HST: Chapter 64/65

Chapter 64: You're Here Too?

"It really wasn't easy, but I finally exchanged all the gold for Berries!"

Once again clearing out the Berries from a small island, Caelan couldn't help but sigh.

It was the first time he'd felt troubled by having too much gold.

The harvest from Skypiea had been massive. A single island couldn't absorb all that gold.

After visiting several islands and nearly draining every gold shop's Berry reserves, Caelan finally managed to convert all of it.

With such a huge haul, Caelan couldn't wait to return to his room and turn all that Berry into raw power.

"A few days ago, Nami and the others earned 100 million from bounty hunting, and we got 160 million from Mock Town. Now, the gold from Skypiea brought in a full 1.2 billion!"

"In total, that's 1.46 billion Berries!"

Caelan looked at the Berry amount displayed on the panel with a face full of anticipation.

---

[Host: Caelan Alaric]

[Template: Berserker Class - Heracles]

[Synchronization Progress: 62.5% + 1% (from defeating Enel)]

[Berry: 67 million + 1.46 billion]

[Strength: B++]
[Durability: B++]
[Agility: B++]
[Magic: B++]
[Luck: A]
[Noble Phantasm: A+]

[Personal Skills]: Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)

[Other Skills]: Swordsmanship B+, Armament Haki C, Observation Haki C, Conqueror's Haki B+

[Noble Phantasms]: God Hand: The Twelve Labors (B), Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)

---

Gaining 1% Synchronization from the battle with Enel wasn't bad.

"Consume 1.5 billion Berries to improve Synchronization!"

Caelan activated the system, and the panel began to change. A massive wave of power surged through his body, and countless martial techniques and battle experiences poured into his mind.

As the energy flowed in, his body underwent a tremendous transformation. Even his newly awakened Haki, just over two weeks old, leapt to a new level under the combined influence of mind and body.

Once the process finished, he opened the panel again.

---

[Host: Caelan Alaric]

[Template: Berserker Class - Heracles]

[Synchronization Progress: 78.5%]

[Berry: 27 million]

[Strength: A]
[Durability: A]
[Agility: A]
[Magic: A]
[Luck: A]
[Noble Phantasm: A+]

[Other Skills]: Swordsmanship A, Armament Haki A, Observation Haki A, Conqueror's Haki A

---

"A full set of A-rank stats. Just looking at it makes me feel great!"

Caelan closed his eyes, quietly feeling the immense power coursing through his body.

His Armament and Conqueror's Haki had reached the level of the Four Emperors. The only gap between him and monsters like Kaido and Big Mom now was mastering advanced techniques like Ryou and Haoshoku infusion.

His Observation Haki, purely sense-based, had reached the level of Katakuri's future sight.

His strength, speed, and physical resilience were all A-rank. Physically, he was already comparable to Kaido, who had eaten the Mythical Zoan Azure Dragon fruit.

His swordsmanship had also risen from B+ to A, the realm of a true master swordsman—just one step below Hawkeye.

"Now, I've finally become one of this world's top combatants."

Caelan clenched his fists, feeling as though he held the weight of the world in his hands.

With his current power, going head-to-head with Kaido for ten days and nights wouldn't be an issue. He might even pick up Ryou and Haoshoku infusion in the process.

The thought thrilled him.

"If 78.5% can match the Four Emperors, what will 100% Synchronization look like?"

All he needed was 21.5% more, and if converted, that would be no more than 2.2 billion Berries.

"Should I go back to Skypiea and collect the remaining gold?"

Caelan was tempted.

He had only taken about a third of the gold. The remaining stockpile on Skypiea could definitely push his progress further.

"Forget it. The Knock-Up Stream is unreliable. It'll be at least another month or two before it appears again."

Caelan shook his head and dismissed the idea.

He had only been in the Grand Line for just over two weeks. Counting the Skypiea gains, his Synchronization had already risen nearly 13%.

If he had to sit around for one or two months, he might as well keep moving forward and battle more pirates instead.

"Alright, the gold on Skypiea will be my reserve fund. If I ever run out of income, I'll head back up there."

Caelan made up his mind quickly.

With his decision settled, Caelan didn't linger and headed to the deck.

The women on deck were sunbathing leisurely and sipping refreshing juice.

Although most of the Berries had been turned over to Caelan, the tens of millions left made life aboard the Wind Rider more comfortable than ever.

In truth, life on the ship had always been lavish. Their monthly expenses alone ran close to ten million Berries. Caelan, after all, was a thorough hedonist.

"Caelan, Caelan, have some juice!"

Seeing him arrive, Nami quickly handed him a glass.

"Mmh, not bad."

Caelan took a sip and lay down on a beach chair to enjoy the sun.

"Hehe, Caelan, let me give you a massage!"

Vivi approached with a smile and spoke softly.

As Caelan nodded, Vivi gently pulled his head onto her chest, and her slender hands began massaging his temples.

"Mmh, very comfortable."

Caelan closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth and softness behind his head.

"I didn't expect a princess like Vivi to be giving massages?"

Nami stomped her foot angrily, unable to hold back her sour comment.

"If it's just a massage, I can do it too…"

Tashigi muttered, glancing at Vivi.

"Hmph!"

Vivi snorted and increased the pressure.

Caelan said nothing but gently tapped Vivi's smooth thigh three times.

Nami and Tashigi's eyes turned red. Was this woman trying to show off?

Watching their jealous expressions, Robin leaned on her hand and thought to herself.

Why does it feel like every girl on this ship is Caelan's girlfriend? This man really isn't honest at all!

But if that's the case, did she already get caught up in it too?

Robin blushed slightly as she got lost in thought.

That night, the Wind Rider was silent.

A slender figure quietly slipped into Caelan's room.

"...Huh!?"

Caelan was a little surprised. This wasn't what he expected.

He had tapped Vivi's thigh three times. That had always been their secret signal.

So why was it Robin who came?

Even if it had been Nami, it would've made more sense than Robin!

"You look confused," she said, tilting her head slightly. "But honestly… with the way things are going, you'll probably lay your hands on me eventually too. So I thought, why not take the initiative?"

She leaned in, "Besides... we only live once. I'd like to experience some of what I've read in those texts."

Robin whispered into his ear.

"…."

Caelan blinked. That was more forward than he had ever heard her be.

Feeling her warm breath against his skin, Caelan replied, "Actually, I don't mind."

No more pretending.

"Mr. Caelan, you're really... quite honest."

Robin teased, then slipped into Caelan's bed.

Before long, faint moans began to echo from the room.

Outside Caelan's room, the atmosphere was just as strange.

Vivi, Nami, and Tashigi stood together, unsure what to say.

"Haha, so... you two are here too. I'm just going to use the bathroom before heading back."

Vivi laughed awkwardly and turned away.

Every room on the ship had a private bathroom. Who was she trying to fool?

But Nami and Tashigi didn't call her out. They simply exchanged glances and returned to their own rooms.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 65: Florian Triangle

The next morning, the sun had just risen, and the Wind Rider sailed quietly through the morning mist.

On the deck, Caelan and his companions sat around having breakfast.

Compared to the joy of the previous day, the atmosphere this morning was noticeably awkward.

Nami, Tashigi, and Vivi all had dark circles under their eyes. It was obvious none of them had slept well.

Meanwhile, Caelan and Robin, the "culprits" of last night's unrest, ate happily as if nothing had happened.

To be fair, the people of the pirate world had excellent physical constitution. Even though Robin had lost her virginity the night before, aside from her pale face, she showed no other signs of fatigue.

"Robin has great endurance. Still so full of energy despite not sleeping all night, Nami commented faintly, her tone laced with a mix of jealousy and grievance.

Tashigi didn't know what to say. She simply buried her face in her food.

They had finally tried to make a move, but they didn't expect to lose so thoroughly.

"It was pretty good," Caelan said with a satisfied sigh as he put down his bacon sandwich.

Although it had been Robin's first time, her Flower-Flower Fruit abilities had seemingly endless uses. The experience had been quite impressive.

Hearing that, Nami and Tashigi's expressions grew darker, and even Vivi, who hadn't initially minded, now looked a little irritated.

"It's nothing. You'll understand in a few days."

Robin's tone was calm, as though nothing had happened.

But the hand gripping her table knife was trembling. She clearly wasn't as composed as she seemed.

Who would understand?!

And you definitely weren't calling it "nothing" last night!

Nami and Tashigi didn't even have the strength to retort. They simply flushed and focused on their food.

"Alright, alright, let's drop it. Let's talk about our next destination."

Seeing that the atmosphere was turning sour, Caelan forcibly changed the topic.

"Our next stop is the legendary Florian Triangle. They say dozens of pirate ships disappear there every year."

As she spoke, Nami's earlier awkwardness faded, replaced by seriousness.

This mysterious and dangerous sea was not to be taken lightly.

"No need to worry too much. There's only one Warlord of the Sea there—Gecko Moria," Caelan said casually.

That guy was pitiful in his own right. He had challenged Kaido, lost all his comrades, and had never recovered since.

But once Caelan arrived, Moria would be even more pitiful.

He might not be worth bounty rewards, but having him as a lackey wouldn't be bad.

Caelan sipped his juice with a cheerful look.

"Right, just one Warlord," Tashigi nodded along, trusting Caelan's confidence.

"Just one Warlord?!"

"Don't make it sound so simple!"

Nami clutched her hair and nearly exploded.

That's a Warlord of the Sea! A major figure! Was it really okay to be this reckless?

"Well, it's not wrong. Maybe in Caelan's eyes, the Warlords really aren't that big a deal," Vivi said, tilting her head thoughtfully.

"That's true. Caelan already defeated one of the Warlords. That so-called 'God' Enel wasn't any weaker than them," Robin added, nodding in agreement.

"I get it, but we still shouldn't be careless!" Nami emphasized.

After all her time on the Grand Line, she understood just how unpredictable things could get.

"She's right. Caelan, don't be careless!" Vivi chimed in as well.

Suddenly, all the girls united and started lecturing their overly confident captain.

"Alright, alright, I promise I'll take every enemy seriously," Caelan said with a smile, looking at the reunited, lively group of girls.

He had never been careless. He just approached enemies strategically with contempt, and tactically with caution.

After finishing breakfast, Caelan helped the girls with their daily training. It was the final day of their Ten-Day Haki Awakening Crash Course.

The women had awakened their Haki, but unlike Caelan, they didn't start out at Marine Headquarters level. Their Haki was still in its early stages.

However, once they became proficient, their strength would leap significantly. They would be able to fight pirates with bounties of 70 to 80 million with ease.

Just as Nami and the others were relaxing on the deck, something unexpected happened.

"Caelan, look! There's a woman floating in the sea!"

Nami pointed to the ocean and cried out in surprise.

A woman was drifting toward the Wind Rider on a plank, carried by the waves.

"Let's fish her out first."

Caelan wasn't planning to get involved, but after taking a glance, he suddenly found her face familiar.

Soon, Tashigi hauled the woman aboard. Her figure was voluptuous, and even with her eyes closed, her sharp, elegant features revealed a wild beauty.

Her soaked clothes clung to her body, outlining her curves, and her fishnet-covered legs were especially eye-catching. Even the typically composed Caelan took a second look.

Based on those iconic long legs, Caelan recognized her—CP9 agent Kalifa.

But shouldn't she be searching for the blueprints of Pluton in Water 7? Why had she ended up here?

Caelan rubbed his chin and fell into thought.

"Who are you… and where am I?"

The woman opened her eyes, dazed.

She quickly glanced at Robin, then at Caelan.

Both were high-priority targets.

And this mysterious man, Caelan… might be even more important than Robin.

"You were drifting at sea. We picked you up," Nami said matter-of-factly. "No need to thank us, but if there's a reward, don't hold back. We won't be polite!"

"Sorry, I don't have any Berries on me."

"My name is Kalifa. I was once the mayor's secretary in Water 7. After I resigned, I used my savings to travel the world. I ran into a storm and lost everything. If not for your help, I wouldn't have made it."

Kalifa put on a pitiful expression, then smiled gratefully at the group.

Nami and the others softened a bit. Losing everything in a storm after years of saving… it was tragic.

Even Robin, typically composed, seemed to believe her.

Caelan, of course, saw through her. As expected of a CP9 agent—her acting was top-tier.

If he hadn't read the manga, even he might have been fooled. Maybe not the first time, but the second.

Kalifa saw the shift in the girls' expressions and quietly celebrated.

Good. Everything was going according to plan.

As long as she could get close to Caelan, she could infiltrate successfully.

"Captain, I can't repay you for saving my life… so I'll offer you my body instead!"

Kalifa flung herself into Caelan's arms, her voice seductive.

It was her first time playing this bold of a card, but if it helped her deal with Caelan, it was worth it.

She was ready to reject him the moment he responded.

But wouldn't this man agree?

Kalifa glanced at Caelan out of the corner of her eye, heart pounding.



(To be continued.)