After finishing his words—
Yuuki didn't bother checking whether Rayleigh fully understood.
He casually reached into the air—
And grasped.
A Magic Eye Cross appeared in his hand.
"I have a few questions about Haki I'd like to ask."
He said lightly.
He tossed the cross toward Rayleigh.
"Consider this payment."
Tap.
Rayleigh caught it.
He examined it briefly—
Then, without hesitation—
Slipped it into his coat.
"Deal."
Just as Yuuki had said—
Even if "resurrection" came with a price—
Almost no one could refuse it.
Not to mention—
Even limb regeneration alone—
Was enough to tempt someone of Rayleigh's level.
From that point on—
Yuuki watched the projections—
While asking questions about Haki.
Although he had learned Haki through reverse deduction—
He lacked systematic training.
Compared to true masters—
His technique was still lacking.
That was why—
He invited Rayleigh.
And why—
When Rayleigh asked about the Magic Eye Cross—
Yuuki didn't mind answering.
Of course—
Rayleigh had his own motives too.
But Yuuki didn't care.
The balance of this sea—
Had already been broken.
When death itself was no longer fair—
Even the foundation of stability would crack.
Chaos—
Was inevitable.
Yuuki had merely—
Accelerated it.
Sabaody Archipelago — Area 17
The mangrove branches—
Spread densely like a forest.
Within it—
Marianne ran swiftly—
Her expression tense.
Her drawing board strapped to her back—
Her steps quick and controlled.
Their ship—
Was docked at Area 45.
The shortest path—
Was straight ahead.
But—
Because of the broadcast—
Countless people would be lying in wait.
So instead—
She took a longer route.
Minimizing exposure.
"…This is insane."
She muttered under her breath.
"It feels like we're at war with the whole world."
Her breathing grew slightly uneven—
From the constant sprint.
But at the same time—
A flicker of excitement rose within her.
If they made it out alive—
The name Magic Eye Pirates—
Would shake the entire sea.
Then—
A thought crossed her mind.
What about Captain…?
After all—
He was facing an Admiral.
And the golden flashes in the sky—
Had already stopped.
She felt a trace of concern—
But also confidence.
Only those who truly knew him—
Understood how terrifying—
Yuuki really was.
Suddenly—
BOOM!
A massive axe—
Came crashing down from above!
Marianne instantly dodged left.
The blade struck the ground—
With a heavy impact.
A moment later—
A towering man—
Over two meters tall—
With a black eyepatch—
Dropped down from the trees.
He hoisted the massive axe onto his shoulder.
"Lucky me…"
He grinned viciously.
"Caught one."
Whistle—!
A sharp signal echoed.
Within seconds—
Over a dozen pirates emerged—
Surrounding Marianne.
"You're not getting away."
The man sneered.
"Hand over the Magic Eye Cross…"
"Maybe I'll let you live."
Marianne scanned the area calmly.
"…Even taking a detour didn't help."
She pulled out a paintbrush.
"So you won't hand it over?"
The man slammed his axe to the ground.
"Then die!"
"Attack!"
"Kill her!"
The pirates rushed in—
Weapons raised.
Meanwhile—
The man stayed back—
Watching carefully.
Even if she looked like a small girl—
He wouldn't underestimate her.
A crew that caused this much chaos—
Wasn't normal.
"…Troublesome."
Marianne's brush—
Turned black.
She spun lightly—
Flicking ink outward.
It splashed onto the charging pirates.
With her Painting Magic—
She no longer needed real pigments.
Magic alone—
Was enough.
"Black of Betrayal!"
Instantly—
All those stained black—
Stopped.
Then—
Turned around—
And charged toward their own leader!
"…Devil Fruit user?"
The man froze—
Then cursed.
"Useless trash!"
He dodged his own men—
Then swung his axe.
BANG!
They were all sent flying.
"…Controls people with paint?"
He grinned.
"Interesting."
Then—
The ground beneath him exploded.
BOOM!
His massive body—
Moved at shocking speed.
In an instant—
He appeared behind Marianne.
The axe came down!
"Die!"
But—
Marianne remained calm.
With a thought—
White wax burst from her back—
Forming a shield instantly.
CLANG!!
The axe struck—
But couldn't break through.
Instead—
The man's arms trembled—
Forced back by the recoil.
"…What?!"
His eyes widened.
Two abilities?!
Before he could react—
Marianne moved.
The wax shield—
Melted—
And surged forward.
Wrapping around him—
Then hardening instantly.
"Damn it—!"
He roared—
Muscles bulging.
His body expanded—
Trying to break free.
But—
It didn't budge.
"…Impossible…"
Fear filled his eyes.
Within seconds—
He was completely encased.
A statue.
"…Mr. 3's ability really is useful."
Marianne said flatly.
Then—
She frowned slightly.
This route—
Was compromised.
And the noise—
Would attract others.
Without hesitation—
She took out her board.
And began drawing.
Painting Magic — Flying Bird!
A green bird—
Leapt off the canvas—
Becoming real.
It circled once—
Then landed beside her.
"Let's go."
She mounted it—
And soared into the sky.
With flight—
No more ambushes came.
Everything seemed smooth.
Until—
She neared Area 45.
Suddenly—
In front of her—
A circular distortion appeared in the air.
Then—
Like a door—
It opened.
Marianne's eyes sharpened.
She tried to change direction—
But—
Too late.
From within—
A black figure—
Shot out like a blade.
So fast—
It was barely visible.
(End of Chapter)
Next Bonus Chapter at 5500 powerstones.