Chapter Sixty-Four: A Temporary Farewell

A single sword cleaved the sea! Is this the true path of a great swordsman? Though in the original pirate story, Chu Yi had witnessed Shanks split the sky with a single slash, that had been merely in the pages of a comic. Now, seeing Rayleigh in reality divide an entire stretch of ocean with one stroke, Chu Yi found himself at a loss for words to describe the shock that overwhelmed him.

Yet amidst the awe, a different thought began to stir in Chu Yi’s mind—his own swordsmanship training! At this moment, relying on the accelerated experience gained through shadow clones and the peak of his physical strength, Chu Yi could barely manage to slice through waves with a single blow, completing the first step in his transformation from swordsman to great swordsman. But, not knowing how to further improve his swordsmanship, taking the second step toward that transformation seemed an almost impossible challenge.

What he needed was not only tireless practice, but a stroke of insight—a moment of enlightenment.

Now, with Rayleigh clearly outlining the three steps required for a swordsman to become a great swordsman, Chu Yi suddenly understood the path that lay ahead for him. At least regarding his swordsmanship, he now had a clear goal!

He wanted to say “thank you” after Rayleigh’s guidance, but the words caught in his throat and he swallowed them back.

Rayleigh probably wasn’t seeking gratitude, Chu Yi thought. There must be another reason for his attention.

As this realization dawned, Chu Yi met Rayleigh’s smiling gaze and nodded firmly. In that silent exchange, the two understood each other and sensed the words left unsaid.

But just as Chu Yi and Rayleigh were locked in this silent conversation, a shrill alarm suddenly echoed throughout the entire Sabaody Archipelago. Hearing the harsh sound, Rayleigh’s lips twitched sharply, then he smiled apologetically, “Haha, I got a bit carried away just now! Chu Yi, my young friend, it seems we must leave here quickly!”

“Agreed.” Chu Yi nodded, called for Tiger and the Hancock sisters, then secured Smoker and Lucci, turning to Rayleigh, “Rayleigh, do you know of any nearby islands where we could hide for a while?”

“I do, but…” Rayleigh glanced at Hancock behind Chu Yi and smiled, “But you should ask them what they think, shouldn’t you?”

“Them?”

Chu Yi had intended to find an island to hide away and train in swordsmanship and Haki, to become strong enough to protect Hancock and Tiger, and only then reappear on the seas—thus avoiding separation from Hancock and Tiger. Yet Rayleigh’s words made him realize his mistake: he had never sought the opinions of Hancock, Tiger, and the others.

Recognizing his error, Chu Yi knew time was short and quickly looked to Tiger and Hancock.

Tiger shrugged indifferently, making it clear he would follow Chu Yi wherever he went. But the one Chu Yi thought would have no objections—Hancock—suddenly fell silent.

After a long pause and several moments of hesitation, Hancock finally spoke her mind.

“Chu Yi… I fear we must be apart for a while…”

“Why?”

Before Chu Yi could ask, Sandersonia and Marigold chimed in together, “Sister, do you not like Brother Chu Yi anymore?”

“I do… I do like him!” For the first time confessing her feelings before Chu Yi, Hancock’s cheeks flushed hotly, and the words she was about to say made her feel even more shy.

Just then, a warm embrace enveloped her.

As Chu Yi quietly held Hancock, he smiled and whispered at her side, “No matter what you decide, I’ll support you. And no matter where you go, Hancock…”

“I will always find you!”

“Chu Yi…”

Hearing Chu Yi’s gentle words, Hancock felt her heart melt. She longed to change her mind, but recalling her earlier resolve, her heart raced and she said softly, “Chu Yi, I feel like I’m a burden to you now. So I plan to follow Uncle Rayleigh’s advice and return to Amazon Lily to train for a while. Will you wait for me?”

“When I finish my training, I’ll come back for you, okay?”

“Of course! Because you carry my scent!”

Turning to Rayleigh, Chu Yi kept a smile on his face as he said, “Rayleigh, I’ll entrust Hancock and her sisters to you. I don’t know where Amazon Lily is, but Tiger surely does. I’ll trouble you for no more than three months!”

“Hancock, we won’t be apart that long. After three months, I’ll come to Amazon Lily to see you, alright?”

“Alright!” Hancock nodded vigorously.

Beside them, Sandersonia and Marigold piped up, “Brother Chu Yi, will you only visit our sister, and not us?”

“I’ll visit… all of you!” Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Chu Yi suddenly realized that his future sisters-in-law were already teasing him.

But their playful banter eased the sorrow of parting between Chu Yi and the Hancock sisters. Then, as the Navy closed in on their location, Chu Yi waved energetically to Rayleigh and the sisters, then used a harmless “Divine Push” to send Rayleigh, Hancock and the others safely away.

Next…

The Wings of Asura unfurled!

Chu Yi, using “Universal Pull,” drew Tiger, Smoker, and Lucci close, spread his wings, and soared into the clouds.

Rising into the sky meant escaping the Navy’s search.

As he flew, the suddenness of his farewell with Hancock left Chu Yi feeling uneasy. He quickly shifted his focus and asked Tiger, “Tiger, you’re well-traveled. Where would be safest for us to train?”

“Let’s train at my home!” Tiger replied without hesitation.

“Your home?” Chu Yi was surprised. “You mean… Fish-Man Island?”

“That’s right.”

“Are you feeling homesick, Tiger?” Chu Yi asked curiously.

“Not at all!” Like a magician, Tiger suddenly produced a wanted poster from behind him.

Chu Yi followed Tiger’s gesture, his gaze settling on the poster, which bore Tiger’s familiar face and a staggering bounty. Tiger grinned proudly.

“A full three hundred million berries! As an adventurer, Fisher Tiger has finally made a name for himself!”

“So I plan to go home for a bit and tell my brothers that I, Tiger…”

“Am ready to follow you, kid!”