Chapter 91 Heading to Gaya Island
Luffy's eyes lit up, and he excitedly said, "The Salvage King? Sounds really amazing!"
Nami frowned and asked, "What does 'Salvage King' mean? Is he a pirate who salvages shipwrecks?"
Masura heard this, laughed heartily, put his hands on his hips, and said boldly:
"Wrong, wrong! I'm no pirate!"
"I am the 'Salvage King,' specializing in salvaging sunken ships, Treasure Troves, and even historical relics lost at sea from the seabed!"
"This vast ocean is boundless; countless ships are swallowed every day, but similarly, countless Treasure Troves and stories are buried deep within the sea."
"My entire life, I've been wrestling with the ocean, vying for everything it has swallowed!"
He raised his hand and pointed to his ship, a proud smile on his face:
"Do you see this ship? It was originally a shipwreck, salvaged and repaired by me!"
"It once sank three hundred meters deep and was missing for twenty whole years, but I spent five full months pulling it out from the deep sea!"
"That's why my title is 'Salvage King'!"
"In these waters, I am the man who knows the most about shipwrecks, the underwater world, and ancient ruins!"
Hearing this, Nami suddenly thought of something and quickly asked:
"Mr. Masura, have you heard anything about Sky Island?"
"Or, have you ever salvaged a ship that fell from the sky?"
Masura was slightly startled when he heard this, then burst into laughter: "It seems you've already seen a 'ship falling from the sky,' haven't you?"
Everyone's eyes widened instantly: "What?! You know?!"
Masura nodded and said, "I've also salvaged some such ships."
"I found a strange type of shell attached to these ships—a 'Tone Dial.' It can record sounds, and I've never seen anything like it."
"Later, I consulted many navigation logs and learned that this type of shell... is a specialty of Sky Island!"
"In other words, there really is a world above the sky!"
These words left everyone utterly shocked!
Nami was stunned, Usopp's mouth hung open, and Chopper's eyes almost popped out in surprise!
And Luffy's eyes became incredibly excited and fervent!
"That's great!!! Then we absolutely must go to Sky Island!!!"
It was getting late, and Masura's ship was about to depart.
He turned and walked into the cabin, took out something, and then tossed it to Luffy—
"Catch, kid!"
Luffy instinctively reached out and caught it. He looked down and found it was an eternal pose!
Masura laughed heartily, grinning, "This is Jaya Island's eternal pose."
"You guys remind me of myself when I was young... So, consider this my friendly gift!"
Luffy tightly gripped the eternal pose, a brilliant smile on his face: "Thank you, Masura!!"
Everyone on the going merry felt a warmth; this gift represented the trust and recognition of a salvager!
"Then... may your voyage be smooth sailing!"
Everyone stood on the deck, watching the 'Salvage King' Masura's ship gradually sail away until its silhouette disappeared at the horizon.
This bold salvager not only provided them with crucial information but also gave them a precious gift of friendship—Jaya Island's eternal pose.
When the atmosphere on the ship had calmed down a bit, everyone's gaze turned to Luffy simultaneously.
As the Captain, the next course of action was naturally for him to decide!
Luffy looked around, then suddenly raised his fist and roared—
"Alright!!! Full speed ahead, steer for Jaya Island!!"
Zoro nodded, Sanji flicked the ash from his cigarette, Nami pulled down her hat brim, Chopper excitedly waved his little paws, and everyone was ready to set sail.
However—
"Wait, wait a minute!!"
A slightly anxious voice suddenly interrupted the Aura. Usopp raised his hand and said with a conflicted expression:
"Um... if we go directly to that place called Jaya Island, will the log pose be rewritten once we get there?"
"In other words, will we not be able to go to Sky Island?!"
"Eh?!"
Luffy instantly froze, his eyes wide, his face filled with surprise, then he suddenly jumped up and shouted—
"Stop steering for Jaya Island!!!"
Everyone on the going merry: "...?"
"Nami!!! What's going on?!"
Luffy immediately turned his head, staring at Nami with an expression that said, "Are you trying to trick me?" His tone was full of "angry" accusation.
Nami paused slightly, then her mouth twitched. She crossed her arms and calmly said:
"What's wrong? Going to Jaya Island was your own decision."
Luffy was choked by these words, stunned for a second, then scratched his head, saying helplessly:
"You're right... But I didn't expect things to turn out this way, did I?!"
Nami took a deep breath, a hint of despair in her eyes: "Not expecting it is your fault, isn't it? The log pose has been like this from the start!"
Luffy blinked, then thought seriously for another second, and then nodded very earnestly: "You're right..."
Nami: "..."
At this moment, she really wanted to throw this "foolish" Captain off the ship!!
Luffy scratched his head, then suddenly clenched his fist and roared with a firm tone—
"Alright!!! Listen up!! I am the Captain!! So the course will be decided by me!!"
Everyone held their breath, watching him, waiting for his final decision.
Luffy lifted his head and loudly declared—
"I want to go to Sky Island!!!"
Everyone: "..."
Usopp rolled his eyes, rubbing his forehead, and said, "We already knew that!!"
Luffy was completely unaffected and continued to excitedly ask Nami: "So how do we get there?!"
This time, before Nami could speak, Lin Ning couldn't help but interject, with a hint of helplessness in his tone—
"Do you even need to ask? Of course, we go find someone to ask."
"Oh, oh, oh!!! You're right!!!"
Luffy suddenly clapped his hands, as if enlightened, then said confidently—
"Then let's go to Jaya Island and ask someone!"
Nami: "..."
Usopp: "..."
Zoro, Sanji, Chopper, Robin: "..."
"So after all that, we're still going to Jaya Island?!" Everyone looked speechless.
"Then let's just go to Jaya," Nami said, pushing her hair back, her tone already a bit numb.
Luffy heard this and immediately shouted excitedly—
"Alright!!! Full speed ahead, steer for Jaya Island!!!"
Usopp rubbed his forehead, his mouth twitching wildly: "Isn't this exactly what we said at the beginning!"
Just then, Nico Robin, who had been listening quietly, her lips slightly curved, slowly spoke—
"There's no need to worry too much; the log pose won't fill up that quickly."
"As long as we leave Jaya Island before the log for the next island is full, it won't affect the log pointing to Sky Island."
Nami nodded in agreement: "Hmm... Although there's still a risk, we'll have to rely on some luck."
"Then let's do it!"
"Our destination, Jaya Island!!!"
"Brothers, prepare to set sail!!!"
Amidst Luffy's sky-piercing shouts, the going merry adjusted its course and sailed at full speed towards Jaya Island!Chapter 92 Bellamy's Provocation
The sea breeze swept through, fluttering the flags on both sides of the street and the curtains hung by vendors.
Mock Town on Jaya Island, a chaotic, wild place filled with the smell of alcohol and violence.
The people here worship the strong, believe in profit above all else, and the Law of the jungle is the only rule of survival.
At this moment, the streets were bustling with noise; taverns, casinos, and black market dealings all descended into an orderly chaos.
Pirates of all kinds either drank and reveled, or argued and fought, and some even lay directly on the street, passed out drunk.
However, when a group of people stepped onto the island, the atmosphere of the entire town subtly changed.
The arrival of the Straw Hat Pirates caused a stir.
"Hey, look over there...!!"
A man sitting at the entrance of a tavern suddenly nudged his companion, pointing at a group of people walking in the middle of the street, his face filled with surprise and excitement.
"It's the Straw Hat Pirates!!"
"What did you say?! That pirate crew with a bounty of two hundred million Berries?!"
The crowd instantly erupted.
Luffy, Lin Ning, Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Usopp, Chopper, Nico Robin... the Straw Hat Pirates, had actually come to Jaya Island now?!
"Captain Luffy's bounty is one hundred million Berries, and that man who uses a halberd—Lin Ning—is an even more terrifying monster!"
"Quickly go and inform Bellamy!!"
Someone quickly ran into the depths of the street to report the news to the most arrogant and domineering pirate in this town—Bellamy.
"Sky Island?"
Luffy stood in the middle of the street, his face full of excitement as he grabbed a passerby and asked unceremoniously:
"Hey, do you know how to get to Sky Island?!"
The grabbed passerby immediately looked bewildered, his mouth twitching slightly: "What did you say?! Sky Island?! Are you serious?!"
"Of course!!" We're going to Sky Island!!" Luffy replied without hesitation, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Nami covered her forehead helplessly: "Hey, can't you be a little more subtle?!"
However, before the passerby could answer—
"Hahahahaha—!!!"
An extremely arrogant and wild laugh, accompanied by heavy footsteps, came from the depths of the street!
The crowd, as if startled by a beast, quickly parted to make way, revealing a burly, muscular man.
His messy golden curly hair was combed back, revealing sharp brow bones.
His mouth was split open, revealing a mouthful of sharp teeth, and his smile carried endless contempt and mockery.
He wore a sleeveless dark jacket, revealing his strong arms, a wide leather belt hung at his waist, his pants were short, and he wore black leather boots.
This was—Mock Town's most arrogant pirate, Bellamy!!!
"Heh... it's actually the Straw Hat Pirates...!"
Bellamy scanned Luffy and his crew disdainfully, the smile on his lips deepening.
"'straw hat' Luffy, with a bounty of one hundred million, and that monster named Lin Ning, would actually appear here?!"
He was originally wary of Luffy's bounty; after all, a pirate wanted by the World Government for over one hundred million Berries was certainly not someone an ordinary person could deal with.
But when he heard that Luffy was actually asking about Sky Island, his vigilance instantly vanished, replaced by complete disdain and contempt!
"Hahahaha!!! There are actually fools who believe in the legend of Sky Island!!"
"I thought you were so formidable, but it turns out you're just a foolish deluded maniac!"
Bellamy crossed his arms, looking at Luffy with a mocking gaze, his tone sarcastic:
"Sky Island? Hahahaha! You idiots actually believe that?"
"Now, on the Grand Line, the unpredictable currents have been explained, and the Knock-Up Stream is just one of them!"
"Those ships that are swept into the sky by the rising current will eventually fall back into the sea..."
"Those ignorant crew members, seeing ships falling from the sky, fantasize about some 'Sky Island,' saying there must be another world in the sky... Hahaha, how ridiculous!"
He pointed his finger at Luffy, his expression full of ridicule:
"A fool like you, with a bounty as high as one hundred million Berries?! I really don't know how you got it!"
"Listen up, Golden City, the Great Treasure 'ONE PIECE,' all of it is a lie!!"
"In this age of piracy, only the strong can dominate the sea!"
"Those fools who chase dreams are just courting their own destruction!!"
"To be honest with you, straw hat brat, what I can't stand the most are guys like you who constantly talk about 'dreams'!!"
Bellamy's tone was full of scorn and contempt; his eyes looked at Luffy as if he were looking at a naive clown.
Bellamy's words were like a knife, sharply piercing into Luffy's heart!
"Clang!"
Luffy's fists suddenly clenched, his knuckles cracking crisply!
His eyes were no longer filled with the previous excitement but had become stern and sharp, his black pupils so deep they seemed to swallow Bellamy's figure!
He wasn't angry because he was mocked, but because—
Bellamy insulted "dreams"!!!
Dreams are the Soul of pirates, the driving force behind their sailing through winds and waves, the belief they refuse to give up even in the face of death!
Anyone who dares to trample on dreams absolutely does not deserve to be forgiven!!
However, Bellamy remained oblivious; he still laughed wildly, loudly saying:
"When I see those fools chasing dreams, I just get really annoyed!!"
The air instantly solidified.
The onlookers held their breath, their eyes fixed on the two figures in the middle of the street.
"Bang!"
Bellamy's fist slammed hard into Luffy's face!
A dull thud echoed; at the moment of contact between the fist and the face, even the air seemed to vibrate.
However—
Luffy did not dodge, nor did he retreat in the slightest.
Even more astonishing was—
Bellamy's punch couldn't even make Luffy's cheek indent a single bit!
His fist clearly struck the opponent, but that face was like an indestructible rock, not even shaking!
The onlookers widened their eyes, their faces full of shock: "What's going on?! Bellamy's punch... had no effect at all?!"
Bellamy himself felt a sudden tremor in his heart, and cold sweat instantly broke out.
He knew very well the power of his punch!
How many pirates had knelt and begged for mercy under his fist, how many had their bones shattered by his heavy blows, but now... this punch couldn't even make the opponent's body sway?
Bellamy's eyes narrowed, and a sudden feeling of unease surged within him.
Before the crowd could recover from their shock, Zoro had already stepped forward.
He slowly reached out, gripped the wado ichimonji at his waist, his gaze sharp, his Battle Intent boiling.
"Hey, Luffy..." Zoro said in a low voice, his tone as sharp as a sword about to be drawn.
"This guy has already made a move, shouldn't we kill him?"Chapter 93 Blackbeard
However, before Zoro could draw his sword—
Luffy suddenly raised his hand, blocking Zoro, and said firmly, "No, this fight... we can't have it."
Zoro was startled and looked at Luffy in confusion.
"What do you mean, kid?"
"I can't fight back," Luffy's voice was low, carrying a hint of complex emotion.
At this moment, a distant memory surfaced in his mind—
In the tavern in Foosha Village, young Luffy's eyes widened as he watched everything unfold before him.
The mountain bandit Higuma arrogantly picked up a bottle of sake, smashing it hard on Shanks's head, sending sake splashing and glass shards scattering everywhere.
However—
Shanks just smiled, picking up a new bottle without a care, and poured himself a drink.
"Haha, it's fine," he said with a smile, his tone unbelievably calm.
"You cowards, just keep hiding in the East Blue," Higuma sneered, turning to leave.
Young Luffy, however, trembled with rage, his fists clenched, and roared,
"Shanks!! How could you just swallow your anger?! You're a pirate! How can you let people humiliate you?! It's too disgraceful!!"
Shanks just gently patted Luffy's head and smiled,
"Luffy, what does it matter to have some sake splashed on you and be called names?"
"The provocations of the weak are not worth taking to heart."
Back to reality, on the streets of Mock Town.
Luffy's gaze was firm; he lowered his fists.
"Shanks was right."
"The provocations of the weak are not worth responding to."
"Hahahahaha!"
Bellamy, seeing that Luffy really wasn't fighting back, went from initial shock to utter rage!
"Are you pitying me?! You don't even have the courage to fight back?!"
A crazed look flashed in his eyes, his hands clenched, knuckles cracking.
"Damn it!! What I hate most are you fools who chase dreams!!"
"I'm going to beat you to a pulp and let you know the cruelty of reality!!"
Bellamy stomped his foot, his muscles tensed, and he was about to charge at Luffy—
However, just then—
"Stop."
A low, calm voice sounded, like the toll of a death bell.
Lin Ning slowly took a step forward.
His steps were not fast, but they carried an unrivaled majesty; each step seemed to shake the air.
He didn't speak, just slightly raised his eyes and glanced indifferently at Bellamy.
It was that glance—
"Buzz—"
An invisible Killing Intent, as if substantial, enveloped the entire street!
The cold, oppressive, suffocating terror made all the onlookers tremble!
Bellamy's smile instantly froze.
His eyes widened, cold sweat streamed down his forehead, and his breathing suddenly hitched—
"This guy... is a monster!!"
"This level of pressure...!!"
"If I move again... I'll die."
Bellamy wasn't stupid; although arrogant, he was a pirate who had seen strong individuals.
The man before him, Lin Ning... was definitely a monster!!
He gritted his teeth, his eyes struggled for a second, and then he suddenly waved his hand, suppressing the fear in his heart, and gritted out—
"Retreat!!"
Bellamy led his subordinates, turning to leave without a word, disappearing at the end of Mock Town's street.
The tension in the air slowly dissipated.
The onlookers finally came to their senses, each one dumbfounded, looking at Luffy and Lin Ning, their eyes filled with shock and awe!
Luffy still stood in place, his eyes calm.
True strong individuals do not get angry over provocations.
On the streets of Mock Town, the air seemed to solidify, filled with a tense and oppressive atmosphere.
Bellamy's departure made the surrounding pirates breathe a sigh of relief.
However, just as everyone was still recovering from the shock, an even rougher, more arrogant, and wildly imposing voice rang out—
"Sky Island exists!"
This voice was deep, resonant, and full of dominance, as if carrying a power that could shake people's hearts, echoing throughout the entire street.
"What 'the era of pirates dreaming is over'... Ha! A person's dream will never end!!"
A massive figure slowly walked from the end of the street; with each step, the ground beneath him seemed to tremble.
This figure was burly, much taller than ordinary people, with solid and strong muscles, exuding a wild and untamed Aura.
He wore an unbuttoned white shirt, revealing his thick chest.
On a face full of stubble, the corners of his mouth were turned up in a wide grin, showing a few missing teeth.
His eyes were deep and wild, burning with extreme ambition, as if they could swallow everything!
Behind him, three figures followed closely, their eyes sharp, carrying a sinister and cruel smile.
Each of them exuded a dangerous Aura that could not be underestimated!
The man slowly walked in front of the Straw Hat, his smile growing even more arrogant, and he stretched out his hand, holding up three brand-new bounty posters—
"Hahahahaha!! Straw Hat Pirates... your bounties have increased!"
The onlookers' gazes focused on the bounty posters in his hand; when they clearly saw the content, their pupils suddenly constricted, and they couldn't help but gasp—
"Luffy, Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, Bounty—Three Hundred Million Berries!!"
"Lin Ning, first mate of the Straw Hat Pirates, Bounty—Three Hundred Million Berries!!"
"Zoro, Swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates, Bounty—Two Hundred Million Berries!!"
Boom!!!
This news was like a bomb, instantly causing a huge uproar throughout Mock Town!
"Three Hundred Million Berries?! Has this guy's bounty already risen to three hundred million?!"
"And that Lin Ning... the first mate is also three hundred million?! What kind of monster-level pirate crew is this?!"
"Pirate Hunter Zoro's bounty is also two hundred million! What a bunch of monsters!"
All the pirates in Mock Town immediately started discussing, their faces showing expressions of unbelievable shock.
The man stared at Luffy, grinning widely, his eyes full of excitement and ambition.
"Straw Hat Luffy... Lin Ning... Zoro..."
"You guys are really something... but still—"
He held up the bounty posters, then suddenly tore them with both hands, with a "rip" sound, the three bounty posters were torn into pieces and scattered in the wind!
Then, he spread his arms and laughed wildly—
"Hahahahaha!! Do you know what this means?!"
"This means... you will become the stepping stones for my Blackbeard Pirates to become Shichibukai!!"
Blackbeard's laughter echoed on the street, Van Auger raised his extra-long sniper rifle, its dark barrel pointing directly at the Straw Hat.
Burgess clenched his fists, muscles bulging, Battle Intent boiling: "Heh heh, finally I can have a good fight!!"
The air instantly became oppressive.Chapter 94 Straw Hat Pirates VS Blackbeard Pirates
The scorching sun hung high, its intense rays beating down on the streets of Jaya Island, filling the air with a hint of anxiety and unease.
Mock Town, usually bustling with noise, was now enveloped in an eerie silence.
Pirates who had been carousing moments ago were now fleeing in terror, as if a great storm was about to descend.
The Blackbeard Pirates stood at one end of the street, four figures shoulder to shoulder, like an insurmountable wall.
Blackbeard — Marshall D. Teach — stood at the forefront of the group, his physique burly, his Aura arrogant and domineering.
His lips curved into a grin, his eyes revealing undisguised greed and excitement.
He narrowed his eyes, his deep, dark pupils fixed on the Straw Hat Pirates, as if their heads were already his for the taking.
"You brats... you're heading to Sky Island, aren't you?"
His voice was low and hoarse, like a predator's soft whisper when it locks onto its prey, carrying an indescribable sense of oppression.
"Zehahahaha!! I'll give you a reward for pleasing me!"
Blackbeard suddenly spread his arms, laughing wildly, his tone full of mockery.
"If you can escape from my grasp, then tomorrow at noon, directly south of Jaya Island, there will be a Knock-Up Stream that leads straight to Sky Island."
"But..."
Blackbeard's smile abruptly vanished, his eyes turning as fierce as a wild beast's, glaring at Luffy and the others with Killing Intent—
"You won't live to see tomorrow!!"
"I'll capture you alive and use you as a stepping stone to become a Shichibukai!!!"
The three members standing behind Blackbeard also exuded the Aura of strong individuals.
Jesus Burgess, the Blackbeard Pirates' helmsman, was a giant nearly four meters tall.
His muscles bulged like forged steel, making him look like a towering mountain just by standing there.
His upper body was bare, his chest wrapped in mottled combat bandages, revealing the countless battles he had endured.
He clenched his fists, knuckles cracking, a ferocious Battle Intent on his face as he grinned and laughed—
"Zehahahaha! Speak of the devil! We were just worrying about not finding pirates with high bounties, and now your Straw Hat Pirates' bounties have soared so high!"
"Today, we'll send you to the World Government's prison!!"
Van Auger, the Blackbeard Pirates' sniper, stood to Blackbeard's left.
His lean, tall frame was cloaked in a long trench coat, his face bearing a calm indifference.
He wore a wide-brimmed hat, his eyes as sharp as a hawk's, deep and cold.
His right hand slowly lifted, the ultra-long sniper rifle already resting on his shoulder, its dark muzzle locked onto the Straw Hat Pirates.
His lips curved slightly into a disdainful smile as he slowly said:
"Fate is sealed; your downfall is already set."
Facing the arrogant provocation of the Blackbeard Pirates, not a single member of the Straw Hat Pirates retreated; everyone's gaze turned intensely sharp.
Luffy stood at the forefront of the group, his straw hat tilted slightly, a grin of excitement on his face.
He clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking loudly, his entire body radiating an irrepressible Battle Intent!
"Hehehe! You want to capture me alive? Blackbeard, you're really confident!"
"But it's a pity, I'm the man who will become the Pirate King!"
"You guys, don't stand in my way!!"
Lin Ning stood to Luffy's right, his figure as straight as a spear, holding a halberd, his gaze cold and calm.
He slowly raised the halberd, its sharp blade glinting with a chilling light, exuding a captivating Haki.
He spoke slowly, his tone indifferent, yet imbued with suffocating authority—
"Blackbeard, you want to become a Shichibukai... But before that, you need to consider carefully if you are worthy."
"It's best to think clearly before you act, whether your life can be spared."
Zoro stood to the left, his three swords slowly drawn, his eyes cold and sharp, his Killing Intent as fierce as a blade.
"Ambitionists of the New World? This is getting more and more interesting..."
"If you want to fight, then come at us with all you've got!"
Sanji slowly lit a cigarette, stepped forward, his entire body radiating a wild Aura.
"What a bother, I originally wanted to enjoy a leisurely meal, but now it seems I have to take care of you guys first before I can continue to enjoy life."
"So, who wants to die first?"
Two powerful Auras clashed in the air, filling the center of the street with a suffocating sense of oppression.
The two pirate crews stood face to face, the arrogance and wildness of the Blackbeard Pirates in stark contrast to the firm fearlessness of the Straw Hat Pirates.
But beneath the frontline confrontation, the four individuals standing in the rear felt complex emotions churning within them.
Nami, Usopp, Robin, and Chopper stood silently behind Luffy and the other three, knowing—
This was a battle they could not interfere with!
Facing the terrifying Aura of the Blackbeard Pirates, they felt the immense gap between themselves and true powerhouses.
Usopp, in particular, stared intently at Van Auger among the Blackbeard Pirates.
That lean and tall sniper, those hawk-like sharp eyes, seemed capable of seeing through everything, easily controlling the entire situation on the battlefield.
Usopp's hand trembled involuntarily, cold sweat trickling from his temples; he had already realized a fact—
"I... I can't even take one shot from him..."
He was the Straw Hat Pirates' sniper, and the other party was also a sniper. If a battle began, the other party's target would definitely be him, Usopp!
But he didn't even have the courage to step forward; he had already clearly felt the gap between himself and a true powerhouse, like an insurmountable chasm.
This feeling of powerlessness made his heart ache as if it were being cut by a knife.
He clenched his teeth tightly, a furious rage igniting within him, and he roared at himself:
"Usopp! Are you really that cowardly?! You're a brave warrior of the sea!!"
"If you don't even have the courage to step forward today, then what right do you have to remain on this ship?!"
"I want to become stronger!!"
Usopp's eyes gradually hardened, and he vowed: From this day forward, he would never allow himself to be so powerless again!
And Nami, Robin, and Chopper, though they said nothing, were also filled with unwillingness.
They also yearned to become stronger; they didn't want to always hide in the back, watching their comrades fight to the death at the front.
Just then, Luffy, standing at the very front, seemed to remember something and slowly raised his eyes, his gaze sharp and cold.
His voice was low and full of oppressive power:
"...You said your name was Blackbeard?"
Blackbeard was slightly startled, then grinned broadly, revealing a few missing teeth.
"Zehahahaha! That's right, brat, I am Blackbeard Marshall D. Teach!!"
Luffy's eyes grew colder, his fists slowly clenching, producing a "crack crack" of popping knuckles.
"So... you're the guy Ace mentioned, the one who killed his comrade..."
As soon as his words fell, Blackbeard's expression subtly changed, and his smile vanished for a moment!
A brutal glint flashed in his eyes, his lips twitched, and his tone instantly became several shades darker:
"You know Ace?"
The entire air seemed to thicken for a moment!
Blackbeard's eyes suddenly widened, filled with a dangerous glint, and a terrifying sense of oppression instantly permeated the entire street!
Burgess's smile also slightly receded, and Van Auger's gaze grew deeper.
Luffy's eyes became even colder; he had confirmed that the man before him was the target Ace was chasing—Blackbeard!
"Lin Ning, Zoro, Sanji."
Luffy spoke slowly, his voice low and firm.
"Let's see what these pirates of the New World are really made of."
"Crush them!!!"Chapter 95 Fierce Battle
"Hmph, is it finally time to fight?"
Zoro grinned, slowly drawing his three swords, their blades glinting with cold light in the sunlight.
"Perfect time to test if my swords can cut through New World pirates!"
Sanji slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, stomped his right foot lightly, and his entire Aura abruptly changed, transforming into a sharp blade about to be unsheathed!
"Such a bother, Luffy, can't you avoid trouble before every meal?"
"However, since you've given the order, we'll just have to finish this quickly."
Lin Ning smiled slightly, his halberd slowly spinning in his hand, its edge exuding sharp Haki, intimidating the entire scene.
"An ambitious figure from the New World? Interesting!"
"Zehahahahaha!!!"
Blackbeard roared with laughter, his voice full of arrogance and Battle Intent, then his gaze suddenly darkened.
His entire Aura was like a demon awakening in the darkness, terrifying beyond compare.
"Then come on, you brats!!!"
"Let me see if the 'Straw Hat Pirates' are really worth an 800 million Berries bounty!!!"
"Burgess!"
"Hooah!!!"
Burgess fiercely crossed his fists, bones cracking, muscles tensing, like an imposing steel fortress!
"Finally, I can have a real fight! Straw Hat, show me your 300 million Berries strength!!!"
"Van Auger!"
"Target locked, ready to fire."
Van Auger lightly pulled the trigger of his sniper rifle, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's, ready to take a life with a single shot!
Boom!!
The air almost solidified; in the center of the street, the strongest fighters of the two pirate crews stood opposite each other, their terrifying Auras colliding, sparks flying everywhere!
"Armament: Rocket!"
Boom!!
A thunderous sound exploded!
Luffy charged out first, like an arrow released from a bowstring, his fist covered in thick Armament Haki, stretched to its limit, and slammed towards Blackbeard's face like a rocket!
The air was compressed, the punch's force swept all around, and the ground instantly cracked!
Facing this punch, Blackbeard merely sneered; he neither dodged nor used his Devil Fruit ability, instead raising his right fist as well.
Intense Armament Haki instantly covered his entire arm, and red lightning crackled on his pitch-black fist!
Rumble—!!!
Fists collided, and an explosive shockwave swept across the entire battlefield!
Red lightning intertwined and surged, the ground collapsed under the terrifying impact, and the shockwave swept like a tsunami.
It directly destroyed the surrounding buildings into ruins, with 碎石 and rubble flying everywhere!
The two were deadlocked in place, muscles tensed, the collision of their fists warping the entire space!
"Hehehe! A bit interesting, Straw Hat!"
Blackbeard grinned, a cruel glint in his eyes, then suddenly exerted force with his arm, a terrifying power erupting like a tsunami!
"Brat! Let me tell you, Armament Haki… also has Ranks!!!"
Boom!!!
The next second, Blackbeard suddenly increased his strength, Luffy's eyes narrowed, and before he could react.
He was crushed by a terrifying impact and sent flying backward!
"Bang—!!"
Luffy, like a cannonball blasted away by a ferocious beast, tore through the air and slammed heavily onto the ground in the distance, instantly creating a crater dozens of meters in diameter!
Dust flew, rocks shattered, and the entire battlefield was silenced by the might of this blow!
"Luffy!!"
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper exclaimed in unison, their faces changing dramatically!
Sanji frowned, immediately preparing to rush over to check on Luffy's condition, but before he could take a step, a hand firmly pressed on his shoulder.
"Don't go."
Sanji turned to look, only to see Lin Ning with a calm expression, but his gaze was incredibly sharp.
"This is Luffy's fight."
Lin Ning's voice was deep and firm, "Our current mission is to deal with the rest of the Blackbeard Pirates."
Upon hearing this, Sanji took a deep breath, composed himself, then his gaze turned cold as he stared at the other members of the Blackbeard Pirates!
Burgess and Van Auger of the Blackbeard Pirates also showed a sinister grin at the same time, their Battle Intent boiling.
"Zehahahahaha!!!"
Blackbeard roared with laughter, he was not in a hurry to pursue, but stood in place, waiting with interest for Luffy's reaction.
He wanted to see how much this young pirate, who was a 重點 concern for the World Government, was truly worth!
However—
Just as everyone thought Luffy had suffered a heavy blow—
"Whoosh!!"
A dark figure suddenly shot out from the crater, kicking up a cloud of dust!
"Ah ah ah ah ah—!!!"
Luffy was completely unharmed, but he was frantically shaking his right hand, which had just clashed with Blackbeard's fist, his expression incredibly pained, and he shouted exasperatedly:
"It hurts so much ah ah ah ah ah ah!!!"
Everyone: "???"
Nami, Usopp: "...? ? ?"
Blackbeard: "...? ? ?"
Everyone was stunned for a moment, then almost fell over.
"Hehehe! You brat, you really are tough!"
Blackbeard grinned, but the next moment, his eyes suddenly turned cold.
Because Luffy's Aura… hadn't weakened in the slightest, but instead grew even more vigorous!
"Hehehe! Blackbeard, you're quite strong!"
Luffy shook his right hand, the pain on his face gone, replaced by his signature smile full of Battle Intent!
"But I won't be defeated by you so easily!!"
His figure transformed into a flash of lightning, suddenly disappearing from his spot!
Blackbeard's eyes narrowed, his pupils contracting sharply—
Whoosh!!!
The next instant, Luffy had appeared in front of Blackbeard, his right fist charged with powerful Haki.
With extreme speed and destructive power, he slammed it fiercely into Blackbeard's abdomen!!!
"Gum-Gum Jet Pistol!!!"
Blackbeard's smile completely vanished, his gaze suddenly becoming incredibly cold!
"Zehahaha… As expected, he's not simple!!!"
Then the two engaged in a fierce struggle.
Although Luffy was at an absolute disadvantage, with his extremely strong recovery ability.
Knocked down again and again, Luffy quickly charged at Blackbeard with renewed vigor.
Meanwhile, Lin Ning stepped forward; with each step, the ground trembled slightly.
He held his halberd, and his Aura slowly rose with his steps.
Red lightning crackled wildly around him, the air distorting from this terrifying pressure!
Boom!
Just as Lin Ning slowly stepped forward, the surrounding buildings began to collapse, and the ground cracked like a spiderweb, unable to withstand the oppressive force!
Burgess, the number one combatant of the Blackbeard Pirates, had lost his arrogant smile, replaced by an unprecedented solemnity and apprehension!
This was a master's intuition… this man… was dangerous!
Extremely dangerous!
Lin Ning's steps slowly halted, he raised his head, his gaze sharp as a blade, surveying the remaining members of the Blackbeard Pirates.
His voice was deep as he spoke to Zoro and Sanji:
"That sniper, I'll leave him to you two."
Zoro and Sanji behind him responded almost without hesitation, they were already eager to fight!
"Understood!"