Two Pieces Of Crow Guy, Entering Wanokuni
Arias removed the red beads from Guy's body and handed them to Hancock, saying, "This is for you. It will take time to refine with Qi. I'll make another one." Hancock happily accepted the gift, considering it a token of love. Following Arias's instructions, she began refining Wudou Guy with Qi.
Meanwhile, Arias, engrossed in refining weapons, emerged from seclusion wearing the refined Wudou Guy. On deck, he found Salome and Hancock basking in the sun. When asked why they weren't moving forward, the answer was clear—a cliff waterfall blocked the way.
Hancock, still skeptical about Wanokuni's existence, questioned Arias. He confirmed the country's presence on the cliff, explaining the need for a large sea beast to access it. Arias attempted to catch a big carp with Qi, eventually succeeding despite their slippery scales.
The carp's strength was crucial in pulling the boat, prompting Arias to instruct Hancock to throw down a cable. After securing and connecting the carp to the boat, three more fish were caught, forming a team of four to ascend the waterfall. Though there was a cave behind the waterfall, heavily guarded by Kaido's Beasts Pirates, their only viable entry was climbing the waterfall.
The journey was thrilling, with Arias vigilantly watching for obstacles and using Qi to overcome them. As they reached the Wanokuni Inland Sea, chaotic currents and poor wind direction posed challenges. Facing a massive whirlpool, Arias activated the power unit to bypass it successfully.
Several similar whirlpools tested their navigation skills, but with Salome's expertise and Arias's refined power device, they safely reached Wanokuni's beach. Stepping off the Dawn, Arias contemplated his next steps, considering important characters like Kozuki Hiyori and the remaining Nine Red Scabbards.
Despite Hiyori's noble status, it played a minimal role in advancing the plot. The mention of the "three beauties in the pirate world" excited Arias, with Hancock now being his wife.
Shirahoshi also forms a friendship with Arias. The importance of the last Hiyori can't be overlooked, whether it affects the world line or not. Kurozumi Orochi, being Kaido's puppet, might not disrupt Kaido's plan significantly if eliminated. Yamato, Kaido's daughter, stands out as a crucial force in Wanokuni's plot.
Arias, having roughly outlined the trip's goal, glanced ahead. Ayu wasn't born yet during Orochi's rule, worsening life in Wanokuni. Thankfully, at this time, Kaido hadn't yet collaborated with Mingge Guysa for artificial Devil Fruit production, focusing on weapons.
Walking barefoot on the beach, both Arias and Hancock adorned Guy's red beads on their wrists and ankles, creating a small energy field. Arias realized why Ma Xianhong never wore shoes in Biyou Village—protected by Wu Dou Guy, his feet remained free from dust. As they walked into the village, their intertwined fingers and godlike appearance drew attention from sallow-looking villagers.
"Outlander?" The villagers, captivated by their beauty, couldn't help but notice the extraordinary couple standing out in the dark night.
Several villains with greedy intentions towards Hancock had their throats easily crushed by Arias, revealing the unruly nature of people in the impoverished mountains. Despite their pitiful situation under the serpent's inhuman rule, the evil in human nature couldn't be masked, especially when blood was spilled.
The remaining individuals quickly became honest, seeking information about their location. Arias, despite just taking someone's life, maintained a bright smile. The women, initially shocked, quickly fell back into infatuation, some even harboring the thought of a desirable death at his hands.
"Excuse me, what is this place?" Arias inquired, still wearing his cheerful expression.
An anxious girl replied, "Sir, sir, this is Fengli Village."
"Very good." Arias rewarded her with a piece of meat from his sac, acknowledging her malnourished state. Under Kurozumi's oppression, life in the village had deteriorated, with everyone forced to produce weapons for Kaido.
Expressing gratitude, the girl held the meat tightly, appreciating the rare generosity. Arias assured her, "This piece of meat is a gift from me. Anyone attempting to steal it will face consequences."