Shortly after, Atlas encountered a fully changed Thriller Bark.
The main structure of the hull remains mostly unchanged, with the notable addition of a power system at the rear. Since Atlas can't constantly steer the ship, adjustments have been made to the power system and cabin to better align with control needs.
The ship's most striking feature is unquestionably the bow, adorned with an enormous dragon gazing skyward and letting out a roar. Its majestic appearance is enhanced by its body, crafted from an unknown, bright, silvery-white alloy, combining both beauty and grandeur.
The ship's architecture was redesigned to meet Atlas's specifications, dismantling and reconstructing everything. The original Thriller Bark had a decoration style resembling a Gothic castle, which Atlas felt the need to modify. Perhaps this reflects Moria's personal taste, evident in Perona's consistent Gothic attire, having been raised by him.
Constructed to the standards of a typical Marine Base, the ship includes not only Atlas's personal villa but also a training room crafted entirely from a special alloy for his workouts. Additionally, there's a spacious field for the convenience of his subordinates, where soldiers undergo daily training while on duty.
Sengoku went so far as to increase Atlas's troop allocation due to this ship. While the average Vice Admiral commands over a thousand ordinary Marine soldiers, Atlas is granted a total quota of more than 2,000 Marine soldiers. It's almost as if Sengoku intends for him to establish a flying Marine army!
"Vice Admiral Hakuryu, allow me to personally guide you in acquainting yourself with the new ship."
The individual overseeing the ship's modification is a middle-aged man within the Marine's scientific force. While he's involved in scientific matters, he also handles administrative duties, including the responsibility of docking Atlas's ship.
"No need, I was involved in some of the renovation work myself."
Atlas waved his hand, declining the offer. A project of this scale couldn't be accomplished solely by the scientific troops, but Atlas, with his Rooster Talisman ability, stood apart.
With a single thought, he commands the mountains, seas, clouds, and rain.
Moreover, with Atlas's keen observation haki, becoming acquainted with the new ship comes effortlessly to him.
"Then... what about Vice Admiral Hakuryu giving it a new name? 'Thriller Bark' sounds a bit unappealing."
"Just name it after my code name, Ryu-sen. It's simple and clear."
.....
New World.
In the sky, the once majestic azure dragon now appeared chaotic. Its dancing dragon whiskers were incomplete, and the massive dragon body displayed various-sized potholes slowly healing. Lingering bloodstains adorned the fierce lower jaw. The enormous mouth moved, emitting faint curses.
"Garp, you scoundrel, and that wretched Francis, how dare you betray the Beasts Pirates!"
Filled with anger and no outlet for it, Kaido, in a drunken stupor, unexpectedly received word that Francis had betrayed the Beasts Pirates. Intoxicated, he bellowed that he would personally hunt down the traitor.
Unexpectedly, Garp intercepted him on the way and delivered a severe beating. While it might not have been a significant issue for him due to his tough exterior, punches from that old guy really packed a painful punch!
While King had harbored suspicions about Francis' conduct and reported it to Kaido, but he, being a pirate who valued talents, refrained from taking any action against Francis as long as there was no clear betrayal.
It must be acknowledged that even if the abilities of some agents cultivated by the World Government may not be commendable, the indoctrination of ideas is exceptionally thorough. Even within the pirate base camp, Francis never harbored the thought of betraying the World Government. He truly lives up to being the man appointed by the CP0 to enter Beasts Pirates.
But...
Kaido let out a fierce chuckle.
"You can't escape the New World, Francis!"
Kaido's keen haki has already 'spotted' Francis's fleeing figure, and he roughly calculated the distance. With his speed, catching up with the traitor Francis would be swift!
'Damn it! Damn it! How could he catch up so quickly? Are all Marines just standing by?'
Francis' current mood isn't much better. After all, he's the one being chased by the Sanko! If he's fortunate enough to survive this ordeal, he might never want to set foot in the New World again.
He can be in the Holy Land of Mariejois, isn't it nice being a lapdog?
Regardless of location, being treated like a dog seems to be the norm. At least with the world nobles, you get to savor some privileges, even if it's just a facade.
"We're nearing the G-5 base. If someone can hold off that madman Kaido for a while, I can make a successful escape from the New World. No matter how insane Kaido is, he won't be able to chase me into the paradise!"
Francis's eyes were bloodshot. Despite the lack of good rest during the past few days on the run, his mind remained clear. As a paradise guarded by the Naval Headquarters, even if Kaido went berserk and persisted in chasing him, the might of the Naval Headquarters could still apprehend Kaido.
But evidently, Francis was unaware that Vice Admiral Hakuryu stationed at the G-5 base was currently absent. If he knew, he might not harbor the same desire to escape now.
.....
"Hmm~ We should be there soon, right?"
On the Ryu-sen, Atlas scanned the surroundings. Though it hadn't been long since departing from Marineford, the route he took was anything but conventional.
No need to go through the Fish-Man Island route, and no need to detour via Mariejois. Directly crossing the Red Line with the island ship is the fastest way to reach the New World.
It's truly spectacular. Even if you've seen it multiple times, looking down from the top, the Red Line stretching across the entire sea never fails to evoke a sense of wonder at the magic of creation.
The Red Line and the Grand Line form the two rings of this mostly ocean-occupied planet. Consequently, the entire Grand Line is distinctly split into the first half and the second half by the Red Line, known as Paradise and New World.
"But..."
"Fighting against Kaido? It's truly exhilarating just thinking about it!"
Kaido is the youngest among the current Sanko. While he might be slightly less powerful than the other two, he's undoubtedly the best sparring partner.
It lacks the world-destroying attack power of Whitebeard and the impervious defense of Big Mom. It's just sheer resilience.
Atlas has to contend with Kaido, cultivating himself into a tank with robust health!
Contemplating this, the combative element in Atlas's body stirred. He has never been one to shy away from conflict.
After all.
On the journey to becoming the strongest in the world, how can there not be the corpses of formidable men?
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