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Chapter 59 - C59

Half a Year Later

The Chris was docked at a port, preparing to go ashore.

The island ahead was a strange one. Every street was lined with trees of all kinds—golden leaves, white peach blossoms, crimson flowers, and a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors.

Rather than houses decorated with trees, it felt more like homes were built inside a forest. The entire landscape resembled rows of elegant villas nestled among picturesque mountains and rivers.

Some homes were even constructed directly atop towering ancient trees!

Jack and Kadun had completed all their training—including survival on a deserted island—and their auras had changed noticeably.

They both looked more spirited. Jack had even grown taller, and his entire demeanor was sharper, more refined. Kadun no longer seemed weak and scholarly—now, even from a distance, one could sense he was a skilled fighter.

This island was the first inhabited one they encountered after entering the Grand Line. The Chris had completely ignored the Log Pose's guidance, instead drifting wherever the currents led.

Whenever they encountered an island, they resupplied with fresh water. If they ran out of food, Weiss would dive into the sea to fish.

Now, Kadun and Jack were playing rock-paper-scissors. The loser had to stay on the ship and guard it.

Karina had already darted off somewhere, vanishing in a flash. Half a year… did they even know how she had endured these past six months?

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Everyone went their separate ways.

Jack headed straight for the weapons shop. After six months, his ammunition was almost gone and urgently needed restocking.

Kadun asked Weiss to buy him some navigation books—he had already read everything onboard the ship.

Weiss strolled through the bustling streets, watching the lively crowd and listening to the shouts of vendors. It made him feel alive again.

Clearly, staying too long in certain environments can wear down the human spirit. Surrounded by this vibrant world, Weiss suddenly wondered, Why did I bring those two weaklings aboard?

Shaking off the ridiculous thought, he chuckled to himself. There was no need to worry anymore.

Not long after Weiss left the port, a dockworker slipped away and rushed toward the island's interior.

This was Canopy Island, home to the so-called Canopy Kingdom. Though called a "kingdom," it was actually more of a council—an organization managed by the island's inhabitants. The island itself was enormous.

It was particularly famous for producing a type of wood ideal for shipbuilding, making it a thriving hub.

"Maybe I should find a shipwright to bring aboard…" Weiss mused.

Walking along tree-lined streets, Weiss noticed that the trees had been pruned in a special way that still allowed plenty of sunlight to reach the ground.

The air was thick with the natural scent of mixed flowers and wood. With one hand, he nibbled on a local grilled skewer; with the other, he held a newspaper that quickly caught his interest.

"Fire Fist Ace Challenges the Red-Haired Emperor!"

"Five Zoan-Type Devil Fruit Users Mysteriously Vanish!"

So, Ace had already entered the New World. Unlike Weiss, who wandered aimlessly, Ace had a clear goal. Judging by the flashy headlines, Weiss guessed Ace was probably just paying Red-Hair a friendly visit to thank him for looking after Luffy.

Then another news piece caught his eye:

"Celestial Dragons to Visit Canopy Island Tomorrow for Cultural Inspection."

Weiss glanced at the date—tomorrow.

He wasn't concerned. As long as he stayed far away and didn't provoke them, there was no need to get involved.

Leaving the island now? Impossible. They'd already spent far too long at sea.

Enjoying the island's charm, Weiss took in the local customs. Everyone here seemed cheerful. Vendors lined every alley and street, selling fish, newspapers, fruits, and vegetables.

Though it was a small island, it had everything one could need.

As usual, after buying supplies for the ship, Weiss searched for nautical books. But on this island, people didn't seem to be readers. No one he asked even knew of a bookstore.

"Are you looking for a bookstore, sir?"

Weiss turned to see who had spoken. It was a portly middle-aged man in a suit, leaning on a cane. His leg seemed to be injured or impaired.

Beside him stood a girl, no more than seven or eight years old, dressed in a pristine white dress. She clutched the man's hand timidly, her face soft and round with two adorable dimples.

"Yes," Weiss replied with a warm smile. His polite manner, paired with his good looks, made the interaction even more pleasant.

People naturally liked courteous individuals—and being handsome never hurt either.

"There's no such thing as a bookstore on this island," the man replied. "The people born here grow up surrounded by various kinds of wood. All their knowledge is passed down by word of mouth. It's more than enough to last a lifetime."

"That's a shame. Still, thank you for clearing that up," Weiss responded politely, about to take his leave.

"If it's nautical books you're after," the man said with a grin, "I have a few at home. Would you be willing to come take a look?"

He didn't speak like he was inviting a stranger, but like greeting an old friend.

Weiss hesitated, then quietly activated his Observation Haki. His awareness swept over a radius of several kilometers. Information flooded his mind.

He sensed several individuals hidden nearby, likely bodyguards watching over the man.

Satisfied that there was no immediate danger, he smiled and said, "Are you sure it's not too much trouble?"

"Not at all. I'm Groo." He extended a plump hand.

"Weiss." After a slight pause, Weiss took his hand.

"Right this way."

Groo's constant smile and round body made him seem harmless, but Weiss kept his Observation Haki active the entire time.

They walked side-by-side. The little girl kept sneaking glances at Weiss. Each time he looked her way, she quickly turned her head, pretending not to look.

She didn't know her curiosity was completely transparent to Weiss's Haki—he could even sense the emotion behind her gaze.

As they walked, Groo shared the island's history. Three hundred years ago, Canopy Island had been barren.

One day, a sailor stumbled upon it and found the wood here ideal for shipbuilding. He settled down, and over generations, the island's reputation grew.

More and more people arrived, some even choosing to live here permanently because they loved the environment.

The rarest and best shipbuilding wood was still Treasure Tree Adam, though hardly anyone could obtain it. If the best shipwrights lived in Water 7, then Canopy Island certainly had the most abundant shipbuilding materials.

Groo's family had lived here for generations as merchants. But unlike others who sold local wood, he focused on trading everyday goods the island couldn't produce itself.

In fact, nearly half the island's daily necessities flowed through his business. Though none were expensive items, the sheer volume and stable demand meant he never worried about unsold stock.

Eventually, Groo led Weiss to a large complex hidden among the trees.

Seeing the many people moving about, Weiss asked, "Mr. Groo, which building here is your residence?"

Groo grinned, "Oh, all of them—you're looking at my entire estate!"

Weiss fell silent.

Why did I even ask…?

He had the sudden urge to slap himself.

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