Chapter 120: Heroes Always Appear Last [Seeking First Subscription]

Tang Shen would not set sail with Ace, nor would Ace follow Tang Shen. Ace was filled with longing and desire for the dazzling world beyond; he possessed a strong adventurous spirit by nature. Although Tang Shen knew the path Ace was about to take would be perilous and fraught with danger, he offered no warnings. Some experiences could only be truly understood through living them, and only then could one grow stronger and mature.

Much like Guina, who advanced only through constant encounters and battles—not just in power but in mindset. To see the world, to touch the world, to fight the world...

Standing on his small boat, facing the sea breeze, a trace of sorrow shadowed Ace’s face—a deep sadness that welled from his eyes and seeped from his very soul. It was rare to see such sorrow etched upon his features, especially one so profound. Ace was easy to read: cheerful, optimistic, bold, fiercely loyal—his emotions typically transparent. Yet, this moment was unlike any other.

This was not a fracture of personality, but rather a reflection of a parting conversation with Tang Shen half an hour earlier.

On the merchant ship’s bow, Tang Shen had placed a hand on Ace’s shoulder, hesitated, then said, “Ace, when you have time, visit your mother. She is a remarkable woman.” Then, without facing the farewell directly, Tang Shen turned and disappeared into the ship.

Ace’s origins had been partially revealed to him in childhood by Garp, who had spoken somewhat of his mother. It was for this reason that Ace changed his surname to his mother’s—a symbolic act rife with resentment toward his father, Gol D. Roger. Unlike others who admired and revered the Pirate King, Ace harbored only bitterness and contempt. Contempt for a man who could not protect his own woman and child; contempt for a man whose legacy lived on while his mother died in pain.

He hated him, utterly despised him from his heart, and looked down on him. That was why he aspired to become Pirate King himself—to prove that even this broken man could do it, to seize that throne and scorn his father with all his might. A conflicted heart, yet undeniably Ace’s truth.

...

Within the merchant ship’s small tavern, where wandering swordsmen and bounty hunters like Tang Shen could board free of charge, the air was thick with the clamor of merchants and adventurers. Men who roamed the seas could not live without alcohol. Of course, the drinks were not free—prices were similar to those on ordinary islands.

Loud conversations, raucous laughter, and braggadocio filled the room. Many loudly recounted their glorious pasts, eliciting awe and applause to satisfy their vanity. Tang Shen sat quietly in a corner, wearing a harmless smile as he observed it all. The Eastern Sea was weak in both pirates and bounty hunters; many were men who could not survive at home, clinging to small dreams and relying only on strength and a blade to scrape by as bounty hunters.

He held no disdain for them—after all, each risked their neck for their livelihood. He was content to quietly listen and watch their boastful tales. That too was a way of life.

Not long after, a commotion erupted outside the merchant ship—shouts, explosions, and violent shaking. Before anyone could investigate, the tavern door was flung open with a bang. A tall, slender sailor burst in, panic etched on his face.

“T-there… there are pirates! The captain said that whoever drives them off will be rewarded with 500,000 Beli!” The sailor stumbled over his words at first but soon spoke clearly.

The room fell silent. In an instant, every eye gleamed with excitement. Half a million Beli was a substantial sum—enough to rest easy for a long time.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

One by one, tables were slammed and men sprang to their feet with fierce determination. Weapons were drawn—large blades, sickles, even shovels. It was clear some lived desperate lives, for whom money was urgently needed.

“Hahaha! Don’t try to steal my prize! That 500,000 is mine for sure.”

“Bassen, don’t get cocky. The captain said the reward goes to whoever repels the pirates.”

“Calm down, boys. I’ll go check it out. Whatever pirates they are, they’re no match for me.”

With that, a group of spirited men marched out, weapons in hand, their presence intimidating. Some were large-framed, brandishing massive swords—frightening to behold.

Wandering swordsmen and bounty hunters often boarded merchant ships hoping for such incidents to earn a quick reward. Normally, they needed to track suitable targets for long periods. Medium-sized merchant ships were common pirate targets; pirates needed to survive by plunder. Bounty hunters, however, had some principles—they captured pirates for bounty or sought such occasional bonuses.

Almost everyone surged outside, brimming with aggression, leaving only Tang Shen inside.

The sailor finally exhaled in relief and, seeing Tang Shen still seated, shot him a disdainful glance, assuming he was too afraid to act, then hurried after the others.

Tang Shen silently cursed the look in his direction, thinking, Those eyes—believe me, I could knock you flat in no time.

He smirked. Those muscle-bound braggarts were fierce in appearance but ultimately weaklings. So what was a flock of weaklings? Well, still weaklings.

Merchants were profit-driven, and the crew recruited had some combat ability. The captain’s urgency meant these pirates were no ordinary foes, and a 500,000 Beli bounty indicated a formidable threat. Thus, in Tang Shen’s eyes, the earlier group was merely cannon fodder.

A bunch of fools who didn’t think before acting. They really thought yelling loudly made them impressive.

Amused, Tang Shen leisurely took another sip of wine, then stood and stepped outside. Yes, he wanted that 500,000 Beli too—money placed within reach should not be wasted. And he wanted more.

Tang Shen’s life motto: never engage in losing deals. If a loss seems inevitable, create opportunities to avoid it.

For example, sending this group to lead the charge allowed him to raise the stakes.

Besides, heroes always make their grand entrance last!