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The Strongest Frost Loli (114)
🕑 Added 2024-09-04 17:00:11 +0000 UTCChapter 114 - X Barrels
– Let’s talk about a certain woman.
She had killed her mother and set sail. She devoured every skill, every bit of knowledge, every ounce of power her clan possessed, and as she wandered, she encountered a seemingly bored man on a certain island.
After several deadly duels, they decided to travel together. In time, they had a child. She entrusted the child to the man's father and continued her journey with him across the seas.
The man sought to conquer the world, making enemies of all who stood in his path. Ultimately, his name was buried in the annals of history.
Years passed, and she learned that her child was now a wanted criminal. She visited the man's father.
Their reunion didn’t end peacefully. She killed the man's father, and set sail once more.
She couldn't even die with the man she loved.
The actions she took, driven by her love for her child, all backfired.
Even then, she didn't choose to end her own life. She wandered the seas like a vengeful spirit.
– Believing that fate would eventually reunite them, she made her home on an island floating in the sky.
***
The Wano Country invasion had ended sooner than expected, though not without its setbacks. They had overestimated the duration of the conflict and had amassed a surplus of food. While some could be processed, not everything could be preserved.
It was a waste to simply discard it, so they decided to hold a grand barbecue at the harbor to celebrate the arrival of the samurai they had brought from Wano.
Kanata was busy. The aftermath of their defeat at the hands of the newly formed Big Mom and Beasts Pirates alliance was a headache.
Pirates in the New World, sensing weakness after Twilight’s retreat, would surely attack. The newspapers, known for their sensationalism, would twist the story to their liking.
It would be best to take preemptive measures.
She sent a message to Morgans of the World Economic News, and having finished her work for the day, joined the feast.
The sun was already setting, and most of the crew was intoxicated.
"Yo, Kanata! Finished with work?"
“Yes. They’re a troublesome bunch, but it's better to deal with them sooner rather than later.”
She accepted a cup of sake from Scotch who had already started drinking, and took a seat, savoring the drink.
It was a barbecue, so everyone was grilling their own meat and fish. Kanata was no exception. A Sea King steak and a small charcoal grill were placed before her.
“Listen to me while you're grilling, alright?"
"What is it? Is there something else?"
"You heard about the guy who contacted us while we were in Wano, right? The one who ignored the government’s gag order?"
"Gloriosa mentioned something about it… Yes, I remember."
"His name is X Barrels."
Apparently, he had arrived. He had brought a few of his men and his family, and had requested asylum. Scotch was reporting it to her.
Kanata listened halfheartedly as she grilled the meat. When Scotch asked, "He wants to meet you. What do you say?", she simply replied, "I don't mind."
"Alright, I’ll bring them over. Wait here."
He left with his mug of sake in hand and returned a few minutes later with a group of men. He sat down opposite Kanata.
“That’s Barrels. And the kid next to him is his son.”
“Nice to meet you, Kanata! I’m X Barrels! And this is my son, Dory– I mean, Drake!”
A young boy, slightly older than Robin, with a distinctive cross-shaped scar on his chin, bowed nervously. He seemed to be frozen stiff in Kanata’s presence.
Kanata gestured for them to take a seat, and decided to hear Barrels’s story once more.
It was a time-consuming task, but a necessary one. She began grilling the meat as she listened.
“I have a lot of work to do, and I’m starving… Want some?”
“Are you sure?” Barrels asked, surprised.
“Don’t bother. She grills it until it’s tough as leather…” Scotch intervened, then called out to one of the cooks, “Bring another grill!”
“…I prefer it a little chewy,” Kanata mumbled.
“Everyone has their preferences. I like mine a little tender,” Scotch replied, nonchalantly.
Barrels said he didn't mind the tough meat, but Scotch thought it would be too harsh for a child, so he prepared another charcoal grill. Scotch himself also preferred softer meat, so he joined in.
After listening to the Barrels' story over the meal, Kanata's impression of them improved slightly.
This man seemed to be very friendly towards Kanata. At the very least, he doesn't seem to be a navy spy.
He happily ate the meat Kanata had cooked, but it seemed difficult to eat because it had been cooked until it was tough.
"You lost your job because you ignored the government’s orders and contacted us. I don’t know your reasons, but I’ll make sure you have a place to stay.”
“Thank you! I brought a few of my men who also couldn't stand the government… Is that okay?”
“Yes, I don't mind.”
She suspected a few spies might have infiltrated their ranks, but her Observation Haki told her otherwise. Feiyun could also sense malicious intent, so she wasn't concerned.
“Do we have any rooms left?”
“We recently built some new ones near the harbor. They were originally meant for temporary visitors, but there’s enough space for them.”
“Then let them stay there. If they want to settle down, they can find their own places.”
There were many islands under Twilight’s control. If they wanted to move, Kanata could arrange it.
Competition was fierce within Hachinosu. Only a select few, mostly executives and those close to them, lived there.
The Skull Rock, located at the center of the island, also had residential areas, but only those with Kanata’s permission could live there.
They had brought the samurai from Wano, Olivia, Robin… Their circumstances were complicated.
While most of the crew was out on expeditions, some considered it a status symbol to live near the center of Hachinosu.
Those who wanted to start families and settle down constantly requested housing, but Kanata preferred to keep the inner circle limited to those she trusted. They had plenty of rooms, but not enough personnel to manage them.
By the way, David, one of the executives who had married and had children, lived near the Skull Rock.
“I’ll tell you about your job later. You were in the Marines, right? There’s plenty of work for those skilled in ship escorting.”
Kanata finished her meal, and their meeting concluded.
It was already dark. However, the feast showed no signs of ending. She wondered if she should stop them or let them enjoy themselves… As she pondered, Izo sat down next to her.
“Kanata-san, thank you for leading the expedition.”
“…We couldn’t avenge Oden. We failed, so you shouldn’t be thanking me.”
“Even so. I couldn't die with Oden-sama, but I was able to help Hiyori-sama. This life is now hers to command.”
Kanata followed Izo's gaze and saw Hiyori, chatting and laughing with Kaie and Robin. There were no enemies here. She could finally forget about Wano and live peacefully.
She would eventually have to return to Wano and face Kaido and Linlin, but… Perhaps it would be better for her to stay here.
Making a child decide such a thing was cruel. She needed time.
Suddenly, Kanata remembered something.
"I have a question."
"Yes?"
"During your time on Roger’s ship, did you gather any information about Sky Islands?"
"Sky Islands? Yes, we went to one… It was called "Skypiea", if I recall correctly–”
“…You’ve been there?”
And it was the same location as the Eternal Pose Caterina had obtained.
It was a strange coincidence, but more importantly, an experienced individual would be invaluable.
"Was it dangerous?"
"There were some conflicts between the natives, but with Twilight’s current strength, they shouldn't be a concern. However, why are you suddenly interested in Sky Islands?"
"Caterina said she obtained an Eternal Pose pointing to one."
Kanata had her usual work to attend to, but it wasn't urgent. She had been considering taking a break and visiting a Sky Island.
Hiyori and Chiyo wouldn't be able to think about the future anytime soon. If it wasn't dangerous, then perhaps bringing them along would help them relax.
Chiyo seemed unconcerned about Wano, but it was likely a facade.
“…You're right. It might be a good distraction,” Izo agreed.
He seemed to have something else on his mind.
“When Oden-sama went to face Kaido, there was a leak. According to Kawamatsu, there was a possibility of a spy.”
"There’s definitely someone working behind the scenes. I wouldn't have been framed for the shogun’s assassination otherwise."
Twilight itself occasionally had spies infiltrate their ranks, only to be crushed by Feiyun and Kanata. Oden hadn't been concerned about such matters, so it was likely his inner circle was compromised.
The most likely suspect was Kurozumi Orochi, the current shogun, but… Oden had ninja retainers. It was unlikely he hadn't noticed being spied on.
Someone must have leaked the information – one of the servants who worked at Oden’s castle, or one of his retainers.
Izo and Kawamatsu were undoubtedly loyal. Izo had been with Oden from the start, and Kawamatsu had countless opportunities to betray him. He was still risking his life to protect Oden’s daughter. He was trustworthy.
Feiyun hadn't sensed anything suspicious either.
"Excluding those who traveled to the future… That leaves Ashura Doji, Denjiro, Inuarashi, and Nekomamushi."
Kanata had spoken to Ashura Doji directly. He hadn't seemed hostile and wasn't likely a spy.
Denjiro was currently missing. If he was the spy, then he was likely back with Orochi.
Inuarashi and Nekomamushi were also missing, but Kanata had a hunch.
"We should visit Zou. We need to investigate the possibility of those two being spies."
Their origins and beliefs were known. The likelihood of them being spies was incredibly low, but… It wasn't impossible.
“You’re coming, right?” Kanata asked Izo.
“Of course. It’s a family matter.”
They were planning to head to Skypiea afterward, so Izo would be accompanying them as Hiyori’s guardian.
Kawamatsu would be coming as well, along with Chiyo and her samurai guards.
They would only need George and Feiyun. Kuro and Teach would surely sneak on board, and considering they had to leave some forces behind to defend Hachinosu, they could have Kaie watch them.
Izo said it wasn't dangerous, so perhaps Olivia and Robin could come as well, but… It had been years since Izo had visited Skypiea. It was best to minimize the number of non-combatants.
"We can leave Zen, Junshi, Scotch, and Gloriosa for defense and handling work."
They were also planning to resume their usual trade operations. The schedule would simply be adjusted to accommodate Kanata’s absence.
They might receive some complaints about the disruption in trade caused by Kanata’s personal matters, but none of their clients could openly criticize Twilight. Not even the World Government.
"We’ll head to Zou first. Let Hiyori and the others know."
“Yes, ma’am.”
