Chapter 8: Arrival at Sabaody Archipelago
Half a day later.
Ross chose a secluded corner to enter the Sabaody Archipelago, quietly blending into the crowd with Sakazuki by his side.
At this moment, Sakazuki seemed like a completely different person—renewed and full of life, like a carefree child with no emotional burdens.
Indeed, his goal was now simple: become stronger, and never regret again.
For now, he buried his sorrow deep within. Grief, too, is a form of responsibility—one that, without strength, becomes nothing but a burden.
Though sorrow might inspire one to move forward, it can also lead to a bottomless pit of obsession.
Perhaps, with a change of attitude, life wouldn't feel so suffocating.
"Stay close. Sabaody is one of the few places at sea where people can genuinely get lost. Look at the numbers on those giant trees," Ross said, pointing to a large tree with the number [21] marked on it.
"This archipelago is unique. All of its buildings are constructed atop the roots of 79 massive Yarukiman Mangrove trees—the largest redwood species in the world."
"Each cluster has been divided into zones with distinct purposes. We're currently in the lawless zone, home to bounty hunters, gangs, and pirates."
After speaking, Ross held onto Sakazuki's arm, not because he feared the boy would run off, but simply to keep him from drifting into distraction and getting lost.
Sure, Ross could find him again with Observation Haki, but avoiding the hassle was always better.
Sakazuki glanced around with a serious expression. The buildings here clearly bore signs of past destruction and hasty repairs. Most of the people walking the streets traveled in groups.
They all had one thing in common: vicious appearances that lacked the warmth of ordinary folk.
Almost everyone carried a weapon, dressed in bold, wild styles, with visible scars and hardened eyes.
It was obvious what kind of people they were—pirates, or bounty hunters who lived on the edge of a blade.
"…How grotesque."
Sakazuki remained silent but couldn't help passing judgment in his heart. His expression grew dark.
But thanks to Ross's earlier guidance, he no longer let these "scumbags" take up too much mental space.
After all, no matter how determined he was to rid the world of trash—he lacked the strength to even lift it right now.
Ross didn't avoid the crowd, striding openly down the road toward the amusement park, with Sakazuki trailing beside him like a child.
The only thing he needed to avoid here was the Celestial Dragons. Ross wasn't one of the strongest in the world, but among the Navy's ranks, he was at least at Vice Admiral level—more than enough to dominate Sabaody.
And so far, there hadn't been any foolish clowns daring enough to provoke him. Most people here had enough sense to avoid trouble.
Even those with itchy hands were often stopped by companions who recognized the danger. Ross hadn't hit that tiny fraction-of-a-percent misfortune yet.
Before long, they arrived at their destination—Grove 40 to 49, home of the Amusement Park.
They even passed the Auction House, the true goal of Ross's trip. But it wasn't time yet, and he wasn't eager to show Sakazuki that filth just yet.
Yes, there was evil there, but compared to the Celestial Dragons, that kind of evil felt almost insignificant.
When Ross turned and asked, "How does it feel?"—
Sakazuki answered with a heavy tone, "It's like stepping into a different world."
The oppressive atmosphere of the lawless zone still lingered in his mind—blood in the streets, filth and violence from the Auction House.
Those were places that would make any ordinary person suffocate.
But in just a few steps?
The air changed completely.
Separated by only a narrow canal between two trees, one side held horror and cruelty.
The other was filled with joy, laughter echoing from a merry-go-round. Children giggled. Young girls smiled.
Across that tiny river lay two completely opposite worlds.
"Master…"
Sakazuki's heart cracked again. He had barely recovered from earlier, but this—this grotesque contrast reopened the wound.
The first time he encountered pirates invading his home, he learned what death was.
This time, he learned what disparity meant.
He couldn't understand it. He really couldn't.
Could the difference between lives truly be this enormous?
How could the same place be painted with two such opposite hues?
Ross smiled, sensing Sakazuki's confusion. With gentle patience, he said,
"Don't overthink it. I know you care, but this isn't the time for answers. Let's find a place to stay first, and then you can properly relax."
Sakazuki's true transformation was yet to come. This was just the beginning.
Ross wanted to mold him into the best version of himself—the Sakazuki in his own ideals.
It was both a selfish desire and a heartfelt hope.
"…I'll follow your lead, Master."
Sakazuki shook off his confusion and buried it deep down. He trusted Ross wouldn't steer him wrong, but his heart was clearly in turmoil.
And so, he let Ross guide him forward.
All around them were happy families, laughing couples, the joyful cheers of kids on carnival rides.
He looked back.
Dark smoke still clung to the leafy shadows behind them. It dared not cross that invisible border.
On the other side was sunlight the darkness would never see.
People moved about. Some pretended not to notice. Some turned away. Others shuddered without reason.
Their hands instinctively reached for hidden weapons, while their bodies marched forward.
Sakazuki felt even more stifled here—more than he had in the lawless zone, more than at the Auction House.
Everything they passed seemed to mock him in silence, like invisible blades carving into his chest.
Maybe… Ross's earlier words had another layer of meaning?
> "That's right, Sakazuki. But do you understand? Not all pirates deserve to die."
> "Pirates are pirates! If they chose this path, then they should never expect to turn back!
Desperation and coercion are never excuses. No amount of washing can clean bloodied hands!"
Sakazuki shouted silently in his heart.
Maybe some pirates didn't choose this life willingly—but it didn't matter.
Trash should learn to live like trash—without delusions of redemption.
Through Observation Haki, Ross clearly sensed a shift within Sakazuki's heart.
He couldn't say exactly what it was, but he had a pretty good idea.
Sakazuki no longer seemed distracted. He stopped paying attention to the laughter around him and simply walked in silence beside Ross.
"Sakazuki, all you need to do is live without regret. This world is complicated. Avoiding regret is harder than you think."
"I understand, Master. I won't regret the decision I made today. Not now. Not ever."