One Piece: Rising to Power as a Warlord of the Sea

"Beep! Smile's navigation system initiating route. Destination: Sabaody Archipelago, a total distance of 150 nautical miles, estimated travel time: three hours. Expected arrival at 2:00 PM."

Hearing the navigation system's announcement, the crew of the Smile Pirates had mixed reactions. Some were thrilled, others anxious, and a few cheered. Arriving here signified that they were on the verge of entering the New World.

The New World, the second half of the Grand Line, is a treacherous sea teeming with constant threats and unimaginable dangers. Most of its islands are under the control of the Four Emperors. Any new pirates entering this territory must either submit to these powerful figures or surpass them to ensure their survival and freedom.

To reach the legendary treasure of Pirate King Roger on the final island, Raftel, they would need to acquire the red text of the Poneglyphs. However, these red Poneglyphs are controlled by the Four Emperors, making their acquisition an impossible feat for most.

Each Emperor, with monstrous strength that seems almost inhuman, is a terror that ordinary people could never dream of surpassing.

"Ding! Smile has reached its destination: Sabaody Archipelago. Navigation complete! Please dock responsibly."

"Whoa! Look at all these bubbles! So colorful!"

"Are those trees? They're massive! How strange!"

"Yahaha! Natsu, I can hardly wait!"

"The New World must have even more rare materials, right?!"

The crew marveled at the sight of the enormous red trees that interwove to form the island before them.

"Alright, everyone disembark! Remember to meet back here this afternoon," Natsu said, standing at the bow with a grin.

"Yes, Captain!"

"Got it, Boss!"

"Yep, understood, Natsu!"

"I just hope nothing unexpected happens," muttered Karina, feeling a headache coming on as she looked at her carefree crew members. Since joining the Smile Pirates, she had quickly learned a lot about navigation and the New World's power divisions, becoming a competent pirate.

With her newfound knowledge, she understood the peculiar nature of this island. Pirates from all corners of the world flocked to Sabaody Archipelago to begin their journeys into the New World, hoping to realize their dreams of treasure.

As a result, Sabaody Archipelago became a gathering point for countless powerful pirates, including many with Devil Fruit abilities. Additionally, it was near both Marine Headquarters and the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, making it a strange mix of stability and chaos.

Various forces intersected here—the Marines, the World Government, pirates, and even the dark underworld, with its infamous slave auction house controlled by Doflamingo. It created a chaotic yet relatively stable hub for these groups.

The crew scattered, each going to a different numbered island. Natsu decided to head toward Shakky's bar, a well-known spot. After all, visiting here wouldn't be complete without meeting Silvers Rayleigh, the former first mate of the Pirate King's crew.

Rayleigh was a renowned coating expert on this island. Although Smile's ship was equipped with a protective barrier, Natsu wanted to experience the local culture, blend in, and avoid drawing too much attention.

Moreover, coating was a randomly triggered system task, and the reward was particularly enticing.

Random Task: Get a coating for Smile from Silvers Rayleigh, former first mate of the Pirate King's crew. Reward: +1 Lucky Draw, +2 Teleport Anchors.

Teleport Anchors: Once installed, enable instant travel between two points, regardless of distance, with a five-second transit time. The user can set access permissions, preventing unauthorized personnel from teleporting.

It was powerful enough that Natsu even entertained the idea of installing an anchor at Marine Headquarters or Mary Geoise. One day, he could barge in, cause chaos, and instantly teleport out. Even Admiral Kizaru wouldn't be able to catch him!

"We're here!" Natsu said softly, looking up at the large red tree with the number 13.

After asking a few locals for directions, he soon arrived at Shakky's Rip-off Bar.

Creak.

Pushing the door open, Natsu entered and glanced around. Finding the place empty, he went directly to the counter and took a seat.

"Miss Shakky, I'll take a glass of rum!"

"One moment, young man." Shakky had noticed Natsu as soon as he entered. As a well-connected informant, she knew about the super rookie pirate stirring up waves recently. With a bounty of 500 million Berries after only one year at sea, he was quite the sensation.

"Miss Shakky, I've heard about a coating expert named Rayleigh. I'd like him to coat my ship, and money isn't an issue."

"Oh, young man, coating services can be quite expensive!" Shakky raised an eyebrow, sensing that Natsu had come prepared by mentioning Rayleigh's name outright.

"That's fine. Money isn't an issue!"

"Besides, if I can have the former first mate of the Pirate King's crew himself lend a hand, maybe his luck will rub off on me, and I'll become the Pirate King, hahaha!"

"Oh, full of confidence, huh, young man?" said a gruff voice from the back room. A white-haired, sharp-eyed man stepped out, carrying a bottle of sake. His gaze was deep, as if trying to read Natsu.

"Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King. It's an honor to meet you in person!" Natsu felt the terrifying energy emanating from Rayleigh, evaluating the odds of a fight. The legendary pirate could be a lethal opponent if things went south.

"Well then, young man, what brings you here?" Rayleigh responded. All he wanted in his later years was peace, to drink and wander. He only sold himself for money when he needed more booze.

Rayleigh unleashed a powerful aura toward Natsu—a test of Conqueror's Haki, and a strong one at that.

However, Natsu remained calm, unaffected, meeting Rayleigh's gaze without a hint of fear.

"As I said, I'm just here to find a skilled coating craftsman and meet a legendary figure. Better to have a friend than an enemy," Natsu replied smoothly with a grin.

"Fair enough! Tell me where your ship's docked, and I'll come by to take a look. But keep in mind, my services aren't cheap!" Rayleigh studied Natsu with growing curiosity. To withstand Conqueror's Haki without flinching confirmed the rumors: this young man who had repelled a Marine Admiral and seized the Heavenly Tribute wasn't to be taken lightly.

"No problem! Money is no object."

Natsu chuckled cheerfully, for him, it wasn't about the money as long as the rewards from the system were substantial.

With that, Natsu showed Rayleigh where the Smile was docked while he wandered around other areas, hoping to stumble upon something useful. After all, there were plenty of auction houses on this island.

"Rayleigh, this kid seems extraordinary! The intel says he's Garp's grandson!" Saki exhaled a puff of mist, swirling smoke in the air.

"Hmm, quite interesting! Ha ha ha! Monkey D. Natsu!" Rayleigh laughed heartily, recalling Shanks mentioning another grandson of Garp, a boy named Luffy, who constantly claimed he wanted to be the Pirate King.

"I'd love to see that old man's reaction!"

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