Chapter 154 Island of everything

The Grand Line wasn't a fixed-level game with set stages, nor was it inhabited solely by pirates.

Civilians, merchants, bounty hunters, and Marines also lived and thrived on these seas.

The so-called exception was the Eternal Pose.

If you possessed an Eternal Pose for a specific island, you could ignore the seven magnetic routes and head straight for that island.

In theory, if you had Eternal Poses for every island in the Grand Line, you could reach any island, provided you could survive the unpredictable weather of the Grand Line.

This was a feat even the World Government couldn't achieve.

Sig did indeed possess an Eternal Pose for Alabasta, allowing him to bypass the seven routes and head directly there.

But he wasn't planning to use it just yet.

His agreement with Crocodile was set for one month, and Sig felt it would be safer to go fully prepared...

The route Sig had chosen was an exception among exceptions.

"The route we've chosen is the one leading to the Island of Everything."

Stussy glanced at the Log Pose on her wrist and chimed in.

"Oh? You chose this route? It seems Sig, you're quite wealthy. Are you planning to buy the nautical charts and Eternal Poses for the area around the Florian Triangle?"

"When I saw you shouting 'Another Piece' in the newspaper, I thought you were just spouting nonsense... But it seems you really did obtain the Celestial Dragons' treasure."

Crocus praised.

"It seems I made the right choice by boarding your ship."

The Island of Everything, or the Island of Commerce, was actually a commercial hub, one of the key trading centers in the first half of the Grand Line.

Merchant ships from all four seas would gather here to exchange goods, making it one of the largest markets in the first half of the Grand Line, filled with products from all over the world.

Hence, it was called the "Island of Everything," where anything could be bought.

This "everything" included Eternal Poses for many islands in the Grand Line.

The Grand Line wasn't an easy path. If pirates encountered insurmountable obstacles and couldn't reach the next island, aside from pushing through, they could purchase Eternal Poses for other islands here and switch routes.

It was one of the seven initial islands accessible from Reverse Mountain and could be considered the last peaceful stop for rookie pirates entering the Grand Line.

That said, this route wasn't really designed for pirates.

It had another name.

The Golden Sea Route.

This was a trade route controlled by the Marines, with multiple Marine branch fortresses along the way. It was essentially a relatively safe commercial route carved out by the Marines.

The Marine branches in the Grand Line were on a completely different level from those in the four seas.

However, while this route was safe for merchants, it was a death trap for pirates.

Pirates with any sense would usually stop at the Island of Everything and not continue down this trade route.

The existence of the Island of Everything, like Laboon at Twin Capes and the Log Pose, was essential knowledge for rookie pirates entering the Grand Line.

In addition to Log Poses leading to the other six routes, some wealthier pirates would also prepare an Eternal Pose for the Island of Everything as a fallback, allowing them to switch routes.

"A rich man's solution?"

Sig was taken aback. He tentatively asked:

"Are Eternal Poses expensive?"

"I haven't been in the Grand Line for many years, so I really don't know the current prices."

Crocus didn't suspect anything and continued to explain:

"The price of an Eternal Pose varies depending on the island. Some special islands' Eternal Poses can even be considered priceless and extremely rare."

"But for someone like you, Sig, it's probably just pocket change."

Sig's heart skipped a beat.

He really didn't have much money on hand right now.

The funds of the mountain bandits mainly came from the treasures left behind by the Bluesum Pirates and the reward given by Kaya's parents in Syrup Village.

But that was it.

Sig had a crew of over two hundred people. While the funds were enough to keep them sailing for now, they were stretched thin.

If they wanted to make any big moves, like purchasing Eternal Poses, they would be in trouble.

Just as Sig was starting to worry, something Crocus said caught his attention.

"Sig, I know you're like Roger, someone who can't be bound by rules."

"But if you reach the Island of Everything, it's better to exercise some restraint."

Crocus hesitated before speaking.

"Mr. Crocus, are you underestimating our captain?"

A bald man emerged from the crowd, patting his chest and saying:

"The Island of Everything is backed by a powerful figure even the Marines turn a blind eye to. Ordinary pirates wouldn't dare cause trouble here, but what does that have to do with our Boss Sig?"

"If anyone dares to provoke our boss, even the Marines won't be able to save them."

Crocus paused for a moment but continued:

"I'm not talking about the forces behind the Island of Everything."

"Because of its abundant goods and thriving market, the Island of Everything occasionally attracts Celestial Dragons."

Crocus couldn't help but recall the news about Sig's previous incident.

"This Golden Sea Route has numerous Marine branch fortresses. If you mess with a Celestial Dragon, you'll immediately be surrounded by a massive fleet of Marines."

"Sig, I know you're strong and might be able to break through such a Marine fleet, but..."

Crocus's gaze fell on the sea beside the pirate ship, where the island-sized Laboon floated.

"Laboon is too big. He can't dodge Marine attacks... If something like that happens, Laboon and I will have to part ways with you early."

Crocus said this.

Celestial Dragons again...

"Alright, out of respect for you, Crocus, even if I encounter a Celestial Dragon, I'll spare their life."

Sig responded cheerfully on the surface.

But inwardly, he couldn't help but grumble: Who would deliberately provoke a Celestial Dragon? He wasn't some reckless rookie.

The incident in the Kingdom of Goa was purely for self-defense.

If he were to attack a Celestial Dragon again in the Grand Line, he wouldn't be as lucky as last time, when the unreliable Garp showed up.

As they chatted, the sky suddenly darkened.

Sig looked up and saw an endless expanse of black clouds rolling in.

Just moments ago, the sky had been clear, but now it was covered in dark clouds, signaling an impending storm.

And it wasn't just the storm. In the distance, the sea was churning with waves rising dozens of meters high, layer upon layer.