Chapter 1203 - 704: The Situation

Calm Belt.

As the tranquil sea area flanking the Grand Line, it’s always been a forbidden zone, isolating the Grand Line.

Without special methods, no ship dares to approach it; once nearby, even the wind ceases, leaving the ship stagnant there, only to be devoured along with its crew by the Sea Kings dwelling within the Calm Belt.

But that was before.

Now, at a sea area close to the Calm Belt, where there should be no ships at all, suddenly appeared a dozen ships lined up, quickly sailing together.

Although these ships have sails, nearing the Calm Belt, the wind weakens its effect, causing the sails to merely flutter slightly, indicating they shouldn’t be moving so rapidly.

Yet, at this moment, the ships seem propelled not solely by wind, as they swiftly sail on, entering the Calm Belt within a short span.

When Pirates meet Pirates, it’s either all-out conflict or mutual indifference, keeping a distance; however, although these ships aren’t linked together, they’re not far apart, glaring at each other, and then collectively gaze at the sea, clenching their weapons tightly, gulping nervously as cold sweat drips.

It wasn’t until the ships swiftly navigated through the Calm Belt for a while, with nothing occurring on the tranquil sea surface, and no huge shadows emerging that they finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Really!" A grim-faced captain exclaimed in delight, "We can cross the Calm Belt! Boys, the prosperous world awaits us!"

"Oh!!" The pirates on that ship cheered one by one.

"Idiot! Even sound can attract Sea Kings, shut your mouths! If you’re going to die, don’t drag us down with you!" A pirate on a nearby ship shouted angrily.

"What did you say! This is my ship, I can do whatever I want! If you’re so timid, retire early and give your ship to me!"

"This is for safety! You fool, let’s see how brave you are once we’re out of the Calm Belt!"

And so the two ships argued.

But no matter how much they argued, they still refrained from fighting. No one’s foolish enough to fight in this perilous Calm Belt, and they might not even fight after leaving it.

As for the other ships, they’ve already increased their speed, sailing even faster.

They’re here to get rich.

Being able to cross the Calm Belt, they’ll face the expansive two seas, and confront those who mostly lack mastery of Haki, inexperienced in the New World.

They are merely a flock of sheep!

And these sheep possess wealth that stirs envy!

They are not the first batch.

The first batch of pirates daring to venture to the Calm Belt has already made a round trip, returning with loaded cargo to O’hara for trade, earning a fortune!

Just the plundered gold is worth five billion Belly!

Not to mention even more goods.

And that’s from plundering just a few prosperous islands, not even reaching the kingdom they belong to, especially in the New World where prosperous islands are rare, but in the West and North Seas, there are countless.

The place is vast enough to accommodate them.

As for the local pirates...

Most have never been to the Grand Line, the few who returned are the worst of the defeated, there’s absolutely no need to worry!

They’re bound to make a fortune!

...

West Sea.

Kudena Island.

This is a large island not far from the Calm Belt region, though drifting outside the main continent of the West Sea, there are still enough islands and resources in this area, and this island, due to its large population and natural coastline, has gradually become a transit station often visited by merchants from the West Sea.

It’s also a very bustling island, with a major port town, along with over ten small towns, but that was before...

At this moment, the island’s buildings in small towns are in ruins, having suffered various degrees of attacks, with traces of fire in those farther from the coast, while those closer are charred, many buildings blown with large holes.

And the main town is a pile of broken walls, heavily damaged.

The local citizens, however, weren’t much injured.

Pirates only wanted wealth, retreating once they seized the goods.

For ordinary people, the loss is the hard-earned savings and the houses needing reconstruction, though wearing a grim look, they don’t feel it’s the end of the world.

Pirates, well, to them, the West Sea pirates and the Grand Line pirates are no different, regardless of who comes, the outcome will not differ much.

There’s one person crying with snot bubbles, exceptionally miserable, unaware ones might think he lost his mother.

In fact, even if he lost his mother, he wouldn’t be so grief-stricken.

He’s the island’s richest man, also its owner, suffering the most; his resources completely plundered, the factories relying on the island’s resources to produce also burnt, leaving nothing behind.

"If there’s nothing left, does it mean there’s no money to reopen the factory?"

While he was crying, a voice sounded from behind.

The wealthy man turned his head and saw a short, stubble-bearded man in a black suit, chewing a cigar with his hands pocketed, staring straight ahead.

That attire was very familiar to him.

A West Sea specialty... Mafia!

"I have no money left at all!"

The wealthy man shouted, "After the pirates came, now the Mafia wants to rob too?!"

"Don’t speak so pitifully, I know you."

The Mafia spat out a puff of smoke, saying, "Holmes, this island was never yours; you used to be a merchant from elsewhere, colluding with pirates to eliminate the local notable figures, then gradually bought land here through the Navy, becoming the owner. It’s simply returning how it came."