~ Support & Read 12 Advanced Chapters on Patreon
❁❁❁❁
Smoke curled from the chimneys of the small village on Wheat Island, as the residents prepared their evening meals.
The village, barely a hundred houses, was dotted with windmills and sacks of flour—a stark contrast to the poverty one might expect. After all, flour was a luxury in this world, a delicacy enjoyed by the wealthy, not farmers.
But under Big Mom's rule—survival was a luxury in itself.
Arthur, led by Novich and the villagers, entered the elder's home. It was modest, simple, and practical—no lavish decorations or ostentatious displays of wealth.
"We don't yet know your name, sir," Novich said respectfully, his head bowed, as he gestured towards the head of the table. The other villagers remained, seated around them.
Arthur understood their curiosity. In the New World—a name, a flag—they could offer protection against stronger forces, a deterrent to those with greedy eyes. If Wheat Island flew the flag of Whitebeard or Roger—Big Mom wouldn't dare to attack so openly.
"Seabury D. Arthur. Just call me Arthur. I'm here to have some fun, play a few games in the New World." He smiled, his tone casual, but his eyes held a glint of steel.
"WHAT??" Novich and the villagers gasped, nearly leaping out of their chairs.
Out of the frying pan, into the fire—Novich understood the saying now.
Thanks to Big Mom's propaganda—Arthur's name was infamous throughout the New World. He was the man who killed Whitebeard's son... an unprecedented act of defiance. Everyone was wondering how long he'd survive—Novich hadn't expected to meet him here, on his little island, this harbinger of chaos.
Now they'd offended not just Big Mom, but Whitebeard as well. Novich's face paled, cold sweat dripping down his brow.
Arthur's smile vanished, his voice turning cold. "What's wrong? Scared now? Don't tell me you're going back on our deal—"
The temperature in the room plummeted, the villagers shivering.
Arthur, in Novich's eyes—was clearly a man of unpredictable moods, his power—and his temper—dangerous.
Novich's jaw tightened as he weighed his options. They'd already angered Big Mom by failing to deliver the flour.
And Whitebeard? He was a distant threat, a legend whispered in hushed tones—"More fearsome than a demon." But Big Mom's wrath was immediate, palpable.
His decision was swift, decisive.
"No! Mr. Arthur, as long as you protect us from Big Mom—Wheat Island is yours! We swear our loyalty to you!" Novich declared, his voice firm, despite the tremor in his hands.
"A wise choice. Wheat Island—My first territory in the New World. It's only fitting. As for Big Mom…I have a little surprise for her." Arthur's smile returned, the tension in the room easing slightly.
Novich, relieved, let out a shaky breath. He had been certain Arthur was about to unleash his fury.
"Mr. Arthur, there's something else…"
"What is it?"
"One of Big Mom's Officers, Gram—he has a three hundred million Belly bounty—he's on his way to collect the flour. But…our stores are depleted…" He'd barely pledged his loyalty, and he was already asking for help. Even Novich, a man with decades of experience, felt a twinge of shame. But they were desperate.
Arthur's laughter boomed through the room, shaking the roof.
"This island is mine now—Everything on it belongs to me. If anyone wants to take it—they'll have to go through me. Hahahahaha!"
A three hundred million Belly bounty—that signified either a significant threat—or a ruthless killer. Arthur was intrigued.
Big Mom's Tea Party was fast approaching. And he hadn't brought a gift.
An Officer's head—that would be a suitable present. Arthur's lips curled into a cruel smile.
And anyone who dared to steal from his territory—they'd pay the price.
He waited patiently as Novich and the villagers filed out, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
A few minutes later—a villager returned, carrying a tray laden with pastries.
Arthur, having not tasted such delicacies in years, indulged, devouring the treats with gusto.
The flour-based pastries, enhanced by exotic New World ingredients, were surprisingly delicious.
Hours passed. Arthur, sipping tea, his gaze drifted towards the window.
"Mr. Arthur! Trouble!" Novich's son burst into the room, out of breath. "Big Mom's Officer—Gram is here!"
"I know." Arthur nodded calmly. "Stay calm."
Gram hadn't bothered hiding his approach. Arthur's Haki had picked him up miles away.
"Yes, sir!" The young man bowed and left.
Arthur stretched, his joints popping, then walked towards the edge of the village.
From across the golden wheat fields, he saw a ship, bearing Big Mom's distinctive Jolly Roger, anchored near the shore. A single figure stood on the deck.
"Is that…him?" Arthur asked, gesturing towards the figure—a Snakeneck, easily ten feet tall, his neck alone over three feet long, a long coat draped over his shoulders, a massive sword strapped to his waist. That distinctive long neck—it made him stand out in any crowd.
"Yes, Mr. Arthur. That's Snakehead Gram." Novich's voice was hushed, tinged with fear.
"Wait here."
Arthur didn't wait for a response, his hand raising, lightning crackling in his palm.
Zzzzzzt!
A bolt of lightning shot towards Gram, who'd just disembarked.
A Big Mom's Officer—sent on a solo mission, wouldn't be weak.
His bounty was higher than even Katakuri's—for now.
Gram reacted instantly, drawing his seven-foot-long sword, its blade flashing as it met Arthur's lightning bolt.
Clang!
Arthur's Divine Judgment, a concentrated blast of lightning—was cleaved in two, the electric current dissipating harmlessly in the air.
"Lightning?" Gram, turning his long neck, his gaze finally settling on Arthur, who stood a thousand yards away, his expression unreadable.
❁❁❁❁
~ 12 Advanced Chapters Available on my Patreon
https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)