One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 123 Tearing Off the Doll's Head

The seawater in the New World is different from the seawater in the first half of the Grand Line.

When Roman tried to control it with sword energy, he found that the technical requirements were much higher.

The seas and weather in the New World are far more severe than in the first half of the Grand Line, with even more turbulent waves and countless tsunamis.

This made it even more difficult for her to control her energy through the medium of the "knife".

The "swimming" move is actually quite dangerous. It requires extremely subtle control, demanding that Roman use his sword energy to master it perfectly.

The larger the area of ​​water she controls, the more uncontrollable it becomes, and the more likely she is to experience a situation like Xie Li's.

Although this move is primarily used against Devil Fruit users, regardless of its power, the presence of water inevitably makes them uneasy. After all, cursed by the devil, they cannot unleash their full potential in water.

However, Roman still dared not let his guard down.

Devil Fruit abilities are incredibly diverse, and you can easily fall victim to them if you're not careful.

She hesitated to eat a Devil Fruit mainly because she was worried that her weakness of being afraid of seawater was too obvious. However, her fear of Devil Fruit users was already deeply rooted in her heart, which is why she tried to kill them many times. After all, their counterattack before death was not easy to deal with.

If she were to remain alive and the enemy were to be motivated to fight, causing the fruit to awaken, she would have nowhere to turn for help.

Moreover, the swimming move is only suitable for use in places with "water". In other words, this sword move requires a medium to be activated.

That means water is needed.

Although worrying about a lack of water in a world where the ocean covers 90 percent of the surface is really unfounded, Roman knew that luck couldn't always be on his side.

She needs a more effective method.

……

"Lieutenant Roman, you must be able to learn a lot as Lieutenant General Sakazuki's adjutant!"

"Yes."

"How is the lieutenant general?"

"Excellent." It's in incredibly good condition. Every time it sets sail, several ships of pirates are burned to ashes. If you could use that as fertilizer, it would probably provide enough fertilizer for a lifetime.

"Is Marineford very prosperous?"

"That's right, after all, it's not just a military facility, it also has symbolic significance."

……

Roman had initially thought that these Sakazuki's personal guards would be like a copy of Sakazuki—serious and unsmiling—but the reality was better than Roman had imagined.

Most of them were quite friendly and curious about Roman.

Compared to Onigumo, who seems unapproachable, Roman, with his lower rank, younger age, and gentle appearance, is naturally more likely to win people's favor.

Especially since she is still a young girl.

In Marineford, Roman could still manage to spot a few female marines near the cranes, but far away in the New World's G5 fortress, not to mention girls, even the rats were all male.

Therefore, Roman is exceptionally popular.

They have candy, hair clips, and ribbons.

She actually received a handmade cat doll.

He was an extremely shy-looking marine, who looked to be in his early twenties.

Roman was amazed by the fine stitches.

He explained that he has five younger sisters. Because his family was poor, he couldn't even afford to buy birthday presents for his sisters when they were little. So he used to ask his neighbors for scraps of cloth that they didn't want, and then sew them into all sorts of little animals, which his sisters loved.

He also secretly told Roman that the gifts Roman received were bought by bachelors during their holidays.

Passionate young people also harbor beautiful fantasies about love. In order not to be empty-handed when that day comes, far-sighted seniors have secretly bought some things to please girls.

However, even the most visionary plans cannot withstand the harsh reality.

Assigned to the G5 fortress, where there are no women, these seemingly exquisite little gadgets can only gather dust in their pockets, and some have even forgotten that they once held such beautiful aspirations.

Roman's arrival was like finding a floodgate.

Some sailors who hadn't spoken to a girl in six months were trying to catch a glimpse of Roman during their free time.

Of course, there were also a few astute individuals who, although unable to discern that Roman was the true warlord, knew that a man of twelve or thirteen years old who was already a lieutenant must have a bright future, so the gifts they gave were exceptionally valuable by normal standards.

For example, the pearl necklace and coral bracelet on Roman's wrist.

That shows great tact.

In the world of One Piece, treasures from the ocean are not considered valuable.

Such an item is presentable and attractive, yet it doesn't qualify as bribery.

But when Roman returned with a pile of gifts, he was seen by Onigumo.

"You haven't forgotten why you came here, have you?" His expression turned cold as he looked at the pile of gifts in Roman's arms. The air around them seemed to tense.

“If you’re jealous, just say so. Although you won’t like these ornaments, these fruits are quite nice. Would you like some?” With that, Roman handed a fresh apple to Onigumo.

As expected, Onigumo didn't answer. And he looked even more annoyed.

It has to be said that he was already furious at this point, and was about to yell at the enemy, but was interrupted.

"By the way, if you have time, investigate that Marine named Hagen!" Before Onigumo could vent his anger, Roman took the initiative and directly ordered Onigumo around.

"What? What are you talking about?"

"He actually knew that I was Lieutenant General Sakazuki's adjutant."

"What's the big deal? You're just...?"

Wait, Onigumo's mind suddenly realized something.

Even in Marineford, only the higher-ups knew that Roman was Sakazuki's adjutant. Because Sakazuki's adjutants changed frequently and there were almost no permanent staff, the only way to find out who Sakazuki's adjutant was was to be someone with a close relationship with him.

But how could an ordinary marine stationed far away at G5 Fortress know this?

Even Lieutenant General Pe was unaware that Roman was Sakassky's adjutant; he assumed she was his deputy.

"It seems you've figured it out. I've been working on this for a while now. The warlord also needs to investigate any possible suspicious points here. My age and my face give me a much greater advantage than you in carrying out this kind of mission. So, Major General Onigumo, you should learn more from him. Otherwise, it won't look good if my rank surpasses yours in the future."

After saying that, Roman turned away gracefully, leaving behind the furious Ghost Spider.

It's such a pity that such beautiful dolls will no longer be available.

Looking at the exquisite item in his hand, Roman could only sigh helplessly.

Then quickly twist the doll's head off and take out the cotton stuffing inside.

As expected, the black Den Den Mushi fell out of it.

He probably won't last long against Onigumo.