Chapter 273: Chapter 273: The Deal with the Roger Pirates
Roger Pirates:
"What do you think? Is the Poneglyph that Charlotte Linlin collected something we need?" Roger anxiously asked the scholar from Ohara who was translating the Poneglyph.
"Yes, it's genuine. This Poneglyph matches the one we obtained from the Mink Tribe," the scholar replied excitedly. "It's another marker. Once we find all four markers, we can locate the legendary final island!"
The final island was said to hold countless treasures and the history of the world from 800 years ago, including the secrets of the Void Century.
"Hahaha, then it's true! We just need to find the rest of these massive red Poneglyphs!" Roger exclaimed with excitement.
"Roger, this isn't a small task. It's a massive undertaking, especially since we don't know where the other red Poneglyphs are located," Rayleigh cautioned.
"These Poneglyphs date back over 800 years. The places we've been, like Skypiea, Fish-Man Island, and Zou, all have histories over 800 years old. The Giant's homeland, Elbaf, and Wano Country also have histories that old. Those are the most likely places to find the Poneglyphs we need," the Ohara scholar explained.
"Hahaha, we're closer to Wano Country now, so let's head there," Roger decided.
"Roger, Wano is the territory of the Infinite Pirates. Before we go, we need a plan to get the Poneglyph from Li Yuan," Jabba warned.
"Let me be clear: if your plan is anything like what we did with Charlotte Linlin, I'm not going," Jabba insisted.
He had infiltrated Cake Island because it was relatively safe for him, but Wano was different. It was the heart of the Infinite Pirates' territory, and he wouldn't risk sneaking in there.
The Infinite Pirates were incredibly powerful, having defeated the Navy. Even Garp, who had chased the Roger Pirates all over, was defeated by Li Yuan. A direct confrontation with the Infinite Pirates would likely result in their loss.
"Hahaha, Jabba, don't worry. That plan only works once and won't succeed a second time," Roger assured. "Li Yuan isn't foolish. After hearing about Charlotte Linlin, he'd hide the Poneglyph so we couldn't find it. Even if we snuck into Wano, it'd be useless."
"So, what's your plan?" Jabba asked.
"What else? We'll go openly. We're acquaintances from the swordsmanship tournament. We can just ask for a copy of the Poneglyph. We're honorable pirates, after all," Roger said dismissively.
"You think you can just walk up and ask? You might get thrown out by Li Yuan," Rayleigh thought to himself.
Hebet Island was on the edge of the Infinite Sea, but not part of the Infinite Pirates' territory. Half of it was barren, while the other half developed due to the proximity to the Infinite Pirates' domain.
Many merchants, pirates, and underworld figures hoping to enter the Infinite Sea were stationed there, making it a bustling but chaotic place compared to the stability within the Infinite Sea.
At the port, people were busy loading and unloading goods when they noticed a massive ship approaching quickly.
"No way, is that the Hades Reaper?"
"Yeah, if the Hades Reaper is here, it means Captain Li Yuan of the Infinite Pirates is coming!"
"This is big news! What could be important enough to bring him here?"
"Run! Get out of here! If someone like that shows up, the island could become a battlefield!"
As the Hades Reaper, a fortress-like ship, approached, panic spread among the people. Anyone with sense knew the island wouldn't be peaceful for long.
"Everyone disembark. We'll wait here," Li Yuan instructed as the Hades Reaper docked.
Many of the Infinite Pirates' officers followed him ashore. People at the port quickly moved aside, clearing a path for them.
"Oh my God, not only is the world's greatest swordsman, Li Yuan, here, but all the officers are too. What could they be here for?"
Seeing Li Yuan and his officers arrive, the crowd grew more anxious. Such a large-scale deployment could mean they were even attacking Marineford.
The Infinite Pirates ignored the nervous and fearful stares, focused on following their captain.
"Captain, will the Roger Pirates really come?" Barrett asked excitedly.
He knew the Roger Pirates were as strong as the Navy's top forces and had long wanted to challenge them.
"Don't worry. There's no pirate I can't summon with a call," Li Yuan said confidently, pulling out his Den Den Mushi to make a call.
"Hahaha, Li Yuan, what brings you to call me?" Roger's classic laugh came through the Den Den Mushi.
"Roger, to the point: I'm on Hebet Island. I have the Poneglyph you want. If you want it, come and get it," Li Yuan said, hanging up before Roger could reply.
"Hey, Li Yuan! You…"
Roger was left speechless, staring at the sleeping Den Den Mushi. Li Yuan had called just to say one thing and didn't even let him respond.
"Bruru Bruru, Bruru Bruru, Bruru Bruru!" Roger tried calling back several times, but Li Yuan didn't answer.
"Roger, give it up. Li Yuan's got you in a bind. You'll have to go see him to talk," Rayleigh said, watching Roger's futile attempts.
"Li Yuan is impressive. He not only knows about the Poneglyph on Zou but also has another one. I guess we have no choice but to see him. I wonder what he'll demand," Roger sighed.
Back with the Infinite Pirates, everyone watched Li Yuan's brief call, surprised it was so short.
The officers were puzzled. "Is this how leaders talk to each other? Just one sentence?"
Could the Roger Pirates really come after just one sentence?
"Alright, the Roger Pirates will definitely come, and there will be a fight," Li Yuan assured them.
The officers were eager for a fight but reluctant to spar with him directly.
"Yeah, if the captain says the Roger Pirates will come, they won't dare not to!" Chinjao exclaimed in admiration.
Everyone silently agreed with Chinjao's enthusiastic endorsement.
Even Li Yuan couldn't help but glance at Chinjao. His flattery was almost as good as Caesar's when he needed research funding!
Two days later, the Roger Pirates arrived at Hebet Island. Before disembarking, they sensed the presence of many powerful individuals on the island.
"Captain, isn't Li Yuan setting a trap for us like the World Government did?" Jabba asked, concerned.
The lineup was indeed similar to the one the Infinite Pirates used to defeat the Navy.
"Hahaha, what's there to fear? The World Government couldn't hold us, and neither can the Infinite Pirates!" Roger laughed. "Rayleigh and Jabba, come with me. The rest stay on the ship and be ready to set sail if things go south."
"Captain, can I stay on the Oro Jackson? I'm good at sailing," Jabba suggested, though he stood with Rayleigh and Roger.
"They're here! The Roger Pirates are finally here!" Barrett and the officers were excited to see the Oro Jackson approaching.
"Hahaha, Li Yuan, long time no see! I've missed you!" Roger greeted, approaching with Rayleigh and Jabba, as if they were old friends meeting casually.
"It has been a while, but you've missed the Poneglyph, not me. I don't need your sentiments," Li Yuan replied dryly, nearly tempted to draw his sword on Roger for such casual words from a dying old man.
"Hahaha, since you're being straightforward, I won't beat around the bush," Roger said seriously. "Li Yuan, I want the Poneglyph you have. What do you want in return?"
"I want a powerful Devil Fruit. Do you have one?" Li Yuan asked with a smile.
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