Revisiting Beehive Island! You're the Challenger!

Beehive Island.

Seven years have passed, Rocks Pirates have long since vanished, but Pirate Island remains the same Pirate Island.

Pirates neither look back on the past nor bother to look to the future; all they do is enjoy the present.

Delicious food, fine wine, beautiful women— Beehive Island had an abundance of these things, so the pirates considered it paradise.

Unlike Rocks in his time, Ochoku placed greater emphasis on the island's order, which, of course, meant nothing more than complete obedience to his commands.

However, order is better than chaos, and the pirates were doing quite well on the island.

Not to mention, after a battle with the Flying Pirates and a successful contract with Golden Lion, Ochoku's reputation on Beehive Island rose again.

To be able to fight the Golden Lion and then escape unscathed is already a remarkable achievement.

No one on this island dared to disobey him.

However, at this moment, the ruler of Beehive Island had some troubles.

Where did that brat go?

Inside the rebuilt Skull Tower, Ochoku smoked a cigarette while frowning deeply.

A few days ago, Roa appeared in Stussy's territory and stayed there for a few days.

However, by the time Ochoku sent someone over, Roa had already left.

I should have gotten Stussy's contact information; otherwise, things wouldn't be so complicated now.

It's also my own fault; I never thought highly of Stussy in the first place.

Who would have thought that one of the two people in the Rocks Pirates who hated Roa the most would now be involved with Roa?

Ochoku felt a real headache coming on.

Is Roa really planning to rebuild the Rocks Pirates?

It is said that he has reached an alliance agreement with Kaido and Linlin.

During the previous negotiations with Shiki, that guy also revealed that he had a good relationship with Roa, and now even Stussy has gathered around him.

Rebuilding the Rocks Pirates doesn't seem impossible!

But this was too troublesome for Ochoku.

He has absolutely no intention of returning to the era of Rocks.

This New World doesn't need a second Rocks.

Therefore, he wanted to confirm Roa's meaning.

But I can't find him! Where did that guy Roa go?

Ochoku his fist on the table in annoyance.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!"

Ochoku said irritably.

The door was pushed open, and a panicked pirate rushed in, "Boss! Roa's here!"

"Um?"

Ochoku was stunned for a moment.

Then he jumped up and asked, "Who did you say?"

Not far from Beehive Island, a large fleet composed of giant snails is rumbling toward the island.

Riding on the back of the Giant Snail at the front, Roa gazed wistfully at the island that was drawing ever closer.

"We're finally back!"

Looking at the striking Skull Tower in the distance, a smile involuntarily crept onto Roa's lips. "Dylan, it's been seven years, hasn't it?"

"Boss, it's been almost eight years."

Dylan, who left the island with Roa, was also quite moved.

He lived on this island for many years.

"I wonder if my dueling arena is still around."

Roa laughed and said, "Things have changed, people have changed."

"Boss,"

Behind him, Bullet spoke coldly, "If you want, we'll take this island."

"That's right."

Abel nodded approvingly, "Just give the order!"

"No need."

Roa smiled and shook his head. "What's worth remembering isn't this island, but those bygone days."

Honestly, saying that makes me feel old.

But that's the way it is.

Back then, Beehive Island was the most dangerous island in the world, a den of monsters where the world's most terrifying creatures gathered.

But now it's just a hideout for a notorious pirate.

What Roa misses is the Rocks Pirates of yesteryear, not this ordinary island of today.

"Let's go see that uncle and see what his profound insights are."

Roa stretched. "If you don't satisfy me, I might throw a tantrum."

After a few days of training with Stussy, it's time to get out and have some fun.

The Snail Fleet was coming in a very aggressive manner; the pirates on the coast of Beehive Island not far away had already noticed their arrival.

"Is that... Germa's snail fleet?"

"The Germa Kingdom is now Roa's territory, isn't it?"

"That means Roa has arrived!"

"The Calamity Roa, has arrived!"

"Is it Lord Roa's back? Hahaha! He's finally back!"

The news caused an uproar on the coast, spreading like wildfire across the entire island.

A massive number of pirates swarmed in like a tidal wave, eager to see for themselves the true face of Roa, the fourth-highest bounty pirate in the world!

So, as the Snail Fleet gradually sailed ashore, all Roa saw was a vast, dark mass of people.

"Oh, is everyone here to welcome me? I'm still so popular after all these years!"

Roa crossed his arms and nodded repeatedly, looking like he was truly helpless against his own charm.

Dylan, standing behind him, had a slight smile on his face.

Back then, Boss was indeed the most promising young officer in the Rocks Pirates.

However, his reputation wasn't very good among the Beehive Island pirates outside of the Rocks Pirates.

After all, they need to have extra meals almost every day.

After finally getting a clear look at Roa, the pirates started discussing it amongst themselves.

"Is that Roa? He looks even younger than in the wanted poster!"

"Nonsense! He was only five years old when he Rocks Pirates!"

"He doesn't seem like much of a threat. Does he really deserve a 3 billion bounty?"

"Why don't you give it a try?"

"Forehead..."

"Lord Roa! You've finally returned! Back to your loyal Beehive Island! As the heir to Lord Rocks, you are more deserving to rule this place!"

Oh my, are there still some old pirates from the Rocks era?

They're really resilient.

The average lifespan of the lowly pirates in the New World isn't exactly long.

But,

"Hahaha! Roa! How long has it been since we last met!"

A well-dressed man fell from the sky and crashed onto the shore.

As luck would have it, the pirate who had just been spouting nonsense was stomped into the ground and sank to the ground.

Roa's lips curled into a smile. "It's been since we parted ways at God Valley, hasn't it, Uncle Ochoku? I still vividly remember the scene of us fighting side by side that night!"

Ochoku's smile froze for a moment.

Fighting side by side?

A history book of time, right?

You little brat, didn't you run away as fast as you could after getting those two treasures?

We were left behind and got chased pretty badly by the Five Elders!

Ochoku still felt a lingering fear when he thought of the Five Elders.

Who would have thought that the world's highest power would possess such extraordinary strength, and even more absurdly, they are immortal!

If I hadn't run fast, I probably wouldn't have been able to come back seven years ago.

Ochoku glanced at one of the two swords hanging at Roa's waist; one of those two treasures was right here.

That brat, everyone except him and Kaido returned empty-handed.

Oh no, not everyone returned empty-handed; Rocks, for example, never came back.

"Let's go, Roa,"

Ochoku's smile remained unchanged. "It's been over seven years since I've been back. Don't you want to revisit this familiar place? The island has changed quite a bit. I'll be your tour guide."

"OK."

Roa nodded happily.

So, I revisited the place.

"I remember this used to be a large public bathhouse."

Standing outside a tavern, Roa sighed, "The captain even took me here for a bath. That bastard went too far, flirting with several blonde beauties in front of me, a kid."

"That bastard Golden Lion abandoned a ship, and the bathhouse turned into a stinking ditch."

Ochoku said with a smile, "During the reconstruction, due to funding issues, this land was sold to a group of pirates."

Roa glanced at Ochoku with some surprise.

When a pirate encounters financial problems, shouldn't his first thought be how to turn his problem into someone else's problem?

"Let's go, your arena is still preserved."

Ochoku led the way, saying, "That bastard Golden Lion avoided that area when he launched the attack."

"So gentle, Uncle Shiki?"

Roa replied with a grin, "I'll cry my eyes out."

Soon, the familiar arena appeared before Roa's eyes.

"Ugh!"

Roa couldn't help but be moved. "You've hardly changed at all since I left seven years ago, Uncle Ochoku, you're so thoughtful."

The building is very well preserved, as if it has been regularly cleaned.

Ochoku simply smiled.

After he took over Beehive Island, he did indeed have people come and clean the building every day.

The reason, however, is something I can no longer say.

Would Roa still be willing to accept his offer of recruitment?

Looking at the arena before him, Roa felt a mix of emotions.

I long to buy osmanthus blossoms and share wine, but it will never be like the carefree days of my youth.

Back then, we didn't have to worry about anything. We just enjoyed the dark aura every day and played pirate hunting games with Katakuri on the island. Those were such happy times.

Now--

Um, right, now it seems like I'm just enjoying the dark aura every day without worrying about anything, and I don't even have to play boring games.

Thinking this way, all the sighs and lamentations disappeared.

That's right, only losers keep looking back.

"Roa, Beehive Island welcomes you back,"

Ochoku stood beside Roa with his arms crossed, saying, "You will always be the most honored guest on Beehive Island."

Are you a guest?

Roa smiled.

Very vigilant, Uncle Ochoku.

"Don't worry, I won't stay anywhere, Uncle Ochoku."

Roa said casually.

Otherwise, the World Government might attack at any time.

"Yeah?"

Ochoku, without any pretense, flashed a bright smile. "That's great! Your appearance in the nearby waters gave me quite a fright. I thought you were here again after the Golden Lion."

"I'm not like Uncle Shiki; I have no interest in ruling or dominating."

Roa blinked. "Besides, weren't you looking for me? I thought you needed to talk to me about something, that's why I came."

"What?"

Ochoku was taken aback.

Then, the two looked at each other and smiled.

Bullet, following behind Roa, sighed with some regret.

I thought we could take back the island where the Boss grew up.

Was it really this harmonious?

Only Dylan kept smiling.

Ochoku Zhi had no conflict with Boss and even took good care of Boss when he was a child.

Moreover, this man has some ambition, but not much, and his personality is not as domineering as that of the Golden Lion.

It would be strange if a fight broke out.

"Speaking of which, Uncle Ochoku, you should thank me."

Roa spoke while laughing.

Ochoku said with some surprise, "Hmm? What do you mean? I don't recall ever owing you a favor."

"Arms."

Roa blinked. "If it weren't for the weapons I sold you, the war with Uncle Shiki would have been even more difficult."

"What?"

Ochoku was instantly shocked. "Roa, those weapons were sold to me by you, kid?"

Those weapons did indeed play a crucial role.

His war with the Flying Pirates was not just a fierce battle between him and Golden Lion, but also a tug-of-war between the lower-level forces of both sides, using islands as their bases.

Thinking of this, Ochoku's expression suddenly became somewhat strange.

This kid's relationship with Golden Lion is much better than his relationship with me.

That's true, after all, it's Roa, the kind of person who's capable of doing something like that.

"How is it? It works pretty well, right?"

Roa said with a smile.

"Indeed."

Ochoku nodded in deep agreement.

Those weapons were indeed very useful.

Frankly, even if he and Silver Axe combined, they would be at a disadvantage against Golden Lion.

Besides Redfield's persistent rear attacks, the overwhelming firepower of the lower-ranking troops was also one of the reasons that forced the Golden Lion to finally agree to peace talks.

"How was it, Uncle Ochoku?"

Roa's lips curled into a smile. "Want more weapons? I have all kinds of Seastone weapons."

"Oh?"

Ochoku's eyes lit up slightly. "Do you still have any left?"

"However, those higher-end weapons are not for sale to outsiders,"

Roa grinned and said, "Uncle Ochoku, would you like to join my alliance? Big Brother Kaido and Aunt Linlin have both joined. After you join, we'll be on the same side."

Since you're already here, I might as well extend an invitation.

Ochoku is also a very powerful expert with considerable forces under his command, making him fully qualified to join the alliance.

"Roa,"

Ochoku's expression instantly turned cold. "I thought you already understood what I meant."

"Don't misunderstand,"

Roa waved his hands repeatedly, "Do you think Big Brother Kaido and Linlin are the kind of people who would submit to others?"

Ochoku was slightly taken aback.

"Our alliance adheres to the principle of non-interference; none of our members will interfere with your actions, except in critical moments when we will assist each other."

"For example, we can help you with the war against Uncle Shiki," Roa said.

Ochoku immediately narrowed his eyes.

This sounds pretty good.

We will not interfere with each other, but will help each other.

"I can agree to that."

Ochoku smiled brightly, "But before that, Roa, I need to confirm whether you have the ability to help me!"

"Well,"

Roa sighed helplessly, "I originally thought this would be a pleasant family visit. But it still turned out this way?"

We still have to fight.

He nodded. "Alright, I accept your challenge."

"Challenge?"

Ochoku frowned.

Isn't a challenge only when the weak confront the strong?

Roa nodded matter-of-factly, "Uncle Ochoku, now, you are the challenger!"

Do you understand the value of 3 billion?