SWNOVELXO Chapter 91: Chapter 91
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Hoo—!
With a powerful flap of its wings, the massive pterosaur—Bellumebo in his transformed Zoan form—soared through the air, trailing a storm of white feathers before gradually descending onto the small island below.
"Thank you, Lord Marine, for saving our lives!"
"The Marines are incredible!"
"Who is that officer? I've never seen him before—such strength!"
"His mount is so cool too!"
"..."
As Bai Yu and his group landed, the residents of the surrounding archipelago rushed over. Gratitude spilled from their lips as they surrounded him, praising and marveling.
Bellumebo's face immediately darkened when he heard the word mount.
With a scowl, he canceled his transformation and reverted to his human form in a swirl of smoke.
"I'm a Marine too!" Bellumebo snapped, his voice full of irritation.
"Sir, what's your name?"
"Please, stay here! Let us host a proper feast in your honor!"
Yet no one paid him the slightest attention. All eyes and cheers were focused on Bai Yu, who was at the center of the crowd.
"..."
Bellumebo was momentarily speechless.
Not far away, Garp, Aokiji, and Kizaru stood at the edge of the crowd, observing Bai Yu quietly.
Garp watched the scene with a warm smile, eyes gleaming with pride.
Since both Garp and Aokiji had been operating from the floating island above during the rescue, the residents hadn't even realized they were present.
As for Admiral Kizaru, his usual nonchalant demeanor led him to stay in the background. In any case, Bai Yu's presence had completely stolen the spotlight.
"Karp, looks like you're going to have to visit Fleet Admiral Sengoku again," Aokiji commented with a small grin.
"Of course," Garp said with a hearty laugh. "In our Marine code, merit must be rewarded."
"This time, Bai Yu contributed more than anyone else in stopping the Golden Lion. Naturally, I'll be speaking with Sengoku about it."
Once again, Karp was planning to fight for benefits and recognition on behalf of his nominal disciple.
Kizaru, watching this unfold, sighed lightly.
It was clear that for this operation, the three admirals were mostly just on cleanup duty. Bai Yu had handled the most dangerous part alone.
"Well then, let's head back. Marine Headquarters needs us on standby," Karp said, turning his back to the island.
"Not going to say goodbye to Bai Yu?" Aokiji raised an eyebrow.
"The eagle must be allowed to fly freely. If you hold its wings too tight, it won't soar," Karp replied, his voice carrying a rare note of solemnity.
As the Marine rookie trainer, Karp had always followed his personal doctrine: clear rewards and punishments, and freedom for true talent to grow. For Bai Yu, he had offered even greater leeway.
Aokiji, understanding his meaning, said nothing more.
With one final glance toward Bai Yu, the three admirals departed quietly.
---
Bai Yu, still surrounded by the excited islanders, caught a glimpse of the three figures departing.
"So they're leaving now…"
He thought to himself, but didn't try to stop them.
After all, Marine Admirals rarely left headquarters unless necessary. The balance of the world depended on their presence.
In any case, they would meet again in the New World.
Raising his hand, Bai Yu tried to settle the crowd.
"Everyone, please quiet down and listen!"
"It is the duty of the Marines to protect the people. You don't need to go out of your way to entertain us."
"We still have urgent tasks ahead, so we won't be staying."
"Aww!"
"At least take the food we prepared!"
"It's alright! We'll deliver it straight to your ship!"
The islanders, though disappointed, were still insistent.
Moments later, dozens of them began transporting crates of food and supplies directly to the Marine warships docked by the shore.
The 188 warships from the initial aerial descent were now neatly lined up at sea level.
Bai Yu tried to refuse politely, but in the face of the villagers' overwhelming kindness, he could only accept their offerings.
What had started as a two-person journey with only Bai Yu and Maya now returned with shiploads of supplies.
The islanders continued bringing food and goods until there was no more space left on the warships.
Thanks to this massive donation of supplies, and with the ships' own stockpiles, Bai Yu's fleet would no longer need to stop for replenishments before reaching their destination.
---
By the time the sun dipped below the sea's edge, Bai Yu's ships had set sail, leaving the island behind.
That night, after dinner, Bai Yu stood quietly at the bow, letting the sea breeze wash over him. The ocean glimmered under the moonlight.
Soon, Maya, Koby, and Bellumebo approached.
"Brigadier General Bai Yu," Koby began with admiration in his tone, "after what happened today, I'm sure your rank will be promoted again."
Taking down the Golden Lion—a legendary pirate from the old era—was no small feat. It was the kind of action that would echo through Marine Headquarters.
Bai Yu's name was bound to become even more famous across the seas.
"Maybe," Bai Yu replied softly, eyes on the horizon.
Based on protocol, he estimated that a promotion to major general—or perhaps even lieutenant general—was possible.
Still, it was unlikely to reach admiral level. The Three Admirals—Kizaru, Aokiji, and Akainu—were still active.
"By the way," Bellumebo cut in, "we found these on the Golden Lion's remains. They seem valuable."
He stepped forward and carefully unwrapped two sheathed swords from a bundle.
They were the Golden Lion's twin swords: Sakura Ten and Deadwood.
Bai Yu took the weapons, examining them carefully.
The blades gleamed even in the faint moonlight, and their weight and craftsmanship were extraordinary. Each held an aura of lethality and history.
They were not listed in the Ō Wazamono (Great Grade) or Saijō Ō Wazamono (Supreme Grade) sword rankings officially—yet based on their sharpness and durability, they were clearly of an elite caliber.
"These might not be officially classified," Bai Yu thought, "but considering the Golden Lion's legend, it's very likely they deserve a place among the Supreme Grade blades."
In fact, some rumors in sword circles claimed Sakura Ten and Deadwood were the ninth and tenth members of the Supreme Grade—the Saijō Ō Wazamono.
Of course, without confirmation from the World Government's sword registry, such claims remained speculation.
"You three aren't swordsmen," Bai Yu said after some thought, "so I'll keep these for now."
Maya specialized in spiritual energy and barrier arts, Bellumebo focused on his Devil Fruit abilities, and Bai Yu hoped Koby would walk the path of raw physical power—like Garp.
None of them were suited for advanced swordsmanship.
Though Sakura Ten and Deadwood were clearly of higher base quality than his current blade, Bai Yu still favored his system-forged sword: Wushuang Taidao.
Its synergy with his combat style and special techniques made it irreplaceable.
Besides, once he upgraded Wushuang Taidao to the level of the Supreme Grade, Bai Yu was confident it would far surpass the Golden Lion's swords in every aspect.
With that quiet resolve, he sheathed both swords and turned back to the stars above the sea.
Tomorrow, a new chapter of the Grand Line would begin.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCED 30+ CHAPTERS.
Currently at CHAPTER 139 on Patreon.
Two members on my patreon get a free book each month. A lucky draw,it can be you.
Five chapters every two days on Patreon.
One chapter everyday on webnovel.
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