I, Uchiha Hikaru, have joined the chat group.

Chapter 319 Next Steps

"...In other words, the time and place at which the Navy transports 'Heavenly Gold' to Mary Geoise each year are not fixed, but are randomly selected from dozens of large member states over a period of time."

Furthermore, there are multiple alternative shipping routes for the transport; no one knows which route will be taken until the actual departure.

"Yes."

Redhead nodded: "Although it is a 'random selection,' there are patterns to be found in both of these choices. I have spent time studying this before and can roughly guess where this year's 'Golden Sky' fleet will depart from."

"..."

Uchiha Hikaru narrowed his eyes slightly.

She didn't doubt the redhead's intelligence capabilities.

After all, Doflamingo, who simultaneously held the identities of a pirate and a Celestial Dragon, had once obtained information about the "Celestial Gold" and successfully intercepted it with his crew. Shanks, whose status and influence far surpassed Doflamingo's, and who even had direct access to the Five Elders, naturally also had his own sources of intelligence. However…

Why should I tell you?

Redhead seemed to think for a moment, then laughed loudly: "Maybe it's because I want to see something different on this sea. Like that brat I met in the East Blue, and you guys now... If it's you guys, maybe you can bring some different scenery to this world."

"……is that so?"

Uchiha Hikaru smiled and didn't press the matter further.

Next.

Shanks marked the map he brought and then handed it to Bulma.

There are three departure points marked on the map, and there are also three corresponding flight routes.

"Although I guess this is the starting point for 'Heavenly Gold,' it's not impossible that it might change to another starting point at the last minute. But no matter which route you choose, the navy fleet will definitely pass through this area. You can go to this rendezvous point in advance and lie in ambush, then come out and rob it when the navy passes by."

The redhead offered an explanation.

"Understood."

Uchiha Hikaru nodded.

For her, this was not a problem at all.

Even if Shanks gives 30 starting points, it's nothing more than a matter of "multiple shadow clones".

In addition, with the Imperial Arm "Shangri-La", she can send Bulma and the others to any location without wasting too much time traveling.

However, there's no need to reveal this kind of information to Shanks.

"In conclusion, thank you for this information, Mr. Shanks."

Uchiha Hikaru bowed slightly and thanked him, saying, "In return, we'll send you a few doses once the 'Demon Transformation Potion 2.0' is improved. It's a super recovery drug we're currently developing; it should be able to regrow your severed left arm."

"……what?"

The redhead was taken aback.

As a newcomer who had only overheard some information from Whitebeard, he naturally had no idea of ​​the existence of the "Demonization Potion".

Kikyo and Tamayo's clinical trials in this area are indeed not yet complete, and prematurely praising the effects of this product could easily lead to being proven wrong later. Therefore, after exchanging contact information with Shanks and imprinting the "Eight Thousand Spears" seal, Uchiha Hikaru watched as the latter boarded the pirate crew and led them away.

"Okay."

After watching the Red-Haired Pirates disappear into the distance over the sea, Uchiha Hikaru turned around and stretched lazily.

"We've met the people we needed to meet, so it's time to consider how to proceed with our next steps."

……

There's still some time before this year's "Heavenly Gold" shipment arrives.

Therefore, Uchiha Hikaru was not in a hurry to go to the place Shanks mentioned.

After a small meeting within the "Dimensional Pirates," she and Bulma made arrangements for the crew's actions:

Kikyo, Tamayo, and Tanjiro stayed here to continue their experiments with the "Demon Transformation Agent 2.0" and treatment for Whitebeard, with the help of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Brand, Akame, Yamato, and the others boarded a ship belonging to a pirate crew under the Whitebeard Pirates and, accompanied by Vista the Flower Sword, headed to Banaro Island to check on Ace's current situation; they also took the opportunity to travel along the routes provided by the Red Line to spy on the Navy's movements.

—Actually, the first objective wasn't really necessary, because according to Uchiha Hikaru's speculation, Ace was probably already at Blackbeard's hands, and in a few days, they would likely see news reports in the newspapers that he had been handed over to the Navy by the latter. But Yamato was really worried, so she could only let her go.

As for the remaining members, including Uchiha Hikaru himself, Bulma, Esdeath, Naruto, and others...

"Let's go check out the Sabaody Archipelago."

"At this point in time, Kizaru and Kuma should both be there. Kuma is also a Revolutionary Army officer, so contacting the Revolutionary Army through him should be more convenient than contacting Ivankov in Impel Down."

That's what Uchiha Hikaru said.

also……

There was one more thing she didn't say—

If nothing unexpected happens, Luffy and his crew should be arriving at Sabaody Archipelago soon.

Uchiha Hikaru didn't harbor any ill will towards Luffy and his crew. After all, these guys were all pretty decent by nature, and they were the closest to Roger's crew on this sea. They didn't have much desire for fame and fortune; they wanted more to complete their journey around the world and reach the so-called "final island."

but.

During the operation to rescue Ace, Luffy's performance can only be described as reckless. He also inadvertently released a large number of pirates from Impel Down, causing considerable chaos to various countries on the Grand Line.

and so……

"Now that our 'Dimensional Pirates' have gotten involved, Luffy and the others should go back and get some rest."

"It's not too late to find an opportunity to meet with them after the 'Marineford War' is over."

I'll take a picture with Luffy and his crew then, which will satisfy my collecting obsession.

……

Time flew by and it was the third day after the redhead left.

By this time, Kikyo and Tamayo had moved all the necessary medical equipment to the temporary experimental base on the island.

then.

After saying goodbye at the dock, the members of the "Dimensional Pirates" split into three groups and set off towards their respective destinations.

"This sailing speed feels a bit slow..."

After sailing for more than ten miles in water-entry mode.

Bulma finally couldn't contain herself any longer, walked to the bridge in the captain's cabin, and pressed a button:

"Airplane mode activated!"

With a buzzing sound, the Blue Planet once again broke free of the water and soared into the sky!

(End of this chapter)