Chapter 368: Chapter 368: Pirate Expo, Meeting Barrett!
Chapter 368: Pirate Expo, Meeting Barrett!
As turbulent currents surged across the Grand Line, the Dragon Hunter Pirates arrived just off the coast of the Wallos Islands—the venue of the long-awaited Pirate Expo.
The closer they got, the more pirate ships dotted the horizon like schools of wild fish. Just today alone, dozens of crews had gathered, their sails whipping under the sea wind.
Not long ago, Ryuunosuke and his crew hadn’t seen a single pirate ship for days. Now, it was as if every corner of the sea had converged on this point.
Such was the pull of the Pirate Expo, hosted by the mysterious showman Buena Festa—a gathering where power, greed, and spectacle collided.
But more than the fanfare, one rumor had lit a fire under every pirate’s boots: the treasure of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, was said to be involved.
That was the kind of bait no pirate could resist.
To stay under the radar, Ryuunosuke had taken precautions. He’d ordered Kun to swallow the Ship of the Gods into its stomach dimension and had seized a large pirate ship en route to the Expo. Better to blend in than arrive flying their infamous banner.
If they showed up openly as the Dragon Hunter Pirates, things would get far too messy too quickly.
"Captain," Najenda reported crisply, her eyes on a rolled parchment, "based on our observation, forty-seven pirate groups have already arrived."
"Some are rookies with strong bounties. Others are veterans from the old generation."
"It looks like this Expo’s going to be a gathering of monsters."
"Oh—and Morgans just sent word. The Navy’s heading here too."
Ryuunosuke grinned. "Sounds like the party’s heating up."
He turned to his crew, many of whom were practically vibrating with anticipation.
Their last confrontation—with Sevian and Wade—had ended before most of them could even lift a finger. Now that they were here, Ryuunosuke didn’t mind giving them a proper outlet.
"Well? Want to join the festivities?"
"Captain, please," Leona stepped forward, cracking her knuckles. "Don’t interfere this time. Let us handle things."
Mine, lounging nearby with her rifle slung lazily across her back, yawned. "I don’t care either way. I’d rather nap on the ship than deal with noisy amateurs."
"Tch. So boring," Leona muttered under her breath.
Ryuunosuke laughed. "Alright. Those who want to join the Expo, go enjoy yourselves. The rest can fish or nap—whatever you prefer."
"I won’t be joining in."
Given his current strength, taking part in a brawl for pirate showmanship felt meaningless. It would be like a lion competing in a crab race.
More importantly, Ryuunosuke had already sensed the presence of a certain legendary figure—one who had stirred his curiosity.
Douglas Bullet.
Rather than waste time on opening acts, Ryuunosuke had a different target in mind.
"Got it, Captain!" the crew replied in unison.
Elsewhere, various factions of the Dragon Hunter Pirates were arriving at the island. characters like Shino and her team now operated as their own odd jobs squad, while Captain Levi ran a dedicated research unit.
All were invited.
Leaving command to his First Division, Ryuunosuke quietly slipped off the ship and set foot on the Wallos Islands.
He had to admit, the location was excellent—remote enough to avoid Navy interference, outside the reach of major powers, and filled with natural barriers.
Perfect for pirates.
---
Elsewhere on the island...
"Hm?" Bullet stirred, eyes narrowing.
"A strong presence... someone from our era?"
He stood slowly from his seat aboard his ship, eyes locked in the direction of the approaching Haki.
Not long after, Ryuunosuke arrived.
"Captain Ryuunosuke of the Dragon Hunter Pirates," Bullet said with a low chuckle. "Didn’t expect to see you here so soon."
He recognized him instantly. Among the so-called pirates of the "new era," Ryuunosuke was the only one Douglas found worthy of attention.
The others were chasing fame, gold, or empty titles. Ryuunosuke chased strength—and that, to Bullet, was the only pursuit worth respect.
Before the Expo even officially began, to meet the captain of the sea’s most feared pirate group... it was almost poetic.
"Demon’s Heir, Douglas Bullet," Ryuunosuke responded, smiling faintly. "Former combat monster of the Roger Pirates."
"And if I’m not mistaken... you’ve got the Eternal Pointer."
Bullet didn’t flinch. "I do."
He reached into his coat and pulled out an aged compass—the Eternal Pointer. It looked simple, weathered... unremarkable.
But that was the mark of authenticity. The Eternal Pointers crafted before Roger’s execution were rarely ornate.
"So," Ryuunosuke asked, "what’s the price?"
Bullet tossed the compass into a box, dropping it to the side like it was a piece of driftwood.
"Fight me," he said simply. "Win, and it’s yours."
To him, the Eternal Pointer meant nothing. He had already set foot on Raftel. The journey meant more to others.
"Agreed," Ryuunosuke said. "But I want more than the compass."
"I want to know what you experienced on that island."
"In return, if I lose... these are yours."
He pulled out five vials of glowing green liquid. The instant the cork popped, a dense, potent aura of vitality filled the air.
Bullet inhaled—and immediately felt his body thrum with energy. His blood boiled, his skin tingled.
This was no ordinary healing elixir.
"Deal," Bullet said. "But not here."
He gestured to the crowd gathering nearby. "If we fight here, half the pirates will turn tail and flee before the Expo even starts."
Behind him, Bullet personal ship emerged from the fog. The two warriors stepped aboard and departed in silence, sailing away to find a battlefield worthy of their clash.
---
As the sea calmed behind them, another figure appeared where they had stood—his steps silent, his presence undetectable.
Even with the Observation Haki of Bullet and Ryuunosuke at full tilt, neither had noticed him until he revealed himself.
That alone spoke volumes.
"Ryuunosuke of the Dragon Hunter Pirates has made contact with Bullet," the man muttered, pulling out a small, rune-etched device.
"Do we continue surveillance?"
A calm voice replied through the device. "No. They’ll return on their own. Focus on analyzing that green substance Ryuunosuke brought out."
"It gave off energy reminiscent of the Infinity Stone."
The man clicked the device shut and vanished again, blending into the shadows.
Now that Ryuunosuke had arrived, the rest of the Dragon Hunter Pirates couldn’t be far behind.
And if there was any chance of gathering intel... it wouldn’t be through the captain.
It would be through the crew.
---
Back at the port...
Najenda and her team had just completed registration and entered the Waroki Islands.
Their arrival didn’t go unnoticed.
"A First Division officer from the Dragon Hunter Pirates?"
"Wait—where’s their captain?"
"I wonder if they’re hiring...?"
Excited murmurs rippled through the gathered pirates. These weren’t nobodies—they were crewmates of the emperor.
Yes, in this new age, the Four Emperors still existed... but above them, one name reigned supreme:
The Dragon Hunter Pirates.
And their captain? He was the one now whispered of as the Fifth Emperor, the one who had surpassed even legends.
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