not necessarily considering him a true hero. In his past life, people who wanted to change the world, no matter how ridiculous their methods, at least gave it an honest try.
Yet, this man had created a massive mess and then immediately washed his hands of it by being executed and reincarnated. He didn't even leave behind a proper contingency plan, taking "unreliable" to the absolute extreme!
Sometimes, Auguro had the malicious thought that Roger never actually cared about changing the world. Instead, after learning the truth about the Void Century, he merely found a way to cause maximum trouble for the World Government!
As for the common folk who suffered during the Great Pirate Era he instigated, they were likely never a factor in his plans.
Lost in these thoughts, an hour passed by quickly. Kuchiki Rukia and Matsumoto Rangiku soon arrived at the meeting point, with Yamada Hanatarou trailing behind, completely covered with shopping bags. The two women were in high spirits, a stark contrast to the half-dead look on Hanatarou's face.
However, Nami was still nowhere to be seen.
Auguro couldn't help but frown. It's just buying a Log Pose; why is it taking this long?
"Hey! You there, kid! Are you the one who wants to enter the Grand Line?"
As Auguro was pondering, a gruff voice interrupted him.
Auguro turned his head. White hair, a large cigar, and a Marine coat. His fierce look was more intimidating than any pirate. It was none other than Smoker, the White Hunter! Behind him, Nami was following with an anxious expression.
Auguro spoke calmly, "That's me. Going to the Grand Line shouldn't be illegal, should it?"
Smoker puffed out a large cloud of smoke and said flatly, "Going to the Grand Line isn't illegal, of course. But to prevent pirates from infiltrating it, everyone who buys a Log Pose needs to be thoroughly vetted!"
Auguro challenged, "We are all ordinary civilians. Is there some kind of problem?"
Smoker held the cigar between his fingers and chuckled faintly, "Well, as a matter of fact, there are a few issues."
He pointed at Rukia and the others.
"For instance, these three people! I've used all of the Marines' intelligence networks and still can't dig up their backgrounds!"
Without waiting for Auguro to speak, Smoker continued darkly, "A suspected Ice-Ice Fruit user, someone who can effortlessly kill the twenty-million-Belly bounty Fish-Man Arlong, and a group with mysterious origins... I have to be cautious!"
"And what a coincidence! During that same period, the entire crew of Captain Nezumi from Marine Branch 16 vanished without a trace! Tell me, shouldn't I be concerned?"
Auguro's expression didn't change, but his heart sank. As expected of the strongest power on the high seas. Even with my attempts at concealment, they've managed to find clues!
But too bad! They have no solid evidence!
Auguro responded with an air of composure, "We are just common folk whose hometown was lost in a sea disaster. We sought shelter under my protection. That shouldn't be against the law, should it?"
"As for the Captain Nezumi you mentioned, we did cross paths with him once. But they left shortly after, and we know nothing about their disappearance."
Smoker's gaze immediately turned icy. So, he's going to completely deny everything!
Auguro's guess was correct: Smoker had no evidence and couldn't directly arrest him. However, letting Auguro and his group simply walk away was also out of the question!
"In that case, you may all leave! But—" Smoker pointed his right hand at Nami.
"This woman must stay and assist with our investigation! We've confirmed she was a member of the Arlong Pirates. We need to check if she has any lives on her hands!"
At those words, Auguro's face instantly turned cold. Who said Smoker was just a reckless brute? His tactics are quite sharp!
He said he was only keeping Nami, but in reality, he was trying to use her as a hostage to force the entire group to stay. Given enough time, he might be able to find evidence of their attack on Captain Nezumi.
"What if I refuse?" Auguro's voice was frigid.
You? Just Smoker? You think you can hold all of us captive in Loguetown? Who do you think you are?
The failure who chased Luffy across the entire Grand Line only to watch him grow from a Super Rookie into an Emperor? Don't make me laugh!
Smoker's eyes also narrowed, and a wisp of smoke slowly began to swirl around him.
"That, I'm afraid, is not up to you!"
Smoker swung his right hand. His arm instantly transformed into a milky-white smoke, which swiftly coalesced into a massive spiral, lunging toward Auguro and his companions.
"White Chain!"
In the next second, all the smoke solidified, like a long chain, sealing off all directions, attempting to capture all four of them in one go!