46 Yuba
Chapter 46: Yuba
Yuba, a city constructed in the desert oasis over the past decade, connects to Rainbase and Alubarna. It serves as a resting and resupply point for desert merchants, making it a vital transportation hub.
Since its establishment, Yuba had enjoyed great prosperity. However, due to the absence of rain for over a year, the oasis began to dry up, and the encroaching sand posed a threat.
Homeless people from nearby areas had also sought refuge here, further depleting the water resources. The people became increasingly anxious as the water channel supplying Yuba gradually dwindled.
The founder of Yuba was Toto, the father of the future rebel army leader.
The recent revelation of the Dance Powder incident had caused an uproar throughout the country. Many who had placed their trust in King Cobra began to doubt him, leading to an influx of radical individuals joining the rebel army.
However, Toto remained steadfast in his trust for the king and couldn't believe that he would commit such an act. Although his son, Koza, believed in Cobra, he chose to join the rebel army to fight for the hardworking people and vie for the leadership position.
But that time had not yet come.
Rodney arrived in this once thriving oasis, which, compared to Alubarna, still retained some prosperity. However, the people looked desolate as the water became scarcer, and there were few business caravans passing through. This decline in the service industry threatened their livelihoods, prompting many to leave and protect themselves.
The trees here were unique, all heat and drought-resistant species whose names Rodney couldn't identify. Seeking shade beneath these trees was futile, as even a gust of wind would bring forth a mouthful of sand.
Rodney: "..."
A sandstorm was approaching!
Yellow sand billowed in the distance like an apocalyptic scene. Dust was carried high into the sky by the wind, shrouding the heavens and the earth. It resembled a prehistoric beast, attempting to devour the pearl that was Yuba.
Just when Rodney thought the people would take shelter, a group rushed out. Leading them was a somewhat wealthy old man, tightly gripping a shovel with his rough hands, his eyes filled with determination.
He declared, "Let's go, everyone! Yuba will never succumb to mere sandstorms! We will restore Yuba to its former glory!"
There was an inspiring force in his words, and a group of young, strong individuals raised their shovels, shouting and charging forward. In reality, they were rushing toward the water channel, determined not to let the sand engulf it. It was Yuba's last hope!
Rodney observed the scene, sighed, and decided to follow along. He felt a bit meddlesome, but he couldn't help himself—it was just a small favor, after all.
In the system mall, he had purchased a windproof veil made by the Hidden Village in Sand. It was breathable and protected against sand.
The sandstorm approached swiftly, and Rodney ventured into it, visibility decreasing. He arrived just as those people surrounded the water channel, diligently shoveling away the sand threatening to invade.
However, manpower was no match for nature, especially when some individuals were deliberately making the situation worse. Rodney emerged on the side, splitting his clones.
The sudden appearance alarmed everyone, including Toto, the builder of Yuba, who stepped forward and asked, "Who are you?"
Rodney didn't respond, as all his clones dispersed along both sides of the water channel, mirroring each other's movements. They spoke in unison: "Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"
One after another, earthen walls rose from the ground, seamlessly connecting to form a long barrier against the sand. The clones continued their synchronized movements, maintaining the anti-sand wall.
When the sandstorm finally subsided, Rodney's exhausted clones vanished. By the time Toto, Koza, and others found him, he was breathless, sitting atop a large, lifeless purple scorpion.
"Esteemed guest, may I inquire about your name?" Toto extended the utmost courtesy to Rodney, just as his son Koza and others did. They recognized the significance of this enigmatic individual.
The construction of the anti-sand wall had significantly reduced their daily workload and safeguarded the water channel, effectively preserving the lives of the city's inhabitants.
"I'm Rodney. You can call me that," he replied, rising to his feet.
His chakra reserves had been depleted considerably, leaving him with only a fraction of what he once possessed. Ever since he learned the Creation Rebirth, he had been infusing a small amount of chakra into his forehead each day. However, the Seal had yet to manifest.
He had no intention of using it now. After all, he didn't plan to deplete his reserves until a critical moment arose.
Smiling, he said, "Uncle, I plan to stay here for a few days. Perhaps you could waive my accommodation expenses?"
Toto turned around and responded, "Of course, they will definitely be waived. You have done so much to protect this place—the lifeblood of our city. I will do my best to fulfill your wishes. I am the mayor here, Toto, and this is my son, Koza."
Although Koza remained quiet, respect and a hint of wariness could be seen in his eyes as he regarded Rodney. He had witnessed Devil Fruit users before, but their abilities were not as extraordinary as Rodney's.
"Thank you, Uncle," Rodney smiled and dragged away the scorpion that had attacked him while constructing the Earth-Style Wall. With its size, it surely had a delectable taste.
Initially, everyone wanted to assist him in dragging the scorpion away, but they soon realized that it was difficult for a group of people to accomplish. However, it felt as light as paper in Rodney's hands.
Settling into the best hotel room arranged by Toto, Rodney let out a deep breath. Water resources were scarce, making bathing a cumbersome task. Fortunately, he possessed Water Style Technique, but he chose to bathe at night to avoid any misunderstandings from the locals.
"Tuk tuk!" A knock sounded at the door.
"Please come in."
It was Koza who entered, saying, "Excuse me, my father sent me here to inquire about your needs, Mr. Rodney."
"Oh, it's nothing. I'm quite comfortable here. By the way, what happened to the scorpion I killed?" Rodney asked.
"It's been placed at the back of the hotel. May I ask why?" Kosha replied.
"I intend to eat it," Rodney stated matter-of-factly. Kosha was dumbfounded, as it never occurred to them that such a creature could be eaten.
"Such a large scorpion?"
"Of course. Oh, and speaking of that, I would appreciate it if you could arrange an iron plate, some stones, firewood, and seasonings. I'll make teppanyaki(1)—a scorpion teppanyaki, to be precise."
"Very well," Koza left silently.
Although puzzled, he decided to fulfill Rodney's request. Soon, the teppanyaki supplies were procured. As evening descended, the sky grew darker.
Rodney ignited the flames, dismembered the scorpion's limbs, discarded the inedible parts, and peeled off the shell to reveal the tender white meat within. It resembled the succulent meat found in crab claws, sizzling and exuding enticing aromas on the iron plate. The children nearby were brought to tears.
"Come, let's eat together!" Rodney called out, and they enjoyed a lively bonfire feast.
The festivities carried on until late into the night, with everyone eventually returning home to seek rest.
Later, after Rodney showered, he wrapped himself in a robe and made his way to the hotel's rooftop. The starry sky was resplendent and breathtaking.
As he lowered his gaze, he noticed someone waving at him—it was Toto. Jumping down, Rodney approached him with a smile, "What's the matter, Uncle Toto? Staying up late isn't good for the health of an elderly person like yourself."
Toto shook his head with a smile and replied, "It's nothing. I'm used to it. I wake up late in the mornings. What about you? Couldn't sleep?"
"No, I was just wondering where Yuba's water comes from." Today, he had created earth flow walls on both sides of the water channel, yet he had never discovered the source.
Toto didn't hide the information and explained, "It's groundwater. It rises from the depths and sustains the city."
"I see. Could we dig a well here?" Rodney inquired. Given Yuba's location in the heart of the desert, their water supply relied on groundwater and rainwater.
"Digging wells has proven difficult, but we've made persistent efforts," Toto admitted. He was not one to dismiss the idea, as he recognized the importance of wells. However, despite their numerous attempts, they had yet to find water.
Nevertheless,Toto faced the sandstorms with unwavering determination. As a tough-spirited old man, he wouldn't be defeated by such challenges and would continue to fight for Yuba.
Ratoon's Note:
teppanyaki-Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that involves cooking food, typically meat and vegetables, on a flat iron griddle or hot plate. The word "teppanyaki" translates to "grilling on an iron plate" in Japanese.
