Throne Of Supreme

Chapter 232: The Hardest Road

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The actual value of an item often doesn't align with the value determined by the system.

In reality, value is not a fixed concept. Across different regions, worlds, or times, the worth of an item can vary greatly.

According to system evaluations, Logia and Mythical Zoan Devil Fruits are undoubtedly classified as four-star items. However, it was possible for Aoki to exchange a Rejuvenating Pill—just one-tenth of the reward from a three-star treasure chest—for a four-star Devil Fruit.

Of course, such a transaction was unique. Even if it succeeded, replicating it would be incredibly difficult.

First, trust must exist between both parties. Second, the buyer must value youth highly enough to pay a significant price. Finally, they must possess the ability to pay that price.

Each of these conditions was challenging on its own.

At present, within the pirate world, only Shakky and Rayleigh satisfied all three.

Nevertheless, this scenario demonstrated that if used strategically, certain items could far exceed their system-evaluated worth.

Aoki was in high spirits as he looked at Rayleigh with a grin.

"How about you, Lord Rayleigh? Would you like one as well? Since we're friends, I won't increase the price. For two Mythical Zoan Devil Fruits, both you and Ms. Shakky can preserve your current appearance forever."

Rayleigh glanced at him, half-amused and half-annoyed. "I wouldn't even know where to find one!"

He then added, "Are there even many of these Rejuvenating Pills to begin with?"

Aoki shook his head regretfully. "I'd hoped for more, but no, unfortunately, there aren't."

Hancock's gaze lingered on Aoki, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Aoki noticed her hesitation immediately.

"If you take the Rejuvenating Pill now, you won't grow anymore," he said with a knowing smile.

Hancock was only sixteen years old—still developing both in height and figure. While her youthful charm was undeniable, Aoki believed her mature form carried an allure that was far more striking.

Moreover, Hancock's full charm would directly enhance the power of her Mero Mero no Mi. Both in terms of appearance and ability, the more refined and mature version of Hancock had greater potential.

Realization dawned on her, but she didn't back down. Instead, she looked at him with a determined, pleading expression.

"Aoki, please save one for me. I promise to exchange it for a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit in the future."

Aoki chuckled. "You don't need a Devil Fruit for that. I'll give you one—after you kill all the Celestial Dragons."

"Kill all the Celestial Dragons?"

All three of them stiffened, their expressions shifting.

Shakky cautioned, "Aoki, some things shouldn't be said so lightly."

Aoki smiled faintly. "Do you think I'm afraid of a little trouble?"

Shakky paused, then nodded. She remembered who she was talking to. With Aoki's reputation and actions so far, this was merely a drop in the ocean of his defiance.

Rayleigh, sipping his wine, spoke without any noticeable emotion. "You should think carefully. That path isn't easy. It's far harder than becoming the Pirate King."

In this world, countless people harbored grudges against the Celestial Dragons, but few dared to act on them.

"I've always preferred roads that are difficult to walk," Aoki replied confidently.

Of course, his resolve wasn't purely personal. There was a task behind it.

Kill all the Celestial Dragons?

The words echoed relentlessly in Hancock's mind. She felt a fire ignite within her, as if her very being was aflame. Fear, anxiety, excitement, and determination swirled together, leaving her unable to express the overwhelming emotions.

Suddenly, she reached out and grabbed Aoki's hand.

"We will succeed! We will kill all those demons!"

Shakky and Rayleigh exchanged surprised glances.

Aoki noticed Hancock's trembling. He wasn't sure if it was fear, excitement, or perhaps both.

"Yes, we will succeed," Aoki replied confidently.

Once he consumed the Devil Fruit, he would likely gain another four-star job.

Two four-star professions, combined with the King of the White Walkers, should be enough to take on Imu, right? Even if the battle turned out to be too much for him, he could always put the task on hold, head to other worlds to level up, and come back later to dominate with ease.

Shakky remained silent for a moment before smiling. "Young people these days are truly remarkable."

In the past, most of the emperors of Amazon Lily—including herself—had left the island for love. By comparison, Hancock's ambitions were almost too vast to comprehend.

Rayleigh stood and stretched. "It's getting late. We should head back. Haha, and since Aoki's here, we can save ourselves some energy."

"Should I charge you a toll?" Aoki teased, helping Hancock to her feet.

Rayleigh rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a 100-berry note. "This is all I've got."

100 berries weren't even enough for a bowl of noodles.

---

After returning to the Sabaody Archipelago, Aoki went on a shopping spree.

This visit had three purposes: to see Hancock, to sell Rejuvenating Pills, and to stock up on supplies.

The New World's transportation system was inconvenient, making it hard to find everything he needed in one location. By contrast, the Sabaody Archipelago, as the endpoint of the first half of the Grand Line and gateway to the New World, boasted a wealth of resources.

---

Two days later.

Standing outside Shakky's Rip-off Bar, Aoki said, "Well, I'm off!"

Hancock clenched her fists, determination shining in her eyes. "I'll master Haki as soon as I can!"

Aoki nodded toward Shakky and Rayleigh before disappearing in a flash.

---

The room was spacious and bright, with a soft carpet covering the floor. A young girl sat by the window, quietly reading.

"Robin," Aoki called, breaking the tranquil atmosphere.

The girl placed her book down and turned toward the sound, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"Aoki, you're back!"

"Is everything ready?" he asked.

"I've bought everything you asked for," Robin replied, opening a storage room filled with an assortment of peculiar items.

"Also, I looked around and found that there's no shipyard here—just a few old boats for sale."

"If it's an old boat, so be it. We can stop by Water 7 later to commission a proper ship," Aoki said, glancing at the stored items.

The sea train in Water 7 was one of the Grand Line's marvels. Unfortunately, it seemed the train hadn't been fully developed yet.

"Water 7?" Robin asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It's a place famous for shipbuilding. The Oro Jackson, the ship of the Roger Pirates, was built by Water 7's shipwrights," Aoki explained casually, tossing the contents of the storage room into his alien space.

Afterward, he turned back to Robin. "I'm heading to another dimension. Want to come with me?"

Robin nodded eagerly. "Of course!"

The two figures disappeared from the room.

---

The alien space had undergone noticeable changes since the last time Aoki had visited. The most significant addition was a large plot of land on the right, which he had designated as the planting area.

Since he planned to grow magical trees, he figured it would be wise to go all out, expanding the area to include flowers, plants, fruits, vegetables, and more.

Although he didn't need food now, it was always better to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.

Despite being a self-sustaining dimension, the alien space wasn't the real world. Everything—soil, water, sunlight—had to be brought in from outside.

Ordinary crops might thrive with minimal effort, but magical trees demanded meticulous care.

Aoki and Robin had spent the past few days gathering and organizing the necessary materials. Now, at last, everything was in place.