In an instant, many people across the nation turned their attention once again.
"He actually dared to come."
"This is unwise."
"Though face is important, the future is even more so."
"Facing the alliance of the Sandstorm and Rakshasa Pirates, it's impossible to reclaim the territory. They will surely lose, and there will be casualties, which will weaken the overall strength of the pirate crew. Then, what will they do against the Overlord and Flying Pirates in fifteen days? It will be even worse."
"Perhaps this time, the Dominant Feather Pirate Crew might even be disbanded."
...
No one had high hopes for the Dominant Feather Pirate Crew, thinking they would lose both the battle and their resources.
It was also known that the crew members of the two allied pirate crews were scattered, making it difficult for Ye Yu's Conqueror's Haki to have an impact.
Other major pirate crews were somewhat gleeful.
"Just formed, and already facing a blow."
"If they can take care of Ye Yu, that would be best. With such terrifying Conqueror's Haki, it's not good. It would render most of our crew members useless."
"Yes, with Ye Yu around, competing for the Strongest Pirate Crew Ranking will be tricky. His power and range will surely be stronger by then."
...
Some were gleeful, while others considered whether to offer help.
Among them was the Op-Op Pirate Crew.
Their captain, Luo Jin, was an Op-Op Fruit Ability User.
"Captain, should we help the Dominant Feather Pirate Crew to leave a good impression? Befriending Ye Yu might not be a bad idea."
Luo Jin sighed: "I do have that thought, but it's too late. The distance is too great; it would take a day to get there. By the time we arrive, even if the battle isn't over, it would be nearing its end."
...
Some pirate crews wanted to seize the opportunity to gain Ye Yu's favor, but it was too late, so they gave up.
At this moment, Ye Yu and his crew marched straight into the city, causing many to sigh, thinking it was foolish.
"Clearly, they are luring you in. Why not fight by the sea? This way, you'll be trapped like a dog in a cage."
"Yes, they are doomed."
"Once Ye Yu is dealt with, the lower-ranked crew members will gather and surround them. The disparity in numbers will be too great to overcome."
...
Soon, Ye Yu and his crew arrived at the stadium area. Originally, one-third of this city belonged to Xia Ling and her crew. The stadium was the central territory of their pirate crew.
Now, it had been occupied, but the opposing pirate crew was not there.
Clearly, they wanted to lure them deeper.
The remaining crew members outside the stadium approached, filled with guilt.
"Sorry, Captain, we couldn't hold it."
Xia Ling said: "It's fine. How could you have held it? Besides, I'm not the captain anymore. You must have seen the news; the new captain is Ye Yu."
"Understood."
The hundred or so remaining crew members faced Ye Yu, though puzzled as to why he became the captain. They thought it might be due to connections, but since his Conqueror's Haki was formidable, it was acceptable for him to be the captain.
A crew member advised: "Captain, let's leave. This battle is unwinnable."
"Yes, we're not afraid to die, but it's meaningless."
"Though face is important, there's no point in fighting a battle with no chance of winning. We should endure hardships, grow stronger, and reclaim more territories when we are strong enough."
Ye Yu said: "Your suggestions are good, but there's no need."
This left them stunned.
Xia Ling said, "Yes, there's no need. The outcome is uncertain, and we can't just give up our territory and leave."
The crew members didn't say anything more, their fighting spirit immediately rising. Since that's the case, then let's fight.
At that moment, a young man with green hair approached. He was muscular, carrying three swords, and running quickly. He wiped the sweat from his brow.
"Phew, I almost didn't make it. I was supposed to be here over two hours ago, but I got lost several times."
Seeing this person, Ye Yu guessed a few things.
The young man walked over and introduced himself.
"My name is Sun Long, and the Non-Ability User I contracted with is Roronoa Zoro."
Xia Ling was surprised, "Why are you here? What brings you?"
Sun Long grinned, "Of course, I had to come. Didn't I already sign up? As long as I pass the character assessment, I'll be an Executive of your Pirate Crew, and even the head Executive. You really think highly of me."
As he said this, Sun Long gave Ye Yu a grateful smile, while feeling a surge of admiration. He thought Ye Yu looked incredibly commanding, especially when he noticed the cross-shaped sword on Ye Yu's back, which piqued his curiosity.
"Do you have any swordsmanship experts among the Non-Ability Users you've contracted with?"
Ye Yu nodded, "Yes, it seems the Zoro you contracted with is also skilled in swordsmanship, and he uses the Three-Sword Style."
"That's right. We should spar sometime."
Ye Yu asked, "Even though you know we're about to face a major battle, and even though many people think we're at a disadvantage, you still came to fight with us?"
Zoro's fighting spirit surged, "Of course. I want to show them the consequences of underestimating me, make them regret all the mockery they threw at me when I signed up. It really pissed me off."
Ye Yu nodded in approval, "At a time like this, you still dare to join us. Your character assessment is unnecessary. You can directly join the Dominant Feather Pirate Crew, and as I said, you'll be the head Executive."
Xia Ling and Zhao Yan'er were also impressed by Sun Long. Coming at such a time indeed showed good character.
Sun Long was delighted, "Haha, joining such a powerful Pirate Crew and being the head Executive, you really think highly of me. I won't let you down in the upcoming battle. I'll give it my all."
With that, Sun Long's fighting spirit was already burning, and he couldn't wait to get started.
At that moment, a man walked out of the gymnasium, sneering.
"What a fool, joining them at a time like this. You must have a death wish."
The man who emerged had a defiant expression, a fierce look, and a scar on his face, with yellow hair.
One of the crew members said, "He's one of the Executives of the Rakshasa Pirates, the Spring Fruit Ability User, Bei Haimi."
Hearing this, Ye Yu thought this guy bore some resemblance to Bellamy, the Spring Fruit user from the Pirates, but he seemed even more arrogant and punchable.
Xia Ling was puzzled, "It's just him alone."
Bei Haimi nodded, "Indeed, it's just me. I'm here to negotiate."
The Executives of the Dominant Feather Pirate Crew frowned, feeling deeply insulted and angered.
Lu Xun, the Slow-Slow Fruit user, frowned, "You dare to come alone? You've got some nerve, not taking us seriously at all. Do you really think we're pushovers and won't do anything to you?"
Bei Haimi was not afraid and calmly said, "Indeed, I don't think you dare to do anything to me now. The reason I'm here is to give you a chance. Our Captain has said that if you leave immediately, we won't engage in battle with you. How about it? We're giving you an opportunity, so make good use of it."
Although Yaksha and the Storm Pirate Crew were confident of victory, they believed it was best to avoid a fight. Even if they had the upper hand and could win, there would inevitably be some casualties.
They wanted to take over the city without losing a single soldier, so they didn't act directly. Instead, they sent Bei Haimi as a negotiator.
Ye Yu spoke calmly, not answering directly, but instead turned to his crew behind him.
"Everyone, answer him for me."
Instantly, everyone spoke in unison, their voices filled with determination.
"We will not leave! We will fight! We will take back our territory!"
Ye Yu smiled with satisfaction. "Good, as expected of the Dominant Feather Pirate Crew."
Bei Haimi frowned and snorted. "You're refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. What a foolish decision. We gave you a chance, and you didn't cherish it. What are you relying on? Do you think Ye Yu can significantly weaken our combat power? Hahaha..."
Bei Haimi laughed, looking at Ye Yu with his arms crossed, arrogantly gesturing.
"Come on, try using your Conqueror's Haki now. Let's see how many of our crew members you can incapacitate."
Ye Yu's lips curled into a faint smile. "Oh? You want me to release my Conqueror's Haki now?"
Bei Haimi nodded. "Of course, go ahead and release it."
Ye Yu chuckled coldly. "Such a foolish request. I've never heard anything like it before. Well then, I'll oblige you."
In the next moment, Ye Yu unleashed his Conqueror's Haki at full power for the first time!
(End of Chapter)