Letting Them Go

Looking into Zoro's determined eyes, Haku knew this was a challenge from a true swordsman. He smiled and nodded, saying, "Very well, I'd like to stretch my muscles. I accept your challenge."

Their gazes met in mid-air, sparks seemingly flying. The other members of the Straw Hat Pirates retreated, knowing this was a duel between swordsmen, and they could only watch from the sidelines.

To prevent them from destroying the room themselves, Haku grabbed Zoro's shoulder and used Shunpo to appear outside Drum Castle!

Haku took out Ryujin Jakka from the System Space, Vice Admiral Zoro drew his Three Sword Style sword.

The duel did not last long because the difference in strength between the two was too great.

In Haku's eyes, Zoro was like a brute with only brute strength. He clearly lacked the essence of swordsmanship!

Haku easily knocked away the two weapons Zoro was holding in his hands, and placed her Zanpakuto against Zoro's neck!

Zoro couldn't believe he had been defeated so easily, so much so that he stood there staring at his empty hands!

Haku knew that the other person was hurt by him, but based on their past interactions...

Haku clearly sensed Zoro's potential, and that he was just one step away from achieving the power to Steel-Cutting!

Haku laughed and said, "Hey! You with the Moss Head, watch closely. I'll only demonstrate once!"

When Zoro heard Haku call him "Moss Head," he almost flew into a rage.

However, he then saw Haku gently swing her Zanpakuto forward and fall into deep thought!

The others who had come out to watch the spectacle saw Haku slash at thin air, but they didn't think anything of it.

Until Haku left her spot, the place where Haku had just been standing began to slide and fall down the mountain!

Zoro stared blankly at the smooth cut surface, a storm of emotions surging within him.

Seeing Zoro's stunned expression, Haku smiled and sheathed her Zanpakuto.

He walked over to Zoro, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Zoro, your swordsmanship still has a lot of room for improvement. Remember, swordsmanship is not just about wielding a weapon, but more importantly, about understanding and using the sword."

Zoro looked up at Haku's smiling eyes, knowing this was Haku giving him guidance. He bowed deeply and said, "Thank you. I will remember your words and continue to strive to improve my swordsmanship."

However, Haku had no intention of letting Zoro off so easily! And Luffy, Soap, Sanji, and the others who had just come out to watch the show!

Haku's eyes gleamed with a mischievous amusement as he said to Luffy, "Luffy, you're a wanted Pirates now, after all. Do you think I, as a Marine Admiral, should arrest you right now?"

Upon hearing this, Luffy's face turned pale instantly. He stammered, "Haku, you... you're kidding, right? We're brothers!"

Seeing Luffy's terrified expression, Haku couldn't help but burst into laughter. She patted Luffy on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Luffy. I won't do anything myself!"

"However, you'll have to defeat the opponent I've chosen for you before I'll let you go!"

Luffy breathed a sigh of relief; he knew that as long as Haku didn't interfere, everything was negotiable!

Sanji and Usopp, standing to the side, began to gloat. Haku glanced at them and said calmly, "Don't be too happy yet, you two are going to fight too!"

Usopp's face turned deathly pale instantly. He said nervously, "I have a disease that prevents me from fighting. If I were to fight anyone, I would die!"

Haku couldn't help but laugh at Usopp's exaggerated expression. He walked over to Usopp, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "I won't let you fight powerful enemies. Your opponent will be someone of equal strength."

Hearing Haku's words, Usopp's expression softened somewhat. However, he still looked unwilling!

Furthermore, he even started persuading Luffy to refuse the 'unreasonable request' that Haku had just arranged!

Haku looked at Usopp with a mocking expression, thinking that Luffy didn't even have the dignity of a captain.

Instead, he agreed to Usopp's offer but refused the fight.

Then Haku would not hesitate to Luffy and hand him over to Garp to deal with!

Usopp naturally saw the mocking look in Haku's eyes, and his heart skipped a beat.

He knew Haku was serious, and if Luffy really refused the fight, the consequences could be severe. So, he quickly shut his mouth, no longer daring to try to persuade Luffy.

Luffy looked at Haku with a serious expression. His dream was to become the Pirate King, so he couldn't back down easily.

Haku disappeared, and when she reappeared...

Four people wearing Seastone Handcuffs appeared in his hands!

They are Claude Crocodile, Mr. 1 Daz Bones, Mr. 3 Bon Clay, and the little girl Miss Goldenweek!

Haku then assigned the four of them to Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp respectively.

At the same time, Haku removed the Seastone Handcuffs from the four of them!

Haku said calmly, "Crocodile, don't say I didn't give you a chance! You've got nothing better to do anyway. I already told you on the ship. If you defeat these guys, I'll let you go!"

Crocodile laughed, staring at Haku and saying, "Kid, I'm afraid you'll go back on your word!"

At the same time, he felt a surge of anger; he understood that Haku was using them as whetstones.

Haku sneered, "You can choose not to believe me, but I have plenty of people at my disposal. Just because you're unwilling to do something doesn't mean others aren't!"

Crocodile's face darkened, while the other three, upon learning their opponent, immediately engaged in combat!

Mainly because they don't have as many concerns!

While Haku and Crocodile were arguing, one side had already decided the outcome from the very beginning!

Haku glanced in that direction and her lips twitched.

Usopp stood frozen in place, unable to move, while Miss Goldenweek had already returned to Haku's location.

Although Haku felt a little helpless, she could only wave her hand and say, "Let's go, I really mean what I say!"

Crocodile's eyes lit up. Since Haku really let Golden Week go, didn't that mean he could be...?

He turned his gaze to Luffy, who seemed eager to try, his eyes revealing extreme disdain!