Join or Be Destroyed

As Rocks flew toward them, everyone on the island instinctively backed away. The Conqueror's Haki that had suppressed Luo Han earlier had made them realize just how terrifying this man was.

More importantly, they recognized this pirate called Rocks. He was the man the newspapers said had conquered the New World.

"Hey! Judging by your looks, you know who I am, right? Ahahaha!"

Rocks spoke as he hovered above them.

"Then! Who is the strongest person on this island?"

Everyone turned to look at Luo Han and Cole!

Uncle Witt and Uncle Kate stepped forward, seeming as though they wanted to say something, but in the end, they said nothing.

"Haha! The little guy who released that Haki earlier, and this big fellow."

Rocks was somewhat surprised by the way everyone looked toward Luo Han and Cole.

"Then you should know my rules!"

Rocks said gravely.

"Choose! Join or be destroyed!"

As his words fell, even the sky seemed affected, darkening in an instant.

Luo Han stopped Cole, who wanted to step forward, and shook his head!

Then he flew into the sky and faced Rocks!

An invisible aura burst from Luo Han, and everyone on the island watched him with concern.

Rocks quietly watched Luo Han, as if he were not worried in the slightest that Luo Han would attack.

Or perhaps he was simply confident that he could handle any unforeseen situation.

"Then! Follow me! Didn't you want to experience the world's strongest power?"

Rocks said.

He then flew toward one side of Ring Island.

Hm! Luo Han was surprised. How did Rocks know what he was thinking?

Could it be... a special Observation Haki that could hear people's thoughts!

Sigh! Luo Han no longer knew what to say. That kind of Observation Haki, paired with that monstrous Armament Haki...

No wonder he dared to declare in the news that he would rule the New World.

Sure enough! This was a world of the strong!

"Come on! Use your strongest attack!"

Rocks said casually.

Without wasting any words, Luo Han used Mind Movement. Within his Divine Sense, Psychokinesis gathered into a single point and attacked Rocks.

Hm!...

A silent pressure suddenly descended upon Luo Han! His expression darkened.

Nothing happened. There was no thunderous collision, no blast wave, nothing.

The instant Luo Han's attack, containing all his Psychokinesis, touched the Armament Haki surrounding Rocks, it silently dissipated.

It was as though matter had been broken down into its most fundamental particles.

Seeing Luo Han's powerless expression, Rocks burst into laughter!

"What? Where's that Haki from earlier? You can try using your physical strength again."

Rocks said.

"I can sense that your physical strength is no weaker than your Devil Fruit ability!"

Hearing this, Luo Han looked at the wildly laughing Rocks and gave a bitter smile!

"No need to try! Trying Captain Rocks's Armament Haki would get someone killed."

Luo Han said.

Having seen that kind of power, what else could he do besides join? Fight to the death!!

Not only would Luo Han die, Ring Tree Island would be destroyed as well! Only an idiot would stubbornly fight to the bitter end.

So Luo Han chose to follow his heart, following his instincts and joining the Rocks Pirates.

Besides, to be honest, Luo Han was very interested in that method of using Armament Haki.

Luo Han thought that was probably why Golden Lion and Kaido had chosen to join the Rocks Pirates as well.

If not, with Golden Lion's ability...! Uh! Luo Han suddenly recalled how relaxed Rocks had looked when he flew toward him.

By the looks of it! Golden Lion might not even fly faster than Rocks.

He really was powerful without a single weakness! Luo Han sighed inwardly at this man, Rocks!

"I'll join! I hope Captain will spare my hometown!" Luo Han said.

"Haha! As long as you know my rules. Once you join, you're one of us. Your hometown will become my subordinate territory."

Rocks said.

"And that brat has to join too!"

Seeing Rocks point at Cole, Luo Han felt helpless.

"Fine! Both of us will join." Luo Han said.

They had been planning to go to sea anyway. Being pirates had not been their intention, but what else could they do now?

"Then hurry up and pack. We're leaving right away." Rocks said.

It seemed Rocks had merely come to Ring Tree Island by chance, Luo Han thought.

Without saying anything more, he flew toward Ring Tree Island. After explaining the situation to Cole, Uncle Witt, and the others...

Luo Han rushed straight home, where Grandma Mo happened to be.

"Grandma! I'm heading out to sea right away!" Luo Han said.

"What happened, Little Han? Didn't you say you'd be leaving in a few days? I haven't even prepared food for you."

Grandma Mo said.

She looked rather surprised.

"A ship happened to arrive at Ring Tree Island today. Cole and I are going to take that ship out to sea." Luo Han said.

"So soon? Little Han, wait here. Grandma will pack you some Fish Cake and dried fish." Grandma Mo said.

After bustling about for a while, Grandma Mo handed him a large bag of Fish Cake powder and dried fish.

Luo Han hurried to the top of the island. He had to hurry; he did not dare test Rocks's patience.

At the island's summit, Aunt Lillian clung to Uncle Witt and wept bitterly. Cole stretched out his arms, wanting to hug his mother, but afraid of hurting her.

Brother Rhine watched it all with a gloomy expression. The feeling of being powerless truly felt awful. At the same time, he was secretly worried for Luo Han and Cole.

"Luo Han, I'm leaving Cole in your care from now on."

Uncle Witt said.

"I will. Don't worry, Uncle Witt."

"Cole! From now on, listen to Brother Luo Han. The only person you can trust is Luo Han, understand!"

Uncle Witt reminded Cole again. He clearly knew what the Rocks Pirates were like—a group of outlaws gathered together.

"Got it, Dad, Mom!" Cole replied. "I'll come back someday!"

"Luo Han! You two are real men now. From now on, it's up to you!"

Uncle Kate walked over and said.

"Don't worry, Uncle Kate. We'll take good care of ourselves."

Luo Han said.

"Let's go, Cole!"

Then, beneath everyone's reluctant gazes, Luo Han and Cole flew toward the Rocks Pirates.

"Haha! A big fellow has joined us!" Golden Lion said as he watched Cole land.

"What a perfect body!" Big Mom Linlin said.

Uh! Seeing Big Mom's current beauty, Luo Han fell silent.

He thought of Big Mom more than thirty years later! Sure enough, having children made it easy to gain weight.

Even someone with Big Mom's physique could not withstand the side effects of having dozens of children.

"Haha! There'll be plenty of time to get acquainted later." Rocks said at that moment.

"For now, let's leave this place and see where those Roger bastards ran off to."

"Got it, Captain!" the pirate at the helm replied.

He then took out a Log Pose and checked it before steering toward Green Cliff, to the right of Ring Tree Island.

The Rocks Pirates began leaving Ring Tree Island, heading for the next island.

Luo Han and Cole sat on the deck at the stern, saying little. Even if they wanted to talk, there was nothing much to say. Most of the people aboard this ship had come here for one reason or another.

The pirate ship sailed slowly. After an entire night, it finally left the waters around Ring Tree Island.

After another six hours at sea, they finally reached their destination—Bot Island.