One Piece: Honey Badger Speedruns the World

A plump boss in a tuxedo ran over, sweating profusely.

"Oh dear! Lord Goss! You don't need to pay the bill~"

The portly shopkeeper waved his hands repeatedly, his face plastered with a fawning smile: "Boss Baer already gave the instructions; whatever you spend, it'll be on his tab!"

"Baal?" Goss raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, which then turned into understanding.

"Thanks then."

Goss withdrew his hand from the money with a clear conscience, but inwardly he couldn't help but think more highly of the golden antelope.

I have to admit, this Barr is really smart.

I had just made a name for myself, and before I even went to find him, he was able to accurately track my movements and send me a congratulatory gift in the most practical and thoughtful way.

This is not just about having money; it also shows that his intelligence network and connections in Zou are far more extensive than they appear on the surface.

Going to sea with such a smart person is definitely the right choice.

Goss was secretly calculating.

Although traveling with caravans might slow you down due to the freight, you also have to endure those cumbersome business rules.

But the advantages are also obvious—Baal can provide the most comprehensive logistical support, as well as readily available New World shipping routes and intelligence channels.

This will save me a lot of trouble, as it's my first time going to sea and I'm completely unfamiliar with the area.

This meal was both a testament to Bal's sincerity and a way for him to showcase his strength.

Since the other party has paved the way for me, I have no reason to refuse their kindness.

Upon hearing the name Baal, Mia and Faith exchanged a glance. Although they were somewhat prepared, the shock in their eyes did not diminish in the slightest; on the contrary, it intensified.

"It's...Mr. Baal again?"

Mia muttered to herself, unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes.

When she received that politely worded invitation, she thought it was just a big boss's appreciation and recruitment of a promising newcomer.

But now it seems she underestimated her brother's importance.

Appreciation is something to be held in high esteem, but quietly paying the bill is clearly a sign of ingratiation.

The bill for this table was astronomical, yet Barr paid it for Goss without even showing his face, and even had the head waiter express his respect.

The woman next to her, Fei Li Si, took a deep breath.

She swallowed hard and instinctively straightened her back, a natural reaction as a subordinate upon hearing the boss's name.

It's important to know that Barr is not only a business tycoon, but also the boss of their current boss.

In that rigidly hierarchical trade system, Baal was like an emperor sitting on a cloud.

Normally, let alone having Barr treat them to a meal, even just being able to catch a glimpse of that luxurious carriage from a distance is something these lower-level employees talk about.

But now...

"That Lord Baal, who usually gets fined even for being a minute late..."

Looking at the expensive glass of red wine in her hand, Fei Li Si felt her hands tremble: "He was secretly paying for our meal?"

It's like a tiger that eats people without spitting out the bones, suddenly running over and gently peeling an orange for them—although the orange was peeled for Goss, they also benefited from it.

This shows that in Baal's assessment, Goss was more than just a viable member of the Knights of Fame worth recruiting.

Rather, he is a very important person whom you must befriend with all your might, and even serve with utmost care.

The two girls watched Goss, who seemed completely accustomed to this and was picking his teeth, and their already high sense of awe was elevated to a new level.

It turns out that the promotion letter was just a stepping stone. The real show is just beginning.

……

Night falls.

When Goss brought Mia to stand in front of the detached villa in the wealthy neighborhood, which had been carefully selected by Bal, the air seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

"Brother... is this for us?"

Mia gripped the brass key tightly in her hand, so tightly that sweat seeped out and clung to the key.

This is a two-story villa built entirely of white ironwood.

This wood is not only as hard as iron, but it also emits a faint fragrance that repels all mosquitoes.

Through the crystal floor-to-ceiling windows, so bright that almost no impurities are visible, you can see the long-haired carpet inside, and the soft whale oil chandeliers.

Mia carefully pushed open the heavy, carved door.

There was no nauseating musty smell, no damp, dark moss, and no cockroaches that would crawl onto your face in the middle of the night.

The air that hits you is dry, warm, and carries the scent of sunshine.

"Wow--!!!!"

Mia finally couldn't hold back and screamed, kicking off her shoes and rushing inside.

She rushed into the bathroom and turned on the solid copper faucet.

"Splash—"

As she watched the clear, steaming hot water flow out, her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

In a drafty treehouse on the edge of the Whale Forest, to save money, she could only wash herself with cold water in winter, and her hands were covered in frostbite.

And here, hot water is always available!

Then she lunged at the huge soft bed.

She sank into the velvet comforter, rolling around and around. The feeling of being enveloped in clouds was so comfortable that she didn't dare close her eyes, afraid that she would wake up and find that it was just a dream.

"Brother! The walls are warm! The blankets smell nice!"

And...and once the windows are closed, you can't hear a single sound outside!

Mia poked her head out from under the covers, excitedly babbling incoherently, "I don't have to worry about getting up in the middle of the night to fetch water on rainy days anymore!"

No more fear of drunkards kicking down the door!

Goss leaned against the doorway, watching his sister who was like a frolicking little squirrel, and a gentle smile, unlike anything he had ever seen before, appeared on his lips.

He walked into the living room and threw himself into the expensive leather sofa with a flourish.

"call……"

The smooth, genuine leather supported his back, allowing him to completely relax for the first time since his transmigration.

The day's experiences flashed through my mind like a movie: being ridiculed, ascetic practices, fighting, until finally awakening and gaining privilege.

In the past, people had to fight tooth and nail for half a moldy loaf of bread; now, the most luxurious mansions are readily available.

In the past, people looked down on them like trash; now, even big shots like Barr are eager to give them houses and gifts.

Seeing Mia's genuinely happy smile, Goss clenched his fist.

He sank into the soft sofa, listening to Mia's excited footsteps upstairs gradually fade until they were quiet.

He raised his hand, looking at his claws, which were now capable of easily tearing others apart.

It must be admitted that living a life free from worries about survival, being respected by others, and residing in a mansion can indeed make one's bones soften.

If this were the old Goss who used to collect trash, this might already be the end of his life.

But at this moment, the fire in Goss's heart, knowing how vast the pirate world was, was not extinguished by this comfortable environment. On the contrary, having tasted the sweetness, he became even more greedy.

He wanted more, something that neither the Goss before his transmigration nor the original Goss could have obtained.

"But... Zou is too small."

He turned to look out the window.

Even if you manage to climb to the top of this giant elephant's back, you'll only ever be a mountain king at best.

Merchants of Baal's caliber may seem glamorous, but when faced with true maritime overlords, they are nothing more than fat sheep that can be crushed at will.

"Territory, food, status... If I can get these things in Zou, I can get even better ones on the high seas."

Goss squinted.

The Six Paths Fruit within his body was like a bottomless pit that could never be filled.

The resources available in Zou alone are almost insufficient to meet his growth needs.

He needs stronger opponents, more advanced fighting skills, and a broader stage.

"This trip to sea on Bal's ship is an opportunity."

He quickly outlined his next plan in his mind: first, follow Baal to Whole Cake Island to establish himself in the New World and make a name for himself; then, using Big Mom as a springboard, he would go and meet the legendary Shichibukai and Yonko executives...

For him now, that sea is no longer a terrifying forbidden zone, but a huge training ground.

Countless opportunities, partners, and treasures await his arrival.

Goss picked up the delicate apple from the coffee table, took a big bite, and the crisp sound echoed in the quiet living room.

"Let's set a small goal first." He chewed on the fruit, his eyes burning with excitement.

"Leave Zou, and then...go and take down those heads with bounties of hundreds of millions, one by one, and hang them on my pirate flag."