Chapter 30

Player's boss battle (10...)

The crops in the [Advanced Farm] take 20 days to mature. Adding the time it takes to build an Advanced Farm at the beginning, there are less than 40 days left in the [Hurricane Season] before they can harvest another round of crops.

The limited amount of food, after deducting the rations for Vera and Law, wasn't worth making a special deal with Hancock for.

Vera decided that the first transaction would focus on medical supplies.

In the beehive, each bee can produce one portion of honey every 10 days. There are a total of 6 foraging bees in the beehive. If calculated over 30 days, Vier can harvest 180 portions of honey.

The [Honey Ointment], which can restore 40 health points, only requires 1 papyrus and 2 honey to make. Even if half of the honey is reserved as an ingredient for desserts, Violet can still make a total of 45 [Honey Ointments] by the end of the [Hurricane Season].

This is enough for the first transaction.

Vera: "I'm off to sea now, Luo, you'd better take good care of the house!"

Violet jumped onto the armored ship, stood at the bow and waved to Luo: "Don't forget to water the fields, and remember to harvest the honey in time."

Luo stood on the shore: "Understood."

Vera: "I'll remember to bring Luo a present!"

Violet rowed the boat with a "heave-ho" sound. After establishing an alliance with the Kuja Pirates, Hancock gave Violet a map.

After reading, Amazon Lily's location automatically appeared on Violet's parchment map.

Hancock said that dangerous sea kings that would actively attack live in the waters surrounding Amazon Lily, so Violet specially made several pieces of [wooden armor] just in case.

[Wooden Armor] can withstand 80% of attacks that hit the player, making it a very useful and inexpensive defensive material. Unfortunately, [Wooden Armor] and [Backpack] are both in the body equipment slot, and only one item can be equipped at a time.

Violet lay on the armored ship with her arms crossed, the floral umbrella above her head shielding her from the sun and rain.

The sea breeze is at the perfect angle today; I can be blown towards my destination without even needing to operate the propeller.

Violet stuffed a clump of roasted seaweed into her mouth and ate it like a potato chip.

This is the kind of sea voyage she's always wanted.

This is not the kind of sea voyage he wanted!

Kuzan, who was woken up from his sleep once again, rubbed his temples. His nearly three-meter height made him close to the Navy officer who came to report, and the shadow he cast completely covered the officer.

Kuzan: "Oh my god, what did you just say?"

Kuzan, who ate the Logia-type Ice-Ice Fruit, was already known as a "monster" back in recruit training camp. It can be said that all the later Navy recruits grew up listening to the stories of these "monster" seniors.

The navy officer in front of Kuzan nervously swallowed hard: "Yes, Admiral, report! The lookout reports that a civilian has been spotted unconscious ahead of the ship!"

"An unconscious...civilian?" Kuzan asked doubtfully. "Isn't this the road to Amazon Lily?"

A few days ago, Kuzan received a message from the Navy Headquarters, instructing him to deliver the appointment documents of the new Shichibukai, Boa Hancock, the Empress of Kuja.

Of course, everyone knows that delivering the documents was a pretense; the Navy's real purpose was to use this opportunity to closely observe the new Shichibukai's military strength and her attitude towards the Navy and the World Government.

Logically speaking, Kuzan would avoid such a troublesome task if possible.

The problem is that Kuzan was slacking off on the "post-earthquake new world map retest" mission he was working on with Garp, and was caught red-handed by Ms. Tsuru. Spandam, which was originally under his responsibility, was also attacked by "demons," and his father Spandam went crazy and dragged all sorts of people into the mess.

Kuzan, who was almost entangled by Spandam, quickly accepted the mission and went out to find some peace and quiet.

Kuzan walked to the side of the ship and looked into the distance. To the left of their ship, there was a simple wooden boat surrounded by seashells. A little girl whose face was not clearly visible was lying silently in the cabin.

Kuzan: "It looks serious."

Kuzan: "As a member of the Navy, I cannot stand idly by and watch civilians fall into danger!"

Having worked under Kuzan for a year, the seasoned veteran, no longer a newbie in the navy who idolized his senior's every move, remarked: "You're making it sound so nice, but you're just trying to stall for time."

Kuzan pretended not to hear anything. Oh dear, this is also an essential skill for becoming a mature Marine. His senior, Borsalino, did a great job in this regard.

Kuzan leaped off the deck.

"Ice Ball!"

Several ice pucks were fired from Kuzan's hand and slammed into the sea around the "unconscious civilian" boat.

The seawater rapidly cooled and froze, securing the boats that were drifting with the wind to the surface of the sea.

Bang! The sudden stop of the ship caused Vera, who was lying on it, to slam her head hard against the cabin wall.

[Health Points -40]

That's way too much weight loss!

Violet rose angrily, spear in hand, and met Kuzan's gaze as he walked through a path of ice.

Violet: "..."

Hancock's reminder came to Violet's mind.

Violet: "You despicable, shameless sea king, you actually launched a sneak attack?!"

Take this spear!

Kuzan: "Huh?!" He's awake?

Kuzan: "No, wait!"

Violet didn't give him a chance to explain, and immediately launched several merciless attacks.

Kuzan: "There's no other way, I'll let you calm down... Ice Time!"

Ice covered Kuzan's body as he reached out and grabbed Vil's stone spear, intending to freeze it to pieces.

But that crude weapon, which looked like something a child would play with, was only half-covered by ice after Kuzan grabbed it, and then it could no longer advance.

This is?

Kuzan looked at his palm with a puzzled expression.

Violet tried twice but failed to pull the frozen stone spear from Kuzan's hand, so she simply gave up on the weapon and took out [Tentacle Spikes] from her backpack.

"Chirp chirp!"

The tentacles, released once again, chirped excitedly.

"Oh dear, what is this thing..." Kuzan looked at the hideous tentacles covered in sharp spikes, a bead of cold sweat dripping from his forehead.

This weapon is rather ominous.

As an adult male, Kuzan inevitably had some unpleasant images on his mind.

Ah, he doesn't want to become the protagonist of some weird story.

Kuzan frowned in annoyance, exhaled a breath of cold air, and conjured an ice blade in his hand.

"Fighting with kids, isn't that a bit... never mind."

Kuzan looked at the tentacles wrapping around the ice blades and gave up on thinking about whether this counted as bullying a child.

This is practically a little monster!

Kuzan: "Since you've taken out your weapons, you should be prepared to fight to the death. I won't hold back."

Violet: "You noisy sea king, take this!"

"Lieutenant General!"

The naval soldiers stared in shock at Kuzan, who had returned with one arm around Violet, who was encased in ice from the chest down, while holding a [tentacle spike] frozen into a twisted icicle in his other hand with disdain.

The navy personnel glanced at the tentacles, then at the struggling Violet, and looked at Kuzan with expressions of utter condemnation, as if he were some kind of scum who had tarnished the navy's reputation.

Kuzan: "...Hey, this is this guy's weapon!"

What kind of image does he have among this group of people? He hasn't done anything special, he just habitually asks pretty girls out on dates whenever he sees one.

That being said...

Kuzan lowered his head: "She's quite the beauty. I wonder if you'd like to go on a date with me, Miss?"

Violet: "You damn sea king! Let me go!"

Vera: "What is this? So much ice! Waaaaaah!"

Violet choked and rolled her eyes after having her mouth stuffed with ice.

Kuzan: "Phew, much quieter now."

Kuzan: "Find a room for this 'civilian in distress.' By the way, it's too dangerous to take a civilian to the territory of the Seven Warlords. There's no other way but to return to port first, find a safe place to drop her off, and then we'll deal with the rest."

"That's decided then." He really is a reliable vice admiral.

“Um, Vice Admiral Kuzan.” At this moment, a navy officer spoke hesitantly. After Kuzan looked over, he pointed to Violet, who was being held under Kuzan’s arm. “This one doesn’t seem to be a civilian.”

The Navy has dedicated intelligence channels, and even for fleets at sea, the Navy Headquarters will do its best to ensure they are kept informed of all changes at sea.

Knowing which person on the wanted list has been arrested or even killed, and which dangerous individuals have been newly added to the wanted list, is crucial intelligence for the Navy that requires constant monitoring.

Kuzan took the wanted poster and placed it next to Vera's face.

Kuzan: "...Shadow of the Demon?"

Navy: "It is said that this is because she attacked the CP department in the Sabaody Archipelago. During the attack, a huge, shadow-like hand that could not be attacked grabbed the entire CP department and pulled them into the darkness."

Kuzan: "..."

He had heard of this before, and not only had he heard of it, but he had also seen the footage taken by the Navy using a video denial-of-sight mushi when they arrived at the scene.

Kuzan mainly wanted to complain that the World Government always uses the same naming formula, like "Demon XX" or something, it feels like it's becoming too common.

Another navy officer chimed in: "Demon... Oh, I know, the survivor of the Buster Call!"

"Idiot, that's the son of the devil!"

Violet swallowed the ice cube in her mouth: "What, the child of the devil?"

"This has nothing to do with you, miss." Kuzan shook the wanted poster in his hand, then shook Violet. "Is this you?"

Vera stared at the wanted poster, which was clearly a photo taken secretly.

Vera affirmed, "This is not me."

Kuzan: "Oh?"

Violet shook her head, showing him her ears: "I am a merman."

The wanted poster lists a "scientist," what does that have to do with her, the "fish-woman"?!

Kuzan: "Oh, really? But you two look alike."

Violet lied through her teeth: "Maybe it's because I have a generic face."

Kuzan: "A generic face... I see."

The sailors bared their shark teeth and loudly complained, "What kind of generic face is this?!"

But no matter how much the navy complained, Kuzan, as the highest-ranking person on the ship, insisted that Violet was just an unlucky person who looked a lot like the person on the wanted poster.

Violet pointed her toes and kicked Kuzan, who was sitting opposite her, with all her might: "So why won't you let me go?!"

Kuzan looked at the shoe prints on his trouser leg with a headache: "...This sea area is very dangerous. I already said I would put you down when the ship reaches a safe place."

Kuzan pulled down his blindfold and leaned back in his chair: "Ha—I'm so sleepy. Be quiet, I'm going to take a nap."

He slept for most of the day until his rumbling stomach woke him up, at which point he took off his blindfold and slowly opened his eyes.

Kuzan rubbed his stiff shoulders from sleeping: "Hmm, what time is it..."

The little girl sitting opposite me was quietly staring blankly at the heavy rain outside the window.

Kuzan remained silent.

This young girl was the only person who went missing at the auction that day, besides those from the CP department, and for that reason, she was printed on the wanted poster.

It was a ridiculous reason, but Kuzan couldn't laugh at all.

Wasn't Ohara the same? Simply because of scholars' research into history, the World Government issued a Buster Call, sentencing everyone on the island to death.

At that time, Kuzan chose to freeze his friend Haguval D. Saul, but let Nico Robin, whom his friend was protecting, go free.

She really looks like Robin.

Similar age, the same black hair and black eyes, even the name on the wanted poster is a coincidence that is hard to describe: "Demon O".

Is it the children's fault or the world government's fault that teenagers are printed on wanted posters?

Kuzan silently walked to Violet's side and followed her gaze to the torrential rain outside the window.

Kuzan: "Oh my god... The rain is so heavy! Luckily we found you, otherwise your little boat wouldn't have been able to withstand this downpour."

Violet looked up and gazed at Kuzan with pity.

Kuzan: "...What's wrong?" Could even a child like him see his confusion?

Violet: "Your boat should be eligible for reimbursement if it gets damaged, right?"

Kuzan: "It's possible, but how..."

He suddenly sensed a rapidly approaching sense of danger.

The hurricane season is coming to an end!

[You've encountered a new event!]

The 【Seasonal Monster】event has begun! Monster spawn countdown: 10 minutes!

[9:59, 9:58, 9:57...]

With a serious expression, Kuzan pushed open the window, leaned out, and stared at the increasingly dark and oppressive clouds in the sky.

The gale whipped up huge waves that crashed against the ships again and again. Even the most technologically advanced naval warships were rocked violently like toys in such terrifying waves.

Kuzan, his face grim, grabbed Violet, who was about to roll away, and conjured an ice blade to cut the ropes binding her.

Kuzan: "Get out of there."

"What? No way!" Vera broke free from Kuzan's grasp. "The boss's head is mine!"

She conjured another tentacle spike from who-knows-where and charged straight at the deck.

Kuzan quickly followed, calling out, "Hey, wait! Don't wander off!"

Violet braved the storm and looked at the tall man standing on the deck, wearing a hoodie.

Violet: "You're the seasonal boss this time?"

Kuzan, who was right behind Violet, also saw the figure. He stood behind Violet with a serious expression.

Kuzan: "You shouldn't be here."

The mysterious man chuckled deeply: "I just saw an old friend, so I came to catch up."

Kuzan: "Catching up? That's not something you'd do."

Kuzan: "Revolutionary, Monkey D. Dragon."

The man removed his hood, revealing a resolute and rugged face. He had a fierce expression and a square red tattoo on his left cheek.

Dragon: "You're quite perceptive, Kuzan. Well, I've come to seek help from an old friend."

Long: "Your ship should have a ship's doctor, right? Could you ask her to help your senior?"

"Senior?" Kuzan asked in confusion. "Oh my, you who betrayed the Navy, formed the Revolutionary Army, and became an enemy of the World Government, what kind of senior are you?"

Long helplessly spread his hands: "It seems that a friendly exchange is not possible. I really need a doctor here, so I can only apologize in advance."

"Speaking of which, what's with this little kid who's been glaring at me from the start? Kuzan, your...daughter?"

"Pfft!" Kuzan was stunned by the dragon's sudden guess. "What the hell? You can eat whatever you want, but you can't just say whatever you want!"

He's still a golden bachelor, the kind of bachelor who can ask any lady out without facing any moral condemnation!

"Ah..." Dragon's meaningful gaze swept back and forth between Violet and Kuzan. "Kuzan, you've fallen. Didn't Garp even use his fists to wake you up?"

Although he had heard of Kuzan's "deeds" back when Dragon was still in the Navy, he did not expect that Kuzan had developed to this extent in just a few years since he left the Navy.

With a serious expression, Long advised Vera, "Don't easily believe a man's words."

Kuzan's forehead veins throbbed: "You shouldn't be saying this, you irresponsible guy who left your son with Mr. Garp."

"And you bastard, use honorifics properly when you talk to Capusan!"

Kuzan and the dragon started fighting. Violet looked at the dragon and then at Kuzan, shouted excitedly, and joined the melee with her [Tentacle Spikes] raised!

Dragon warily dodged the strange weapon that was aimed at his buttocks, glared at Violet with an ugly expression, and then quickly glared at Kuzan.

What does a child that age know? It must be Kuzan who corrupted her!

Kuzan grinned as he looked at the disheveled dragon.

Kuzan: "Ah!"

He clutched his buttocks with a contorted expression, looking at Vera in disbelief.

Kuzan: "Why did you hit me?!"

Vera: "I'll hit you if I want to, do you need a reason?!"

*Whoosh!* The tentacle waved in the air again, and this time the dragon, who had been watching the show, turned green and covered its own buttocks.

This familiar spot, this familiar pain, made Long recall the "iron fist of love" he had experienced in his childhood.

The dragon gritted its teeth: "Whose side are you on?"

Violet: "Ha!"

Vera: "Kids make choices, adults want it all!"

Question: If the evil "Sea Kings" and the seasonal boss fight, who will the players help?

Answer: Players choose not to help anyone, but instead join the free-for-all to get double the rewards!

"hiss--"

Hearing the sounds of battle on deck, the navy personnel who rushed over in the pouring rain looked at the three people in the distance with strange expressions.

A young navy officer asked his senior colleague beside him with great uncertainty, "Is this... an enemy attack...?"

"..."

Sorry, he doesn't know either.

"...I think the lieutenant general can handle the problem here. The enemy may not be just one person. We should guard the other directions of the ship."

"Yes, yes, that's right!"

"That makes so much sense! No wonder you're a senior!"

"Yes, that damned enemy is very cunning. Maybe this is their scheme. We must trust the lieutenant general and not be easily fooled!"

The large group of sailors who had rushed over scattered in all directions.

Dragon and Kuzan, whose Observation Haki was exceptional, were able to "see" the entire group of marines, including their words and expressions: ...

Dragon: "Ah, your crew."

Kuzan scratched his head to clarify, "Oh dear, actually this is a fleet that was hastily put together for the mission. They weren't my subordinates before."

Dragon revealed a row of neat white teeth: "Your Navy."

Kuzan: "..."

He couldn't refute that, so Kuzan remained silent for a few seconds, then looked up and said seriously.

"Well, there's nothing I can do then. It seems I'll have to leave you here today!"

"Heh, let's give it a try. I wonder if your skills have improved since I left the Navy."

Kuzan and the dragon were exchanging trash talk, while Violet clapped excitedly, shouting, "Let's fight! Let's fight!"

"..."

Kuzan and Long exchanged a glance.

I almost forgot about this culprit!

Dragon cracked his knuckles: "Actually, I sometimes think that Garp's teaching methods aren't entirely without merit."

Kuzan: "Ah, a child's rebellious phase is definitely a headache."

Both of them looked at Violet at the same time.

Vera: "Huh?"

Violet: "Is the battle finally about to begin? Take this..."

Kuzan: "Ice Time!"

Dragon: "Iron Fist of Love!"

With her feet frozen and unable to escape, Violet watched the fist rapidly enlarging in front of her and quickly equipped the [Wooden Armor] to her equipment slot.

Thump!

The dragon's fist slammed straight into the top of Violet's head.

[You have been attacked, Health -10 (Wood Armor reduces damage by 80%)]

[Wooden Armor Durability -20]

It doesn't hurt at all!

Violet looked up in surprise and met the fierce-looking dragon's gaze.

Violet: "You're so bad, seasonal boss."

Long took a deep breath, and jet-black Armament Haki wrapped around his arms.

Kuzan: "Do I need to use Armament Haki to beat up a child... Well, never mind."

Dragons should know their limits... right?

Hmm, he should be fine. After all, Dragon learned his "Iron Fist of Love" from Mr. Garp. Last time, he even went back to Windmill Village in the East Blue with Mr. Garp and met Dragon's son, whose name was... what was it again...

I've forgotten, but I do remember that the little boy was incredibly energetic, almost to the point of being overly so. Looking at someone who was also raised under the tutelage of "Iron Fist of Love" and was so energetic that he even left the Navy to form a Revolutionary Army, I think this teaching method should be fine.

Kuzan yawned, making Violet's legs even colder.

Bang!

The fist, evenly coated with Armament Haki, slammed into Violet's head again.

[You have been attacked, Health -50 (Wood Armor reduces damage by 80%)]

[Wooden Armor Durability -20]

What? !

Violet's eyes widened in disbelief. A full 50 health points—two more hits and she'd be dead.

This is after the wooden armor provided 80% damage reduction. In other words, without the wooden armor, this attack would have instantly depleted her health bar, causing her to die on the spot!

Is this the seasonal boss? It's so strong it doesn't make any sense at all!

Violet was confused, then she began to think, and then she understood.

This isn't a boss you can solo; this is a dungeon that requires teamwork to clear!

Damn it, don't underestimate the bond between us.

Violet: "Sir Navy, help!"

Kuzan, who was watching the show, asked in confusion, "Oh dear, Mr. Marine, where is Mr. Marine? Isn't it that wretched 'Sea King'?"

Do NPCs have to be so vengeful?!

Violet: "What sea kings? Where are sea kings?"

Vera: "The Navy gentleman is clearly a burly man, tall and strong, with powerful arms, a steady gait, and eyes that shine like cold stars. His eyebrows are as dark as if they were painted with lacquer; he is like a demon lord descended from heaven, a true god among men. What broad shoulders that can make a canary nestle!"

Kuzan straightened up seriously: "Yes, you are indeed talking about me."

Dragon: "Ugh!"

Long rolled his eyes forcefully: "Your goal was to disgust me, and you succeeded."

"Being trusted so much by this beautiful lady, I have to get serious too." Kuzan's aura had completely changed from before. "I can't let this lovely lady who trusts the Navy so much down."

The listless and unmotivated Kuzan who used to do nothing had completely disappeared. Looking at Kuzan, who was seriously preparing to leave him here, the dragon couldn't help but become serious as well.

Let him see what this junior student is capable of now.

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Author's Note: Well, although I'm still a little short on nutrient solution, I'm having a good day, so I'm updating early [kissing emoji]