chapter 77 part 1
Chapter 77: Underworld Demon Iron! Shimotsuki Kozaburo's Fighting Spirit!
Five days later.
The Revolutionary Army's actions were very quick—after confirming the cooperation, Lindbergh and Sabo departed first.
The former needed to return to the West Blue to oversee the overall situation of the Revolutionary Army there.
The latter was to return to the Revolutionary Army's headquarters, 'Baltigo', to report the results of the negotiations, and incidentally inform Dragon about his personal situation.
He had already decided to return to the Goa Kingdom after some time to try and search for his lost memories.
As for Belo Betty, she began mobilizing the Revolutionary Army in the East Blue to coordinate with the main force, starting preparations for the materials and down payment for the first transaction with the Twelve Star Generals.
Until today.
"The down payment of ten billion Beli is ready, and the materials will take another two days. To ensure the World Government doesn't discover it, we will store the supplies in batches in a mountain cave on the west side of this island. You can retrieve them yourselves in five days."
After Belo Betty handed a strip of paper to Hai Zhu, she decisively left.
The coordinates recorded on the paper strip pointed to a desolate island in the East Blue.
"As expected of the Revolutionary Army, their actions are truly meticulous."
Looking at the paper strip, even Hai Zhu couldn't help but sigh—it made sense that the Revolutionary Army could survive the World Government's pursuit and blockade and develop to this day.
Such large-scale material transactions and cash transport couldn't possibly leave no traces, which was why they wouldn't deliver anything to Shimotsuki Village.
It wasn't hard to imagine—every time the Revolutionary Army stopped here in the past, they mostly used similar methods, completely separating personnel and supplies.
This should also be the reason why Shimotsuki Village has remained undiscovered for so many years.
Amidst his sighing, a light screen was clearly visible within the eyes under Hai Zhu's mask.
[Loy Aros (Slice-Split Body - Hai Zhu)]
[Equipped Devil Fruit: Devour-Devour Fruit LV4, Slice-Slice Fruit LV3]
[Remaining Beli: 3.91904 billion Beli]
That's right.
Before this, after Rat killed Karamelo III and Snack on 'Honey Island', he rightfully plundered Karamelo III's treasure vault—after all, the latter coincidentally brought Snack to the vault when he arrived, which was such an act of sincerity, so of course, he wouldn't refuse free loot.
And as mentioned before, although Honey Island was not a World Government Member Nation, it was quite wealthy in itself.
Moreover, although Karamelo III had been extravagant all these years, he had also earned a considerable amount of money through his connection with Big Mom.
Therefore, within the treasury of such a small island kingdom, there was surprisingly nearly fifteen billion Beli worth of treasure.
Naturally, Luo Yi didn't stand on ceremony. After acquiring these riches, he decisively went on a spending spree.
He strengthened several Devil Fruits, and the most crucial among them were the 'Devour-Devour Fruit LV4' and 'Slice-Slice Fruit LV3' that Hai Zhu currently possessed.
This massive expenditure, however, made his heart ache for several days.
Fortunately, Rat's diligent efforts during this period had also brought in a considerable income, and the success of this negotiation with the Revolutionary Army would soon net him another ten billion Beli, which naturally made him satisfied.
"With this Beli, it's enough to strengthen both the Great Buddha Devil Fruit and the Wind God Wing Dragon Devil Fruit to LV4 before the Three Armies Military Exercise."
Luo Yi pondered internally about how to allocate these funds.
His objective was still very simple—he wanted to achieve a prominent rank in the Three Armies Military Exercise, ideally getting promoted to an Admiral, and then gain the authority to manage the Escort Unit.
That way, many things he wanted to do would become much more convenient.
"My current strength should largely be sufficient, but the scale and rules of this exercise are ultimately uncertain. If I want to ensure no mistakes…"
As he thought, Luo Yi's eyes drifted towards a certain direction in the dojo.
"Indeed, I still need to get my hands on that thing."
Lost in thought, Hai Zhu walked to the dojo's sword technique training ground.
At this moment, Zoro and Shimotsuki Kozaburo were practicing sword techniques in the training ground as usual.
"Mr. Hai Zhu?"
Upon seeing Hai Zhu arrive, Shimotsuki Kozaburo naturally showed a hint of surprise.
Zoro, on the other hand, looked at Hai Zhu with a hint of fighting spirit in his eyes—after being 'looked down upon' by Shimotsuki Kozaburo a few days prior, he had always wanted to prove his strength to his master.
However, at this moment, Hai Zhu naturally didn't pay much attention to Zoro.
He looked at Shimotsuki Kozaburo, taking off his formal hat, and said, "Mr. Shimotsuki Kozaburo, my business negotiations with my various trading partners are complete. I should be leaving Shimotsuki Village in a few days."
"Therefore, before I leave, I have a presumptuous request."
His words were as elegant as ever.
"Please speak." Shimotsuki Kozaburo nodded with a faint smile.
"I've heard people speak before about matters concerning your esteemed father, 'Shimotsuki Kouzaburo'."
Hai Zhu smiled, getting straight to the point: "He was a legendary swordsmith from Wano Country, and once forged two of the Great Grade 21 O Wazamono swords—one of which is this 'Wado Ichimonji'."
As he said this, he subtly glanced at the sword at Zoro's waist.
His words hung in the air.
Shimotsuki Kozaburo's originally gentle expression also became slightly stern.
"I didn't expect, Your Excellency Hai Zhu, that you would know so much about my father's life."
Evidently, he hadn't anticipated Hai Zhu knowing these things.
It should be known that their clan, as a branch of the 'Shimotsuki Clan' from Wano Country, had left Wano Country fifty years ago to come to the East Blue.
For all these years, although they hadn't deliberately hidden their identities.
But due to Wano Country's inherent isolationist policy, very few people across the entire Grand Line knew of their identities.
But at this moment, Zoro, who was standing nearby, showed a surprised expression.
"That old man was actually…"
Although he vaguely knew that old man was a swordsmith and Kuina's grandfather, he hadn't known that 'Wado Ichimonji' was actually forged by him.
But at this moment, Zoro still hadn't opened his mouth to ask.
Hai Zhu had already continued, "As I mentioned before, I myself am also considered a swordsmith, so I naturally have some understanding of a legendary smith like your esteemed father."
He softly turned the conversation to the real topic: "Of course, I don't have much interest in 'Wado Ichimonji'."
"What I want to ask about is another Great Grade sword forged by your esteemed father—'Enma'!"
As he uttered that name, Shimotsuki Kozaburo's eyes narrowed. "Enma?"
"That's right. That sword, named after the King of Hell, possesses the characteristic of independently absorbing Haki and activating 'Ryuo', making it a 'cursed blade' that takes its owner's life."
Hai Zhu said in a deep voice, "And what I want to know is, how is that 'Ryuo' activation effect achieved?"
As he spoke, he chuckled, "Incidentally, I happened to hear that Mr. Kouzaburo left behind some relics, including some records of his sword forging. If Your Excellency Shimotsuki Kozaburo doesn't know any clues about Enma, I also hope to be able to read or purchase them."