Takumi and Shanks didn't linger long in the tavern.
After getting directions to Alubarna, Takumi mounted the camel he had purchased from Nanohana Town and set off again.
Shanks, unbothered, followed along, still muttering about wanting to head to Yuba to check out the action.
Takumi ignored Shanks the entire way until they passed through a rocky desert area, where a flock of large, seemingly injured white birds lay sprawled on the ground, twitching.
These were deceitful birds, a species native to the rocky deserts. They loved to fake injuries to garner the sympathy of travelers, then steal their belongings.
"Hey, what's up with those birds?" Shanks asked, eyeing the flock in the distance curiously.
Takumi chuckled lightly, "Why don't you go check?"
"Good idea." Shanks ran over to the birds and picked one up, giving it a shake. "Hey, you okay?"
The bird in his grasp 'weakly' twitched again, looking like it was on the brink of death.
Shanks turned to Takumi, excitement in his eyes. "These birds look like they're on their last legs. How about we make sure their deaths aren't in vain?"
Takumi remained silent, but his expression clearly read: Really?
With a mischievous grin, Shanks continued, "They look pretty plump. I bet they'd taste great."
"!" The bird in Shanks' grip suddenly jolted in terror and began struggling.
"Oh? A final burst of energy?" Shanks smiled as he tightened his grip on the bird's neck, standing up. He turned back to Takumi, "So, what flavor of roasted bird would you like?"
Takumi chuckled, "Surprise me."
"Alright then, today you'll get to try my cooking." Shanks' gaze locked onto the bird in his hand, which was now sweating bullets.
The other birds, who had been playing dead on the ground, all leapt up in a panic and flew away as fast as they could...
"What? They were all fine?" Shanks was taken aback.
The bird in his grasp, now on the verge of tears, began squawking frantically.
"Hahaha!" Shanks burst out laughing, finally releasing the bird.
Just as the bird was about to take flight and catch up with its companions, the sandy ground beneath them began to tremble.
Suddenly, countless massive, root-like man-eating plants burst from the ground, lunging at Takumi, Shanks, and the unfortunate bird that hadn't yet managed to escape.
"Looks like there are some big guys lurking beneath the sand," Shanks smirked, drawing his sword without hesitation.
As two of the giant plants lunged at Takumi, the camel he was riding reacted just as it had with the giant lizard earlier. Before Takumi could even move, it bolted in a panic, zigzagging to avoid the attacks of the man-eating plants.
Takumi, for his part, made no effort to stop the panicked camel.
Maybe this was his chance to finally ditch Shanks.
Seeing the camel carrying Takumi run off, sprinting in random directions with surprising speed, Shanks realized that if he didn't act fast, they'd get separated.
Without hesitation, Shanks unleashed a horizontal slash, sending a wave of invisible sword energy that sliced through all the surrounding man-eating plants, cutting them cleanly in half.
In the process, he also managed to save the frightened deceitful bird from becoming plant food.
But as he watched Takumi's figure rapidly disappear into the distance, Shanks knew he had to act quickly. Grabbing the panting bird by its leg, he grinned, "I just saved your life, didn't I? It's only fair you help me catch up to that kid, right?"
"Chirp!" The bird trembled, realizing that the man holding it had effortlessly sliced through all the plants with a single strike. Its feathers stood on end, and with tears welling up in its eyes, it flapped its wings and, though struggling under the weight, flew in the direction Takumi had gone.
After a frantic three-hour dash across the desert, the exhausted camel finally collapsed, panting heavily.
Takumi smoothly dismounted.
Taking a swig from his canteen, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction, thinking he had finally shaken off Shanks.
But then, he sensed Shanks' presence in the sky.
"Hey, Takumi!" Shanks called out, waving enthusiastically as he descended.
Takumi could only sigh inwardly in exasperation.
This guy really is like a ghost that won't go away…
Once Shanks landed, he gave the sweating, exhausted bird a pat on the back and laughed heartily, "Thanks for the help! You're free to go now."
The bird didn't need to be told twice. It took off as fast as its wings could carry it, not even glancing back.
Shanks then looked down at the camel, which was still sprawled on the ground, panting. "This guy sure spooks easily, huh? Haha, good thing I caught up. So, Takumi, which way are we headed?"
"Doesn't matter," Takumi replied, still deadpan.
"In that case, let's just keep following this path and see where it takes us," Shanks suggested with a grin.
"Fine," Takumi responded with a shrug.
After resting for about an hour until the camel regained its strength, the two of them, now accompanied by the camel, resumed their journey.
It took them nearly two full days of travel through the desert before they finally arrived at a large, lush town surrounded by towering trees.
"Finally made it…" Shanks panted, clearly feeling the heat.
Takumi's forehead was also drenched in sweat.
Both quickened their pace, eager to enter the town.
Compared to the town where they had previously stopped to drink, this one was much larger and wealthier.
The streets were filled with stylishly dressed people, and the buildings all looked like they had been recently renovated.
"Wow, this place looks pretty nice," Shanks remarked, glancing around with a smile.
Takumi, as usual, remained silent, continuing to walk forward.
As they passed a stall selling golden apples, the vendor immediately grabbed one and, with a sly grin, tried to sell it to them.
"You there, red-haired sir and young lad! You're not from around here, are you? How about buying a golden apple? These aren't just any apples, mind you. These are ancient treasures discovered in a long-lost ruin. Just one bite, and you'll live for a thousand years! It's the legendary Golden Apple of Eternity!"
"Whoa, a Golden Apple?" Shanks exclaimed in mock amazement. "Are you saying just one bite will let me live for a thousand years?"
Seeing Shanks' interest, the vendor grinned wider. "Absolutely! I guarantee it."
Shanks' eyes sparkled with excitement. "That's incredible!"
The vendor, sensing an easy sale, continued, "And today, they're on special—just 1,000 Berries each! How about buying two, one for you and one for your son here?"
"Son?" Shanks blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
"Yeah," the vendor pointed at Takumi. "Isn't he your kid? You came here together, didn't you?"
Shanks burst into laughter. "Pfft… Hahaha! If only he were my kid! Hahaha…"
Takumi: "…"
"What? You're not father and son?" The vendor scratched his head, then shrugged with a smile. "Oh well, even if you're not, how about you both buy one anyway? It's a deal you can't pass up, guaranteed to be worth every Berry!"
******
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