novelnext Chapter 168 The Strange Wooden Barrel
Chapter 168 The Strange Wooden Barrel
Chapter 168 The Strange Wooden Barrel
As dawn broke through the stained glass windows of Dressrosa harbor, it cast a soft golden glow on the departing Dawn.
King Riku, dressed in his impeccable royal robes, stood at the dock watching them go, while little Rebecca, holding Connor's hand, cried until her face was red, clutching a handful of blue flowers, freshly picked from the palace gardens and still glistening with dew.
"Kanna-chan, you must come back! I'll plant flowers all over the palace, and I'll show them to you when you return!"
The little girl sobbed, snot and tears all over Connor's body.
Connor didn't seem to care. He simply wiped away her tears calmly, his hand brushing against Rebecca's soft pink hair. His voice was as sweet and adorable as ever: "Okay, it's a deal. Brother Baiyu said that once you become a warrior who can stand on your own, we'll come back to visit."
Violet stood at the ship's railing, her smart purple short uniform accentuating her tall and straight figure.
She bowed deeply to her father, and as she turned away, the shyness in her eyes had transformed into a confident smile.
As the horn of departure sounded, the Dawn broke through the waves, and the bustling scenery of Dressrosa gradually receded below the horizon.
"Sigh, with Violet gone, my old bones will have to get moving again. The affairs of the court have lost a good helper."
King Riku leaned against the railing, toying with a seashell in his hand, and looked at Violet, who was adjusting equipment on the ship's lookout tower, his tone full of approval.
At this moment, Violet had completely shed the coquettishness, tipsiness, passion, and exuberance of the previous night.
At this moment, she squinted slightly and struck a strange pose, with the distant sea breeze and clouds clearly visible to her.
"Three hundred nautical miles to the left front, a low-pressure airflow is gathering, and the wind direction will change drastically in three hours."
Violet's voice carried clearly to the deck.
"By following this route, we can avoid that big storm."
Connor, lying on the ship's railing, munching on a corn biscuit, saw Violet's accurate forecast and excitedly waved her little legs: "Wow! Violet is amazing! Just like a weather forecast!"
The ship sailed into a deep, turbulent sea, and the man in charge of transporting the dolls accidentally dropped a wooden barrel containing fresh water into the deep sea due to the wind and waves.
Inside were freeze-dried food supplies specially prepared for everyone by Egg Flower Retsu.
Violet's eyes were fixed on the deep sea, her Gaze-Gaze Fruit powers fully activated. She didn't even need to go into the water or use powerful Haki; she could perceive the precise location of objects simply by looking at them.
Moreover, the domineering aura is not very effective against stationary, inanimate objects.
"There! Seventy meters below starboard!"
It was this strength, Violet's agility and competence, that completely won the trust of everyone on board. She was no longer a princess who needed protection, but an indispensable member of the ship.
As the sun began to set, it painted the azure sea a warm, golden-red hue. The sea breeze, having dispelled the daytime heat, carried the unique salty, damp scent of the ocean as it gently caressed the deck of the Dawn.
The once tidy deck has been transformed into a lively and festive space, with colorful string lights strung up on both sides. The warm yellow light shines through the sheer lampshades, casting dappled patterns of light on the deck.
In the corner, several baskets of fresh ingredients were piled up, including tender steaks and plump shrimp brought from Dressrosa, as well as various seasonal fruits and vegetables. In the charcoal brazier next to it, the charcoal was burning brightly, crackling and popping, and wisps of smoke carrying the aroma of grilled meat drifted towards the distant sea.
The swimsuit party has already begun. Everyone has shed their usual capable or gentle demeanor and put on comfortable and eye-catching swimsuits, enjoying this rare moment of leisure.
Kanna was wearing a bright yellow cartoon swimsuit, with a small doll on her round little body. A string of freshly grilled meat skewers hung around her neck. She was eating with her mouth full of oil and the corners of her mouth were still smeared with the sauce of the grilled meat. Every now and then, she would tiptoe over to the charcoal fire, point at the sizzling sausages, and ask to eat the sausages in her childish voice.
Retsu Unohana sat by the charcoal fire, her simple white swimsuit highlighting her snow-white skin. Her long hair was loosely tied back, with a few stray strands curling slightly from the heat of the charcoal fire.
Her movements were gentle yet efficient, occasionally turning the food on the grill. Hearing Kanna's call, she nodded slightly, picked up a sausage, placed it in the hottest spot on the charcoal fire, and patiently turned it, reminding her, "Eat slowly, don't burn your tongue. I'll give it to you when it's done."
Beside her was a small bowl of sauce, containing her specially prepared barbecue sauce, perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, with a hint of alcohol. Brushing it onto the grilled meat instantly enhanced its flavor.
Her current appearance makes it impossible for Violet to recognize that this woman is the terrifying swordsman who single-handedly destroyed the Donquixote family.
Robin still prefers to lean against the deck chair on the edge of the deck, her light purple halter swimsuit outlining her beautiful curves, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, gently swaying in the sea breeze.
Instead of going to the charcoal fire, she held a glass of chilled juice, sipping it slowly while flipping through the ancient book in her hands. Occasionally, she would look up, her gaze falling on the bustling crowd, a faint smile playing on her lips. Noticing Bai Yu's gaze, she looked up and waved to him, her eyes full of tenderness: "Bai Yu, come and try my juice. I added tropical fruits from Dressrosa; it's very refreshing."
Violet had mixed feelings about Nico Robin. She also liked wearing purple clothes, but she could clearly sense that Bai Yu's feelings for Nico Robin were very special.
At this moment, Violet had completely shed her princess-like demeanor, wearing a neatly tailored purple bikini with a light white gauze sun-protective shirt over it. When the wind blew, the gauze shirt fluttered in the wind, revealing her slender waist and fair skin.
Since it would be difficult for her to surpass Nico Robin in Bai Yu's heart, she wouldn't waste her time on internal conflicts.
She was busy at this moment, sometimes using a blowtorch to brush sauce on the steaks on the grill, and sometimes helping Luna no Hana Retsu turn the food over, her movements were skillful and efficient.
She took the tongs and gently turned the steak, her movements fluid and natural, a bright smile on her face. The sunlight shone on her face, making her features even more captivating.
Bai Yu leaned against the ship's wheel, her simple black swimsuit outlining her tall and slender figure, her wheat-colored skin glowing with a healthy sheen in the sunset.
He held a glass of juice that Robin had mixed in his hand, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone on the deck. He watched Kanna eat with great relish, watched Retsu Unohana gently tend to the skewers, watched Robin quietly flipping through ancient books, and watched Violet's busy yet radiant figure. A gentle smile unconsciously curved his lips.
This is a rare moment of peace, free from killing and strife, only the laughter of those around me, and the sound of the sea breeze.
The gentle interplay of fireworks.
"Baiyu-kun, try this!" Violet walked over with a skewer of freshly grilled pineapple beef, her face beaming with joy. "I marinated the beef in Dressrosa pineapple juice and brushed it with the sauce made by Sister Egg Flower. Try it and see how it tastes."
She handed the meat skewers to Bai Yu, her eyes full of anticipation, her purple eyes sparkling in the sunset.
Bai Yu took the meat skewer, took a bite, and the tender beef, combined with the sweet and sour taste of pineapple and the rich flavor of barbecue sauce, created a complex and juicy flavor that burst in her mouth.
"It's delicious, even more amazing than I expected."
He praised her sincerely, noticing the instant gleam in Violet's eyes, and added, "Your cooking is excellent."
Praised by Bai Yu, Violet's cheeks flushed slightly, and her ears felt a little hot, but she still smiled and said, "That's good. I was worried it wouldn't suit everyone's taste. By the way, Robin-neechan, Unohana-neechan, Kanna, you should try some too!"
As she spoke, she picked up a few more skewers of meat and distributed them to the others.
Kanna took the skewer of meat, took a big bite without waiting, and said indistinctly, "Delicious! Even better than the sausage from before! Violet is amazing!"
Egg Flower Retsu took a bite, savoring it slowly, and nodded gently: "It tastes very good. The sweet and sour pineapple balances the greasiness of the beef, making it very refreshing."
With everyone's approval, Violet's smile grew even brighter. She turned back to the charcoal fire and became even more engrossed in her work, occasionally exchanging grilling tips with Retsu Unohana, and sometimes bursting into laughter at Kanna's childlike ramblings.
As the string lights gradually came on, their warm yellow glow mingled with the afterglow of the setting sun, making the deck exceptionally cozy. The crackling of the charcoal fire, the laughter of the crowd, and the sound of the sea breeze intertwined to create a gentle yet lively melody that lingered on the sea.
Bai Yu walked over to Robin, sat on the recliner next to her, and handed her a glass of juice: "It's rare to have such a lively atmosphere, so relax a bit."
Robin leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "Yes, we've been on the go ever since we entered the New World. These days are truly precious."
Her gaze fell on Violet, who was busy not far away, and her tone was full of approval.
"Violet is really capable. Not only is she good at lookout, but she's also amazing at grilling. And she takes good care of everyone. No wonder everyone likes her so much."
Bai Yu nodded gently, his gaze falling on Violet. Watching her busy figure, a hint of warmth flashed in his eyes: "She is indeed very outstanding and an important partner to us."
Not far away, Kanna finished her meat skewer and ran to Violet's side, tugging at her clothes and looking up at her with her little face, saying, "Sister Violet, shall we grill milk together? I heard grilled milk is delicious!"
Violet smiled and nodded, ruffling Kanna's hair: "Okay, let's grill together, but be careful not to get burned by the charcoal."
The aroma of barbecue grew stronger, the string lights shone brighter, the sun gradually sank below the horizon, night slowly fell, and twinkling stars began to twinkle in the night sky.
As dawn broke, the ship sailed slowly across the sea, and the laughter and chatter on deck continued unabated.
Night fell like a piece of velvet soaked in ink, gently covering the sea.
The Dawn sailed quietly under the starlight, and even the sound of its hull cutting through the waves became gentle.
All the string lights on the deck were lit, their warm yellow glow swirling around the mast. The aroma of barbecue, though faint, lingered in the air, mingled with the salty, damp scent of the sea breeze.
Violet was squatting by the ship's railing, teaching Connor how to skewer meat with small bamboo sticks. Connor's eyes reflected the flickering firelight as she learned intently.
Retsu Unohana finished tidying up the grill, took a cup of warm herbal tea and walked to Shiraha's side, saying softly, "It's late at night, and the sea breeze is cool. Don't always stand at the bow of the ship."
She wore a plain white swimsuit with a thin shirt over it, her long hair hanging loosely in the night breeze, making her exceptionally beautiful at that moment.
Bai Yu took the teacup, and only when her fingertips touched the warm cup did she realize how cool the night air was.
He gazed at the dark sea in the distance, where there was no light except for the reflection of starlight.
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a dark shadow moving beneath the surface of the sea not far to the right of the ship.
"Wait, stop the boat."
The Dawn slowly slowed down, and the sea returned to its deathly stillness.
Only that dark shadow was faintly visible beneath the ripples of the water.
"There seems to be something hanging down there."
Robin had somehow made her way to the bow of the ship, and she leaned on the railing, saying, "Judging by its shape, it looks like a wooden barrel."
When Kanna heard about something new, she immediately ran over, swinging her arms: "A wooden bucket? Is it for storing dried fish?"
""
Violet straightened up and looked at it, saying, "It is indeed a wooden barrel, and it looks like it has been floating here for quite some time."
"Let's fish it out and take a look!"
At Bai Yu's command, several puppets immediately took nets and ropes and went into the water.
A ripple spread across the sea, and the wooden barrel, covered in seaweed and shells, was successfully scooped onto the deck.
The wooden barrel is entirely black, with intricate patterns carved on its surface, and a half-broken fishing net is wrapped around it.
"This doesn't look like an ordinary fishing bucket; it looks more like a treasure container!"
Robin circled the barrel, used his powers to tear off the last piece of fishing net, and found that the opening of the barrel was tightly sealed with a thick oak stopper, and several reinforcing iron wires were wrapped around it.
"It seems like something someone deliberately sealed away."
"If it can float in such remote waters and be wrapped up so tightly, it must be something extraordinary inside."
A flicker of curiosity crossed Violet's eyes: "Could it be... a treasure map?"
Uchiha Hakuba had the puppet retrieve a small dagger from the cabin; the blade gleamed coldly under the light.
The doll carefully avoided the golden patterns, located the joint of the iron wire, and gently cut it.
With a "ripping" sound, the wrapped iron wire snapped off.
Everyone's eyes immediately focused on the cork.
Then the puppet gripped the cork and pulled it out sharply!
"Pop—"
—
A crisp click rang out as the cork was pulled out. As the cork was removed, an incredibly rich, almost luxuriously sweet aroma instantly burst forth from the barrel!
The aroma wasn't just ordinary candy; it was a blend of premium cream, fresh tropical fruit, and a scent that smelled like aged rum yet was incredibly refreshing.
"Wow! It smells so good!" Kanna immediately stood on tiptoe and sniffed hard. "It's strawberries! And mangoes too!"
And—it also has a sweet chocolate flavor!
The wooden tub was lined with a thick layer of golden silk cloth, and on top of that was dry straw for moisture protection.
Two things lay quietly on the dry grass.
A card with an extremely unique texture.