New Shining Star |『 Male Reader 』• One Piece

Page 37: Echoes of War

"The time is the Great Pirate Era!"

"Countless pirates fight desperately for the One Piece, the great treasure left behind by Gold Roger, the Pirate King."

"Y/n L/n, a young man whose body can transform into a buffalo after eating the Ox Ox Fruit Model Water Buffalo, also takes the sea to become the Pirate King."

"As Y/n and his friends overcome numerous adventures, the World Government is less and less able to ignore their existence."

"The crew, on its way to the New World, will speed along the Grand Line again today!"

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a pale glow across the Jianguo territory, the air was thick with tension. Soldiers moved with a grim determination, their amour clinking softly as they marched past the ancient hall.

Zhenli crouched behind a large stone wall and watched as a troop of Jianguo soldiers marched past. "They're already moving out," he muttered. Hiding again, he counted the seconds as the last soldiers disappeared from sight.

Once he was sure they were far enough away, he straightened and glanced back at them. "I need to find Mingjing as fast as possible," he realised before frowning. "But would she help us or side with father?" he wondered. Then, shaking his head to dismiss the thought, he sneaked inside the building.

With newfound determination, he continued his stealthy journey through the Jianguo territory, avoiding the wandering soldiers with practised ease. His intimate knowledge of the area served him well. But he knew that time was precious, and each second felt like an eternity.

Finally, he reached a familiar door. He pushed it open cautiously and slipped inside, closing it softly behind him. The room he entered was dimly lit, the smell of parchment and ink filling the air.

Walking forward, Zhenli's eyes scanned the room, taking in the details of the plans laid out before him. Maps of the Gaia Kingdom were spread across the table, marked with intricate notations and strategies. His father's handwriting was unmistakable, precise and commanding.

"He is planning an all-out assault," realised Zhenli, looking at the documents. Then, his eyes widened when he glanced at something. "He even plans to ask them to participate in this?" wondered the mink before furrowing his brows.

"But why can't I see Mingjing's name in all this?" he wondered, looking through the various documents and the map displayed. "It's as if she isn't part of any strategy," he realised as his fingers traced the map's lines. "As always, he thought of every possibility," said Zhenli.

*Slam*

Before Zhenli could process what he was seeing, the door burst open behind him. He spun around, his heart leaping into his throat. Zhongli stood in the doorway, flanked by several soldiers. His presence was commanding, his eyes cold and calculating. A cruel smile played on his lips as he regarded his son.