Chereads / One Piece:Becoming the King of the World from the Rocks Era / Chapter 138 - Chapter 138: Baikal Kingdom

Chapter 138 - Chapter 138: Baikal Kingdom

The swordsmanship manuals were similarly valuable. Although Wano's current strength seemed lackluster against Li Yuan's easy conquest, the nation once shone brightly, producing legendary warriors like Shimotsuki Ryuma.

With a rich history, Wano's foundation in swordsmanship and Haki was profound.

Even with his current strength, Li Yuan felt his understanding of Haki and swordsmanship was insufficient.

Wano's training knowledge served as nourishment, continually building his foundation, expanding his understanding, and becoming part of his strength.

Before taking control of Kurazukuri and the Flower Capital, Li Yuan had come to an agreement with Kurozumi Orochi.

He would occupy two islands, leaving the others to Orochi, and requested Orochi's help in establishing a weapons factory.

Orochi gladly accepted, capturing laborers across Wano to build the factory.

He also suppressed any remaining samurai resistance in Hakumai, Ringo, Kibi, and Udon, causing widespread suffering and discontent.

Many were driven to desperation, with some even starving to death.

"Why doesn't General Li Yuan liberate Hakumai?"

"Why doesn't he drive away Kurozumi Orochi and his men?"

"We should flee to Kurazukuri and the Flower Capital. If we stay, we'll die!"

"But the bridges to Kurazukuri and the Flower Capital are guarded by Orochi's men—we can't get through."

"..."

Initially, people in the four islands harbored resentment against Li Yuan for killing the Kozuki clan and the daimyos.

But with Orochi's rise causing greater suffering, and hearing news of prosperity in Kurazukuri and the Flower Capital, they shifted their anger towards Orochi.

Now, they praised Li Yuan, hoping and longing for his arrival to save them, just as he had liberated Kurazukuri from bandits.

Li Yuan was well aware of the situation in the other four islands.

Yet he ignored the people's pleas, focusing on reading and training.

Three months passed quickly.

Under Li Yuan's management, Kurazukuri and the Flower Capital flourished more than before.

"The harvest is in, finally harvested!!!"

"We have food, real food, grown by ourselves!!"

"Praise Lord Li Yuan, thank you for lending us food and seeds, or we wouldn't have this moment!"

"..."

At harvest time, the people of Kurazukuri and the Flower Capital looked at their crops, eyes moist, tears falling without them realizing.

Once, they barely ate, surviving on a single bowl of porridge a day, always on the brink of starvation.

But since Li Yuan's arrival, everything changed.

He not only lent them food but also rented land and seeds, enabling this harvest.

Now, they could repay Li Yuan's food loan and keep some for themselves.

Though not enough to last until the next harvest, it gave them hope and excitement.

Even before the harvest, they'd heard that after repaying the loan, they could borrow another three months' worth of food.

No longer starving, they could focus on farming for a steady food supply.

Diligence could lead to renting more land, growing more crops, and reaping greater rewards.

"I want to apply for more land!"

Seeing hope, many applied for more land to cultivate.

Having suffered hunger, they never wanted to return to those painful days.

Labor equated to food; this life felt like paradise!

News of Kurazukuri and the Flower Capital's prosperity reached the other islands, intensifying the people's pleas for Li Yuan's liberation.

"Your Highness, we're nearing the Infinity Pirates' territory."

"I hear they're expanding. We might encounter them, so perhaps we should avoid their area."

On a luxurious ship, the noble-dressed butler Leonard advised.

"Afraid of what? Rocks is dead, and the Rocks Pirates are disbanded."

"The Infinity Pirates were formed by a former Rocks officer."

"Our Baikal Kingdom is a World Government member. When the Rocks Pirates were around, we tolerated them, even raising their flag."

"Now Rocks is dead, his flag is down, and Baikal stands tall!"

"The Infinity Pirates are not worth fearing. Sail on, to Sonina Island!"

Prince Garcia of Baikal grew more excited, speaking as if no one in the New World dared touch him.

"Yes, Your Highness."

With his master so determined, Leonard had no choice but to comply.

"Who are you? This island is claimed by the Infinity Pirates!!"

At Sonina Island's port, Infinity Pirates members shouted at Prince Garcia and his entourage, who were unloading treasure.

"How dare pirates speak to me like that!!"

"Capture them and seize the treasure!"

Seeing the treasure, Prince Garcia's eyes glinted with greed.

"Yes, Your Highness!!"

The kingdom's soldiers quickly surrounded the pirates at the port.

"Damn them, challenging the Infinity Pirates! Brothers, attack!"

Many of these pirates had followed Li Yuan from Hachinosu, fierce and fearless even against numerous enemies.

Weapons drawn, both sides clashed.

"Hahaha, Captain, we've taken another island. Sonina Island is the sixth!"

On Sonina Island, a subordinate of the Infinity Pirates laughed heartily.

"Not bad, moving at a good pace!"

Kano nodded in satisfaction.

"Captain, a group arrived on Sonina Island. They seem to be nobility and have engaged our men!"

Barrett reported.

"Challenging the Infinity Pirates? No matter the kingdom, they die. You handle the looting here, Barrett, come with me!"

Kano charged towards the port.

"Slash!!!"

Arriving, Kano saw the so-called prince and unleashed a powerful slash with his sword-hand.

A twenty-meter-long sharp slash sped towards them.

"Your Highness, watch out, an expert approaches. Get back to the ship!!"

Seeing the slash, Leonard stood before Garcia, enveloping his right fist in Armament Haki, and punched out.

"Break!"

Enduring the pain, Leonard shattered the slash, but was pushed back dozens of meters.

"To block my slash—impressive."

"Barrett, I'll handle the old man. Take care of the rest."

Kano said excitedly, darting towards Leonard using the Shave technique.

After over three years with Li Yuan, Kano mastered Armament and Observation Haki, along with techniques like Shave and Moonwalk.

With his Devil Fruit power, his strength had grown immensely.

"Pound Fist!!"

Seeing Kano's rapid approach, Leonard's eyes narrowed, punching out.

"Infinity: Cross Slash!!"

Kano's sword-hands covered in Armament Haki, crossed, and slashed down.

"Damn, too sharp!"

Even with Armament Haki, Leonard's defense was breached!

"Hahaha, your fists aren't hard enough!!"

Kano split his blades, slashing at Leonard's throat and lower body.

Forced back, Leonard dodged the strikes, only for Kano to vanish and reappear behind him.

"Infinity: Double Crescent Slash!!"

Kano swung his combined blades, like a crescent moon, targeting Leonard's neck.

"Armament: Iron Spine!!"

Unable to turn, Leonard covered his back in Armament Haki, trying to withstand the strike.

But Kano's slash broke through, exposing Leonard's spine.

"Ah!!"

Leonard screamed in agony, sent flying.

"Father, Father, I'm ambushed by the Infinity Pirates on Sonina Island. Save me!!"

Seeing his strongest guardian overwhelmed, and his soldiers falling to Barrett, Prince Garcia panicked, dialing the Den Den Mushi for help.

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