Chapter 328: Chapter 328: Planning for the Dwarves
"Moshi Moshi, this is Borsalino speaking!"
In the North Blue, the ever-relaxed Kizaru was lounging at a Marine base, basking in the sun while trimming his nails. Casually, he picked up a Den Den Mushi to answer the call.
"Borsalino, do you have time to come to the West Blue and help me catch a pirate?"
Kuzan's voice came from the other end.
"Oh, it's Kuzan. What kind of pirate in the West Blue could be so troublesome that even you can't handle it? And you need my help?"
Borsalino asked curiously. He knew Kuzan's strength well; very few pirates in the Four Seas could possibly escape him.
"It's the Sand Reversal team. Their leader, Wei Zhuang, is incredibly powerful. I can't defeat him alone in a short amount of time, and with his crew aiding him, I had to let them escape last time."
Kuzan lied smoothly, without giving anything away.
"The Sand Reversal team? I've heard of them. They sound terrifying."
"Kuzan, it's not that I don't want to help you, but the North Blue is crawling with pirates—very troublesome ones, too. I'm busy chasing several pirate crews here, so I really don't have the time."
"How about this? You can contact Sakazuki or Munis and see if they're free. Or maybe ask Fleet Admiral Sengoku for reinforcements."
Borsalino set down his scissors, bit into an apple, and spoke nonchalantly before hanging up, leaving Kuzan with no opportunity to reply.
Like he'd leave the North Blue! He was barely willing to chase the pirates here; there was no way he'd travel to the West Blue for Kuzan's problems.
"I should've known better than to call him. Guess I'll report this to Fleet Admiral Sengoku instead."
Kuzan muttered to himself after hearing the dial tone. Soon, he relayed everything about Wei Zhuang and the Sand Reversal team to Sengoku.
"Forget about the Sand Reversal group for now. Your priority is to clear out the other pirates in the West Blue. We can't let them grow any stronger."
Hearing Kuzan's request, Sengoku rubbed his temples before giving the order.
With no admirals in the ranks and Garp on leave, while Sakazuki and the others were assigned their own tasks, there was no one available to send to Kuzan's aid. Sengoku had no choice but to postpone the issue with the Sand Reversal and focus on other pressing matters.
With Gol D. Roger's final words spreading chaos, the World Government's influence dwindling, and the Marines losing their deterrent power, the Four Seas were becoming overrun with pirates. The Marines could barely manage, resorting to simply cleaning up the most significant threats.
"Understood, Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
Though he wanted to take down the Sand Reversal group, Kuzan had no choice but to comply and refocus on other pirate activities.
---
"Yadina, how are Dressrosa and the Prodence Kingdom doing? They were once allies of the World Government in the New World."
Upon returning to Yadina's office, Li Yuan inquired about the two nations.
"Ever since the World Government's defeat at the hands of the New World Pirate Alliance, these two kingdoms wisely flew the flag of the Infinite Sea Pirates and submitted to our governance."
"Why are you asking about these two nations, husband?"
"In Dressrosa, there's a special race called the dwarves. They possess unique talents for cultivating any plant. I'd like to relocate them to the Infinite Sea to help with specialized agriculture."
Li Yuan explained.
Once Soros completed his research on artificial Devil Fruits, their mass production would rely heavily on the dwarves' abilities. Preparing for this in advance was essential.
Additionally, in the original timeline, the dwarf princess Mansherry had eaten the Paramecia-type Heal-Heal Fruit, one of the most powerful support-based Devil Fruits. Li Yuan wanted to secure it, though he wasn't sure if Mansherry had already consumed the fruit.
"Is that so? I'll handle this matter personally."
Yadina nodded.
"The dwarves are kind-hearted, simple, and stubborn. Avoid using force. It's best to win their trust and convince them to relocate willingly to the Infinite Sea."
"Also, there might be a Heal-Heal Fruit in their habitat. Have someone search for it or locate the dwarf who may have already consumed it."
"I understand, husband. I'll see to it."
With Yadina taking charge, Li Yuan could rest easy, knowing she would handle everything efficiently.
---
"By the way, prepare some information on the Prodence Kingdom for me. I'm planning to visit."
"Prodence Kingdom? Husband, what's there that's worth your personal attention?"
Yadina asked curiously. For Li Yuan to be interested, it had to be something truly remarkable—perhaps a rare treasure or a powerful Devil Fruit.
"Their royal family has a unique martial art called the King Punch. It can unleash a force far greater than the user's physical strength, somewhat like the Elbaf giants' techniques but with its own nuances. I want to take a look and learn it."
The King Punch was Li Yuan's main objective in visiting Prodence. While it required an hour of warming up to unleash its full potential, its sheer destructive power made it one of the most formidable techniques in the One Piece world.
Despite his already immense strength, Li Yuan's repertoire lacked a pure burst technique like the King Punch. He wanted to learn it, refine it, and potentially turn it into one of his signature moves.
"Husband, I've prepared all the details. Why don't I join you on this trip? I'm quite curious about this technique too."
Before Li Yuan could respond, Yadina had already looped her arm around his, her alluring figure leaning into him.
"My time is precious, my dear wife. If you want to join me, what's your offer?"
Li Yuan teased, lifting Yadina's delicate chin with a mischievous smile.
"Husband, after all these years, can't it be free just this once?"
Yadina's voice was soft and sweet, carrying a teasing charm that could make anyone's heart flutter.
"Absolutely not. Even in marriage, everything must be accounted for. Balance is essential."
---
Through the Mirror World, Li Yuan and Yadina swiftly arrived in the Prodence Kingdom. Instead of heading straight to the royal palace, they spent the day strolling through the bustling streets like carefree lovers.
"Look, husband! They're selling barbecue over there. Let's try it!"
"Oh, and there's a circus show! It looks so fun—we should watch it!"
"Husband, the sun is too bright. Hold the umbrella for me."
They wandered the streets of the Pr
odence Kingdom, enjoying its lively atmosphere, their mission temporarily set aside for a day of lighthearted fun.