Chapter 449: Shiki the Golden Lion's Heartache
While the contestants inwardly lamented, viewers watching the live broadcast marveled at the so-called headwind layer.
At first glance, this headwind layer did not seem naturally formed.
After all, no such peculiar phenomenon existed around Wilbur Island.
Yet, considering it was a conference organized by the Yamata God Orochimaru, it felt fitting.
As a god, such feats were expected. This was the general sentiment among people worldwide.
"Now, the explanation of the headwind layer concludes here. I will provide further details on subsequent areas based on the participants' progress." Morgans said.
"The headwind layer, the first stage of the island landing competition, is called the Windward Journey."
"I now officially declare that the journey to compete for the Phantom Beast Conference has begun!"
"Contestants wishing to participate in the Phantom Beast Conference, prepare to set sail!"
As Morgans spoke with fervor, the ships stationed outside the headwind layer fell silent for a moment.
Then, a wave of cheers erupted.
The various ships sprang into action.
"Hahaha, let us go! I will be the first to land on that island and gain fame across the world!" one captain shouted.
"Quickly, let those scum eat our dust!" another ordered.
"Horororo, all you weaklings, make way for me! Boys, sail the ship!" a third bellowed.
The pirates' enthusiasm burned brightest.
Adventures and treasures were their passion.
Moreover, this was the New World, where pirates thrived most.
North Blue, adjacent to the Calm Belt, was also the region with the strongest pirate growth among the four seas.
Thus, among the countless ships gathered, pirate vessels dominated.
Soon, countless ships surged toward the headwind layer.
Many scrambled, fearing they would fall behind.
Yet, upon closer inspection, the major forces did not rush forward.
After all, no reward was promised for being the fastest.
As major players, they had gleaned insider information through exchanges with the Yamata Church.
This Phantom Beast Conference was not so simple.
"Hahaha, such a small breeze! This stage does not seem so tough!" a pirate captain said.
Entering the headwind layer, he felt the gentle oncoming wind and smiled.
With a wave, he ordered his crew to lower the sails.
He planned to maximize power, break through this Windward Journey in one go, and claim the lead.
He had noticed the ships of the major forces.
If he could shine before them on this global broadcast, fame would follow.
Recruiting crew would become easier, and attracting strong fighters to his pirate group would be even better.
With such grand ambitions, he urged his crew to push harder.
"These fool ahead are truly looking for death, meow." Pizarro said.
Behind the pirate ship, Pizarro and Shiryu's vessels trailed.
Pizarro rolled his eyes, watching the pirate ship ahead speed off as if it had wings.
The path was uncertain, and rushing so recklessly was like hastening to reincarnate.
"Hahaha, that is hard to say." Mordic replied.
"The pirate group ahead is well-known in North Blue! They are part of the Domination Alliance." he said.
"They are Bear Pirates, led by Captain Bear Dolinir who has a bounty of 150 million berries."
"With their strength, they might actually gain something!" Mordic said with a gentle smile.
"What Domination Alliance? They are all scum. I have a bounty over 800 million, meow." Pizarro retorted.
Hearing Mordic's introduction, he openly disparaged the entire Domination Alliance.
He glanced at the major forces' ships sailing slowly in the distance and decided to take his time.
Last time, his carelessness had cost him.
He recalled the Andre Pirates and Higuma Pirates.
They had exploited Kaido's absence, nearly destroying the Beasts Pirates' base.
So, Pizarro thought, after growing stronger, he could join forces with Shiryu's group.
He never expected King to be so formidable.
Rumors claimed King's power rivaled Kaido's, but only facing him revealed the terrifying truth.
It was a bitter lesson.
Pizarro vowed not to be reckless again.
"Let us go! This time, Shiryu, let me take the lead. You abandoned me last time; you must make it up tenfold, meow!" Pizarro said.
Shiryu merely glanced at him coldly and said, "Get lost!"
On another island, suspended even farther from Phantom Beast Island, a serene scene unfolded.
Amid birdsong and fragrant flowers, a figure sat in a lavish building.
He occupied the innermost ornate seat, admiring an image in a water mirror.
It was Orochimaru, known as the Yamata God.
Two years later, Orochimaru still wore a white lab coat, like a researcher.
Nothing had changed.
"Jiehahahaha, it looks quite lively! The Phantom Beast Conference…"
Nearby, Shiki the Golden Lion sat on another seat, gazing at the water mirror's scene.
"That old man Whitebeard is here too!"
"It really… feels like ages."
Shiki the Golden Lion stared at an image of a white whale-like pirate ship among the many in the mirror, feeling nostalgic.
Even Whitebeard could not stay idle?
Time had worn down that old man!
Still, Shiki the Golden Lion felt a pang of heartache thinking of the Phantom Beast Conference.
So many remarkable achievements offered as rewards! If given to him…
Dominating the world might be ambitious, but they could at least skyrocket his power.
Orochimaru was so wasteful.
That was Shiki the Golden Lion's sole thought, though most of those achievements were Orochimaru's doing.
Shiki the Golden Lion's own efforts had only bolstered his strength.
He could only watch, pained, as Orochimaru squandered them.
But he would not just observe. If needed, he was ready to act.
As a host, he held an advantage.
His subordinates were usually well-fed, so they should perform well!
Shiki the Golden Lion thought so.
He glanced at the near-empty palace.
No surprise—his underlings had rushed to join the Phantom Beast Conference.
They were a profit-driven bunch, Shiki the Golden Lion knew.
The Yamata Church under Orochimaru still had many dutiful members.
Looking at his own situation, Shiki the Golden Lion felt uneasy.
"Orochimaru, who do you think will come out on top in this Phantom Beast Tournament?"
With nothing else to do, he turned to Orochimaru.
Orochimaru known as the Yamata God still remained approachable and friendly.
This made Shiki the Golden Lion feel at ease.
"Hehehe, Shiki-san, is it not more interesting to judge for yourself?" Orochimaru replied.
He smiled casually, but several distinct images appeared on the water mirror.
Most figures were familiar to Shiki the Golden Lion.
One, in particular, had recently sparked global buzz: Sōsuke Aizen.
(End of Chapter)