Chapter 367: Whisky Peaks
Rogue Town had descended into fear and chaos following Robert and Deidara's explosive incident.
Most of the citizens had hidden in their homes, afraid to step outside.
Seeing the empty streets, Charlotte found it all rather boring.
"The supplies are ready. Let's go. Doesn't seem like this town welcomes us,"
Charlotte said with a shrug.
The rest of the crew nodded in agreement.
Indeed, this island had turned out to be more unwelcoming than expected.
One day later—
At Rogue Town's harbor, the Sea God Poseidon set sail, heading out to sea once more.
"They're finally gone! Quick, report to Navy HQ that the Rogue Town Captain bravely fought against the Rockefeller Pirates and rallied the townsfolk to drive them away!"
The town's navy captain barked out his orders.
"Yes, sir!"
his adjutant responded immediately and left to deliver the report.
After sailing for three or four days, they reached Reverse Mountain.
This was Charlotte's fourth time coming here.
"Eh? Where's that old man who guards the lighthouse?"
Robert asked as he looked at the abandoned tower.
Dust had gathered all around—it was clear no one had cleaned it for a long time.
"Maybe… he was killed by some passing pirates?"
Deidara guessed uncertainly.
"Doubt it. That old guy didn't feel that weak to me,"
Robert replied, shaking his head.
"Whatever. Doesn't matter. Grand Line, here we come!"
Robert shouted toward the vast ocean ahead that led into the Grand Line.
Charlotte didn't linger at Reverse Mountain and sailed straight toward Whisky Peak.
---
Whisky Peaks
"Hey, did you hear? The Rockefeller Pirates have entered the Grand Line. They're headed straight for Whisky Peak!"
Inside a tavern, a bunch of bounty hunters sat around drinking when a drunk man blurted it out.
The room fell into dead silence. All eyes turned to the drunk.
Realizing he now had everyone's attention, the drunk brightened up.
"I heard loads of people are eyeing Charlotte's head! I mean, 3.8 billion berries! That's enough to buy a kingdom and become a king!"
He clicked his tongue in awe, clearly fascinated by the enormous bounty.
Hearing the number 3.8 billion, the bounty hunters in the tavern looked visibly excited.
"Tch! With those numbers, you think a bunch of nobodies could take down the world's greatest swordsman? If it were that easy, the Navy would've done it themselves already! Don't forget, six years ago, Charlotte defeated Navy Admiral 'Black Arm' Zephyr!"
A voice cut through the chatter, another drunk scoffing with his sake bottle in hand.
Suddenly, the fiery atmosphere was doused like cold water. The bounty hunters sobered up.
Right—if it were that easy, why hadn't the Navy handled it?
The older hunters recalled that awe-inspiring battle six years ago.
That fight had been filmed by Morgans from start to finish.
Though never officially released, the footage had circulated in the underworld—and bounty hunters operated on both sides of the law. They had seen it.
"Tch! What do you know! Whisky Peak has over a thousand bounty hunters gathered now! Some of them plan to form a group to take Charlotte's head and claim the reward!"
The drunk barked back, red in the face.
"Yeah? I don't buy it. If I were you, I'd try joining the Rockefeller Pirates instead! Ride with the world's greatest swordsman into the New World—that's real freedom!"
Another dreamer chimed in.
The room split in opinion. Some wanted to hunt Charlotte for the bounty. Others wanted to join him.
And there were many who preferred the latter.
At Whisky Peak, two clear camps had formed:
Those aiming for Charlotte's head and the reward…
And those who wanted to board his ship and sail into the New World.
While the tavern argued, in the shadowy corner sat a young man.
Jet-black hair, hawk-like yellow eyes, a burgundy patterned shirt under a black coat, white pants, black boots. His black, fur-lined hat lay on the table beside him.
He swirled a glass of red wine, quietly listening to the noise.
"World's greatest swordsman…"
He murmured to himself, then placed the hat on his head, slung a massive cross-shaped sword over his back, and strode out of the bar.
---
Outside Whisky Peak
At the port, two groups stood facing off.
"The hell's your problem?!"
A group of bounty hunters glared at another group wielding swords.
"Our problem? I should be asking you! What are you doing here at the port?!"
The leader of the swordsmen stepped forward, pointing his blade at the bounty hunters.
"This is Whisky Peak—bounty hunter territory. What do you think we're doing?"
The bounty hunters weren't backing down, guns trained on the others.
"You think you're worthy of targeting Captain Charlotte?! You'll have to get through us first!"
the young swordsman barked.
"Damn right! A bunch of greedy rats think they can take down the world's strongest swordsman?!"
His followers raised their blades and shouted.
The scene heated up rapidly.
The bounty hunters were now outnumbered and clearly outmatched.
"Brothers! Want to join the Rockefeller Pirates? Want to sail under the strongest swordsman? Kill them! Bring a head as your offering!"
a voice shouted from among the swordsmen.
"Yeah! A tribute!"
Excited beyond reason, the swordsmen charged.
"You bastards! Open fire! Open fire, now!"
The bounty hunters had no choice. Though reluctant, they returned fire.
Whisky Peak's port erupted into chaos—over a thousand people clashed in brutal combat.
Those without swords—armed only with guns—were mercilessly slaughtered by the fanatical sword-wielders.
"Is… this the influence of the world's strongest swordsman…?"
Some bounty hunters who weren't at the port looked on in horror.
---
Out at Sea
A massive warship approached Whisky Peak.
"Whoa! There's a fight happening over there!"
Deidara, bored and scanning the shore with a telescope, shouted.
"Where?! Where?! Pirates?!"
Robert snatched the telescope, instantly intrigued.
To be continued…
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