LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 248: Chapter 248: Establishing a Trade Island in the West Blue
Boom!
"Infinity Pirates have gone too far! Brazenly invading the West Blue as if they don't even recognize our authority!"
"Isn't Garp on vacation in the East Blue? Cancel his leave and send him to Grimoire Island immediately! Have him arrest every last member of the Infinity Pirates!"
"And Zephyr is training recruits in the West Blue, isn't he? Have him join Garp for additional backup!"
Fleet Admiral Kong roared, furious upon receiving the report.
The Four Blues were the World Government's stronghold—untouchable under any circumstances. Even the infamous pirates of the New World, like Captain John, merely raided the Four Blues and fled back to the New World without attempting to claim territory.
But Li Yuan's actions clearly showed his intention to take control of Grimoire Island.
This was an unforgivable challenge to the World Government. If the Infinity Pirates were allowed to establish a foothold in the West Blue, there was no telling how far they might push, perhaps even claiming more islands and nations.
---
Onboard the Hades Underworld, Shaki sat comfortably in Li Yuan's arms.
"According to reports from the West Blue, Garp and Admiral Zephyr are already en route to Grimoire Island," Shaki informed him.
"As expected," Li Yuan replied. "With Sengoku holding down the New World naval fortress, only Garp and Zephyr could be spared for the West Blue."
The Infinity Pirates' fleet, along with their merchant vessels, was already heading toward Grimoire Island.
Initially, Yadina's plan had been to use Mirror-Mirror World portals and spatial scrolls to transport goods to merchants across the Four Blues. This plan was already in motion, but there was one flaw: retrieving resources purchased in the Four Blues. Transporting them back to the New World risked exposing the existence of the Mirror-Mirror World.
Even with carefully trained merchants, leaks were always a possibility. Thus, Li Yuan decided to establish a trade island in the West Blue, where resources could be delivered without jeopardizing their secrets.
Of course, this would provoke the World Government and Navy.
---
"We still can't confirm if the World Government will coordinate with the Navy to deal with us," Shaki continued.
While the Infinity Pirates' intelligence network was expanding rapidly, it had yet to infiltrate Mariejois or the Red Line, leaving the actions of the World Government unclear.
"It doesn't matter. This is just a test of their resolve. If it fails, we'll abandon the idea of an open trade island and move everything underground. The Aurelius Kingdom can quietly establish a covert hub for us instead," Li Yuan said dismissively.
If necessary, the Infinity Pirates could use the cover of a World Government-affiliated kingdom to operate discreetly. While this wouldn't generate as much attention or revenue, it would still be effective.
---
Grimoire Island
The island was bustling with activity as representatives from various factions waited to see if the Infinity Pirates' trade fleet would truly arrive.
"There they are! The Infinity Pirates' merchant ships!"
"And there are so many of them! I count twenty ships in total!"
"They're serious about this!"
"Quick, inform our people to prepare for negotiations!"
---
As the merchant fleet docked, two imposing figures emerged: Ashura Doji, the Swordmaster Crocodile Emperor, and Chinjao the Drill, both high-ranking officers of the Infinity Pirates.
The sight of these two instantly silenced any thoughts of greed or rebellion among the gathered factions.
---
"Dock the ships, unload the cargo, and prepare for trade!" Ashura Doji commanded, releasing a wave of Asura Sword Intent that cowed the onlookers.
The merchants began unloading vast quantities of goods, including rare materials, weapons, and medicinal supplies. The items were carefully sorted and presented for trade, overseen by Infinity Pirates merchants already stationed on the island.
The scene was electric. Merchants from across the West Blue, and even beyond, scrambled to secure deals with the Infinity Pirates.
---
"Garp is here!"
Suddenly, a cry rang out, spreading panic through the crowd.
"Run! The Navy is coming!"
The once-bustling island descended into chaos as merchants fled in all directions. Some opportunists even tried to steal goods amidst the commotion.
"You dare steal from the Infinity Pirates? Courting death!"
Kumas, the Hair-Hair Fruit user, leaped onto a rooftop, his body covered in wildly growing strands of hair. The normally short hair extended to over 200 meters, forming hundreds of finger-like projections.
"Shigan: Hundred Shots!"
Kumas raced across the rooftops, targeting every thief with pinpoint accuracy. In less than a minute, over 400 would-be robbers lay dead, their blood-stained corpses serving as a grim warning.
---
"Kumas, hold the fort. We'll go meet this so-called 'Hero of the Navy,'" Ashura Doji and Chinjao declared boldly.
Unfazed by Garp's reputation, the two officers boarded the Hades Underworld, ready for battle.
---
"It's the Hades Underworld! The Infinity Pirates' captain, the World's Strongest Swordsman, is here in person!"
The sight of the massive steel warship approaching the island restored confidence among the remaining merchants.
"Li Yuan himself has arrived! With him here, the Navy doesn't stand a chance!"
---
"Garp! It's been a long time!" Li Yuan shouted from the deck of the Hades Underworld, smiling at the approaching dog-headed warship.
"Li Yuan! You dare invade the West Blue? As a marine, it's my duty to arrest you!" Garp retorted, his expression serious.
Li Yuan smirked. "Then come on. Let's see if your fists have gotten soft!"
Drawing the Seven-Star Sword, Li Yuan activated his most powerful techniques. Three Sword Intents combined with Armament and Conqueror's Haki, causing the sky to darken as swirling clouds and winds converged around his blade.
---
"Tri-Origin Ultimate: Supreme Sovereign's Wrath!"
Scarlet lightning crackled around the blade as a massive shockwave of sword energy tore across the sea, carving a 100-meter-wide trench in its path.
---
"Fist of Love: Galactic Impact!"
Garp leaped from his warship, his fist imbued with unparalleled Haki. Black lightning surged as his punch collided with Li Yuan's attack.
The resulting clash sent shockwaves rippling across the ocean, creating a kilometer-wide crater in the sea that plunged over 500 meters deep.
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