《One Piece: Magma of Absolute》Chapter 46: Barrett's Revenge

Somewhere on the Sky Island—Hidden Cloud Village.

The stronghold of the Shandians.

Guided by the map from Gan Fall, Sakazuki led Cricket through the drifting clouds until the outline of the Shandian camp appeared in the mist.

Whoosh!

The air split with a sharp hiss—three spears shot out, aimed straight for Sakazuki's heart, throat, and temple.

He didn't flinch. Raising a single finger, he faced the attack head-on.

Shhhk…

The spears pierced clean through his chest, neck, and temple, leaving gaping holes. But instead of blood, only molten magma oozed out, hissing as it dripped to the ground.

Across from him, the Shandian warrior's heart skipped a beat. Even with Sky Island's isolation from the Blue Sea, some things were common sense—this was no ordinary man.

The warrior yanked a rocket launcher-like weapon from his back.

BOOM!

He fired a burning shell at Sakazuki and blew a shrill whistle—an alarm for the entire village.

Sakazuki flicked his finger, but this was no ordinary Flying Finger Gun. The magma bullet he launched was jet-black, spinning with a thunderous roar as it tore through the air.

A blast of hot wind erupted along its path, carving a clear, cloudless corridor straight to the heart of Hidden Cloud Village.

The magma bullet smashed through the burning shell, then struck the Shandian guard. But instead of exploding, it simply barreled on, heading for the massive vine at the village center.

Just before impact, the black magma swelled and writhed, enveloping the Shandian warrior from head to toe. It cooled and hardened in an instant, leaving only his nose and eyes exposed.

BOOM!

The bullet slammed into the giant vine, gouging out a massive crater. The warrior, though immobilized, was otherwise unharmed—just a little singed.

The piercing whistle sent the entire village into high alert. In less than two seconds, every Shandian burst from their huts, weapons at the ready.

But there was no enemy in sight—only a cleared path, and two figures, one tall and one small, striding toward them.

An elder, his hair streaked with gray and his body adorned in ancient ornaments and a wolf-head pelt, raised his right hand to halt the others.

This was the Shandian chieftain.

Tension hung thick in the air as the villagers tightened their grips on their weapons, eyes fixed on the approaching strangers.

"We mean you no harm," Sakazuki called out as he stopped before the village. He raised his right hand, triggering another ripple of anxiety.

He pressed his finger downward. Behind the crowd, the hardened magma in the vine began to glow and soften, melting into a stream that flowed harmlessly to the ground. The trapped guard tumbled free, only slightly scorched, and glared at Sakazuki with wary eyes.

"State your purpose, Blue Sea dweller," the chieftain demanded, his voice rough but steady.

Sakazuki answered, "Do you know of Noland?"

The chieftain's eyes went wide in disbelief, shock flashing across his face. How could anyone from the Blue Sea know about their ties to Noland? The last time such a question was asked, it was generations ago, and only then by a wandering adventurer.

But the surprise faded quickly. The chieftain regained his composure, his voice hoarse but calm. "How do you—?"

"Looks like we've found the right place," Sakazuki said, then nudged Cricket forward. "He's a descendant of Noland. He came here searching for Kalgara."

"What?! Noland's descendant?!"

A wave of disbelief swept through the Shandians. The chieftain's hands trembled as he stared at the small boy. For a moment, he couldn't find his words.

"Truly…" Only now did he notice the chestnut-shaped head that matched the records passed down through generations. His heart overflowed with emotion. Tears welled up and spilled down his cheeks.

"Great Warrior Kalgara… Your sworn friend's descendant has come to find you…"

The chieftain knelt to gaze at Cricket, repeating "Good, good, good," over and over, his voice thick with joy.

He clasped Cricket's hand and beckoned Sakazuki to enter the village. Then he turned and shouted, "Bring out our finest—let's welcome our honored guests!"

"Yes!!"

The Shandian people's hospitality was overwhelming. Not a single person held back. The bonfire feast had barely begun before Cricket's table was piled high with food.

The chieftain sat beside him, eyes soft with kindness, treating Cricket like his own child. Laughter and conversation filled the air.

On the other side, the warrior who'd attacked earlier approached Sakazuki, face solemn, holding a massive bowl of wine.

"My actions earlier were out of line. Please forgive me, mighty adventurer."

He drained the bowl in a single gulp.

"No harm done," Sakazuki replied, raising his own bowl in salute before downing it as well.

The celebration reached its peak, with singing and dancing lasting late into the night. Eventually, the revelry faded as the villagers drifted off to sleep.

The chieftain and the great warrior Clen entered the guests' tent, pausing to smile gently at the sleeping Cricket. Sakazuki rose and followed them out onto a giant vine leaf overlooking the village.

The three sat in silence, gazing down at the flickering campfires below.

"Respected adventurer," the chieftain began, "I noticed Cricket seemed hesitant today. Did you come here for something more than searching for Great Warrior Kalgara?"

Sakazuki nodded, eyes fixed on the camp below. "That's right. There's one more thing."

"Gan Fall asked us to deliver his wish for reconciliation."

Clen stirred, agitation in his eyes, but the chieftain held him back. After a long silence, he looked toward Cricket's tent.

"And… is this also Cricket's wish?"

Sakazuki studied the chieftain's face. If Cricket had made the request himself, as Noland's heir, the Shandians would surely accept it.

"No. Cricket hasn't made a choice. The decision is yours alone."

The chieftain smiled, relief softening his features as he glanced again at Cricket's tent. But then his expression darkened. Four hundred years…

"What a cruel joke. Four centuries of humiliation—do you think a single word of reconciliation can wipe that away?! Four hundred years…!"

"Enough, Clen!" the chieftain barked, restraining his emotional companion. The heaviness on his face betrayed his own inner turmoil.

"Four centuries of hatred… it's understandable. No outsider can force a choice."

He paused, then added, "By the way, the lost Lamp of Shandora—it's at the top of the giant vine piercing through Upper Yard."

Sakazuki's voice was calm. "No one can make this decision for you." He stood, leapt down from the vine leaf, and left the two men alone in the heavy silence.

It was destined to be a sleepless night.

—

At dawn, Sakazuki and Cricket emerged from their tent. The chieftain, looking weary, mustered a faint smile as he approached.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Sakazuki… we…"

"I understand," Sakazuki replied, nodding. He patted Cricket on the shoulder, letting him say his goodbyes.

It was time to move on. The Ark Maxim was still their top priority.

The chieftain called the villagers together. With heavy hearts, they bid farewell to Cricket. Even the mighty Clen blinked away tears as he watched them go, turning at last to gaze up at the statue of Great Warrior Kalgara, lost in thought.

Blue Sea. Grand Line, first half—Derek Island.

On the border between the Endless War Nation and the Kingdom of Galzburg, a small town lay battered by conflict.

Thud!

A figure was tossed to the ground, surrounded by several bloodied, unconscious youths—all in uniform, but clearly just children.

Scrape—!

The sound of a heavy jar dragging across the ground echoed. A hulking figure, many times larger than the others, stepped into view. His eyes glinted with savage glee.

Crack!

He smashed the wine jar over one boy, splattering strong liquor across the wounded group. The alcohol seeped into their injuries, jolting them awake.

"Hiss!!"

"Ugh…"

"What's happening?"

"This is…"

"Ba… Barrett."

"What do you want?!"

The children, wincing in pain, glanced around in confusion—until they saw Barrett. Fear flickered in their eyes, but they forced themselves to stay calm.

"Heh." Barrett grinned, stepping forward.

He seized the throat of the first boy who'd called his name. The child tried to scream, but Barrett's grip was unyielding. His limbs were already broken—there was no escape.

"Mmm! Mmm!"

Crack!

The sickening snap of bone echoed. The boy went limp. Barrett tossed him aside and moved to the next.

"No! Barrett, I'm sorry!"

"Please, spare me!"

"It was all Bread's idea!"

"We were forced—please!"

"No…!"

"Mmmmmm!"

Crack! Crack! Crack!

No matter how they begged or struggled, the sound of snapping bones filled the air—then, only blackness.

At last, Barrett stood over the final victim. This one was in the worst shape—limbs shattered, tongue torn out. He could only stare in mute terror as Barrett approached.

Bread looked up at the emotionless face looming over him, paralyzed by dread. He writhed in agony, but it was useless. All he could do was watch as Barrett's hand reached for his head.

BANG!

His skull burst like a melon, blood splattering across Barrett's face. The savage glint in his eyes made the scene even more monstrous.

Thud!

With a single yank, Barrett tore the medal from Bread's chest—the honor that should have been his. He pinned it solemnly to his own uniform, over his heart.

~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~

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