Here is the translation of **Sections 241–246** with corrected terminology.
***
**Section 241**
That magnificent light swept away the entire expanse of dark clouds!
The airspace within a hundred miles instantly cleared.
The surging sea also began to regain its tranquility!
This was the celestial being descending from the heavens, a peerless swordsmanship capable of slaying even the harshest weather!
The world says: Don't show off, or you'll be struck by lightning!
But, Sword Immortal, why do you show off like that?
The Sword Immortal laughed, for I am a man who can cut through lightning!
How strong is the Sword Immortal?
The Buddha said: It cannot be spoken!
He is the highest-ranking officer of the Divine Punishment Army, and he is also the King of Alabasta!
And now, he has gained another title—the **World's Greatest Swordsman**.
**Chapter 168: The Little Thief Cat**
*A Sword Comes from the West, a Celestial Being Descending from the Heavens!*
This era can no longer stop him!
Newspapers flew to all corners of the world like snowflakes.
A miracle!
The final strike in his duel with Hawkeye—the *Flying Immortal from Beyond the Heavens*—was a divine sword technique, its ethereal flow like dark clouds, driving countless people mad with its power.
Two days had passed since Ryuzaki claimed the title of World's Greatest Swordsman.
Now, Ryuzaki lay leisurely on a recliner, holding the kind and gentle Makino in his arms.
"Makino, do you hate me?"
"No, I don't hate you!"
Makino gently shook her head, nestled in Ryuzaki's embrace, quietly enjoying the man's strong chest.
"It's a bit windy outside, let's go inside!"
"Okay!"
Ryuzaki gently carried Makino inside. He placed her on the bed, but Makino immediately wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Ryuzaki, I... I... I want to have your baby!"
"Makino, it's all about chance!"
"I... I don't care!" Makino pouted, "You're not leaving until you get me pregnant."
And so it began...
This time, they stayed in Foosha Village for a full two months.
Finally, Makino sweetly touched her soft belly—she was pregnant!
"Makino, come with me!"
"Yes, whatever you say!" Makino obediently nodded, her face beaming with happiness.
And so, the beautiful girl Makino from Foosha Village left!
Ryuzaki took Makino to Amazon Lily.
In this world, there was no safer place than Amazon Lily!
This secluded place was far from the harassment of pirates, and because Hancock held the title of Warlord, it also avoided attacks from the Navy.
On Amazon Lily, Ryuzaki spent several more days with Makino, and only after Makino had become familiar with Hancock and the others did he leave with peace of mind.
Ryuzaki knew very well...
After Makino became pregnant, he understood even more clearly!
If there is a strongest in the world, then if he doesn't fight for that position, others will.
Ryuzaki will not entrust his fate to others.
He will be strong enough to protect everything, whether you are a pirate, the World Government, or the Revolutionary Army. Anyone who dares to oppose me will be killed.
Now, I wonder where **Straw Hat Luffy** is!
**Orange Town**!
If I remember correctly, this should be the territory occupied by **Buggy**!
Ryuzaki arrived in Orange Town and happened to see Buggy doing nothing, setting off cannons everywhere. Naturally, he was using his specially made **Buggy Balls**.
Ryuzaki was quite curious about Buggy.
Ryuzaki sat quietly on a rooftop nearby, scanning Buggy's attributes.
**Talent: Basic Physical Fitness (74)**
**Talent: Basic Strength (78)**
**Talent: Basic Physical Skills (75)**
**Talent: Basic Swordsmanship (61)**
...
**Special Talent: Lucky Star.**
"Huh? Holy crap, Lucky Star? What the hell is this?"
Ryuzaki had once thought Buggy was a hidden master, but now it seems... well, luck is also part of strength.
"Hmm?"
Ryuzaki saw another interesting character, **Nami**!
**Chapter 168: Little Thief Cat (Part 2)**
***
**Section 242**
Ryuzaki spotted another interesting character—Nami!
Buggy and his men were having so much fun setting off firecrackers that they were completely unaware that Nami had infiltrated the rear tents and was stealing valuables.
"Strange, if Fisher Tiger isn't dead, Arlong shouldn't be in the East Blue! Nami's hometown should be alright too!"
Ryuzaki was quite puzzled, so he silently opened a door and approached.
At that moment, Nami had already wrapped all the treasure in canvas and was carrying it on her shoulder. Just as she was about to leave, a pair of large hands reached out from behind her.
One hand grabbed her slender waist, the other covered her mouth, and Nami was dragged into an alternate dimension.
When she came to her senses, Nami looked around in surprise, and… there was a man smiling at her.
"You... you're the Sword Immortal Ryuzaki?"
"Oh? You recognize me!"
"Yes, yes."
"Are you afraid of me?"
"No, no, no... heh... hehe... I didn't do anything."
Nami was genuinely frightened because she had read the newspapers and knew of the Sword Immortal's infamous reputation as a Butcher. It was said that the Sword Immortal was a ruthless killer, showing no mercy to bad people.
"Don't be afraid, I'll ask you a few questions!"
Ryuzaki placed his hand on Nami's head, stroking her hair: "First question, is **Bellemere** dead?"
"Eh? You... how do you know Bellemere?"
"Stop talking nonsense, answer my question!"
"Of course she's not dead." Nami was puzzled.
"Is that so? Then why did you become a thief?"
"I... I..." Nami playfully stuck out her tongue: "Stealing pirates' valuables, can that be considered stealing?"
This explanation... Ryuzaki actually agreed with it for a moment!
But it seemed that Nami's nature was at play? She had resolutely embarked on the road of theft?
Ryuzaki couldn't understand it either, and thought to himself, forget it, I won't think about it anymore!
"Um..."
"What's wrong?"
"You... you've been to the Grand Line?"
"The Grand Line?"
"That's right!" Nami said, her eyes sparkling. "One day, I'll travel the whole world and draw a map of it!"
"Oh, oh, that's quite an ideal!"
"That's why I steal pirates' valuables. I want to use them to buy a big ship and sail the world."
"I see, I see!"
"You understand me, right?" Nami looked at Ryuzaki expectantly.
"Yes, yes, I understand. Your idea is right."
"Hehehe..." Nami laughed mischievously, then said with a troubled expression, "Why can't Bellemere understand my idea? I'm a thief with a dream!"
"Hehehe..."
Ryuzaki just smiled. How to put it? Teenagers are so troublesome! This Nami has definitely reached the age of rebellion!
"Hey, Mr. Ryuzaki!"
"What is it?"
"You must be here to catch the pirates, right? Let me tell you, the Buggy Pirates are awful! They've done so many bad things in town..."
Nami vividly described the Buggy Pirates' various misdeeds, basically urging Ryuzaki to hurry up and kill Buggy!
Ryuzaki was speechless. You little thief, you stole Buggy's belongings, and now you're trying to trick me into killing him? Your conscience is utterly wicked!
How can there be such an unkind woman in this world?
"Ahem... Nami, to tell you the truth, Buggy is a man with a story!"
"So what?"
"My sword can't kill Buggy."
"Can't kill him? How is that possible? You're the famous Sword Immortal!"
"Don't believe me? How about we make a bet?"
**Chapter 169: A Bet with Nami**
"A bet it is!" Nami really didn't believe it. A Sword Immortal couldn't kill Buggy? What a joke! "Hmph, tell me, what are we betting on?"
"It's simple. If I kill Buggy, I'll give you ten billion Berries..."
"Ten billion Berries?" Nami's eyes instantly filled with Berries, as if she could already see Berries flying towards her from the sky.
"Hehe, don't get excited!" Ryuzaki continued, "If I fail to kill Buggy, then all the treasure you have is mine. Also, you join the Straw Hat Pirates and become his navigator."
"Eh?"
Nami was stunned. The first part was understandable, but what did the second part mean? The Straw Hat Pirates?
"Perhaps I wasn't clear. The Straw Hat Pirate is a pirate who wears a straw hat, named Monkey D. Luffy."
"Why... why?"
"Hehe, because I want to take something very precious from the Straw Hat Pirates."
"What kind of precious treasure?"
"You could say that!"
"Then let's bet!"
***
**Section 243**
Nami readily agreed. If she won, she'd get a billion Berries; if she lost, she'd just lose the loot she'd just stolen. As for joining the Straw Hat Pirates…
Nami was even happier. Treasures even a swordsman wanted must be incredibly rare. Hehe, I, the little thief, would naturally be the first to claim them!
This bet, no matter how you looked at it, was a very worthwhile deal!
Then Ryuzaki led Nami out of the alternate dimension, drew his sword, and walked towards Buggy, who was still happily firing cannons.
"Yo, Buggy!"
"Huh? Red Nose? Who said I have a red nose?"
Buggy turned around angrily, but when he saw Ryuzaki, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets in surprise.
"Sword… Sword Master, what are your orders…"
Damn, this Buggy, no one else like him. It seems like Buggy is the first person in the world to call me Sword Master!
Oh well!
"Buggy, it seems you recognize me…"
"That's right, that's right, the famous Sword Immortal, of course I recognize you. I heard you cut off Shanks' arm, I was so happy I threw a week-long banquet, it was truly gratifying!"
Ryuzaki was speechless again. Okay, it's true that it was because of Shanks that you ate the Devil Fruit and became a landlubber.
But then again, Buggy, throwing a week-long banquet, wasn't that a bit too much?
Ryuzaki was speechless!
"Buggy, I didn't come to you for anything else, it's just... I made a bet with this little girl."
"A bet?"
"Yes, we bet whether I could kill you. I said I couldn't kill you, but she insisted I could, so you know..."
"Wait, wait, I don't understand!"
"No, you understand."
"I really don't understand!"
"Buggy really doesn't understand. You two made a bet, and the result is you trying to cut me with a knife? What... what kind of nonsense is this? Is there no justice in this world?"
But before Buggy could react, Ryuzaki had already slashed down!
Buggy was cut in two.
"Bastard... you bastard, you actually cut me..."
Buggy's head flew through the air, angrily condemning, "I'll show you my special Buggy Ball..."
"Boom—"
Ryuzaki lightly flicked the small **Muggy Ball** out of Buggy's shoe, blasting Buggy's face blackened.
This scene left Nami speechless.
Okay, so it's understandable that Buggy wasn't killed by Ryuzaki's sword, but why wasn't he killed by the bomb?
**Chapter 169: A Bet with Nami (Part 2)**
Okay, so it's understandable that Buggy wasn't killed by Ryuzaki's sword, but why wasn't he killed by the bomb?
Nami didn't understand!
Actually, Ryuzaki didn't quite understand either; he could only attribute it to Buggy's special talent—**Lucky Star**!
Seeing Nami's surprised look, Ryuzaki picked up his sword, and... Ryuzaki rushed forward and hacked Buggy into countless pieces with a series of "swish, swish, swish..."
Then, to Nami's speechless dismay, Buggy revived!
What could Ryuzaki say? He shrugged, indicating he'd really tried his best. See? He didn't kill him. Buggy the Great is indeed a master!
Nami then looked pitiful as she watched Ryuzaki take all the treasure she'd just stolen.
As for Buggy, although he lost the treasure, he gained a reputation—the man who couldn't be killed by a swordsman!
Yes, Buggy was about to rise!
The world couldn't stop him!
He was a man even a Sword Immortal couldn't kill, so tell me, are you scared?
Buggy's henchmen looked at him with the same reverence they would show a cult leader.
"Captain Buggy, waaaah..."
"Captain Buggy, we admire you so much!"
Buggy couldn't quite understand this situation either. Just like that, out of nowhere, **Buggy** leveled up!
And then Straw Hat Luffy showed up…
Perhaps Straw Hat Luffy is Buggy's nemesis!
Captain against captain, swordsman against swordsman.
The result… Buggy, who had just leveled up, was utterly defeated by Straw Hat Luffy.
The town was saved, but Buggy was sent flying!
Watching Buggy disappear into the horizon, Ryuzaki sighed. Buggy's happiness was too short-lived!
"…Sword Immortal!"
"Hmm? **Roronoa Zoro**?"
"I challenge you, the World's Greatest Swordsman!"
"Uh… speaking of which, wasn't your target Mihawk?"
"Since you defeated Mihawk and became the World's Greatest Swordsman, then my target is naturally you."
Zoro said, pulling off his green bandana and tying it around his head.
Although Ryuzaki didn't quite understand what it meant, seeing his already dark green hair now even more so gave him an indescribable strange feeling—so green, so very green…
"Although you're just a somewhat famous swordsman, since you're so insistent on challenging me, fine, I've got nothing better to do, I'll play along!"
***
**Section 244**
Ryuzaki casually picked up a twig.
"Damn it, you're using a twig? Are you looking down on me?"
"Look at you, this is wrong of you. Is it really okay to discriminate against twigs like this?"
"You..."
Zoro was speechless for a moment. Damn it, what did this have to do with discriminating against twigs?
Zoro still wielded his three swords as in the original story. He drew one sword, put it in his mouth, and held a sword in each hand.
"Don't regret it when you die!"
"Come on!"
"**Three-Sword Style—Oni Giri (Demon Slash)—**"
Zoro charged straight forward, and just as he reached Ryuzaki, the scene seemed to freeze.
Everyone was stunned!
Is this a Sword Immortal?
Without any flashy moves, simply wielding a twig, he broke Zoro's sword technique.
The battle scene was clearly so ordinary, yet it had an indescribable terrifying feeling.
Ryuzaki laughed. As long as Armament Haki is strong enough, even the most fragile thing can become a weapon.
**Chapter 170: A Consecutive Scar**
*Clang...*
Zoro's three swords shattered (Note: Or damaged/repelled, canon Zoro swords didn't shatter except Yosaku/Johnny ones against Mihawk, but fanfic might differ), and a branch pierced his chest, leaving a bloody hole.
"Your swords are so cheap!"
Cheap?
Even the cheapest swords couldn't be shattered by a branch!
Nami was dumbfounded. This... what kind of power was this? Was this the power of the World's Greatest Swordsman? He shattered an iron sword with just a branch?
Unlike Nami, Luffy shouted, "Zoro—"
"Heh heh, worried about your comrade's life!"
Zoro lay on the ground, while Luffy, true to form, lost his mind and yelled that he would defeat Ryuzaki.
"Weak, too weak!"
Ryuzaki, under Luffy's barrage of attacks, slowly advanced, grabbed Luffy's head, and slammed it to the ground.
"With your weakness, what can you possibly protect? You can't protect anything, right? Because you're too weak, that's why **Sabo** died!"
"Sa... bo..."
Long-buried memories surfaced in Luffy's mind.
"Because you're too weak, that's why Ace was worried about you!"
"Damn it, who are you..."
"Hehehe... I'm the Sword Immortal! Straw Hat, Nami is your navigator, right?"
"That's right, if you lay a hand on her, I'll definitely not forgive you..."
"Hehehehe... Your protection is just talk, isn't it?"
Ryuzaki then tossed Luffy aside, and in the next instant, appeared behind Nami, wrapping his arm around her slender waist, giving Nami goosebumps.
"Nami, you're such a beautiful woman!"
Ryuzaki smiled as he ran his fingers across Nami's face, hugging her from behind.
"Straw Hat, you cherish your comrades and want to protect them, don't you?"
A dagger appeared in Ryuzaki's hand.
"Damn it, you bastard, let go of Nami..."
"You've got quite the spirit, but what a pity, besides impulsiveness and willfulness, all you have left is empty talk..."
The dagger lightly grazed her beautiful face.
Nami didn't move. She couldn't move, and she dared not move. She didn't understand, she completely didn't understand why Ryuzaki was targeting her.
"Bastard, I'm going to knock you away..."
"**Finger Pistol** (Shigan)!"
Luffy, who had just stood up, was sent flying by Ryuzaki's Finger Pistol.
"Watch closely, Straw Hat Luffy, this is your protection."
Ryuzaki gently pinched Nami's chin, showing Luffy the injured half of her face and the bloodstains.
Although Straw Hat Luffy still wanted to fight back, rushing forward again and again, trying to knock Ryuzaki away, the result was cruel and merciless.
He was slapped mercilessly, he was trampled underfoot.
He tried, but failed!
He fought again and again, but finally collapsed to the ground.
These touching scenes deeply moved Nami.
**Chapter 170: The Consecutive Scar (Part 2)**
These touching scenes deeply moved Nami.
Even though Luffy failed, deep down, Nami acknowledged him as her captain.
Being defeated and tricked by Ryuzaki must have been a heavy blow to this fledgling Straw Hat Pirates!
***
**Section 245**
Especially Ryuzaki's last words: "The reason you're still alive is because of my pity."
Ryuzaki left, he left with a smile!
He knew that the Straw Hat Pirates would cherish their friendship even more than before.
Because they were powerless, they wanted to protect their comrades even more.
Nami didn't blame Luffy, because she knew the Sword Immortal's strength was something Luffy couldn't defeat at his current level. Seeing Luffy risk his life for her, any woman would be moved!
Luffy, on the other hand, was filled with self-blame. Even after many days, he still couldn't bear to look at Nami's face.
The scar on Nami's face, the conspicuous scar left by Ryuzaki, was a symbol of the Straw Hat Pirates' incompetence.
Yes, Ryuzaki deliberately left that scar on Nami's face to motivate Luffy and Zoro.
Every time they saw the scar on Nami's face, their desire to protect their comrades would become even stronger.
It has to be said that Ryuzaki's plan was very effective.
Nami's scars, whether seen by Luffy or Zoro, stung their hearts. They wanted to become stronger, even stronger, because only then could they protect their companions.
In his spare time, Zoro trained relentlessly.
Luffy, meanwhile, racked his brains trying to develop new techniques.
"Hey, Luffy, don't take it to heart. Sword Immortals are very powerful..."
Despite Nami's understanding words of advice, Luffy simply pulled his hat brim down lower.
"Sorry, Nami!"
"Don't worry about it, I'm fine..."
Ryuzaki, who had been following them, nodded with satisfaction at the Straw Hat Pirates' performance.
"Their appreciation for the ship and their love for their comrades will be even stronger than before, and the resulting Ship Spirit will be even more powerful."
It could be said that Ryuzaki had essentially achieved his goal!
Now, he patiently waited. They would obtain the Going Merry in Syrup Village, and in **Water 7**, the Merry would meet its end.
And at that moment, Ryuzaki would take away the Straw Hat Pirates' important companion—the Ship Spirit!
Now…
Ryuzaki has returned to Alabasta. As the King of Alabasta, even though he's become a hands-off ruler, leaving everything to his subordinates, Ryuzaki still makes time to check on things.
"Hmm? This is… taxes!"
To be honest, Cobra is a good king.
Previously, Alabasta's economy relied mainly on commercial taxes from the coastal areas due to desertification, water scarcity, and barren land.
As for many inland areas, the people couldn't pay taxes, but Cobra didn't force them. After all, people were struggling to feed themselves, so Cobra simply turned a blind eye; those who could pay, paid; those who couldn't, let it go.
Therefore, Alabasta's economy was always sluggish.
But now it's different. Since Ryuzaki solved the water shortage problem, many previously abandoned towns in Alabasta have begun to be inhabited again.
With a large enough territory and abundant water, agricultural production is naturally not a problem.
This has led to a booming economy.
In the year or so that Ryuzaki has ruled Alabasta, the economy has been growing rapidly every month.
Currently, tax revenue is three times higher than during Cobra's rule.
This wealth isn't simply national wealth; it's wealth distributed among the people.
The people of Alabasta are generally becoming wealthier, with low housing prices, cheap goods, and a low cost of living, yet high incomes.
**Chapter 171: The Martial Arts City Plan**
Looking at the tax and financial statement in his hand, Ryuzaki smiled.
Recently, the construction of reservoirs and pipelines across the country had depleted much of Ryuzaki's accumulated funds.
Now, with Alabasta's increased national strength and financial abundance, it can cover up past debts. And it's precisely because of this increased wealth that Ryuzaki has begun to have some ideas.
An idea surfaced in Ryuzaki's mind.
This idea, in fact, Ryuzaki had long harbored, but previously, due to limitations, he could only think about it and couldn't put it into practice.
Now, he should be able to begin implementing it!
Ryuzaki's idea is simple: to hold the **World Martial Arts Tournament**.
This idea is also inspired by the large arena in Dressrosa.
Unfortunately, Dressrosa was too mediocre; a bunch of weaklings fighting only attracted a bunch of weaklings to watch.
This wasn't what Ryuzaki wanted. What Ryuzaki hoped for was to attract the world's strongest fighters to participate.
Ideally, he wanted to attract those proud and arrogant martial arts masters.
This would not only boost Alabasta's economy but also improve the nation's martial arts culture.
Of course, the most important thing, and Ryuzaki's primary goal, was to learn various martial arts styles.
Ryuzaki had considered visiting renowned masters around the world to learn different styles of martial arts, thereby unlocking more combat talents and increasing his talent points.
However, that would be too slow. If he did that, Ryuzaki would spend a huge amount of time and energy searching for masters.
What if those masters deliberately lived in seclusion? That would be even harder to find!
So, he simply decided not to search himself but to let martial artists from the common people come to him.
This was the original purpose of the World Martial Arts Tournament.
Ryuzaki spread out a map of Alabasta, stroking his chin in thought.
Alabasta didn't have many cities; most areas were uninhabited.
Ryuzaki decided to build a new city, named **Martial Arts City**, located in a deserted area between Alubarna and **Nanohana**, near the inland sea.
He also decided on the architectural style for Martial Arts City:
centering on the World Martial Arts Tournament, with arenas of varying sizes built around it, each designed for people of different ages and skill levels.
***
**Section 246**
In addition, various types of dojos will be built within the city, and these dojos will be donated by Ryuzaki free of charge.
However, the dojos will be divided according to martial arts styles, one dojo per style.
This plan was quickly finalized.
Of course, building a new city is indeed a huge expense, and even with the current abundant funds, Ryuzaki dared not spend it all!
"Let's go get some money from the Celestial Dragons!"
Ryuzaki thought to himself, and then he actually went to Mary Geoise.
Speaking of which, it had been a long time since he had been to Mary Geoise!
Inside the luxurious little castle of Saintess Onaya, the widow was stretching out her white legs, lazily lying in the bathtub, looking quite happy.
She closed her eyes slightly, enjoying the warm air.
Then... then she was covered in the mouth and dragged into another dimension.
Onaya, who was about to get angry, trembled with fear when she saw that the man grabbing her was Ryuzaki.
In this world, Onaya, as a Celestial Dragon, feared nothing and no one, except Ryuzaki.
This ruthless man, this incredibly powerful man, what's most deadly is that he possesses those shady photos.
**Chapter 171: Martial Arts City Plan (Part 2)**
This ruthless man, this incredibly powerful man, what's most deadly is that he possesses those shady photos.
"Yo, Onaya, it's been years, your figure is getting better and better!"
"You... you... what do you want to do?"
"Hehe, nothing else, I'm a little short on cash lately, I don't need too much, just give me 100 billion Berries."
"What? 100 billion?"
Onaya was dumbfounded, this isn't considered a lot?
Damn, are you really that rich, Celestial Dragons?
Okay, Celestial Dragons are indeed very rich, but they can't just casually pull out 100 billion, okay!
Onaya gritted her teeth angrily: "You... you shameless gigolo!"
"Oh ho, you dare to insult me? That's right, I am a gigolo, and I'm determined to be your gigolo, so what!"
Then, with Onaya's face flushed red and her white bottom exposed, Ryuzaki slapped her repeatedly.
Onaya hated Ryuzaki to death, but because of her noble status, even though she was humiliated by Ryuzaki, she couldn't say anything.
(Just kidding, she inherited Saint Bigezabi's fortune, which caused a lot of dissatisfaction among Saint Bigezabi's relatives. Over the years, those relatives had made things difficult for her, hoping she would suffer!
As a noble Celestial Dragon, if those artistic photos taken by Ryuzaki were to leak out, her fate would be terrible.)
Now she's a Celestial Dragon, living a life of luxury and ease. If she lost her Celestial Dragon status, Onaya dared not even think about it.
"What? You really won't give it to me? Looks like I'll have to put your art photo in the newspaper!"
"No... no..."
Onaya almost cried out in alarm.
"Please, please don't, I... I..."
"What 'I'? One hundred billion, will you give it to me or not?"
"Waaah... I really can't come up with one hundred billion, I only have two hundred billion at most."
"Two hundred billion, huh? Fine! Then give me two hundred billion first!" Ryuzaki said, adding, "You stingy bastard."
Onaya almost bit her lip until it bled. Stingy bastard? Two hundred billion is stingy?
The poor little widow was ruthlessly extorted by Ryuzaki, yet she couldn't complain. She could only obediently hand over all the money she could get from her family, even selling some properties, to raise two hundred billion, and respectfully hand it over to Ryuzaki.
Ryuzaki, secretly pleased with his money, thought to himself, "The Celestial Dragons are really something. I'll find an opportunity to take some artistic photos of more Celestial Dragons in the future..."
Ryuzaki's demands weren't many. If one Celestial Dragon cost 10 billion, then ten Celestial Dragons would be 100 billion, right?
"I'll think about that later!" Ryuzaki muttered. After extorting Onaya, there was still one Celestial Dragon left, **Saint Strobous**. This guy was also a big fat sheep; his family must have a lot of savings.
Onaya's case was just about the artistic photos.
But Saint Strobous's problem was about partying with pirates. Those photos... oh my, he looked so happy!
A Celestial Dragon, ignoring delicacies, he insisted on eating lollipops (likely not lollipops) from pirate uncles. Didn't he know that pirates were the mortal enemies of the Celestial Dragons?
Peaceful coexistence was not advisable; Doflamingo's father was a cautionary tale!
If the photos of Saint Strobous partying with a group of pirates got out, that bastard would definitely be dead.
**Chapter 172: The Deal with the Five Elders**
As a noble Celestial Dragon, Saint Strobous, to conceal his deep friendship with a group of pirates, obediently allowed Ryuzaki to extort a large sum of money.
Onaya's 200 billion (Text says 20, likely 200 based on previous context) and Saint Strobous's 300 billion (Text says 30, likely 300 or similar large number), adding up to 500 billion! (Text says 20+30=50 billion in original, sticking to text: "Onaya's 20 billion and Saint Strobous's 30 billion, adding up to 50 billion!").
Ryuzaki thought that should be enough to build Martial Arts City!
If not, he'd extort more later.
Thus, after returning to Alabasta, the Martial Arts City plan began in earnest!
Many ministers in the kingdom opposed building a new city, believing it was a waste of public funds.
However, upon hearing that Ryuzaki would personally fund the construction of Martial Arts City, the ministers had nothing to say!
He was spending his own money, not the country's; they couldn't just criticize him!
While Martial Arts City was under construction, Ryuzaki had already begun tireless promotion, telling the world about Martial Arts City and the World Martial Arts Tournament.
The World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament is held once a year.
Within Martial Arts City, large-scale events are held monthly, while smaller ones are held weekly.
**Section 247**
The prize money for winning is substantial!
The larger the tournament, the higher the prize.
Needless to say, the lure of money tempted many!
After all, truly virtuous people are rare in this world!
Martial arts masters from all over the world flocked to Martial Arts City.
Of course, both the arrival of these masters and the construction of Martial Arts City took time.
During this patient wait, finally… something exciting happened!
The Straw Hat Pirates successfully arrived at Syrup Village and, with Kaya's help, defeated Kuro, the Captain of the Black Cat Pirates.
What pleased Ryuzaki even more was the stimulation the Straw Hat Pirates received from being thoroughly defeated by him, coupled with Usopp's words, "A pirate ship is also a crewmate," which greatly resonated with the Straw Hat Pirates.
Watching the **Going Merry** set sail, Ryuzaki smiled!
It has begun, it has finally begun!
The Straw Hat Pirates' Ship Spirit is about to be born.
Now, all that's needed is to wait patiently.
Ryuzaki sat leisurely on the beach, enjoying the sea breeze, and took out his Den Den Mushi.
He had a plan, an evil plan!
The Den Den Mushi rang, and the voices of the Five Elders came through.
"Sword Immortal, you contacted us first, what's the matter?"
"Hehehehe... Five Elders, do you want to capture **Dragon**?"
"Dragon?"
The Five Elders on the other end of the Den Den Mushi were overjoyed. "Hey, you have information about Dragon?"
"Don't get excited, don't get excited, you're all old, calm down."
Knowing Ryuzaki's temper, the Five Elders didn't waste any words.
"Speak, what do you want, kid? As long as we can satisfy you, we will."
"It's so refreshing to talk to smart people." Ryuzaki didn't mince words: "My request is very simple, **Drum Island** and **Jaya** are mine!"
The Five Elders were stunned when they heard this request, but they quickly understood.
Drum Island and Jaya were not large, but geographically they were located one in front of the other in Alabasta.
**Chapter 172: The Deal with the Five Elders (Part 2)**
Drum Island and Jaya aren't large islands, but geographically they are located one after the other in front of Alabasta.
One of the pirate routes on the Grand Line is Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, Drum Island, Alabasta, Jaya…
If you were to compare it to a bus route, then Drum Island, Alabasta, and Jaya would be three adjacent stops.
The Five Elders were silent!
Ryuzaki, however, was in no hurry, waiting patiently.
Unlike his previous demands for money, now Ryuzaki was demanding an island—no, a country.
Even though there was a small country called the **Drum Kingdom** on Drum Island, it was still a country. Allowing Ryuzaki to attack and occupy the Drum Kingdom, and even forcing the World Government to acknowledge its legality…
the Five Elders were conflicted, truly conflicted!
What would other countries think if this precedent were set?
*So, the Sword Immortal and the Five Elders conspired to steal my things? Is that really appropriate?*
*They took Drum Kingdom today, but what about tomorrow? Which one will they destroy tomorrow?*
The Five Elders were conflicted and hesitant. This was a difficult situation to handle, but… the allure of Dragon was undeniable, simply too tempting!
It was like the world's most beautiful and pure goddess standing naked before a show-off—the outcome was predictable. No matter how much the show-off resisted, he shamefully chickened out!
The Five Elders were no exception; in less than three minutes, they shamefully backed down!
If they could really capture Dragon, those two islands, those few countries, they could just give them to Ryuzaki!
What a small matter! The World Government has so many member states.
Aren't so-called allies just for selling out?
And then, **Wapol** of Drum Kingdom was sold out by the Five Elders!
A few days later, the World Government publicly issued a statement recognizing Ryuzaki's rule over Drum Island and Jaya, and acknowledging the legitimacy of his rule.
Incidentally, they also severely criticized Wapol of the Drum Kingdom, thankfully for his extensive history of tyranny, cruelty, disregard for the lives of his people, and even the creation of the inhumane "Doctor Hunt" law, which led to the decline of what was once a medical superpower.
Of course, they also praised Ryuzaki, saying how excellent he was, how diligent and caring he was after succeeding to the throne of the Alabasta Kingdom, solving Alabasta's water shortage problem—a truly excellent king!
A few days later, the Alabasta Kingdom sent troops to occupy Drum Island and Jaya.
The news came in waves, shocking many.
But there are always intelligent people in this world, and many vaguely guessed at the clues.
On the *Moby Dick*!
"Pops, something's fishy! That bastard Ryuzaki has definitely made some kind of deal with the World Government!"
"That's right, Pops. Perhaps the World Government is using this to get that guy Ryuzaki to attack us."
"Gurarara... You stupid sons, who do you think I am? I'm Whitebeard!"
"Pops—"
A deal!
Yes, a deal!
Many smart people guessed that Ryuzaki had definitely made some kind of deal with the Five Elders, but that was all. No one knew the specifics of the deal.
***
**Section 248**
Meanwhile, in a secret meeting room in Alabasta, the most elite forces were gathered.
Ryuzaki, Fujitora, Shiryu, Enel, Law, Lami, Reiju, and Kuina!
Ryuzaki sat at the head of the table, tapping his fingers on the table.
"You're all curious why I've summoned you all here, aren't you?"
**Chapter 173: The Crisis in Loguetown**
"Hmph!" Shiryu lit a cigar: "It's probably to deal with some big shot!"
"That's right, this big shot is the leader of the Revolutionary Army—Dragon!"
"Dragon?"
Everyone in the meeting room was stunned.
They all knew of Dragon—the world's most notorious criminal and the leader of the Revolutionary Army.
But the problem was, Dragon and his Revolutionary Army were always hiding, and the World Government's various spy organizations had searched the world but hadn't found them. They couldn't even find them, let alone capture them.
"Mr. Ryuzaki, do you perhaps have clues about Dragon?"
"That's right!"
"Then should we go to war with the Revolutionary Army?"
"No, there's no need for that. We'll just capture Dragon; he'll be alone."
"Ryuzaki..." It was Lami who spoke.
"Just say whatever you have questions!"
"Yes!" Lami voiced his doubts: "The World Government hasn't attacked us because of the distraction caused by the pirates and the Revolutionary Army, so they can't spare any resources to deal with us, right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Then Ryuzaki, why do you want to capture Dragon? What if we wipe out the Revolutionary Army? Won't we become the World Government's next target?"
"Yahahaha... What's there to be afraid of? Let's just attack Mary Geoise..."
Ryuzaki glared at Enel speechlessly; this guy really didn't have much of a brain.
"Lami, your concerns are valid. But Lami, I only said I wanted to capture Dragon, not kill him!"
"Eh? But… but the World Government will publicly execute him, won't they?"
"Public execution!" Ryuzaki grinned. "Whether he'll be publicly executed or not, I'm not sure, but Dragon will definitely be imprisoned in Impel Down, and he'll also escape from there."
"Escape from Impel Down?"
Everyone looked at each other, confused.
"There's a Revolutionary Army mole inside Impel Down!"
"What? Really?"
The most surprised was Shiryu of the Rain, the former Head Jailer of Impel Down, who looked at Ryuzaki in disbelief.
Ryuzaki didn't hide it anymore and explained Level 5.5 of Impel Down, leaving everyone in the meeting room stunned.
*Holy crap, I didn't expect that Level 5.5 of Impel Down would harbor Ivankov and a whole bunch of others?*
If Dragon were imprisoned in Impel Down, Ivankov and the others would definitely go to rescue him. Wouldn't that mean Dragon was captured for nothing?
Everyone looked at Ryuzaki, thinking, *Our boss is too wicked! Using the Revolutionary Army like this, using the Five Elders like this, is that really okay?*
Ryuzaki waved his hand shyly, "Don't put it so harshly. Using him? I'm actually a good person!"
The plan was set: capture Dragon!
Then came training and waiting.
Having read the original work, Ryuzaki knew that Dragon would definitely appear. He would definitely see his beloved son Luffy off, and the location would be Loguetown!
The Straw Hat Pirates' journey took them past a sea restaurant (Baratie).
There, quite by chance, they encountered Hawkeye, the moss-headed Zoro challenged him, only to be easily defeated by the world's second-greatest swordsman (Now Ryuzaki is #1).
However, as the loser, Zoro displayed his courage and boldness, making Hawkeye look at him with new respect.
**Chapter 173: Loguetown Crisis (Part 2)**
However, as the loser, Zoro displayed his courage and boldness, earning Hawkeye's admiration.
"Surpass me, Roronoa Zoro..."
Amid Hawkeye's praise, the Dragon Blade—**Dragon Soaring** (Ryuo? The text used Ryuzaki's fake name "Dragon Soaring" or similar)—the sword entrusted by Ryuzaki to find its master, finally found a suitable owner! (Note: In canon, Zoro got *Yubashiri* and *Sandai Kitetsu* in Loguetown, but here Ryuzaki planted a sword earlier? The text implies Ryuzaki left a sword for him).
For the first time in his life, the Three-Sword Style swordsman Zoro possessed a Famous Sword (Meito).
Powerful!
Ferocious!
The sword is like the man, and the man is like the sword!
For a "man who fights like a wild boar," this sword couldn't be more fitting!
Luffy defeated **Don Krieg**, and along with his cook companion Sanji, they embarked on another voyage.
Carried by the Going Merry, they sailed towards their next stop—**Cocoyasi Village**.
Cocoyasi Village was no longer occupied by **Arlong**, and **Bellemere** was still alive, but the poor **Captain Nezumi** was still defeated by the righteous pirates!
Although Captain Nezumi's various misdeeds were exposed, he was, after all, a Marine officer!
The Straw Hat Pirates were finally starting to gain fame, and Straw Hat Luffy was experiencing his first major milestone: a bounty of 30 million Berries.
In the East Blue, where bounties are generally low, 30 million was enough to make him a notorious pirate!
With their next stop—Loguetown—crisis was beginning to descend.
Ryuzaki arrived in Loguetown several days early and infiltrated the Marine base.
Since he was early and had nothing much to do, he decided to train his Observation Haki!
***
**Section 249**
Steam rose, blurring the view, but the faintly visible peaks made Ryuzaki absolutely certain that a female soldier was bathing.
"Hmm? Glasses?"
Ryuzaki noticed the red-rimmed glasses on a nearby stool; they looked strangely familiar.
Ryuzaki rested his chin on his hand, thinking. *Glasses… so that means the girl is nearsighted? In other words, she can't see clearly!*
*Ah, I see!*
Ryuzaki understood, and then, with renewed courage, entered the warm mist…
"I'm so damn clever!"
Ryuzaki gave himself a thumbs up. Right now, Ryuzaki wasn't just training his Observation Haki—Sight—he was also incidentally practicing the Navy's Six Styles—*Kami-e*!
I dodge, I dodge… Damn, I'm awesome! I've actually mastered the *Lingbo Weibu* (a martial arts footwork technique).
Close range, close enough, it's all about the thrill, it's all about the adrenaline rush.
But seriously, girl, your nearsightedness seems a bit severe!
Oh, that... that delicate... that snow-white... that pink...
Ryuzaki kept swallowing, feeling a little ashamed, but... Ryuzaki gritted his teeth, it was all for training, that's right, that's how it is.
Although it didn't seem to last long, Ryuzaki felt his Observation Haki had improved. In the hazy mist, he could see the girl's face clearly, a familiar face.
"Huh? Kuina?"
Ryuzaki was stunned. In that instant, he almost got discovered. Luckily, Ryuzaki crouched down quickly, his gaze level with the girl's lower abdomen, and he saw...
enough stimulation, enough to make his blood boil!
This is a challenge!
That's right, it's a high-difficulty training. Look at my elegance, look at my grace, look at my multitasking.
"Ah, I understand!" Ryuzaki suddenly realized that the girl wasn't Kuina, but **Tashigi**. Because she looked so much like Kuina, Ryuzaki almost mistook her for someone else.
**Chapter 174: Patient Waiting**
This was a beautiful encounter! To be honest, Ryuzaki had always valued *Kami-e*, but never as much as he had today.
Amazing, incredibly amazing!
My *Kami-e*, paired with the other's severe nearsightedness.
Even though this was their first collaboration, they worked together so intimately!
Incredibly wonderful!
Incredibly wonderful!
For a fleeting moment, the distance between them was only 0.01 centimeters!
At that moment, Ryuzaki realized something.
Then, he broke through!
It was a breakthrough in realm; his Navy Six Styles: *Kami-e* instantly jumped from Lv 92 to Lv 93.
Ryuzaki understood; he had an epiphany!
I came quietly, I am beside you, I approach you, I approach you again…
but I don't let you notice!
Your graceful figure sways constantly.
I move with you, maintaining an indescribably wonderful distance!
This is my ethereal footsteps, a silent tapping!
This is my strong arm, waltzing with you.
Your soap fell, and you gently bent down to pick it up…
"Eek—"
A scream shattered the beautiful harmony.
A panicked girl—that was Tashigi's voice.
An angry fist—that was Ryuzaki's pounding.
In the alternate dimension, Ryuzaki was furious, swinging his fist and hitting his own crotch.
How could he act like this? Tashigi had only bent down to pick up a bar of soap, and you, this good-for-nothing, flew into a rage.
What a close collaboration!
All ruined by this impulsive thing!
Standing behind Tashigi, facing that ignorant girl, why… why be so impulsive!
"Is my level not high enough?"
Ryuzaki understood. Yes, his level wasn't high enough.
Even if I could reach the state of stillness, I couldn't reach the state of purity!
Stillness and purity!
These are two completely different levels.
Ryuzaki clenched his fist and sighed, "I still need to train a lot more!"
He rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.
Clearly, Tashigi was a great training partner; with her, things would definitely be much easier.
"Should I ask Tashigi for a spot in the Marines?"
Ryuzaki wondered, then nodded to himself. "It's okay, I'm so strong, Sengoku will give me face and send Tashigi to me."
***
**Section 250**
However, let's talk about that later!
For now, let's patiently wait for the Straw Hat Pirates to arrive.
Judging by the time, Straw Hat Luffy should arrive in Loguetown in three or four days at most!
Ryuzaki doesn't know where Dragon is hiding; perhaps he hasn't even arrived in Loguetown yet.
**Chapter 174: Patient Waiting (Part 2)**
Ryuzaki doesn't know where Dragon is hiding; perhaps he hasn't arrived in Loguetown yet.
But it doesn't matter, it doesn't matter.
Dragon will come out on his own. Ryuzaki remembers that in the original story, **Smoker** successfully pinned Straw Hat Luffy to the ground, and just as they were about to start arresting him, Dragon stopped him.
At that moment, amidst lightning and thunder, a face with square tattoos was revealed, wearing a dark green coat, striking a mysterious pose!
Everyone didn't quite understand, but they all thought Dragon seemed incredibly powerful.
As for why...? With lightning and thunder in the background, it was clear a big shot was making their entrance! A nobody's entrance is at most a firecracker!
"Dragon's entrance is something we should all learn from," Ryuzaki nodded in agreement, stroking his chin.
Waiting and waiting...
it's here, finally here!
The Going Merry, its prow resembling a cute little lamb's smile, sailed through the waves, carrying the Straw Hat Pirates, and finally arrived in Loguetown.
The Straw Hat Pirates were very eager to visit Loguetown; what he most wanted to see upon arrival was the execution platform—the execution platform of the Pirate King, Roger.
As for the others, Zoro went to buy swords, because his own sword was destroyed during his challenge to Mihawk, and the only usable one was the Dragon Swoosh (Ryuo/Previous gift), a Dragon-Slaying Blade.
As a Three-Sword Style swordsman, Zoro naturally needed to collect all three swords to feel secure.
Nami went shopping, Sanji went to buy groceries, and Usopp was repairing the ship.
Ryuzaki waited, quietly waiting.
He remembered that in the original story, Straw Hat Luffy was pinned to the ground by Smoker, seemingly while escaping back to the ship.
This gave him a general idea of the area!
The approximate location was between the execution platform and the Going Merry's docking point.
Inside the alternate dimension, Ryuzaki held a map of Loguetown, roughly confirming the location.
"Now I'll just wait!"
Ryuzaki looked out from the alternate dimension, but more so at the sky.
After all, when Dragon appeared, there would be a great storm; he'd just wait, the weather would change, and that would surely be the time for Dragon's appearance.
Having figured this out, Ryuzaki wasn't in a hurry. He believed he was at least 90% confident of capturing Dragon.
If Dragon was sufficiently wary and cautious of Ryuzaki, perhaps he wouldn't dare appear in Loguetown so easily!
However, Dragon did appear after all!
The man in the dark green coat silently appeared in Loguetown. A master of Dragon's caliber naturally possessed formidable Observation Haki; he could immediately tell if anyone was following him.
In the past, Dragon would never have dared to appear in a densely populated town, especially a symbolic place like Loguetown.
But over the years, Dragon had perfectly evaded the World Government's capture. Even though he remained cautious, he still possessed a certain arrogance.
Moreover, Dragon's strength had increased significantly.
Compared to a decade ago, Dragon's strength had indeed increased dramatically; he was stronger!
He only occasionally made an appearance, showing off a bit, trying to maintain his presence—otherwise, people would probably forget he was such a super-powerful figure!
Strength brought confidence.
Dragon believed that even if he were discovered, he had enough ability to escape.
Strength wasn't just about raw power.
Dragon possessed a more sophisticated intelligence system, and he believed that the Navy would never have suspected his secret appearance in Loguetown.
Although on the surface, Dragon maintained his usual composure, like a repressed pervert, beneath his calm exterior lay a hint of smugness.
Loguetown was peaceful; even with the occasional pirate disturbance, it remained remarkably calm.
The Revolutionary Army's intelligence gathering revealed no Vice Admirals, no, not even a Rear Admiral.
Therefore, even walking down the street with his head down, engaging in such extremely dangerous activities, Dragon showed no fear.
As the son of the hero Garp, as a member of a family wielding Conqueror's Haki, he smiled—a smile of utter disdain! He was a member of D, of pure blood, a true redeemer!
**Chapter 175: Ambush**
Just as the story unfolded, the Straw Hat Pirates, outmaneuvered by Buggy, smiled on the execution platform.
But just as the knife was about to fall on his neck, Straw Hat was saved by his awesome dad!
Buggy was struck squarely by lightning.
At that moment, everyone watching around the execution platform was shocked, thinking it was a miracle.
Only Ryuzaki, hiding in the alternate dimension, looked at the sky outside and knew, "Here it comes, the weather has begun to change, Dragon is about to appear!"
"With my eyesight, I can't even spot Dragon." Ryuzaki muttered to himself, his eyes wide open, staring at the sky outside.
"That guy, he's probably a Logia-type Devil Fruit user related to wind!"
Ryuzaki stroked his chin, guessing to himself.
Ryuzaki knew very little about Dragon, and not only did he know little, even the Navy didn't know much.
"Never mind, even if he's a Logia-type, I can still catch him."
Among Logia-types, the most troublesome are light and lightning, they're just too cowardly to bear!
If it's wind, Ryuzaki isn't afraid.