Chapter 51: Conqueror's Haki
[October 1518. After the giant's death, Roger seemed deeply moved. He told you he remembered someone once inviting him to rule the world together, but he felt that if a pirate couldn't freely do as he pleased, then what was the point of being a pirate? That giant probably felt the same way. Life is certainly important, but for some people, boldness, loyalty, and freedom are worth even more. You fell silent after hearing this. If you had been in the giant's shoes, would you have done the same? Once, you'd have said absolutely not. But now... you're not so sure.]
[Late October 1518. The next few days seemed calm, but soon after, you learned that the giant who had escaped that day and the 36 members of the Longarm Pirates had all been captured. Following the order of a Celestial Dragon named Chalmarco, all 37 were publicly hanged in the plaza of the Sabaody Archipelago. The stated reason: infringing upon the Celestial Dragons' private property. Watching the indistinct silhouettes hanging in the square, an inexplicable unease welled up in your heart.]
[February 1519. You were finally promoted to Rear Admiral and continued your post guarding the Sabaody Archipelago.]
[March–October 1519. After years of training, your Armament Haki advanced further. According to Roger, although he can't remember if it's truly strong, it definitely isn't weak—what a goofball. You acquired the skill: Armament Haki (Intermediate).]
[December 3, 1519. Celestial Dragon Chalmarco returned to the Sabaody Archipelago. When he arrived at Area 1, he shot a young boy dead just because the child walked in front of him, claiming the boy had sullied his path. Then he shot the boy's grieving parents as they clung to the body. You were too far away to intervene—only able to watch helplessly. The scene completely shattered your moral bottom line.]
[December 4, 1519. Noticing your mood, your former superior and now friend, Strawberry, told you: Celestial Dragons are World Nobles, descendants of the Creator, entitled to every privilege. Even killing civilians is legally permitted. This is simply how the world works.]
[December 6, 1519. Urouge, captain of the Mad Monk Pirates, arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago. In Area 40, he clashed with the Massacre Soldier Killer. You personally stepped in to handle the incident and single-handedly overwhelmed both men. They barely escaped with the help of their crew. After several battles, you preliminarily assessed that your strength had reached—or even exceeded—Vice Admiral level. Roger told you that thanks to your help, his soul had recovered significantly and he could now assist you briefly in combat by taking over your body. You were moved to tears—finally, the old man following you around was actually useful!]
[December 12, 1519. Late that night, after a week of preparation, you quietly left the Marine base. You infiltrated the Celestial Dragon's temporary residence and dragged Chalmarco out. Without giving him the chance to beg for mercy, you shot him dead with your flintlock pistol on the roadside, then dumped the body into the sea—just like that little boy had been. Sir, the times have changed. After doing all this, you felt an overwhelming sense of relief. Roger solemnly told you that he had just seen in you the same incredible spirit he once possessed. You acquired the skill: Conqueror's Haki (Intermediate).]
[December 12, 1519. You rushed to the dock on the Sabaody Archipelago and boarded the ship you had long prepared. As you set sail, your fellow Marines arrived at the docks, flintlocks in hand, lining the path to send you off. Touched by their gesture, you released your Conqueror's Haki in return. Instantly, your comrades dropped like wheat under the sickle. Your former superior Strawberry arrived late—though he was far away, you could still see the complicated look in his eyes.]
[December 13, 1519. At dawn the next day, Kizaru intercepted you at sea. After all, the Sabaody Archipelago is near Marine Headquarters. Roger temporarily took over your body. With his aid, Kizaru was forced to flee after only a few exchanges. The final technique, Divine Departure, cleaved the entire sea in two with a surge of sword light. Perhaps because of the exhaustion from that power, Roger fell into slumber once more. Though you hadn't fought yourself, the experience granted you valuable insight into swordsmanship. You acquired the skill: Swordsmanship (Intermediate).]
[December 14, 1519. The death of the Celestial Dragon shook the entire sea. Everyone was stunned by your audacity. Aside from the World Destroyer Walder 28 years ago, who also killed a Celestial Dragon, you were the first to do so. Walder had been imprisoned in Impel Down ever since, frozen in Level 6. Yet that very afternoon, the news of Kizaru's defeat spread across the seas via News Coo, casting a strange silence. A supernova with combat power rivaling an Admiral had now stood against the Marines over a Celestial Dragon. The last person to do something like that was Dragon—Garp's son.]
[December 17, 1519. Your bounty was issued: 1 billion Berries, with Admirals Aokiji and Akainu personally assigned to your capture. You became the first in history to debut with such a high bounty and elite pursuit.]
[December 19, 1519. You arrived at Jaya Island—your planned escape route. From there, you would ride the island's unique weather phenomenon, the massive Knock-Up Stream, to Sky Island. A good place to hide, and Enel made for a decent ally.]
[December 20, 1519. The next Knock-Up Stream was due in two days, but Akainu and Aokiji found you before then. Roger awoke just in time, but even he couldn't prevail against the two Admirals together.]
You died.
Simulation Ended.
Summary:
A brief yet extraordinary life. You dared to draw your blade against the privileged and stood up for the weak—something most transmigrators wouldn't even attempt. In your final battle, you nearly defeated both Akainu and Aokiji, with Akainu suffering serious injuries. Though reckless and arguably not worth the cost, your boldness shook the seas.
Rating: B
World Exploration: 49.5%
Since your exploration surpassed 40%, you earned 6 Traversal Coins. You also altered the course of Across the Seas, earning another 6 Coins. Keep up the good work!
[Simulation Ended. Please choose one of the following options:]
Option 1: Randomly receive three of the skills or specialties you acquired during your transmigration.
Option 2: Randomly receive three of the items you obtained during your transmigration.
Zhou Ning: …
Sure, I was planning to go full berserk mode, but this might've gone a little too far. Killing a Celestial Dragon? Damn, that's so me!
Honestly, it felt amazing. I'd totally do it again next time!
As for the choices—Option 2 could net me a Devil Fruit, but Option 1 is much more likely to include Conqueror's Haki and Observation Haki, which are far more valuable.
Without hesitation, Zhou Ning chose the first option.
[You chose Option 1.]
[You acquired the general skill: Dodge.]
[You acquired the skill: Conqueror's Haki (Intermediate).]
[You acquired the skill: Observation Haki (Beginner).]
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