Chapter 22: Arrival at Saraka Island, a Lawless Island.

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I want to tell you that yesterday I started with a strong fever of almost 40, today I feel a little better, but I still apologize for not being able to upload the chapter yesterday. 

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Saraka Island, situated in the first half of the Grand Line, isn't particularly renowned. 

Once merely a deserted landmass, devoid of human presence, it was home only to numerous beasts and birds soaring in from the ocean. Its supposed fame is largely limited to the world of pirates. 

Those classified within the Grand Line are generally aware of its existence. 

Many pirates, prior to venturing into the New World, make a special detour to spend some time on Saraka Island. 

Some even choose to remain there for an extended period, establishing a foothold and abandoning the notion of advancing to the New World. 

Over time, this uninhabited island transformed into a small village, shaped by the continuous influx and spontaneous construction of pirates. 

This evolution was a significant development. 

Pirates from various factions, all dream-seekers navigating the sea of dreams, converged on Saraka, advocating for freedom and unrestrained living. They settled on the island, gradually transitioning from pirates to peaceful builders. 

Despite its transformation, Saraka Island lacks the treasures or devil fruits that typically attract pirates. It offers, at best, some mineral deposits and abundant wildlife. The island's magical allure remains a mystery, captivating the pirates who find solace in its lawless expanse. 

Saraka Island, once a blank canvas, has become a haven for pirates seeking respite from the constraints of society. 

Its past remains shrouded in mystery, but its present-day appeal lies in its status as a truly unrestricted zone—an island untouched by the influence of nations or civilian habitation. 

They have arrived at Saraka Island, a lawless territory not under the control of the World Government or the Marines. 

This makes it difficult for the Marines to intervene. 

Firstly, there is no valid reason to engage, and more importantly, it's too troublesome and not worth the effort. The island is home to many pirates and is located near the Calm Belt, close to the edge of the Grand Line. 

(T/N: I suppose the author forgot to mention which part of the Calm Belt. If it's located in the Calm Belt that separates the Grand Line from the South Blue, Marineford isn't necessarily far away, but if it's the Calm Belt that separates the East Blue, then it is quite far.) 

Traveling to Saraka Island from the Marine Headquarters requires a significant amount of manpower and material resources. 

Additionally, success is not guaranteed. The island houses numerous strong pirates who, when faced with a Marine expedition, would band together, something the Marines wish to avoid. 

(T/N: Of course, let's consider that if the Marines were serious, they would use a current naval admiral and there wouldn't be so much trouble.) 

Sending too many troops is futile, as the pirates can flee at any moment. If Marines spend twenty or thirty days traveling such a long distance only to find an empty island, the journey is wasted. 

Understanding the Marines' mindset, pirates are aware that it's unrealistic for the Marines to station troops here for an extended period. 

The island is considered a deserted paradise for pirates, free from Marine supervision. 

After careful consideration, the Marines have abandoned the idea of overseeing this place, as it would be a waste of personnel, troops, and resources. 

After eighteen days of sailing, Karl and Blackbeard's ship finally reached the waters near Saraka Island, marking the next chapter of their journey. 

It's useless to come with too many. People can escape at any time. The Marines spend twenty or thirty days running such a long distance to land, and when they arrive to see a ghost island, it's a wasted journey. 

Waiting for the Marines to withdraw, will the pirates return at some point? 

What's wrong with these guys? 

By pulling this off, the pirates fully understand the Marines' mentality. 

Furthermore, it's even less realistic to station the army for a long time, because it's unnecessary, it's a waste of personnel, troops, and resources, it's just a deserted island, where is it worth stationing troops here? 

If there are troops stationed on islands all over the world, it won't be enough to smash the Marines. 

Therefore, after careful consideration, the Marines gave up supervision of this place, and this place became an unrestricted area, a paradise for pirates. 

And the destination of Karl and Blackbeard's journey is also here. 

On the map, the location of the island is outside the Calm Belt, near the edge of the Grand Line. 

After eighteen days of sailing, the ship Karl and Blackbeard were on finally reached the waters near Saraka Island. 

In the last half month, the world has been plunged into total chaos! 

The World Government and the Marines have sent an unknown number of forces. Almost all organizations, if they can be used, are sent! 

The World Nobles have been missing for so long without any clues or anything, as if they had vanished into thin air, which made the World Government Bengbu live... 

The Holy House of Hosdor was even more furious and constantly pressing the armed forces, and various agencies! 

As if unable to find his son, he would let the Marines, CP0, and other organizations roam around. 

This time, not only the first half of the Grand Line, but the hurricane even reached the four seas and the New World! 

The whole world is searching for the whereabouts of Saint Leschar! 

No one knew, and no one dared to think that the true "culprit" never escaped. 

They're still in the first half, not fearless, but calmly having a few drinks, laughing happily, with clear goals like any good pirate entrepreneur developing and strengthening their force under the noses of the World Government... 

"Zehahahahahaha, this is the place, Karl, get ashore!" 

The large ship docked at Saraka Island's port, and Blackbeard jumped straight off the ship, with a big belly, observing the familiar yet unfamiliar scene before him. 

The island isn't large, about the size of a small island in the Sabaody Archipelago. That's why even at the port, you can hear the lively movement of the island. 

Near the port, there were also many pirates preparing to come and go. After glancing at Blackbeard's and Karl's ships, they turned their heads and didn't respond or raise an alarm. 

Blackbeard changed the pirate logo on the sails and flags of the large ship they were on. Just like in the original Pirates, there are three skulls, facing forward, left, and right, respectively. Behind the skulls are two crossed bones. It's the symbol of pirates. No one on this island will be surprised. 

"Let's go, let's see if there's anyone in this so-called pirate paradise that can catch your eye." 

At that moment, Karl also jumped off the ship. 

However, what he said drew many cruel looks... 

You know, here are all the pirates, who will obey whom! 

What's so special about being inaccessible to your eyes? How old is this stinky brat? 

Karl naturally felt these hostile looks, but he didn't care. 

If these trashy fish dare to do something, he doesn't care, he'll show them despair! 

This will be more beneficial for the future of his and Blackbeard's plans! 

However, Karl was disappointed. These vicious pirates had obviously been on this island for a long time, and they were all true barking dogs... 

Hostility is hostility, even if there are only two people in total, in the end, they won't do anything and are quite cautious. 

Obviously, these old grouchy dogs still don't dare to attack at will when it comes to real faces and invisible pirate flag signs, for fear of kicking the iron plate and being sent to the afterlife! 

You know, this is the real unrestricted zone! 

Revenge, fights, brawls, and even killing people and robbing treasures are not uncommon and happen almost every day. 

No one will care about this, even the pirate forces that have been stationed here for a long time act as spectators. 

Maybe in the end, it's like a hunter, waiting to find the best prey! 

"Forget it, since you don't dare to pull the trigger, then I will!" 

@Daoist5RvI4q, thank you very much my dear reader for always being present, *Cof*Cof* 

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