I Will Become Hokage in One Piece

Chapter 37: Whale Rubbing

"Alright, Master Rodney," Sister Slug said as she slowly climbed down from Laboon's body. Laboon's new injuries were completely healed, and he was in good health.

Treating Laboon had consumed a considerable amount of Rodney's chakra, so he needed some time to recover.

The talking slug surprised Crocus a bit, but he had seen many extraordinary things during his time with Roger's crew. A talking slug was just another fascinating addition to the list of unusual beings he had encountered.

"So, it can talk?" Crocus asked.

"Yes, Sister Slug is quite remarkable. While she may not excel in combat, her healing abilities are unmatched," Rodney confidently patted Sister Slug's body and demonstrated a small slime trick.

"What a remarkable ability," Crocus admired.

"Master Rodney, the Natural Energy here is much stronger than before, almost at the level required for practicing Sage Arts," Miss Slug whispered.

"How long would it take to practice?"

"I'm not sure, but it may be slightly slower than in the Shikkotsu Forest."

"For now, let's put that aside. Sister Slug, thank you for your help," Rodney said appreciatively.

"It's no problem. I'll take my leave now," Sister Slug bid farewell and disappeared suddenly. Crocus once again marveled, "Your abilities are truly remarkable. Did you use your fruit ability to send away such a large slug?"

"Almost. I sent Sister Slug back to where she came from," Rodney smiled.

Crocus asked, "Rodney, when do you plan to set off?"

"What? Do you want to come with me? Well, if there's a ship with favorable winds, I'll let you join," Rodney replied cheekily. Unless he had a specific mission, he intended to accompany Crocus .

"Very well, I want to visit the Sabaody Archipelago first and meet an old friend. Would you like to join me there?"

Sabaody Archipelago? That's where Rayleigh, the Dark King, resides. It seems like Moria is in for some trouble.

Although the crew of Roger Pirates are getting older, they are far from weak. In the world of One Piece, age does not necessarily equate to weakness, especially when it comes to the old legends.

Garp, Sengoku, Whitebeard, Rayleigh... their powers may have diminished slightly, but by how much? Even if they are not as strong as they once were, they still stand at the pinnacle of power.

Family is family, after all.

Crocus was a ship doctor by profession, but he had served on Roger's ship and had seen it all. Talking slugs were nothing compared to the wonders he had witnessed.

"You mentioned earlier that Buggy is on your ship. Well, I sent him to prison," Rodney mentioned casually.

"Haha, that kid Buggy? You sent him to prison? Well, he probably had it coming," Crocus chuckled, recalling the young man with the red nose. 

He didn't worry too much about Buggy; that kid was the captain's favorite and would surely find his way out of trouble.

"In that case, Rodney, let's prepare and set sail," Crocus suggested.

"Just like that?" Rodney asked.

"Exactly," Crocus replied.

As for provisions, they were accustomed to life at sea and knew how to stock up on fresh water and fine wine.

"Huh?" Rodney's vision blurred, and a mission appeared before him.

[Mission: Disband the Baroque Works]

Mission Level: B

[Rewards:Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique, Water Release: Water Formation Wall, Mystical Palm Technique, Permanent Chakra Fruit, 5000 mission points.]

[Mission: Defeat Crocodile]

Mission Level: B

[Reward: Bloodline Limit: Boil Release, Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Flower Nail Crimson, Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work, Lightning Release: False Darkness, Lightning Release: Raging Thunder, 5000 mission points.]

Two missions?

Surprised, Rodney fell into deep thought. He had only planned to take the route to Alabasta, so why were these missions suddenly announced?

And not just one, but two missions.

The rewards, however, were incredibly enticing.

Were B-level missions always rewarded so generously?

"What's wrong?" Crocus noticed Rodney's sudden stillness and asked.

"It's nothing. I just remembered something," Rodney shook his head and approached the cliff. He saw Manatee Moo emerging from the sea and said, "You're free now. You can go wherever you want."

Momoo silently entered the sea, swiftly moving away as if eager to leave.

"Oh, so you despise me that much, huh?"

Understandably so. Mmooo was more afraid of Rodney than Arlong. It wished to escape from this unlucky star, knowing that its life would be safer once it distanced itself from Rodney. It was finally free, but it had no idea who would provide it with food. Back at Arlong's place, it was Arlong's little one who took care of its meals.

"In that case, we shall depart as well. It's been a while since I last left this place. Laboon, let's embark on a new journey," Crocus patted Laboon's skin, and Laboon responded with an excited and joyful cry.

"How do we proceed?" Rodney asked.

"Enter Laboon's belly. We'll start with the nearest location, Rodney boy, just like the route you chose."

"Yes, I'm headed to Alabasta," Rodney confirmed.

Crocus pondered for a moment and asked, "If I recall correctly, you're a pirate hunter, right? Are you planning to confront the Seven Warlords of the Sea there?"

In other regions, pirates who entered Alabasta were often wiped out, which earned the people's admiration for the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

The Seven Warlords of the Sea were pirates recognized by the World Government. They were allowed to plunder legally and had a sort of immunity. They were considered the lapdogs of the World Government.

Crocodile, Gecko Moria, Doflamingo—these three individuals acted as filters, systematically eliminating pirates and reducing their numbers. They greatly alleviated the Marine's burden. Although they were a nuisance, it couldn't be denied that they had aided the Marine to some extent.

"Haha, old man, don't say that. I can't take on the Seven Warlords of the Sea right now... probably," Rodney recalled that Crocodile's powers were nullified by water, and his sand abilities were useless once wet. He shared this knowledge with Gaara. He wondered if water created by water-based chakra would have the same effect.

If it did, he could defeat Crocodile even without Haki.

Crocodile's fruit ability had been like divine intervention in Alabasta, but it was also easy to counter. Additionally, Crocodile was focused on finding clues about Pluton and hadn't honed his Haki.

Rodney continued, "There are some things I need to investigate in Alabasta. I caught a glimpse of something, and I have to find out more."

"Oh? What did you see?" Crocus became intrigued and inquired further.

Rodney pondered for a moment and answered, "Someone is secretly using Dance Powder."

"Dance Powder? That substance shouldn't be used in a country like Alabasta, which suffers from water scarcity."

"Dance Powder is meant for artificial rainfall, but its effects are too severe. It absorbs nearby water vapor, causing rainfall centered around its usage. For a desert country like Alabasta, relying on plunder to solve their water shortage is almost fatal."

"Did you see who was responsible?" Crocus asked.

Rodney shook his head. "I only caught glimpses, which is why I want to go and investigate. I also want to eliminate that person," he made a gesture mimicking an owl, exuding a sense of determination.

"In that case, let's go. However, I may not be able to accompany you," Crocus replied.

"No problem. Thank you for offering to accompany me. With Laboon's help, we can maintain a fast pace in this vast expanse. Waiting here for pirate ships coming from the other direction would be troublesome."

"Haha, let's go prepare some wine and water. Join me in making the necessary arrangements," Crocus suggested.

"Alright."