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Sacrificing a Celestial Dragon? Really? I just fought Kaido and now I'm supposed to take on the Celestial Dragons?
Just because I happened to eat the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, they want to throw me into this high-stakes mission? Is it because I said "for the sake of world peace" on Angel Island? Zyhark maintained a calm façade, but inside, he was ranting incessantly.
Thinking it through carefully, below Angel Island was the Devil's Triangle, where Gecko Moria's Thriller Bark was located.
After leaving Angel Island and navigating through the Sea of Clouds for a while, based on Luffy's route, it seemed that the Endless Dream was now hovering above the Sabaody Archipelago.
And what was the local specialty of the Sabaody Archipelago? Slaves, also the one that mainly buy them, the infamous Celestial Dragons!
With some luck, they might even encounter a Celestial Dragon participating in a slave auction there!
Piecing all this together, Zyhark's lips twitched involuntarily.
All these coincidences linked together made him wonder if it was Aqua's super bad luck or King's lucky aura leading the way.
Probably the latter.
Because…
Zyhark decisively made up his mind: He would definitely deal with the Celestial Dragons! Not because of any powerful teammates or enhanced abilities, but simply to uphold true justice, to eliminate the greatest evil, and to give the oppressed people a brighter future!
"If even the Celestial Dragons don't qualify as precious items, then I'm afraid I can't think of anything else for now," Morgans spread his winged arms, speaking with a hint of regret.
There were two implications to his regret.
Of course, he was unaware that in a few days, a world-shaking event would take place at the Sabaody Archipelago!
"No problem, I was just asking casually," Zyhark replied lightly.
Although he had just established a partnership with Morgans, he certainly couldn't inform him of such a high-risk plan in advance.
For now, neither Morgans nor Stussy were fully trustworthy. After a brief, polite conversation with Morgans, Zyhark stood up to leave.
King, with a stern expression, followed closely behind like a super bodyguard, his "intimidating" engine noises gradually subsiding.
As the two disappeared around the corner of the reception room, the tension among Morgans' battle-ready subordinates finally eased, and they heaved a collective sigh of relief.
Given the choice, they would really prefer not to experience such a nerve-wracking escort mission again!
"Truly an interesting guy. It seems the world is about to become lively," Morgans remarked with a smile.
"That man indeed has an inexplicable charm," Stussy said, brushing her short, sexy hair.
The mere fact that he knew Vegapunk's secrets showed he was no ordinary character!
As Zyhark and King walked onto the airship deck, Aqua immediately approached with a big smile.
"Oh, Zyhark, you're back? It must have been tiring talking to that birdman, huh?"
Like a superior consoling a subordinate, the foolish goddess patted Zyhark's shoulder, offering sincere and heartfelt sympathy.
Zyhark looked at Aqua, her flowing blue hair now adorned with scattered white feathers.
Not far away, a bald news-carrying gull was flying away, squawking loudly.
Zyhark might not have the ability to hear all creatures, but he could guess that the distant squawking was full of curses!
"Aqua, you..."
Looking at the foolish goddess's disheveled appearance, Zyhark hesitated.
In the end, he couldn't bear to speak harshly and simply sighed, walking past Aqua towards the Endless Dream.
"Ah? Zyhark, were you about to say something?" Aqua tilted her head, confused, spitting out a feather from the corner of her mouth.
It's really hard to associate this image with the term 'goddess,' which should denote purity and nobility…
"Aqua, Zyhark was right," even King, usually reserved with words, couldn't help but chime in.
Aqua was even more puzzled, running after them in a fluster, determined not to be left in the dark.
"What on earth are you talking about? Did that birdman say something bad about me?"
"Or is that disgusting vampire woman jealous of my divine radiance, as bright as the sun?"
"Clearly, she needs a high-intensity purification!"
…
Amidst Aqua's endless noise, the trio returned to the Endless Dream, continuing their slow descent towards the Blue Sea.
After some simple repairs, Morgans' news airship also departed the area—just like Zyhark, Morgans couldn't fully trust his new partner yet.
Thus, the news agency's headquarters needed to be relocated.
As night fell, the Endless Dream, carried by the hot air balloon, successfully reached the familiar Grand Line.
The cold night wind stirred up waves, creating a sense of stability for Zyhark, feeling the ship's motion against the ocean.
Compared to the thin air of the high altitudes, the vast and turbulent sea was far more inviting! "Let's have a feast, a grand feast to celebrate our return to the sea, Zyhark! It's been a while since our last celebration!!"
Back in her "homeland," Aqua was exuberant, twirling with two folding fans, spraying water everywhere.
"You just want to drink, don't you?" Zyhark saw through Aqua's little ploy at a glance.
What 'it's been a while'? They had just had a feast at Koby's house when they left Angel Island!
"No, no, that's not it! Look, even King is eager!"
King stood there, silent and expressionless.
Seeing that King's expressionless face wasn't persuasive, Aqua switched targets: "Meowth, Meowth too!"
Meowth, busy polishing the gold coin on its forehead, looked confused.
"In any case, let's have a feast, Zyhark. We got so much gold; let's drink, drink, drink! I want to drink!!"
Out of options, Aqua resorted to her ultimate move: shamelessness.
Seeing the foolish goddess's eager face, Zyhark was silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking: "Aqua, I never said I disagreed, did I?"
Aqua was speechless.
She suddenly felt like she had turned into that red-nosed Buggy.
"That's right, let's have a grand celebration, everyone!"
After all, soon enough, we might have to start a life of endless wandering.
Zyhark silently added in his heart.
"Yeah!!"
With cheers all around, their unique team celebration officially began! ...
The following morning, a large island covered in giant red trees, adorned with soap bubbles, appeared on the distant horizon.
As Zyhark had guessed, it was the end of the first half of the Grand Line—the Sabaody Archipelago!
(End of Chapter)