Chapter 93: The Gathering Storm in the Sweets Sea

As Karl walked along the road, it suddenly hit him—Punk Hazard, that was Dr. Vegapunk’s base, wasn’t it?

Vegapunk’s intellect was said to be five hundred years ahead of everyone else.

Bloodline factors, biological modifications, artificial Devil Fruits, seastone warships, Pacifistas, even the Seraphim of the Seven Warlords—all these breakthroughs were the work of one man.

It’s no exaggeration to say that he carried half the research and development of the entire pirate world on his back.

But Karl couldn’t quite remember the timeframe—had MADS already disbanded at this point?

If memory served, Vegapunk joined MADS because of funding issues, and only after discovering the lineage factor was he noticed by the World Government and captured.

He’d leave the investigation to Krell.

“Krell, look into MADS for me. See if they’ve broken up yet.”

“Understood, Captain Karl.”

……

“I want him dead.”

“You two have to help me.”

“He’s so strong. There’s really nothing we can do.”

While Karl’s group was busy, John had already cleaned up his mess. He quickly called over Silver Axe and Wang Zhi, intending to get rid of Karl.

But Silver Axe and Wang Zhi weren’t that stupid.

Karl’s strength was worlds beyond theirs—they didn’t dare make a move.

One look at John’s sorry state, and they had no interest in experiencing that themselves.

Besides, this was all John’s fault to begin with. Why drag them into it?

Wang Zhi shot John, who looked half-mad, a cold glance.

“We’re leaving. Take care of yourself.”

Without a second thought, they strode off, leaving John fuming. Cowards, both of them.

“Fine, I’ll handle it myself.”

“Just wait!”

John gnashed his teeth as the two walked further and further away.

While John was plotting, Karl had already arrived at Newgate’s stronghold.

“Gura ra ra ra!”

“Karl, you’re here.”

“Hahaha, Big Bro Newgate, I’m a bit late. I’ll punish myself with three drinks first!”

Karl walked right up to Newgate, filled three huge cups with fine liquor, and downed them all in one go.

“You never show up for nothing. Well, what’s on your mind?”

Newgate knew all too well—Karl wouldn’t just drop by without a reason.

“Ha, you saw right through me, Big Bro Newgate!”

Karl gave an awkward laugh. Clearly, his purpose hadn’t gone unnoticed.

“I need to ask—if I wanted to kill John, what would happen?”

Newgate’s smile faded, and his expression grew serious.

“Not on this island.”

“After all, John’s one of the oldest members of our crew.”

“If Captain Rocks doesn’t even care if John lives or dies, what would Wang Zhi and Silver Axe think?”

“Understood. Cheers, Big Bro Newgate.”

That answer told Karl everything he needed.

In other words, don’t try anything under Rocks’ nose. He’d have to wait for another chance.

“Alright, alright! Enough talk, let’s just drink tonight.”

“Gura ra ra ra! Cheers!”

With that out of the way, Karl gladly settled in to drink with Newgate.

“With the way John is, he’s not going to let this go. Are you sure we shouldn’t step in?”

“And what good would it do if we did?”

Silver Axe looked worried, but Wang Zhi cut him off without hesitation.

“John fought Karl for just a few rounds and look what happened to him.”

“You really think adding us to the mix would change anything?”

“We’re all adults. We can’t keep bailing him out forever.”

“Let’s just hope John doesn’t get himself killed now.”

With that, Wang Zhi turned and left.

“Damn it!”

Silver Axe glanced in John’s direction, clenched his fist and swung it through the air in frustration.

He looked defeated as he finally walked away.

“Hurry up!”

“Make sure everything’s in order!”

Though it was already night, the docks were ablaze with light.

Krell was barking orders at a team of fishmen moving supplies into dozens of massive ships.

They’d be setting out for the Sweets Sea any day now—time was tight.

Originally, they were planning to rest on Beehive Island for a month.

But with an unexpected incident, their schedule had been cut short.

A few days later, Karl and the others set sail for the Sweets Sea.

“Ma ma ma ma!”

“I really love it here!”

“See? Isn’t it great?”

Karl and his crew had arrived in the Sweets Sea.

Charlotte Linlin’s cravings were finally under control, but she still loved sweets.

Guess some habits are hard to shake.

“Mama, Papa!”

“Is this our new home?”

They walked across the island, with Katakuri and his siblings running wild around them.

“That’s right. You’ve got to look after your brothers and sisters, alright?”

“Don’t worry, Dad—I will!”

Hearing Karl’s words, Katakuri pulled to a sudden stop, his face turning serious.

“Alright, go on and play.”

“See you later, Papa!”

With an innocent grin, Katakuri took off with his younger siblings, racing off into the distance.

“Lord Karl! Lady Linlin!”

The further they walked, the more fishmen they encountered, all bowing in greeting.

Karl and Linlin nodded in acknowledgment, never breaking stride.

“These will be our rooms from now on.”

“Although, we’ll probably have to wait a bit before we can actually stay here.”

Linlin understood exactly what Karl meant—they couldn’t settle here permanently just yet.

“Ma ma ma ma!”

“I really love this room!”

Charlotte Linlin looked around in delight; the furnishings were all sorts of sweets and desserts.

Her eating disorder might’ve been cured, but her sweet tooth was carved into her very soul.

Just as they were exploring the room, hurried footsteps came from outside.

“Lord Karl! Lady Linlin!”

“Captain Rocks has ordered everyone back to Beehive Island at once—something big’s happening!”

“You’re dismissed.”

Karl hadn’t expected trouble on Beehive Island the moment they arrived at Cake Island.

He shot Charlotte Linlin an apologetic look.

“Ma ma ma ma!”

“Don’t worry. We’ll have another chance later.”

Linlin noticed the disappointment in Karl’s face.

Of course she understood—he’d wanted to let everyone explore their future home a bit more.

But plans can’t keep up with change. No one expected Captain Rocks to call them back so soon.

“Never mind, we’ll do this another time.”

Without another word, they turned and walked out.

“Krell, I’ll leave everyone here in your hands for now.”

“Rest assured, Lord Karl.”

Karl called Krell over and put Perospero and the others in his care.

“Davis, you and the rest follow behind us.”

“Will do, Captain.”

“Zeus!”

“Yes, Mama!”

The white cloud floating by Charlotte Linlin’s side instantly bulked up into a massive thundercloud.

Karl and Charlotte Linlin hopped on, and Zeus soared up, speeding straight toward Beehive Island.

“Move it! Let’s set sail—we’ve got to catch up with Lord Karl!”

Davis, Fields, and Halil took their men and set out to chase after Karl.

Notty stayed behind to watch over the Sweets Sea, while Hunter, Thompson, and the others focused on training their Haki.