Chapter 347: Ton-Press Guandao
"Then are we just supposed to let Rockefeller Charlotte run rampant across the Four Seas!?"
Saint Saturn's voice rose in frustration.
At his words, Saint Peter fell silent. The others, too, remained quiet, lost in deep thought.
After a while—
"Since none of us can decide, let's ask Lord Im for guidance."
It was Saint Narsulon, wielder of the Original Kitetsu, who spoke up at last.
"Is it worth disturbing Lord Im over something so minor?" retorted Saint Vochury, the one with the birthmark on his forehead.
"Then what's your suggestion?"
Narsulon shot back.
Vochury was left speechless.
With two already in agreement, the remaining Elders didn't argue further and proceeded toward the deepest part of Pangaea Castle—the Room of Flowers.
"Your Majesty," they said in unison, kneeling before the Empty Throne.
"What is it?"
Lord Im's voice echoed coldly from the dais.
"The Rockefeller Pirates have appeared in the Four Seas, and have now reached Ohara. We suspect that they've established contact with Ohara's scholars. Given Ohara's long-standing research into history, we're concerned about possible collaboration. We wish to deploy the God's Knights, but were unsure and came to seek your judgment."
Saint Peter spoke humbly.
"The Rockefeller Pirates? That so-called New World legend, Charlotte… He's in the West Blue?"
Im asked in a low tone.
"Yes. Since the start of the Sea Circle Calendar year 1490, the Rockefeller Pirates have left their territory and begun drifting aimlessly through the Four Seas."
Saturn replied.
"Is Charlotte one of the D clan?"
Im suddenly asked.
"Uh… no. He was born on a small island in the New World called Kame Island. His ancestors were just ordinary fishermen," Saturn reported.
"Then why are you wasting my time with this? Have you captured the Roger Pirates yet?"
Im's tone turned sharp.
The Five Elders broke into cold sweat.
"N-Not yet…" Narsulon admitted, head bowed.
"Then get moving! Bring me Roger! All other matters can wait!"
Im's furious command sent tremors down their spines.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the Five Elders responded in unison and withdrew quickly.
Outside the Room of Flowers, the Elders exchanged weary glances.
"This Roger matter is yours, Saturn," Peter said seriously. "You know how important it is to Lord Im. Don't let him down."
"I've already ordered the Navy to act, but they're always a step too slow."
Narsulon spoke up.
"All our forces are focused on the New World. Garp and Sengoku have been tailing Roger for months. I believe we'll capture him soon."
"Then why has there been no progress for two years?" Mars questioned coldly.
"I… I'll press the Navy harder," Narsulon said grimly.
"Don't forget—this is Lord Im's direct order," Mars warned.
"I'll personally see it through," Narsulon replied with a burning gaze.
—
Far away in Ohara, Charlotte had no idea how close he'd come to being entangled by the World Government.
After several days, he finally managed to copy the entire contents of Ohara's library.
There were so many books that they couldn't even all fit on his ship.
Thankfully, his other project had yielded success.
"Captain! We've succeeded in merging a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit with a weapon!"
Caesar Clown ran over, gasping for breath, a massive guandao slung over his shoulder.
Charlotte, currently sparring with Caesar, Barrett, and Esdeath, paused mid-fight. With a single punch, kick, and roundhouse, the three of them went flying.
Dusting off his clothes, Charlotte turned around and frowned at Caesar's weapon.
"It worked?"
Caesar handed over the guandao, beaming. "This weapon ate the Ton-Ton Fruit. Its weight can be adjusted at will. Maximum capacity: 10,000 tons!"
Charlotte took the blade and instantly sensed its immense weight.
"How do I control it?"
"Just hold the hilt and direct your will—it's mental control."
Charlotte raised a brow in interest. Holding the four-meter-long guandao, he activated the fruit's power.
An immense pressure surged through the weapon—10,000 tons!
Of course, to Charlotte, that wasn't too heavy. He lifted it with ease.
"Not bad… shame about the size, though. Doesn't suit me."
He examined the weapon, noting its excellent construction.
"Where did you get this guandao? It's as sturdy as one of the Great Grade Swords!"
"I found it in the armory," Caesar replied. "One of the weapons we looted at Iceburg's place. No one used guandaos, so it was collecting dust."
"I see."
Charlotte nodded, then tested the balance again.
Too large. The wide sweeps didn't suit his style.
Then he looked at Barrett.
At five meters tall, Barrett could use the four-meter guandao like a short sword.
"Barrett, want this as a weapon?"
He tossed it over.
Barrett caught it effortlessly, tested its heft, then shook his head.
"No thanks, Captain. I prefer fists. Nothing beats a good brawl."
Charlotte shrugged and turned to Caesar again.
He hadn't forgotten—his eldest son favored overwhelming power and brute-force techniques.
"Caesar, this blade suits you. If you like it, it's yours."
Charlotte offered it to him.
Without hesitation, the ten-year-old Caesar—already two meters tall—accepted the massive guandao that was twice his size.
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