Chapter 402: 222,222,222"Then don't worry about it."Satoru's crisp reply also reached the ears of the sharp-chinned, monkey-faced fellow."What are you?""I'm talking to Fire Fist Ace. What right does a woman like you have to interrupt?"Hearing this, Satoru's hand, holding the flyer, couldn't help but clench, wrinkling the paper.He thought, you'd better not be the one who wants to bid on the adam tree, otherwise, you'll regret it."Hahaha, Satoru got mocked, how pitiful."Ace, that bad friend, immediately mocked him. But mocking is one thing; mocking my brother? You should look at yourself first."However, what are you?"Ace said with a cold gaze.Any offense or attack on his family was what he absolutely could not tolerate.Seeing the two sides become confrontational, the other people's conversations gradually quieted down and disappeared, all starting to watch the show.Being spoken to like that by Ace, the sharp-chinned, monkey-faced man managed to hold back his words, but his face couldn't quite hide it, his contorted expression looking as if it would deform."It's normal that you don't know me, after all, you're from the famous Whitebeard Pirates.""I'm just a small fry from the Black Hand Gang.""Hahaha, how modest. How can the second young master of the Stathis Family, the largest Black Hand Gang on Sabaody Archipelago, be a small fry?""Kama."A big man with an eyepatch, sitting on the fifth floor, spoke up.It was a bit like flattering Kama, and also by flattering him, telling Satoru and Ace about Kama's identity.It depended on whether this big man was a friend or foe to Kama."Why are you meddling, Ark?"Kama said, his tone very displeased. So, they weren't friends."Stathis?""You know them?"Satoru still asked, "You know them?"Ace thought back, "I seem to have some impression. Half a year ago, our pirate crew went to Sabaody Archipelago for coating, and some human traffickers tried to attack Chinna, who was under the Third Division. Chinna escaped back, but she was injured.""Old Man, in a fit of rage, shouted on Sabaody Archipelago for those human traffickers to come out themselves.""Those people didn't come out, so Old Man simply planned to shatter the entire Sabaody Archipelago."Hearing this, Satoru was very sure that it was something Whitebeard would do.The Four Emperors and Pirate King all had an untouchable taboo.Pirate King Roger and Red-Haired Shanks both valued their comrades.Whitebeard valued family.Big Mom valued food, especially sweet desserts and cakes.In front of Kaido, don't mention Linlin and the Fish-Fish devil fruit, or he'll give you a club, making you quickly master Ryuo."There was no choice; the parties involved could only come out and offer to pay for medical expenses.""Old Man laughed heartily three times, shattered all his bones, and then that was the end of it.""That guy's name at the time was also something like, the second boss of the Stathis Family."Satoru finally understood and directly asked Kama."That guy who was shattered into 'Wang Wang Crushed Ice'—was he your dad?"'Wang Wang Crushed Ice'—Kama didn't know what it was, but it didn't sound like a good term.But he also didn't understand, why was Satoruasking this?"No, that's my second uncle.""Oh, so, the one-eyed uncle just called you the second young master, meaning your dad is the head boss.""Then your second uncle is dead, you should be happy that no one is fighting for the family property.""You should be grateful to the Whitebeard Pirates, so why are you still targeting Ace?""Two possibilities: either your dad isn't your dad, and your second uncle isn't your second uncle.""Or, your second uncle died, and you've secured the position of head boss. You think this is a good way to promote yourself from second to first, and you want to offend Ace to get him to deal with you...""Shut up!!!"Just as Satoru was about to say the last few words, Kama couldn't take it anymore and shouted sharply, stopping Satoru.Satoru's guess was exactly the same as his thoughts.The moment he saw Ace, he thought, it would be great if his elder brother could die too. Once the thought arose, it was hard to let go, so he inexplicably started to speak sarcastically to Ace, not expecting to hit a tough spot with Satoru."Oh, are you enraged because I guessed correctly?"Satoru smiled slightly.That smile, in Kama's eyes, was full of mockery—no, it *was* mockery."I told you to shut up!!"Kama pulled out his revolver, and his subordinates did the same, but just as they drew them, a cold voice came from behind them."Guests!"It was an old man in a suit, standing upright."Our auction house clearly states no fighting. If you intend to fight, please leave."The old man's tone was cold, seemingly devoid of emotion.Although Kama didn't turn around, he recognized the old man's voice. He knew this old man was the host of this Life Auction House.He also knew the old man would keep his word, so he could only glare at Satoru and Ace, put away his pistol, and turn back, planning to settle accounts after the auction."Old Man Gilles, you're joking. I'm a regular here; I won't break the rules."After speaking, he sat back down."That's best."Gilles replied, then glanced at the pocket watch in his hand.Three seconds later."Well then, time's up. The hall doors are closed.""Now, let the auction begin!!"...During the initial auctions, Satoru and Ace, being penniless, merely watched the show.They watched these rich people bidding, raising their hands for prices they couldn't even imagine.Soon, the auction reached its highlight item.Dozens of auction house employees wearing white masks carried a section of the adam tree trunk to the center of the stage.A section of the adam tree trunk was so massive that it almost didn't fit on the stage.The trunk appeared incredibly smooth, seemingly polished to a patina. The cross-section facing the audience showed countless tree rings, one after another, enough to make one dizzy if stared at for too long, indicating its ancient age.Gilles picked up a dagger and forcefully struck its surface, but not a single mark was left.This was to verify its authenticity. The adam tree is the best shipbuilding material in the world; its hardness allows ships made from it to stand firm in the sea, and its fire resistance is much higher than ordinary wood."Now, we begin the auction for the adam tree.""Starting price: 50 million!"Gilles, wearing a monocle, announced, looking at the auction sheet in his hand."60 million."The one-eyed big man, Ark, was the first to bid. He was in shipping, and a good ship was extremely important to him."70 million.""80 million.""…"The price climbed step by step."190 million."Ark seemed determined to win.But unexpectedly, Kama, who had been silent, directly bid, "200 million."Ark was stunned. "Young Master Kama has good taste. I concede."Ark knew that Kama's need for the adam tree was definitely not as high as his. Kama was purely trying to provoke him, but what could he do? The man was rich and powerful."You're too kind, too k—""222,222,222."Before Kama could finish his polite words, Satorumade a bid, and with five '2's, it was as if he was mocking Kama.
Chapter 403: Fated OnesWhen Kama bid 200 million for the adam tree, the entire venue fell silent. The countdown reached 2, and it seemed no one would compete with him.But before Gilles could utter the number 3, Satorumade a bid."222.22 million."How should one put it? It was a very aggressive number. There were no rules for minimum increments, so even adding just one Berry was allowed."You!!""222.22 million, going once."Even an idiot like Kama could tell that Satoru was mocking him.But as soon as he started to say "you," Gilles began counting."250 million!!"Kama bid again."250 million, going once.""Clap, clap, clap.""As expected of the second young master of the Stesas family, his bids are truly generous.""250 million and 1."Satoru bid again. As he said, even adding one Berry was allowed, but no one had actually done it before."Bastard!!""Elder Gilles, they're bidding erratically!!"Kama couldn't take it anymore.But Gilles merely glanced at him."250 million and 1, going once."Kama fell silent. Adding one was allowed?! But for him, the dignified second young master of the Stesas family, to add one, it would be a laughingstock if word got out."300 million!!"With a cold face, Kama bid.But before Gilles could count, Satoru immediately followed, "300 million and 1.""Bastards!!!""Can you even afford 300 million Berries?"Kama directly stood up and shouted at Satoru and Ace. He was actually here on a mission; an elder in his family was nearing the end of their life, and his father had sent him to bid on the adam tree to make a coffin. But now this coffin had reached 300 million!"What kind of talk is that?""Our Whitebeard Pirates can't even afford 300 million?""This is just my captain's pocket money.""Right, Captain?"Satoru said to Ace."Hahahaha, that's right, it's only 300 million."Ace, who had been enjoying the show, played along."It's just 300 million Berries. If you have the guts, keep bidding. We'll see it through to the end.""Still, what are you?"It must be said, Ace was also good at provoking people.Kama's face turned red with anger, almost exploding."320 million!!""330 million."Satoru didn't just add one Berry this time."340 million!!""350 million."Throughout the auction house, only the bidding voices of Kama and Satoru echoed. It had already reached 350 million, and Kama still wanted to bid, but a subordinate beside him immediately advised him."Young Master."Unfortunately, Kama wouldn't listen."Shut up!!""400 million!!"Satoru smiled. This was enough. Bidding higher might just be digging his own grave."Fiv—"When the number 5 came out, Kama hadn't realized that Satoru really intended to oppose him to the end. But 400 million had already exceeded his budget, let alone 500 million.However, Satoru's words turned into:"My five fingernails are a bit long, aren't they, Captain?""Huh?"Everyone was startled by Satoru, including Ace.And while Satoru dragged out the 'fiv' and finished his sentence, Gilles completed the count and brought down the hammer."400 million, third time!!""Sold!!"As Gilles brought down the hammer, Maca successfully bid 400 million for the adam tree, which was merely twice the market price.A round of enthusiastic applause filled the venue, but it felt as if the applause was slapping Kama's face.Yake stifled a laugh, "Young Master Kama is truly wealthy and generous. I misunderstood, you need the adam tree more than I do.""Oh, right, I just remembered, we don't seem to need the adam tree that much anymore."Satoru replied with a smile.Even a fool like Kama knew that he had fallen for Satoru's provocation, step by step raising the auction price of the adam tree to 400 million.400 million Berries!!Even if he took the adam tree back, he would definitely be scolded by his father.Kama clenched his fists in anger, his fingernails digging into his palms. He now only had one thought: to shoot Satoru. Unfortunately, he didn't dare, so he could only sit down and wait to leave the auction house before acting.He wouldn't consider that he was the one who started being sarcastic.Moreover, he seemed to have forgotten that his plan was to provoke them into attacking his elder brother. If he attacked them himself, wouldn't he be the one to die?He was also very confident in himself. Although Acedidn't have the strength of an Admiral, he wasn't weak. Why did he think he had the strength to defeat Ace and Satoru?Also, if something happened to Ace, it wouldn't just be his second uncle turning into crushed ice; it was likely their entire family would vanish from the world.He was thinking of dealing with Ace and Satoruafter the auction, and Satoru and Ace were thinking the same. But Satoru truly hadn't expected this guy to want the adam tree for a coffin!!!..."Now, we come to the grand finale item of this auction.""The heart of jade, the heart of the lost ancient city of Emerald City!!"As Gilles spoke, a jewelry display case slowly rose from the center of the stage. The heart of jade, which had been reddish-green on the flyer, now appeared completely emerald green in the display case.Gilles explained that the calamity within the heart of jade had dissipated, and only when a new owner wore it would it absorb calamity again, slowly turning red."I believe everyone knows that the auction method for the heart of jade is different from the usual.""To achieve the best effect when wearing the heart of jade, the heart of jade itself must choose its fated owner.""So, let us begin now."As Gilles's voice fell, with a click, the lights in the auction hall went out, and the scene instantly darkened.Only the heart of jade in the display case still emitted a vibrant green light, like a large, brightly glowing firefly in the darkness.Everyone looked at the glowing heart of jade, puzzled.Although they knew the auction method for the heart of jade was different, they didn't know how it was different.After all, it happened only once every 50 years, and considering it was held in an auction house, even if one counted a minimum age of 5 or 10, there was no one here who looked 55 or 60 years old.Then, four green light beams shot out from the heart of jade, heading in three different directions.One landed on Kama's chest.One landed in the third VIP single room from the left on the second floor.And the last two were in the same direction, precisely on Satoru and Ace."This is getting interesting."Satoru said with a smile.With a click, the lights came back on."Then, the four of you are the fated ones for the heart of jade. Please follow me to the room where the master is.""Everyone else, please leave. This auction has ended for you."As Gilles spoke, the display case containing the heart of jade slowly sank back down."Should we go, Satoru?"Ace asked.Satoru rubbed his chin, thinking for a moment, "Let's go. This auction house seems to have many secrets."
Chapter 404: Boss Changsheng"Is this heart of jade really just for attracting fortune and warding off disaster?"As Ace and Satoru walked towards the backstage area, Ace also noticed something strange."Who knows."Satoru replied."Ghost? Which ghost?"Ace asked stupidly.Satoru:...Your surname is Wei, right?"I mean, I don't know.""But if it was simply about attracting fortune and warding off disaster, why bother with the light beams and the 'fated people'? It definitely feels strange.""Yeah, whatever. Why think about it? We'll know once we go in."Ace gave up thinking... and arrived backstage.Kama, of Macabaca, was already there.Gilles said they could only bring one subordinate each.The person currently with Kama was the one who tried unsuccessfully to stop him during the auction earlier; he must be Kama's confidant."Hmph!""I didn't expect you two to qualify.""We'll see about that."Kama spat out a threat.Satoru pretended not to hear. "What? What did you say?""Didn't eat? Speak louder!""You!!"Kama was still too green to fight Satoru; he immediately got angry again, but at that moment, the click-clack sound of high heels echoed.It was the fourth fated person.A girl in a white dress walked over with small, elegant steps.Following her was a fully armed attendant, clad completely in silver armor.Satoru and Ace still didn't recognize her.But judging by the girl's clothing and demeanor, her identity must be significant."So it's the Princess of the Dorma Kingdom.""It is a great honor to meet you."Kama recognized the girl, immediately stepped forward, placed one hand over his chest, and bowed slightly.The Princess held her skirt and curtsied in return, and also bowed toward Ace and Satoru as a courtesy.Ace, the straightforward man, said casually, "Hello, hello."Satoru followed suit, saying casually, "Hello, hello.""Rude commoners."Kama cursed.Satoru returned a smile. "Yes, yes, you are the most delicate, delicate man.""You!!"Everyone understood the implication of Satoru's jab, and even the Princess couldn't help but smile faintly.To maintain his self-perceived good image, Kamawanted to curse but forcibly stopped himself.Just then, Gilles also appeared."Fated guests.""I will take you to my Master's room.""Please."Gilles made a gesture asking them to follow, then led the way.Kama copied him, letting the Princess go first, then tried to approach her to strike up a conversation, but the silver-armored attendant absolutely forbade him from getting within one meter.Satoru and Ace walked last."Master..."Satoru murmured."What about the Master?"Ace asked."Nothing is wrong with the Master, of course.""It's just that, given Gilles' age, who could be his Master? They must be...""However, there's no rule saying the Master must be older."Satoru replied. It was obvious just by looking that Gilles was not simple, otherwise, Kama wouldn't be so respectful in front of him.To be Gilles' Master, the former owner of this heart of jade must also be extraordinary... Soon, the group reached the end of the slightly dim corridor, where there was a door.Gilles stopped and turned around."The Master is inside.""But only the four fated guests may enter.""The two of you must wait here.""Absolutely not."The silver-armored attendant was the first to object upon hearing this. Gilles narrowed his eyes, looking into the distance, with an expression that suggested resistance was useless."It's alright, Uncle David. Besides, aren't there three others inside?"The Princess advised.Kama immediately offered his services. "That's right, don't worry, I will protect the Princess."The silver-armored attendant fell silent, thinking, You might not even be able to protect yourself."I beg the two of you to help look after Her Royal Highness the Princess."Compared to Kama, who still had his own guard, the silver-armored attendant David trusted Ace, with a bounty of over 500 million, and Satoru, with a bounty of 80 million, more.It wasn't that he trusted their character, but he trusted their strength.When Kama saw David pleading with Ace and Satoru, his face instantly felt as if it had been slapped hard, and he once again took the blow emotionally."Don't make it sound so scary.""The auction house owner wouldn't actually want to kill us, right?""You agree, Mr. Gilles?"Satoru tossed the question to Gilles.Gilles remained silent, still looking into the distance."Have you decided?""What is there to discuss? Can you let the attendant uncle enter?"Satoru replied."No."Gilles answered decisively."Then why discuss it?"Satoru replied just as decisively.Gilles fell silent again, perhaps unable to answer."Please enter."He proceeded to open the room door, and light streamed out.The interior was visibly very spacious and bright.There was a large red patterned carpet, a crystal chandelier overhead, a table on the carpet, and three leather sofas.Behind the sofa directly opposite, there was another table, and the heart of jade was already placed on a red velvet cushion on that table.Behind that table, a person was sitting in a chair, their back to the group, seemingly looking at a giant portrait on the wall.Satoru recognized the figure in the portrait: the first owner of the heart of jade... Satoru, Ace, Kama, and the Princess entered the room.The person whose sparse-haired back of the head was visible must be the owner of this Life Auction House.As the door clicked shut.The Boss's slightly hoarse voice followed, sounding out."Come and sit down."Satoru and Ace were the first to walk forward. Seeing this, the Princess followed, and Kamacertainly didn't want to be left behind.Satoru and Ace sat on the sofa on the left.The Princess and Kama sat on the sofa on the right.Kama intentionally or unintentionally tried to get closer to the Princess, pushing her to the very edge of the seat.Ace grabbed the fruit on the table and started eating it immediately, acting as if he were at home. Kama couldn't help but feel contemptuous upon seeing this.At this moment, the Boss finally turned around, revealing his true appearance.He was an old man, very old, his face covered in age spots, and the wrinkles around his eyes looked deep enough to trap a mosquito."Hello, fated guests.""I am the owner of this Life Auction House.""My name is Changsheng.""Changsheng, what a great name."Satoru replied."Haha, yes, everyone desires eternal life (Changsheng)."Boss Changsheng replied, picked up the heart of jade, walked out from behind the table, and came to the front sofa, placing the heart of jade on the table.Kama leaned forward curiously, examining the heart of jade."It's beautiful, isn't it?"Boss Changsheng asked."Ah, yes, it is indeed very beautiful."Kama couldn't find any other adjectives.Satoru brought the conversation back on track. "So, how do we determine who is the most fated person in the end?"
Chapter 405: What Kind of Bullshit Rule Is This?The four "fated individuals" chosen by the heart of jade.Satoru, Ace, the not-so-smart Kama, and the Princess—the four of them had now arrived in the room of the boss of the Life Auction House, who was also the former owner of the heart of jade, Boss Changsheng... After Kama's description of the heart of jade proved lacking in vocabulary, Satoru steered the conversation back on track."So how do we confirm who is the most fated in the end?""Heh heh, does the young brother like this gem very much?"Boss Changsheng asked in return."I just don't want to waste time."Satoru replied, tapping his fingers on the armrest of the sofa, looking completely at ease."That's true.""In that case, it's simple."Boss Changsheng picked up the heart of jade and cradled it in his palm."All you need to do is place your hand on the gem one by one. The person who elicits the strongest reaction from the gem is the most fated.""Which of you will go first?"Boss Changsheng explained."That's it?""Then I'll go first!"Kama replied, placing his hand on the heart of jadeimmediately after speaking.The heart of jade, held between Kama's and Boss Changsheng's hands, emitted a brilliant emerald light. The light spread along their arms like swimming snakes until it completely enveloped both of them. Their bodies stiffened momentarily, and they instantly straightened their backs. Then, the light retreated along the same path, returning to the heart of jade like a swimming snake.The light vanished, but both men maintained their original posture.Satoru and the others remained silent. After about three seconds.Kama was the first to take his hand away."How do you measure this?""Was that the strongest reaction? The light nearly blinded this young master!"Boss Changsheng shook his head slightly. "It's hard to say. We still need to see the reactions of the others."Kama frowned. "So troublesome. Judging by them, their reaction won't be stronger than mine.""These are the rules, since the heart of jade has chosen four fated individuals."Boss Changsheng still wore that smile that was barely noticeable unless you looked closely."Hmph, fine, let's try it then. What a waste of time."Kama replied, sounding very impatient.Boss Changsheng nodded slightly. "However, this time, you need to hold the heart of jade."Boss Changsheng handed the heart of jade to Kama."What do you mean?"Kama asked with a frown."I am the former owner of the heart of jade. The reaction just now proves that you are the provisional owner of the heart of jade. Now, you need to hold it while the other three touch it, and we will compare the reactions.""If the reaction is stronger than the reaction just now, it means you are eliminated, and the provisional owner of the heart of jade becomes the next person. That person must then hold the heart of jade and continue comparing reactions with others.""If the reaction is weaker than the previous one, it proves that your fate with the heart of jade is higher than theirs. You will continue holding the heart of jade and comparing reactions until everyone has finished, and the person with the highest fate is determined."Boss Changsheng's lengthy explanation was generally understandable."Oh, so they'll compete against me, the young master? Even better! I'll personally make them submit willingly."Upon hearing these rules, Kama actually found it amusing.He took the heart of jade and, mimicking Boss Changsheng's movement, cradled it in his hand.He looked toward Ace and Satoru."Which of you will go?""I'll try it. Is it alright if I wear gloves?"The Princess extended her jade-like hand, which was covered in a white gauze glove, and placed it on the heart of jade, just as Kama had done before. As for her question, "Is it alright if I wear gloves?"—before Boss Changsheng could answer, the heart of jade once again emitted a brilliant emerald light. The answer was obvious.This time, the light emitted by the heart of jadebetween Kama and the Princess's hands was visibly much weaker than the light generated by Kama and Boss Changsheng earlier; the light wasn't even enough to cover both of their bodies.After the same three-second pause, the Princess removed her hand."It seems I'm eliminated."The Princess said, her expression somewhat stiff, perhaps due to disappointment."Hahaha, I'm sorry, Princess. Even though I really wanted to give the heart of jade to you, unfortunately, it didn't choose you."Kama said this with immense confidence, acting as if the heart of jade was already his."Why say 'unfortunately'?""If you want to give it, just give it. Is this gem going to float back into your hand on its own?"Satoru retorted. He disliked Kama's manner of speaking; he tried to sound like a gentleman, but it was actually quite repulsive."Mind your own business.""In any case, I am still the provisional owner of the heart of jade.""If you don't like it, come try it."Kama pushed his hand holding the gem slightly closer to Satoru, challenging him.Satoru glanced at Boss Changsheng, who was staring into the distance. Only after noticing Satoru's gaze did he turn back and speak in a calm tone, "What, do you have a question?"Satoru returned a smile."No."That's what he said out loud, but inwardly he thought, *There's definitely something fishy going on.*"What, are you scared?"Kama challenged him again.Satoru pretended not to hear him."Satoru."Even Ace nudged Satoru in confusion, but Satorusimply stood up, pulling Ace up with him."We concede.""Let the heart of jade be given to the exceptionally clever Young Master Kama the Second."Satoru said, and then tried to leave, pulling Acealong."Wait!"Boss Changsheng spoke, raising his voice slightly."I told you, these are the rules."Satoru felt even more certain that something was amiss."Even if we forfeit automatically, we must continue.""That's the rule?"Boss Changsheng nodded."That's right, those are the rules!!"Satoru responded with a smile. "What kind of bullshit rule is this!!"Kama, still cradling the heart of jade, leaned back on the sofa, tapping the armrest with his other hand, watching the scene unfold.Boss Changsheng stood up, moving with a briskness that was completely unlike a visibly aged old man."Sit down."The tension was palpable.Although Ace didn't understand what was happening, he naturally stood by his brother.Ace raised the hand not held by Satoru and pushed the brim of his cowboy hat. "You have a really bad attitude, old man.""What right do you have to order us to sit down?"And Boss Changsheng's reply was still the same."I'll say it one last time: Sit down!"Hearing such a commanding tone, Ace also showed displeasure.He clenched his fist, and flames immediately burst forth, wrapping around it.Boss Changsheng glanced at Ace's fist, but only for a moment.Kama still looked like he was watching a show.The Princess showed some fear, wondering why things suddenly seemed about to turn into a fight.Satoru suddenly looked at the Princess. "Princess, we made a promise to the Silver-Armored Guard Uncle.""Do you want to come with us?"
Chapter 406: What an Old PervertFacing Boss Changsheng's commanding tone to sit down, Satoru chose to ignore it and instead spoke to the princess."Do you want to come with us?"Didn't this sound like a blatant provocation to Boss Changsheng?"I..."The princess looked troubled. As soon as the word 'I' left her lips, she was interrupted by Boss Changsheng's voice."Must you leave?""Fine, then give me a reasonable explanation."Satoru almost wanted to laugh. Why should he give him a reason?"If we want to leave, we leave. Why do we need a reason?""If you really need a reason, let's just say we don't care for this 'fortune-bringing and disaster-absorbing' heart of jade, alright?"Hearing this answer, Boss Changsheng fell silent again.Three seconds.Ten seconds.One minute.After a minute of silence, Satoru knew this old bastard wouldn't let him and Ace leave easily, so he decided to lay it all out on the table."Then, you give us a reason to stay.""Boss Changsheng."Satoru spoke, but when he said the final title, he looked at Kama, who was holding the heart of jade.The spectator-like expression that had been on Kama's face froze for a moment, but immediately returned to normal."Hahahaha, what a clever little brat.""How did you guess?"Kama replied after laughing loudly, clearly admitting that he was Boss Changsheng."What? What?"Ace's brain CPU crashed. What did that mean? Why call Kama 'Boss Changsheng'?"What do you mean, Satoru?""It means that Kama's consciousness right now belongs to Boss Changsheng.""As for the original Boss Changsheng, I'm not sure if Kama's consciousness is inside there.""But what I can be sure of is that whatever is inside is also under the control of Boss Changsheng.""Am I right?"Satoru explained.Kama didn't answer yet, just tapped his fingers on the sofa.The princess raised her hands to cover her mouth in surprise, "What!!"Satoru smiled, "You don't have to pretend anymore.""You've probably rarely controlled a girl before, right?""Especially the princess. The way she is now looks nothing like a highly educated princess, but rather a noisy and indecisive girl.""Before the princess touched the heart of jade, she was more or less displeased with Kama's secret attempts to get closer, keeping her body leaned as far as possible towards the edge of the sofa armrest.""But after touching the heart of jade, that subtle look of displeasure vanished, her body straightened up, and she became completely indifferent to Kama.""The princess has also been controlled by you, Boss Changsheng."After listening to Satoru's analysis, Kama fell silent, and his fingers stopped tapping. The princess also stared into the distance with a blank expression; the look of shock with hands covering her mouth vanished, and she lowered her hands.Seeing that Kama didn't answer, Satoru continued."Kama's body is occupied by you, the princess is controlled; what is the common point?""Ace."Why is he testing me? Ace frowned and thought about it."What is it... what is it...""Right, they both touched the heart of jade!"Ace figured it out and said immediately."Bingo.""You guessed right.""Reward: a handful of air."Satoru snapped his fingers and praised him.Ace was even happy to reach out to take the reward, but after realizing what was said, what? A reward of what?"Do you want me to continue? Boss Changsheng."Satoru said, looking like he understood everything completely."Oh! You guessed something else? Then continue."Boss Changsheng was very surprised; he wanted to see how far Satoru's guesses went.Satoru let go of Ace's hand, held his right elbow with his left hand, and raised his right hand to push up his "invisible" glasses."Alright. Then! There is always only one truth!!""The function of the heart of jade is not to bring fortune and absorb disaster.""It should be swapping souls, or swapping consciousness.""All that 'fortune-bringing and disaster-absorbing' talk is just a lie you made up to attract people.""Your name, Changsheng.""Added to this huge portrait. And the so-called 50-year deadline.""This all proves that you are the person in that painting, a 700-year-old monster.""Flesh and blood are worn away by time, but the soul and consciousness are not. You use a 50-year cycle to constantly swap consciousness with young people, gaining young bodies to live from 700 years ago until now, thereby achieving so-called immortality!!""Am I right or not?"Satoru stated his guess. Although it was a guess, he was confident that this was the truth."Then, according to what you said about swapping souls and consciousness, why did my consciousness enter this Kama's body, while this Kama's consciousness didn't enter this old, weak body?"The Changsheng occupying Kama's body threw out a new question.Regarding this question, Satoru couldn't be sure either. He rubbed his chin."Perhaps the heart of jade has this ability, and the person holding it has the initiative?""Or perhaps, it's the ability of a Devil Fruit.""I cannot be sure if the Devil Fruit's ability will transfer along with the soul."Satoru stated his guess once again."Hahahaha, you guessed completely correctly!!"After three seconds of silence, Changsheng laughed loudly, admitting Satoru's guess."That's exactly it. Ever since I discovered the function of this heart of jade 700 years ago, every fifty years, a new body, a new identity, a different life, a different performance.""That is how I have lived for over 700 years.""Isn't this immortality!!""Hahahaha!""Taking over someone else's identity, enjoying the love of his family, his wealth, his young body, this feeling... it's simply too amazing."Listening to Changsheng's near-maniacal words, Ace and Satoru had only one thought in their hearts.What an old pervert.However, this old guy instantly changed his expression—he really had great control—and stared at Satoru and Ace with calm eyes."It's been 700 years. Do you think you're the only one who has guessed this secret?""Long-Haired Bai Yun?""I appreciate these clever people, but do you know what their final outcome was?"Changsheng used Kama's face to reveal a lecherous smile.Satoru shrugged, "You're still alive, so their outcome is obvious without guessing.""Smart.""I just love smart people.""Their bodies, their brains, they work even more flexibly. Kid, give me your body!!!"Changsheng raised the hand not holding the heart of jade, curled his five fingers into a claw, and swung down.The two armored guards at the door came to life, raised their greatswords, and slashed over.The princess also picked up the fruit knife on the table and slashed her own left arm without hesitation.At the same time, the door was pushed open
Chapter 407: Not Even a CatIn truth, Satoru was able to deduce the truth largely thanks to Chang Sheng's narcissism.He recorded his seven hundred years of photographs on the auction house corridor, as if showcasing his achievements to the 'prey' who might become his new body and enter the auction house.In his own room, he even had the largest portrait of the first owner of the heart of jade.No one would display a giant portrait of someone else in their room without reason. There were three possibilities.Either this person was his ancestor.Or this person was someone he admired, or an idol.Or this person was himself.These three possibilities, when viewed in isolation, couldn't determine which was more likely; all were possible.However, combining it with the corridor outside, the heart of jade, and the name Chang Sheng, the probability of the third possibility greatly increased.However, Satoru still didn't understand how Chang Sheng controlled the people whose souls he swapped with. It must be related to him moving his finger, but the exact nature of this ability was unclear. Satoru's guess leaned towards it being a Devil Fruit ability... After being exposed, Chang Sheng immediately tore off his facade, ordering the two armored guards to attack Satoru and Ace.He controlled the princess to use a fruit knife to cut her own arm.At the same time, he controlled Gilles outside to push open the room door.Uncle Silver-Armored Guard and Kama's trusted subordinates only saw Satoru and Ace fighting the two armored guards, with the princess's arm injured and tears in her eyes.And the heart of jade had 'returned' to Boss Chang Sheng's hands.Gilles immediately plunged into the battle without a word.Kama had also 'returned' to being Kama at this moment."Gus! Take them down!!"Kama gave the order, and Gus threw himself into the battle with Ace and Satoru.Uncle Silver-Armored Guard, David, quickly went to the princess's side first."Princess, are you alright!!"This phrase was always difficult and annoying. Although it was concern, did he think this was 'alright'?So, a blunt person would reply, "I'm not dying."An introverted person, a good-tempered person, would be like the princess."I'm fine.""How can you be fine? All this blood!!"David retorted.Princess: "..."You've said it all, haven't you?"I'll bandage the princess; please help take down those two people.""They're the ones who hurt the princess."Chang Sheng said, shifting the blame onto Satoruand Ace.Looking at Chang Sheng's retreating figure as he went to get bandages, David, though not particularly smart, wasn't too foolish.He had asked Satoru and Ace to look after the princess, so why would they attack her? And... (David glanced at the fruit knife on the ground) they even specifically used a fruit knife to attack.Kama crossed his hands behind his waist, appearing very comfortable, but in reality, his palms were frantically tapping up and down."What's wrong, Uncle?""Aren't you going to avenge the princess? You call yourself a guard?"David glanced at him, and his silver armor made a sound as he stood up, wanting to tell Kama to look after the princess, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.Yes, there was no reason; he simply didn't trust Kama based on his appearance.Drawing the sword from his waist, David charged at Ace and Satoru... From Satoru and Ace's perspective.When the armored guards began to attack and the princess harmed herself, Satoru knew that Chang Sheng intended to shift the blame onto them."Ace, stall for now. Once the people outside come in, we'll deal with these two armored guards.""Okay."The armored guards were purely just suits of armor; for Ace, it was merely a matter of one punch. Satoruhad Ace stall because he wanted to wait for David and the others to come in, hoping David was smart enough to see that something was wrong.So, then they burst in, and Satoru disarmed the armored guard he was fighting, giving it a fierce palm strike to the chest.Ace, seeing this, cooperated with Satoru, kicking an armored guard away. The two armored guards crashed into each other, and flames erupted from Ace's hand."Mirror Fire Flame!"Ace suddenly spewed a large amount of flames from one arm, creating a huge wall of fire that swept across, instantly melting the two armored guards.Gilles then rushed forward, his hands covered in Armament Haki, his martial arts formidable, fighting Ace back and forth.Satoru couldn't help but wonder if control could also allow them to use Armament Haki.Then Kama's confidant also rushed over, shaking his hands, revealing three claws, and lunging at Satoru.Satoru dodged both the left and right claws. The third attack, with both claws joined together, thrust forward. Satoru's eyes narrowed slightly, and he horizontally inserted his knife into the gap between the claws, blocking the attack."Cosplaying here, huh? Too bad, with this strength, let alone a wolf, you're not even a cat."Satoru mocked, then kicked Kama's confidant back.Kama's confidant retreated repeatedly, and after regaining his balance, Satoru instantly appeared in front of him. Before he could react, Satoru's Air Compression Technique impact exploded into a knee strike directly to his abdomen.With that strike, Kama's confidant's eyes nearly popped out. With a bang, he was sent flying, crashing into the wall, falling to the ground, unable to get up again.David also saw something amiss here again: Kama's confidant was beaten like that, yet Kama showed no reaction at all?...As the confidant fell, Satoru had just let out a sigh of relief when David came slashing.Satoru immediately turned and blocked with his horizontal knife."Ahhhhhh!!!"David roared, pushing Satoru back repeatedly.Satoru stomped down hard, stopping his retreat."Why are you yelling, Uncle?""Long-Haired Bai Yun, what exactly happened here?"David didn't respond to Satoru's words, nor was it appropriate to, and directly asked what he was concerned about."It seems you're a smart man, Uncle.""Just the fact that you recognize me is enough to tell."Satoru replied with a smile."I told you to calm down."Finally, Satoru added, his hands not stopping as he pretended to exchange a few blows with David.David's brows furrowed deeply; he felt that something was amiss."Hmm."Then Satoru spoke plainly."The princess is being controlled.""Controlled by Boss Chang Sheng using the heart of jade.""That idiot Kama is probably the same."It felt good to have a clone; he could curse people freely. Being polite was good, but sometimes being too polite felt stifling.Satoru only said this much, indicating it was all he knew.Even though he had been told to calm down beforehand, David couldn't help but widen his eyes, almost turning back to slash at Chang Sheng.Satoru advised."I have a plan."...After listening to Satoru's plan, David only felt that Satoru was bold and felt admiration, then immediately nodded in agreement to proceed with Satoru's plan.The two instantly attacked Gilles, who was fighting Ace.Chang Sheng's eyebrows raised slightly at the sight, but he still controlled his original body to bandage the princess's wound.With a slight curl of his lips and a confident smile, Chang Sheng didn't seem to think he would lose, after all, he had leverage, and Gilles wouldn't be so simple.
Chapter 408: Super Weakened Version of Divine DepartureSatoru guessed that Chang Sheng had been using the heart of jade's soul consciousness exchange function, with a 50-year limit, to continuously change bodies and live from 700 years ago until now.And now, this so-called 'heart of jade destined person' test was nothing more than a scam.Kama's body had been swapped and he was controlled, and the princess was also controlled.Facing Satoru and Ace's desire to leave, Chang Sheng immediately concocted a scheme of false accusation.Kama's subordinate, to put it nicely, was loyal; to put it bluntly, he was as stupid as his master. So, Satorusent him to talk to Duke Zhou with an elbow strike.The princess's guard, the silver-armored Uncle David, was a smart one. He knew something was wrong and used fighting Satoru as an excuse to ask what happened.Satoru told him an incomplete version, basically that the princess was currently controlled, and they should cooperate to rescue the princess and beat up that Chang Sheng.David agreed, and with Satoru, they turned around. The three of them, with Ace, surrounded Gilles... "Hahahaha, Gilles isn't that simple. For me to have developed to this point, Gilles has been my great contributor."Seeing the three of them surround Gilles, Chang Sheng laughed loudly.Satoru and David chopped down at Gilles's back, but heard a 'clang,' and were instead repelled, almost dropping their swords.Gilles exhaled heavily, his suit jacket ripped, muscles bulging, his upper body fully covered in Armament Haki.No, looking at his ankles, it was full-body Armament Haki coverage!He transformed from a polite, gentle old man into a muscular old man who would grab your head and make you talk nicely to him."Full-body Armament Haki coverage.""How can you control such a person?"Satoru found it incredible. He could tell that Chang Sheng's strength wasn't impressive; at least with constant body changes, his physical combat was far inferior to even his clone. Yet, he could control such a person, it was like a mouse commanding an elephant.Hearing Satoru's question, Chang Sheng was very proud."Hahahaha.""Since you're so curious, I'll tell you.""No matter how strong the body, the soul is fragile!!"Chang Sheng's words basically confirmed that the heart of jade's function was soul consciousness exchange.Satoru fell silent. Looking at it this way, Gilles was also controlled after falling for the heart of jade's trick combined with Chang Sheng's Devil FruitAbility, just like the princess and Kama, whose consciousness went into Chang Sheng's old and weak body.Can it ignore strength?To be honest, Satoru didn't believe it. If it could, try it on Whitebeard or Shanks.However, Whitebeard and Shanks wouldn't fall for such a low-level trap anyway. Attracting blessings and averting disasters? They themselves love "disasters"! A calm sea is not a sea!...Back to business.With Gilles's full-body Armament Haki coverage, perhaps only Ace could deal with him.Armament Haki comes in four types: "Hardening," "Coating," "Emission," and "Internal Destruction" (Ryuo).Simply put, hardening equals increased defense, coating equals increased attack, emission equals forming shapes (shockwaves or defensive walls), and internal destruction is easy to understand: it's breaking through defenses.Generally, once one masters Armament Haki, the first three types are basically usable.The last type requires training to master.If Gilles only knows the first three types, he'd be easy to deal with, but if he also knows Ryuo, it would be difficult.Clang!!Another sword-shaking impact, David was bounced back, his sword plunged into the ground and skidded a distance before stopping."Are you watching a show?"David complained, as Satoru had been standing there ever since he was repelled earlier."Just leave it to Ace.""Right?"Satoru replied, emphasizing the last two words to signal Ace."Hahaha, leave it to me.""He has some strength, but I can handle him."Ace was very confident.Gilles's strength was only significant to Clone Bai Yun and David.At most, he was on par with Vergo, and that was the version without Six Powers.For Ace, who had already made a name for himself in the Grand Line as the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Gilles could fight Ace, but at most, he would only delay his defeat."Then good luck."Satoru replied, he also trusted Ace.Gilles was displeased? Was he being ignored? He immediately launched an Ora Ora Ora Ora!But they were all blocked by Ace's "Muda Muda Muda Muda."Ace also knew Armament Haki."So strong!!!"David watched Ace and Gilles fight, like two humanoid machines constantly clashing, their strength shocked him... Gilles was left to Ace.Satoru then turned his attention to Chang Sheng, and David followed Satoru, as the princess was still there.But Chang Sheng, facing their gazes, remained seated on the sofa, legs crossed, completely unconcerned."Oh, it seems, Boss Chang Sheng is quite confident in his own strength, isn't he?"Satoru asked."The unfortunate thing is this: with body replacement, the physique always changes.""Armament Haki cannot be carried over.""However, those combat experiences, and Observation Haki, can naturally be carried over.""So you still haven't mastered Haoshoku after 700 years?"Satoru's question was essentially a taunt.Chang Sheng fell silent, clearly hit a sore spot. Without another word, he instantly drew a gun, firing bullets rapidly.Satoru turned sideways, raised his hand, and grabbed.David's eyes widened, "You caught it!?"Satoru lowered his hand and opened it, but there was nothing inside."Of course not.""Then what was that grabbing motion for?"David was very confused.Satoru stated that the reason was simple."It looks cool."David: "...""Hahahaha, Long-Haired Bai Yun, you are indeed an interesting person!""I can't wait to possess your body!!"Chang Sheng drew a long sword hidden in a secret compartment of the table, then stepped forward and slashed.He wasn't sure whose body he would ultimately choose, so he probably hid swords in all four directions.Chang Sheng attacked first, and Satoru was waiting for him to attack.Holding his sword in one hand, angled downwards, when Chang Sheng was two-thirds of the way closer.Satoru's sword was covered in Armament Haki, his Air Compression Technique erupted under his feet, and he swung his arm, slashing upwards diagonally."Divine Departure!!!"Satoru approached almost instantly, Chang Sheng's eyes widened in shock, and he immediately brought his long sword down to block Satoru's."Clang!"A violent collision, sparks flew.Chang Sheng was directly sent flying, his sword slipped from his hand, and he continuously retreated until he hit the sofa and fell back onto it."So strong!"David exclaimed again.Of course, Satoru's Divine Departure was a replica of Shanks's.However, Satoru didn't have Haoshoku yet, and his clone's Armament Haki wasn't mature enough. So, this Divine Departure was merely a super weakened version, lacking its form and intent, using the burst impact of Air Compression Technique to increase its power. But it was more than enough to deal with Chang Sheng in Kama's body.
Chapter 409: If I Do Not Enter Hell, Who Will?Facing Satoru, Ace, and David, Changsheng was quite confident.He believed in the strength of Gilles, and now that Gilles was entangled with Ace, it looked like it was only a matter of time before he was defeated.He had trusted in his own combat experience and Observation Haki, only to be struck by a Divine Departure from Satoru—a super-weakened version of Divine Departure empowered by the Air Compression Technique—which sent him stumbling back onto the sofa.Having suffered a setback, Changsheng still believed that the advantage was his, because he had a hostage in his hands!"Stop!!"Changsheng stumbled back onto the sofa and immediately shouted sternly for Satoru and David to stop.Of course, if it had just been him shouting, Satoruand Ace wouldn't have cared. But with the added action of the princess lifelessly picking up a fruit knife and pointing it at her own throat, Satoru and Ace had no choice but to stop."Princess!!"David shouted in concern.This made Changsheng triumphant. "Hahahaha, that's it, that's it.""Long-Haired Bai Yun, the reason I have been able to live for 700 years relies not only on the heart of jade, but on deception, and on the fragile emotions of people. Once those are exploited, what does it matter how strong a person is!""Hahahaha!!!"Seeing his triumphant look, Satoru really wanted to walk over and slap him. Whether the princess lived or died was, in truth, none of his business.He was just worried that if he stepped forward to attack and caused the princess's death, David would take his anger out on him, and then he would have to kill them both.So, Satoru did not intend to do that.Because the current situation was still under control, and a perfect ending was the best outcome.However, if the power of Gilles was truly very strong, strong enough that Ace couldn't handle it, then Satoru wouldn't care so much. If they were about to die, why care about the princess or David? Why care about the princess being a hostage? He would just go up and slash Changsheng right there.One must look out for oneself first; Satoru never considered himself to be selfless."You've lived for 700 years, and this is how you behave? Using a girl to threaten others."Satoru mocked.Changsheng snorted coldly."Don't give me that lip service.""What's wrong with this behavior!? As long as it works, that's all that matters!""Now, the initiative is in my hands."Satoru put on a perfunctory look."Yeah, yeah.""What do you want?"The corners of Changsheng's mouth were filled with triumph. "You know what I want.""What a perverted expression.""I'll trade places with her.""You release your control over the princess, and I will step forward to perform the soul exchange with the heart of jade."Satoru stated his conditions—oh no, to be more precise, the conditions that Changsheng hoped for."Hahahaha, chatting with smart people is just so simple.""This is the best outcome, Long-Haired Bai Yun!"Changsheng did not hide his triumph in the slightest."No!! Satoru!!"Ace would not agree to his brother being controlled right in front of him.He threw a powerful punch to push back Gilles and came over here, staring at Changsheng and saying firmly."No!!"Changsheng was in no hurry, putting on the look of someone watching a show. He loved watching this kind of drama; Satoru wanting to sacrifice himself for the exchange, and still having to convince his own brother—how pathetic.Satoru also began to act, grabbing Ace's hand and expressing, "Ace, if I do not enter hell, who will?""If I do not enter hell, who will...""I like this saying!!""I want to write it down. In the future, those who have their bodies swapped by me should look at this sentence while they lose their bodies! Hahahaha!!"Changsheng laughed again. Satoru felt that calling him an old pervert earlier was truly not wrong.Looking at Ace again, who had just been resolute, he had now changed his mind."Alright, since this is your choice, Satoru."Having said that, he attacked Gilles again, striking even harder and more fiercely, as if venting his anger.Changsheng didn't know how Satoru had convinced Ace, but this was for the best. He only cared that Satoru's body was about to be his."You first release the control over the princess."Satoru said.Changsheng stood up, controlling the princess to stand up as well. He made the princess walk in front while he walked behind, one hand gripping the princess's neck, and the other hand clenched into a fist behind his back. The sparkle in the princess's eyes gradually returned."Princess!!"David shouted, testing if the princess's consciousness had returned."Uncle David.""Princess!!"This time, David's shout was out of genuine concern for the princess.The princess, however, expressed."Mr. Satoru, no, I cannot do something like sacrificing you to save myself!!"Even though he was the one about to fall into the risk of being controlled, Satoru acted unconcerned."With those words from you, at least it proves I didn't save the wrong person, Your Highness."Changsheng couldn't let his good fortune be ruined, so he applied force with his hand."You have no choice, Your Highness."Having said that, Changsheng reached out his hand, and his own aged body placed the heart of jade into his hand."Go."Having obtained the heart of jade, he immediately signaled for the princess to walk; he was going to greet his new body.Left fist blocked.Right fist blocked.Gilles's two punches were both blocked by Ace, so he chose to crouch and perform a sweeping kick.The leg swept past, but Ace's legs turned into flames, completely unaffected by the kick.Because while Armament Haki can strike the physical entity of a Logia-type user, a Logia-typeuser can also avoid attacks by transforming in advance.Ace had used his Observation Haki to capture Gilles's thoughts and elementalized his legs in advance to dodge the attack. With this method of dodging, even Armament Haki couldn't hit him, unless it was a wide-range, charged punch like Garp's, which one couldn't dodge.Gilles was still in a crouching position; a good opportunity."Sacred Fire: Unknown Fire!!"Ace's hands turned into flames. At the moment he pressed down, the flames turned into flaming spears, piercing toward Gilles's two shoulders.Armament Haki is not a 100% defense; Gilleswithstood it, but still felt the pain. He wanted to take the opportunity to stand up, but only got halfway.Ace took advantage of his vulnerability to finish him off.He threw an elbow strike, "from the same school" as Satoru, toward Gilles's forehead.Seeing this, Gilles immediately raised his hands, covering them with Haki to block Ace's elbow strike, but he was still knocked back by the force.As Gilles retreated, Ace stepped forward to follow, flames burning fiercely on his hands. He instantly approached Gilles and slammed a punch down hard at his chest."Fire Fist!!!"Bang!!With the violent punch, flames poured out like a giant wave from the point where the fist collided with Gilles's chest.Gilles was lifted into the air. With the two impacts combined, he flew back like a bullet, crashing into the room door and knocking it down. He fell into the hallway, lying on top of it, unable to get up again.Stopped🔊 BrowserCh. 411 / 210519.52%Ch. 411 / 2105
Chapter 410: Connection Error"Hoo~"Ace exhaled, maintaining his punching posture. Once he finished exhaling, he retracted his fist, glanced at Gilles lying on the door, confirmed he couldn't get up again, and then turned to look at Satoru and his group.Satoru and Changsheng had already approached each other within a meter.The princess was in front of Changsheng, while David stood three meters behind Satoru; this was Changsheng's request.Ace remained silent, walked to David's side, and stood by Satoru. Gilles was dealt with, and the rest of Changsheng would be left to Satoru... "Put your hand on it, and I'll release the princess."Changsheng said, then extended the hand holding the heart of jade.Satoru was not in a hurry and glanced at the heart of jade."The fact that you say that means you can't control people at will, right?""You can only control the person you're exchanging with at the exact moment the heart of jadeexchanges soul consciousness. That's why you said that no matter how strong the body is, the soul is fragile.""Plus, your constantly secretively tapping fingers, I guess your devil fruit must be something like a String Puppet, right?"Satoru stated his guess.Changsheng was momentarily stunned, not expecting Satoru to have guessed to this extent."Truly... truly too smart!""Just thinking that this brain will soon be mine makes me overjoyed.""That's right, you're absolutely right. The devil fruit I ate is the Paramecia type, Doll-Doll Fruit. I can control objects or dead people like string puppets, but that alone isn't enough combat power.""And at the moment the heart of jade exchanges soul consciousness, aren't those two soulless bodies 'dead objects'? I seize control of the body before the other party's consciousness enters it. When their consciousness enters, they discover that the control of the body isn't theirs, but mine!""And they are fully conscious, yet can only watch helplessly—how pathetic, hahahaha!!!"Changsheng explained the principle of how he controls others' bodies. Because he felt victory was assured, he was extremely confident and didn't hide anything. He would surely regret it."Saying it so clearly, aren't you afraid of death?"Satoru replied, and Changsheng was stunned for a moment."Hmph, who's afraid of death, and who's clear?""Are you going to put your hand on it or not!!"Changsheng grew a little impatient.Satoru returned a smile. Since you're so eager to court death, I'll satisfy you.Without speaking, Satoru extended his hand and placed it on the heart of jade. The same reaction occurred; the heart of jade began to emit a verdant green light.Changsheng, surprisingly, kept his word and pushed the princess away. Or perhaps, during the exchange of soul consciousness, no third person's physical contact was allowed."Princess!!"David immediately caught the princess. The princess looked at Satoru with eyes full of guilt. She herself was conscious but couldn't speak. The feeling of her body being out of control was utterly despairing.Soon, the light from the heart of jade covered both Satoru and Changsheng, then receded, proving the conversion was successful.But both bodies fell silent.Kama's body stood motionless, eyes vacant, like an empty shell.And from Satoru's body, Changsheng's voice suddenly emerged."Hahahaha!!""This body is mine!""Don't speak too soon!"But suddenly, Satoru's voice still came from his own body."This is impossible, how are you still here!!"Changsheng instantly panicked. Why was Satoru's consciousness still in his own body?"Nothing is impossible. You're the one who wanted to switch.""Now, I'm sending you to see something good!"Satoru said.Two voices in one body did sound a bit chaotic. However, after Satoru finished speaking, he closed his eyes and then fell silent.Changsheng had always wanted Satoru's body, but he didn't know that Satoru was a clone, and his body was essentially a bullet.Satoru's Main Body also felt a tearing sensation in his soul at this time.Simply put, the principle of Satoru's clones is a host (Main Body) connected to six extensions (six clones).Each clone receives a consciousness from the Main Body, which can be said to be a part of the soul; it is both independent and yet a single consciousness, somewhat contradictory, but it holds true.When Changsheng and Satoru's clone exchanged soul consciousness, it was actually an exchange with a part of Satoru's Main Body's consciousness.One could say he occupied one of the other six extensions. This anomaly came to break Satoru's clone's principle of "a part of the soul, yet independent and a single consciousness," resulting in a connection error.This is why Satoru's Main Body experienced a tearing sensation in his soul, causing other clones, besides the one whose soul consciousness exchanged with him, to revert to their essential bodies (e.g., bullets).And the appearance of an anomaly naturally called for its resolution. The period when Satoru's Main Body fainted was to resolve this anomaly... "Hoo!! Hoo!!!"Both Satoru's and Changsheng's voices simultaneously disappeared. Kama's control was also released, and he immediately gasped for air, adapting to this old and weak body."Give it back to me!! Quickly give me back my body!!!"Kama rushed forward, grabbing his own body and shouting. But then he reacted, realizing that Changsheng had exchanged with Satoru again, so he turned to grab Satoru's body, only to be violently pushed away by Ace."Get lost!""Don't touch him!!"Ace was very angry. Satoru had just grabbed his hand and written the character for 'clone' (point) on his palm, reminding Ace that he was just a clone.But even if it was just a clone, if something happened to him in front of Ace, Ace would still feel guilty. In the current situation, it was a matter of waiting for Satoru and Changsheng to fight over this body. All Ace could do was protect him, which included... if the body was controlled by Changsheng, he had to kill it, as Satoru had requested."You!!"Kama actually wanted to curse back but met Ace's furious gaze and was scared into holding it back.Gilles, lying on the door, also woke up. He was pleasantly surprised to find that he could control his body again.He incredulously raised his hand and looked at it repeatedly."My... body."Realizing what had happened, a burst of laughter erupted."Hahahahaha!!!""Fifty years!!! I'm finally... free!!!"With a carp jump, Gilles got up. Seeing Changsheng's body (Kama's consciousness), he instantly rushed over and grabbed him by the throat.Ace raised an eyebrow. Gilles, not controlled by Changsheng, was clearly stronger."No... I'm not..."Kama struggled to say.Gilles understood, "Then where is that thing Changsheng's soul consciousness now?"Kama raised his hand, trembling, and pointed towards Satoru's body.Stopped🔊 Browser
Chapter 411: Bastard Orochi!!Because Satoru was merely one of his clones, Changsheng wanted to seize Satoru's body, but he never expected that even his consciousness would be pulled into the Consciousness Space by Satoru.Therefore, the control over Kama and Gilles was also lifted.Kama wanted to reclaim his body, but Ace wouldn't allow him to touch Satoru right now. Kama also chickened out and dared not argue with Ace, as he clearly knew how formidable the Whitebeard Pirates were.As for Gilles, this poor man who had been controlled for 50 years, his first thought upon regaining consciousness was to kill Changsheng for revenge. So he instantly appeared and grabbed Kama's neck, then realized that Changsheng had now abandoned this frail body. Under Kama's finger, he looked towards Satoru... As Kama pointed, Gilles's head immediately turned.He saw Ace sitting cross-legged on the ground in front of Satoru, his head lowered, as if something on the ground was attracting him.Gilles asked."Which one?""The one... standing..."Kama answered with difficulty.After getting the answer, Gilles, still clutching Kama's now old and weak body, violently threw him towards Satoru. Ace instantly stood up and kicked him away."Ugh!!!"Poor Kama, whose body was already old and frail, now felt as if his entire body was falling apart. He lay on the ground, clutching his stomach, even groaning in pain.Gilles raised an eyebrow and stepped forward, but as soon as he took a step, Ace spoke."Get out."Gilles snorted coldly."Hmph! Not old, but certainly not humble."This was Ace; if it were Satoru, he would definitely mock him with, 'You're old, having lived 50 years under someone else's control.'However, Satoru wouldn't say that unless they were 100% enemies, because saying it would make them 100% enemies.Seeing the tense situation, the Princess remembered that Satoru was like this because he saved her, so she had to do something."Senior.""Why don't you know what happened here?""When I was controlled just now, my consciousness was clear. I knew what was happening, but my body was out of control. That feeling was terrifying."Perhaps feeling empathy, or perhaps because Gillesonly hated Changsheng, he answered the Princess's question."For the first few years of being controlled, I also watched my body move on its own, constantly.""But after a few years, I discovered I could make my consciousness fall into a deep sleep. Sometimes, I would open my eyes and a month or even several months would have passed. But falling into a deep sleep is difficult; you have to beat your own consciousness half to death!""It's painful, but at least it's better than watching my body being manipulated to do those disgusting things.""Perhaps the good thing is that after 50 years, without having to train myself, this body has become stronger, but also..."He won't live much longer. This was what Gillescouldn't say. Although he had been controlled by Changsheng for 50 years, and his body had become stronger through combat training, how many years did he have left to live now?Fifty years, each time beating himself half to death to fall into a deep sleep. The Princess found Gilles's experience terrifying and pitiful just thinking about it."You said, 'But at least it's better than watching my body being manipulated to do those disgusting things,' which proves you and Changsheng are not the same kind of people.""Changsheng has now entered my brother's body. They are fighting for control of the body. If my... brother loses, you can do whatever you want to him.""But for now, you have to wait."Ace looked up at Gilles. He also felt regret for Gilles's plight, such a powerful person trapped for 50 years like a conscious vegetable."Fighting for control of the body?""Impossible!!""Under the heart of jade and that scumbag's Devil Fruit Ability, even the strongest soul consciousness cannot contend with him.""Moreover, for two souls to merge into one body, unless it's in... Consciousness Space...""I have to beat myself half to death just to enter the Consciousness Space, and you're saying your brother can casually pull someone else's consciousness in!!"Changsheng didn't believe Ace's words. It turned out that what he referred to as deep sleep was entering the Consciousness Space to sleep, just like noob's current situation, half-dead... It seems noob's injuries are not simple either."I don't care if you believe it or not, but the fact that Changsheng isn't controlling Satoru's body right now is the best proof.""I don't know what this Consciousness Space you speak of is, or how difficult it is to control, but if it's Satoru, I believe he can do it easily."Ace trusted Satoru greatly. Or rather, Ace, Sabo, and Luffy all trusted Satoru immensely. Because of his Devil Fruit Ability and personality, Satoru seemed omnipotent in their eyes, which is why they all wanted Satoru to join their crew.As Ace said this, Gilles also reacted, 'That's right! This Changsheng actually didn't manage to control this body!!'"Hahaha!! Good!! Very good!!!""Having hunted geese for years, I've finally been pecked in the eye by a goose!!""I will wait. If Changsheng wins, I will personally smash this body to pieces and kill him!!"After speaking, Gilles also sat down cross-legged.Ace didn't answer Gilles. He never expected Satoruto lose... Consciousness Space.When Satoru said, "I'll take you to a good place," Changsheng felt his vision instantly covered by white light, then it dissipated just as quickly. After his vision returned, he only saw a vast, white expanse of space.This was the first time in seven hundred years of changing bodies that he had encountered such a thing.Satoru stood opposite him, and his current appearance was also his own, the one in that giant portrait."Where is this!?"Changsheng asked.Satoru smiled, "You've played with soul consciousness for 700 years, and you don't even know about the Consciousness Space?""Consciousness... Space..."Changsheng was puzzled because he had never entered the Consciousness Space, unaware that Gilles had hated him there for over 40 years."Never mind, you don't need to understand it that deeply.""Because even if you understood, it would be useless. You've lived for over 700 years, you should die now!!"Satoru spoke harshly.Changsheng clenched his fists, "Although I don't understand, I should be able to kill you, right?""Kama's body is frail and weak. You beat him up once, and now you're full of yourself, aren't you?""Compared to the physical body, know that my soul consciousness has lived for 700 years, you brat!!!"In an instant, the speed was so fast that Satorualmost couldn't catch it. Changsheng threw a punch, accompanied by a whooshing sound, and Satoru, blocking with crossed arms, was still knocked back violently.That punch almost shattered Satoru's consciousness.But looking at Satoru again, he still maintained a confident expression.Changsheng was also puzzled, then saw Satorushout."If you keep watching, I'll be gone!!""Bastard Orochi!!"
Chapter 412: The Biggest "Gift"During the Long Ring Island Paddle Race, Satorusuddenly fainted because junk entered his consciousness space, and he went to clean it up.Satoru fainted but didn't arrive in his own consciousness space, and Little Bai was also flustered.It wasn't until Luffy said, "I can" (referring to sleeping so soundly that even hitting him wouldn't wake him up) that Little Bai received Satoru's summons and instantly "fainted" as well.Luffy and the others: "...""Little Bai also fainted."Luffy said.Others: "... (We're not blind)"..."Damn Orochi!!"Satoru shouted, thinking this was still Little Bai's consciousness space, but it was actually his own.Little Bai was truly wronged; he wasn't watching the show, but after receiving the summons, he instantly arrived.Chang Sheng heard Satoru shout, "Damn Orochi? Are you dying and scared out of your mind?""Go to hell!!"Chang Sheng instantly moved again, his five fingers curled into a claw, grabbing at Satoru, but just as he swung down, he heard...A "slap."Chang Sheng's hand was caught. The one who caught him was Little Bai in human form. This time, his attire was different, imitating Satoru's style.Satoru's attire is a white tank top and beach shorts; remember my name is Satoru. (A white shirt with a white tank top; the shirt is worn depending on mood and weather, rarely buttoned up, plus black beach shorts with a small coconut tree pattern sewn on the upper right front, and Luffy-style flip-flops).At this moment, Little Bai was dressed just like Satoru, only without shoes, the difference being bare feet.His flowing white hair made him look like a larger version of Satoru... Little Bai's sudden appearance, dressed like Satoru, was incomprehensible to Chang Sheng.But what he knew was that Little Bai was not simple; he appeared instantly and grabbed his hand. Before he was grabbed, Chang Sheng hadn't noticed anything, and those eerie scarlet eyes—could an ordinary person have those?"You!!"Chang Sheng tried to pull his hand back, but it was useless. Little Bai's hand was like glue, clamping his arm tightly. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't pull it back."Who are you?!!"Chang Sheng asked in astonishment."Your dad!!"Little Bai looked at Chang Sheng with extremely cold eyes, answering Chang Sheng's question with a direct generational greeting.Chang Sheng was stunned for a moment, "I'm 700 years old! To be my dad!! What right do you have?!"How presumptuous!!"Chang Sheng, enraged, clenched his other hand into a fist and punched Chang Sheng's abdomen.With a bang, the fist accurately hit Little Bai's abdomen. A wave of air flew out, pulling Little Bai's clothes backward.But Satoru looked at Little Bai, who still wore that mocking smile. This punch was like an ant trying to shake a tree, having no effect on him whatsoever."This is impossible!!"Chang Sheng couldn't believe it, his eyes nearly popping out.Little Bai still held his hand and said with that smile."700 years old, no wonder this punch still has some strength.""How old do you think I am? Kid."As he spoke, Little Bai glanced at Satoru, then continued."How did you, a human, live for 700 years?""Then I can spare your dog life."Chang Sheng hadn't answered yet.Satoru spoke, "So much talk, just cripple him first!!!"Little Bai sighed, feigning helplessness."Alas~""No choice, my master is too cruel.""Take a deep breath, it's normal to feel a little pain, just bear with it for now."With a smile, Little Bai's pupils turned vertical, and he punched Chang Sheng's abdomen.The same attack, but the effect Chang Sheng caused was like an ant shaking a tree, while the effect Little Bai caused was like a comet hitting Earth.With a bang, it was as if all the air currents were concentrated at the point of Little Bai's punch, then instantly erupted. Little Bai simultaneously released Chang Sheng's arm, and Chang Sheng flew out in a perfect arc.As he reached his apex and began to fall, a giant white snake with long horns suddenly emerged from the white ground, bit Chang Sheng's lower half, and pulled him straight down.The great snake came from there and returned there, drilling back into the ground, leaving only Chang Sheng lying on the ground, but it was only half of Chang Sheng.Chang Sheng's lower body from the waist down was completely gone, "cut in half" by the great snake. There was no blood gushing from the wound, just a blank whiteness.This was truly crippling, just as Satoru said, crippled beyond further crippling."No!!! No!!! My legs!!!"Chang Sheng wailed loudly, a sound that would bring tears to one's eyes, because there was something he couldn't wail about that was most important... "Are you satisfied?""My master."Little Bai walked over, his height towering over Satoru.Satoru, however, was concerned about something else."You can wear clothes?"Little Bai nodded, "Of course I can.""Then why didn't you wear them before?""I'm a snake, so I naturally don't like to wear them. Besides, in front of you, there's no need to wear them. Now, aren't there outsiders?"Satoru thought, 'You exhibitionist, you're making such a logical point, aren't you?'"You should still wear them in the future."Little Bai put on a wronged expression again."Don't you like to see me like this?"Satoru lied through his teeth."I'm afraid you'll catch a cold."Little Bai took him at his word, "Really? You still care about me, Little Little Bai.""Then I still won't wear them in the future."Satoru: "..."Little Bai was one of the few people Satoru couldn't talk back to.They chatted here, with Chang Sheng's continuous wailing as background noise, never-ending.But neither of them paid him any mind.?Chang Sheng only felt: heartbroken, truly heartbroken... "So, you should get to the point, Little Little Bai, who is this guy, and why is he in our'secret base' that belongs only to us?""He's the one causing that soul-tearing sensation you mentioned?"As he asked the second question, Little Bai revealed his venomous fangs.Satoru glanced at his sharp fangs and told him everything that happened on Auction Island, including the matter of the heart of jade."heart of jade, soul and consciousness exchange.""So, this guy has been exchanging bodies every fifty years to live until now?""This time, he set his sights on you, but he didn't expect that one of your clones was present at the time."Satoru nodded slightly."That's right. Because of his invasion, my clone's consciousness became chaotic, causing other clones to disappear, and my main consciousness was pulled here, hence the soul-tearing sensation.""Hmm, should I smash him to smithereens right now?"Little Bai asked.Satoru, however, shook his head, "For someone who pursues eternal life, dying instantly is too much of a release. Slowly, helplessly dying, that is the greatest 'gift' for him."
Chapter 413: As Long As It WorksXiaobai's suggestion was to directly blow Changsheng's soul to smithereens, but Satoruexpressed that for someone like Changsheng, who pursues immortality, watching himself slowly die is the greatest enjoyment, the greatest "gift."...After hearing Satoru's words, Xiaobai was very appreciative."Hahaha, you're still the ruthless one, Master.""Then we'll do as you say.""Also, I need to defend myself; this is your own consciousness space.""It's not mine, so when you guys first came in, I didn't know, not until I received your summons.""So, that 'bastard snake' comment made me very sad~""Is that so? This is actually my own consciousness space."Satoru said, looking surprised.Xiaobai smiled in response, "Don't change the subject. You scolded me, and furthermore, entering your consciousness space requires me to pay a price, you know. How should you compensate me~ Little Satoru~""This... this..."Satoru was having trouble dealing with this old snake monster that must have lived for a very long time!He couldn't say the words "old snake monster" out loud, or the consequences would be unimaginable."How about I have Sanji prepare a month's worth of grand feasts for you?"Hearing this answer, Xiaobai bent over and leaned in, getting close to Satoru's face.Just when Satoru thought he wasn't satisfied, Xiaobai said."Fine, that's acceptable.""So, shall we go out now?"Satoru nodded."Hmm, wait a moment. I need to split off a part of my consciousness to control my clone first."Satoru closed his eyes, and white light covered him, turning him into a humanoid silhouette of white light. A ball of light extended from the silhouette and transformed into another Satoru.Both Satorus opened their eyes simultaneously.Xiaobai looked at the two of them and sighed with emotion."Even I don't understand the principle behind your cloning.""I don't really understand it myself either.""But, as long as it works, that's fine."The Satorus in front of him replied, one after the other.If he hadn't seen Satoru clone himself with his own eyes, Xiaobai would have thought he was tripping."You can create a maximum of 6 clones, right, Little Satoru?"Xiaobai asked."Yeah, what about it?"Satoru asked back.Xiaobai smiled in return."Nothing, I was just thinking that six aren't enough for me to fight."Satoru: "..."...Swish~The scene shifted back to the Life Auction House, inside Changsheng's office.Opening his eyes, Satoru saw Ace and Gilles, who was sitting opposite him, sitting on the floor "meditating.""What's this? Have you guys started meditating?"Satoru suddenly spoke. Ace, who had appeared to be asleep, instantly opened his eyes, stood up, turned around, and shouted."Satoru!""Hmm?"That's right, this tone, it's definitely Satoru!!"That's great, you won!! Satoru!!"The tense, "stay away" attitude and atmosphere around Ace instantly vanished.The princess also breathed a sigh of relief, "That's great."As for Ace's words, Satoru's lips curled slightly."Isn't that a given?""Then what about Changsheng? Is he dead???"Gilles asked. As soon as he spoke, Kamaimmediately chimed in."My body!!""Can I have my body back?!""I didn't know any better before, I offended you, Brother Satoru!!""Do you have a way to give my body back to me?!"Facing a body that could kick the bucket at any moment, Kama's previous arrogance had completely vanished.He became submissive towards Satoru, and his form of address changed from "that woman" to "Brother Satoru," which was very satisfying."You really want to switch back?""You should know that if you continue to use this body, you can inherit everything of Changsheng's—this auction house, including all his wealth.""Are you sure you want to switch?"A deathly whisper from Satoru.Hearing this, Kama did indeed hesitate, but then he snapped himself out of it."Having all the money in the world is useless if you're dead!!""I just want my own body back!!""You're not totally stupid then."Satoru nodded, looking like someone who believed he was teachable."Answer me, kid, is Changsheng dead?"Gilles asked again.Satoru glanced at him, "Half-dead."He then placed his hand again on the heart of jade, which was being held by the hand of the Kama-like body that stood before him like a stone statue.Green light spread, but this time it was one-way. The green light only enveloped Kama. When the green light dissipated, Kama's body instantly collapsed to the ground, and then let out a wail."My legs!! My legs!!"Anyone with a brain would know that the consciousness that had entered Kama's body again was Changsheng's."What happened to him?"Ace asked."His legs are gone.""They were lost in the soul state, so no matter how many bodies he switches to, he will never be able to stand up again."Satoru replied, not mentioning that it was bitten off by the giant snake controlled by Xiaobai."Then that's truly what he deserves."Ace believed Satoru was capable of it, and regarding Changsheng's fate, he expressed that it was well-deserved.Kama went over, grabbed the collar of his own body, and shouted."Give my body back to me!!"But Changsheng was still trapped in the pain of losing his legs and his 'little brother,' completely ignoring Kama."If shouting was useful, why didn't you just shout your body back earlier?"Satoru retorted, then tossed the heart of jade to Kama.Kama immediately caught it with both hands, almost fumbling it. He understood what to do without Satoru having to say anything.He grabbed Changsheng's hand and pressed it onto the heart of jade together with his own. Green light radiated, then vanished, and the two bodies switched back."Hahahaha, finally switched back!!!"Kama stood up with the heart of jade, looked at his own young body, and couldn't help but jump up and down a few times."Ahem."Satoru coughed twice and held out his hand to him.Kama understood. He had felt a moment of greed, but he knew that while feeling it was one thing, acting on it would mean death, so he immediately returned the heart of jade to Satoru."Here you go, please take it."Satoru took back the heart of jade and looked at Gilles with surprise."I thought you might try to snatch it."Gilles gave an unhappy snort."Hmph.""I haven't been myself for 50 years; I just want to be myself again. Don't compare me to this thing.""Also, Whitebeard—I can't afford to mess with a figure like him. Although I've been sleeping most of the time, I still know what the overall power balance on the sea is like these days.""With those words, compared to this thing, you really are a real man."Satoru replied.Gilles suddenly burst with an aura, "I don't need you to tell me that! I can't hold back anymore!!"Gilles covered his fists with Armament Haki and punched Changsheng, who was on the ground!!Changsheng was knocked awake by the blow."No!! No!! Spare my life!! Gilles!! I'll give you as much money as you want!!"