"Luckily, it's not too far!"
Don was doing push-ups with one hand while balancing a metal block taller than a person on his back.
In front of him, a nautical chart was spread across the deck.
If it were a chart of the entire East Sea, Don would have little confidence navigating by it—he'd probably get lost just like Zoro.
But this small-scale map only depicted the islands near the Upside-Down Mountain. Navigating by it was well within his capabilities.
"This should get me to Upside-Down Mountain in a day or two."
Supporting himself with his left hand, Don stroked his smooth chin with his right and squinted at the horizon.
This time, he was heading to the West Sea. Even though the World Government had discovered Robin, he wasn't in a hurry.
There was no use in rushing. It had been over a decade since Ohara was destroyed, and Robin had been hiding in the West Sea for so long that she was clearly vigilant. He doubted he'd find her just by showing up.
Even without his involvement, Robin could likely escape this time. Whether Aokiji was secretly helping her, though, was another matter.
Raising his right hand, Don effortlessly lifted the several-ton metal block from his back, sat cross-legged, and placed it aside.
Grabbing a nearby glass of orange juice, he took a sip and glanced at the sun overhead.
The heat didn't affect him.
"Next, I'll make a short stop to confirm the course, then head straight for Upside-Down Mountain."
He thought for a moment but decided against stopping at Logue Town.
Though it was the place where the Pirate King was executed and many would want to visit, Don had no interest.
Finishing the juice, he picked up his sword, Hono, and began practicing basic sword techniques.
He had a plan for his future path but didn't intend to immediately use Yamamoto's techniques.
For normal combat, he recalled the idea of "no moves surpass moves"—a philosophy not phrased exactly in this world but echoed in similar principles.
Through diligent practice, the body forms instincts; in combat, one reacts automatically to an opponent's attack.
How was that phrase again…?
"Grasp it on the fly!"
He practiced while brainstorming, muttering softly, "Ultimately, I need more fights."
Practicing alone never improved skills faster than real combat.
Suitable opponents were scarce, especially in the Four Seas. With his current strength, few could truly challenge him.
The Grand Line seemed to be the only option—truly a gathering place for the world's strong.
As he thought this, his advanced Observation Haki detected a fast-approaching ship—a pirate ship.
Its flag was unusual: entirely red with a skull topped by strange feathers.
Don sheathed Hono and focused on the ship approaching from the horizon.
Was this coming for me?
The pirate ship was clearly charging straight at him.
Though he had no plans to go to Logue Town, he wouldn't mind earning some extra "rewards" if a pirate wanted to die.
He walked to the bow, staring down the approaching ship.
Boom! Boom!
Cannons fired before it even got close, and a few cannonballs flew toward him.
Don slashed them midair, splitting the cannonballs, which exploded above the waves.
Before the next volley arrived, he planted his feet on the bow, leapt high into the air, bringing Hono behind him, and swung in a massive arc.
Ha!
A tall, slender figure jumped from the pirate ship, striking upward with a slash that collided with Don's, both attacks exploding on impact.
Don landed atop the pirate ship, facing the leaping figure below.
This…?
Someone from the Donquixote Family?
He looked like a gladiator.
Don stepped fully onto the pirate ship. The deck was sparsely populated and set up like a gladiatorial arena.
Surrounding pirates brandished weapons, grinning menacingly.
"I've been waiting for you for days!"
A figure in a crimson cloak landed, brandishing an unusually long sword as he sized up Don.
"Did Doflamingo send you?"
Don understood the situation. He'd confronted Doflamingo over the Den Den Mushi, so this was retaliation.
"Heh heh heh, the young master told me to bring back your head."
Diamante, the Flag Bearer, leapt onto the arena.
"Lord Diamante!"
The surrounding pirates cheered as he took his place.
Don scanned the pirates, then focused on Diamante.
"If you're strong enough…"
"Of course I'm strong!"
"As an executive of the Donquixote Family, weakness isn't an option for serving the young master!"
Diamante laughed, then struck without warning.
His sword softened like a ribbon and whipped toward Don, then snapped back into a sharp blade, slicing toward Don's neck.
Don blocked the strike with his sword.
Diamante smirked, eyes glinting maliciously.
The straightened blade softened again, thrusting at Don's neck.
Clang!
Armament Haki hardened.
Diamante, excited by this world's unique "self-introduction" custom, laughed: "I've eaten the Flamboyant Fruit, I'm the Flag Bearer!"
Don checked his health.
100%.
The attack had only slightly reduced his HP, which regenerated rapidly. Maintaining Observation and Armament Haki drained health, but his body's recovery had long surpassed the loss.
Attacking a strong opponent now allowed him to sustain full health indefinitely.
Don calmly watched Diamante's retreat, showing no anger, and advanced, raising Hono to deliver a heavy slash.
Clang!
Metal clashed. Diamante's face paled as he was struck back across the deck.
END OF CHAPTER
patreon.com/MrBehringer
Fireborne Legends
🔹 Rising Bounty – Read up to 15 chapters ahead
🔸 Legendary Bounty – Command up to 35 chapters ahead