HST: Chapter 131: Foward

The next day, Hancock, who had received "formal treatment", appeared much more normal.

Although she didn’t immediately integrate into the team, her attitude had clearly changed.

Of course, her passionate feelings toward Caelan hadn’t changed at all.

Caelan lay back in his beach chair while Hancock massaged his shoulders, and Rindo massaged his legs.

Rindo was feeling a bit resentful.

“Caelan, is my massage to your liking?” Hancock asked carefully.

“Very good,” Caelan praised generously.

Recognized for her effort, Hancock smiled in satisfaction and became even more focused.

However, while Caelan was enjoying the double massage, his mind was elsewhere.

----

[Host: Caelan Alaric]
[Template: Berserker Heracles 100%, Lancer Karna 41%]
[Berries: 60 million]
[Strength: A+↑]
[Durability: A↑]
[Agility: A↑]
[Magic: A↑]
[Luck: A]
[Noble Phantasms: EX]

[Personal Skills]: Magic Resistance (C), Riding (A), Discernment of the Poor (A), Uncrowned Martial Arts (—), Battle Continuation (B), Mana Burst (Flame) (A), Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)

[Other Skills]: Swordsmanship (A), Armament Haki (A), Observation Haki (A), Conqueror’s Haki (A)

[Noble Phantasms]:
• God Hand: The Twelve Labors (B)
• Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)
• Kavacha and Kundala: O’ Sun, Become Armor (A)
• Brahmastra (A)
• Brahmastra Kundala: O’ Brahma, Curse Me (A+)
• Vasavi Shakti: O Sun, Abandon Thy Crown (EX)

---

He had received 500 million berries yesterday, pushing the Karna synchronization progress from 36% to 41%.

But the remaining 59% still gave Caelan a headache.

“If I can’t be a bounty hunter, I need to find a new way to make money,” Caelan thought darkly.

Now that he had become an enemy of the World Government, turning in pirates for bounties was no longer an option.

He had to find a different source of income.

Perhaps, it was time to build his own force.

After all, the Four Emperors of the New World and even other famed pirates were never short on money.

The reason was simple—their immense power.

In addition to elite officers, they commanded fleets of four to five thousand, with territory spanning multiple nations.

These massive forces allowed them to divide and control the resources of the New World.

Money flowed in endlessly.

There were also people rushing to fulfill every need they had.

It was truly a life befitting an emperor.

To possess strength was to possess authority.

And absolute strength brought absolute power.

The existence of the Four Emperors and the World Government was the perfect embodiment of this truth.

“Therefore, my current goal is to form a true Four Emperors-level force and seize a territory rich in resources.”

After a moment’s contemplation, Caelan made his decision.

Of course, he didn’t plan to be as tyrannical as Kaido or Big Mom.

What he wanted was an unmatched war machine that could dominate all armed forces.

He would provide protection to countries and guide—or interfere with—their development. In exchange, he’d charge hefty commissions and protection fees.

Slowly, he would expand his power until he had the entire pirate world in the palm of his hand.

Yes, expansion was the key.

Right now, his power was like a nuclear bomb—capable of wiping out everything. But a scorched, broken world was not what he wanted.

Only by expanding his power to a point where he could rule the world intact could he truly become its king.

“Still, that’s a long way off. What matters now is entering the New World first. The rest can wait.”

Caelan opened his eyes and stopped thinking.

He looked around. The women were training on the deck.

“Everyone, stop for a moment. I have something to announce.”

Caelan clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Our next destination is the New World, and we’ll be establishing our foothold there.”

The women all nodded, their eyes filled with anticipation.

“The first half of the Grand Line is separated from the New World by the Red Line. There are only two ways to get across.”

“One is with permission from Marine Headquarters, passing through Mariejois.”

“We’re not even going to consider that route.”

“So our only option is to coat the ship at the Sabaody Archipelago and pass through Fish-Man Island via the deep sea.”

This was a dangerous route—with a 70% mortality rate.

But that meant nothing to Caelan’s crew.

“In fact, there’s a third option. Nojiko now has the Float-Float Fruit, which can make our ship fly through the sky.”

“She’s still getting used to her powers though, so we’ll need to wait a bit.”

Caelan glanced at Nojiko and added.

The Float-Float Fruit was a strategic ability. With its high mobility, concealment, and deterrent capabilities, it allowed a ship to traverse the world without detection—practically impossible to track.

“I’m sorry, everyone. I’ve made us take the longer route. I promise I’ll work harder!”

Nojiko bowed apologetically.

She silently swore to herself that she would do better for Caelan’s sake.

She couldn’t let him down.

“It’s fine. Fish-Man Island is known as an undersea paradise. It’s a great opportunity to relax a little.”

“There are not just mermaids and wonders to see, but also a Poneglyph. I think Robin will be especially interested.”

Caelan spoke casually.

“Awesome!”

The women all cheered in unison.

“A Poneglyph? I’m really looking forward to that,” Robin said with anticipation.

“I think you’re also looking forward to the mermaids, Caelan,” Vivi said teasingly.

“Sigh...” Caelan turned his head away and ignored her.

“Who should we get to coat the ship?” Nami asked.

Coating wasn’t something just anyone could do. Only professionals could handle it.

“Let’s go find our old friend—Silvers Rayleigh, the master of coating.”

“And while we’re at it, we can tell him about Amazon Lily.”

A glint appeared in Caelan’s eyes.

“I’m so touched!” Hancock cried, ignoring everything else except the second part of the sentence.

He was going to Rayleigh for the sake of Amazon Lily.

If this wasn’t love, then what was?

Caelan was speechless.

That was part of the reason, sure.

The other part?

Other coating experts cost money.

Rayleigh was free.

He had saved Rayleigh’s life.

He could’ve killed him, but didn’t.

That was a life-saving favor.

(To be continued.)