I, Uchiha Hikaru, have joined the chat group.

Chapter 323 The Celestial Dragon and the Little Boy

"...So, the one who defeated Ace and handed him over to the World Government was that guy nicknamed Blackbeard?"

Rayleigh repeated the name, looking puzzled.

Blackbeard and Shanks were about the same age; when the Roger Pirates disbanded, Blackbeard was just a teenager. He then lived in seclusion on Whitebeard's ship for twenty years, never revealing his identity, so much so that even the well-informed Rayleigh had never heard of him.

but……

If we mention his other identity, it's a different story—

"Blackbeard's full name is Marshall D. Teach."

"?!"

Rayleigh's pupils suddenly contracted: "Could it be that D...?"

"Yes, the D in 'D Clan'."

Uchiha Hikaru nodded: "Of course, he shouldn't have any blood relation with your captain or Ace. Capturing Ace and handing him over to the Navy was just to gain merit to become a Shichibukai, so he could take the opportunity to develop his own power."

According to the World Government's regulations, only the Seven Warlords of the Sea can apply to enter Impel Down when there is nothing to do.

That's why Blackbeard wanted to use this method to recruit Impel Down prisoners into his fleet. In the original timeline, Hancock also used this method to bring Luffy, who wanted to save Ace, into Impel Down.

just now.

Hikaru Uchiha's attitude towards Luffy was to push them aside so they wouldn't get in the way during the Marineford War.

So, what about the black beard...?

Naturally, everyone should be treated equally.

Especially since this guy is an ambitious troublemaker, it's better to get rid of him beforehand than to let him become a menace, lest things get complicated.

"Let's find some time later and take Xiao Ai and the others to the Calm Belt to meet that guy."

Uchiha Hikaru thought to himself.

"It's said that Blackbeard has three hearts?"

If that's really the case...

That's something we could consider. We could capture this guy and take him back to Kikyo and Tamayo as a research subject. Perhaps he could even be of some medical value.

……

Rayleigh agreed to join the plan to rescue Ace.

However, now is not the time to take action.

We need to take some time to confirm Ace's information before waiting for Yamato, Brand, and the others to return. Anyway, there's still some time before Ace is taken to the execution platform, so there's no need to rush.

Take this opportunity.

Uchiha Hikaru pulled Esdeath aside and discussed matters related to Haki training with Rayleigh.

Previously, Esdeath had already "awakened" Conqueror's Haki during her battle with Shanks.

Through these practical observations, Uchiha Hikaru had roughly figured out the technique of "exploding ki," so he was no longer very curious about Conqueror's Haki.

What she wants to explore now is Observation Color.

Especially for someone like Roger, who, after honing his skills to the extreme, possessed the ability to hear the inner voice of all things—the Observation Haki. If they could thoroughly understand the principles behind this ability, it would undoubtedly be of great benefit to their cultivation of "Ki."

present.

The three of them formed a small exchange and discussion group in the woods behind Xiaqi's Bar.

After obtaining permission, Luffy and Zoro also stayed on the sidelines as observers.

In the original storyline, they only began training in Haki under Rayleigh and Mihawk respectively after the Celestial Dragons incident. Now, due to Hikaru Uchiha's intervention, it's been brought forward by a few months, but Rayleigh hasn't said much, only occasionally asking Luffy a few questions and subtly observing his responses.

Hmm... it's probably because they saw Luffy's straw hat?

the other side.

Bulma quickly became friends with the other members of the Straw Hat crew, especially Nami, Chopper, and the mermaid Camie who came along.

The group even made plans to go shopping for clothes together, and they dragged Naruto along as well.

Originally, Uchiha Hikaru was wondering whether the incident in the original work, where the mermaid Camie was kidnapped by human traffickers and Luffy and his crew caused a ruckus at the slave auction, would happen again, now that Bulma knew the plot.

but……

However, the situation developed in a way that exceeded her expectations—

[Bulma @ Anonymous: Hikari, something bad has happened! We think we've run into a Celestial Dragon!]

Bulma: [photo.jpg]

[Nameless: Hmm... With such an ugly appearance and such an idiotic demeanor, he must be a Celestial Dragon. Is he causing you trouble? Should I go over there?]

Uchiha Hikaru wasn't worried about what the Celestial Dragons would do to Bulma and the others.

After all, Bulma isn't as weak as she appears on the surface; she does have some means of self-defense. With the Straw Hat crew around, dealing with ordinary Celestial Dragons and their bodyguards shouldn't be a problem.

As for the Marine Admirals who will spawn after defeating the Celestial Dragons...

Even Kizaru couldn't possibly be faster than "Shangri-La." She would have plenty of time to arrive at the scene before the other party did.

but……

Bulma: Well... the situation is a bit complicated, so I'm not sure what to say.

【nameless:?】

……

Let's rewind to 15 minutes ago.

Bulma and Nami had just come out of the clothing store when they heard a commotion nearby.

It was a man wearing a resin bubble headband, riding on a slave, and surrounded by a dozen bodyguards wielding spiked clubs, walking along the long street. Any passersby who blocked their way were either slapped with a club or grabbed by the collar and unceremoniously thrown aside.

Within just two or three minutes, many people had been hit on the head and were bleeding profusely, running away with their heads in their hands.

The once bustling street quickly became deserted.

"...So this is what the Celestial Dragons are like. They are indeed very domineering, even more so than the imperial nobles of the Akame ga Kill! world."

Bulma pulled Naruto toward the side of the road while muttering to herself.

Nami, standing nearby, paused for a moment, then asked, "The Red Empire? Is that a country on the Grand Line too?"

"I guess so..."

Bulma mumbled.

These few whispered words seemed to have been overheard by the Celestial Dragon. He turned his head, his eyes immediately lighting up, and waved to the bodyguard beside him.

then.

Several bodyguards strode towards Bulma and her group.

"Oh no, they're coming... Where are Sanji and the others?"

Bulma looked nervous.

At this moment, Naruto jumped out, forming hand seals as he rushed towards the other side: "Bulma, don't panic, I'll protect you... Sexy Jutsu!"

As the smoke cleared, the figure of the blonde girl appeared on the street.

The bodyguards were stunned for a moment.

"Um... how did he suddenly turn into a girl? Do we still need to bring him to Saint Sidrakh?"

"Never mind, just bring them back first."

After a brief exchange, several bodyguards swarmed around Naruto, restrained him, and took him back. Bulma and Nami, who were behind them, were completely ignored.

[Nameless: ...So, the Celestial Dragon wanted to kidnap Naruto?]

(End of this chapter)