Hachinosu Island, A Pirate's Paradise

Chapter 48: Hachinosu Island, Paradise for Pirates

If you were to ask which pirate crew was the strongest in the world, about ninety percent of people would give the same answer.

The Whitebeard Pirates.

Led by the world's strongest man, Whitebeard Edward Newgate, the Whitebeard Pirates.

After the Roger Pirates vanished, the Blue Sea could no longer find any pirate group that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Whitebeard Pirates.

Not even the BIG·MOM Pirates or the Beasts Pirates could.

And now, the world's strongest pirate crew was about to take action.

The world's strongest man, Whitebeard Edward Newgate, sat in his large chair and turned to look at his son, who was sitting cross-legged on the ship's railing. "Marco?"

"Squard was killed by that kid, so of course, we can't just stand by and do nothing."

The pineapple-haired man, the First Division Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, the famous pirate known as the Phoenix, Marco, had a pair of listless, dead fish eyes, giving him a lazy aura. However, his words carried no hint of slacking.

"Everyone on this sea knows what happens to those who harm our family."

He said, "I'll bring those two brats back."

Marco looked at a woman on the deck. It would be like collecting some interest from Oden first.

The beautiful green-haired woman was a bit too thin, her cheeks sunken and cheekbones protruding, but she wasn't unattractive.

Beside the woman stood a little girl, about ten years old, with short hair, a t-shirt, and shorts, carrying two swords at her waist. Though young, her future beauty was already apparent.

The girl stepped forward and said loudly, "Uncle Marco! I want to go too!"

"You're still too young, Hiyori-imouto,"

The man with a small mustache, the pirate crew's top swordsman, the Fifth Division Captain Vista, said with a chuckle to the little girl.

"But I want to avenge my father too!"

The little girl argued loudly.

Although she was too young to understand at the time, she hadn't forgotten that night of raging flames.

Her captured older brother, and... that golden monster!

"Hiyori,"

Her mother gently took her hand. The woman, Toki, shook her head slightly. "Don't be willful. You going will only cause trouble for everyone."

"..."

The little girl, obedient to her mother, pouted and reluctantly returned.

"However, Marco,"

Vista looked at Marco. "Is it really necessary for you to go personally?"

Marco was the number two man in the pirate crew, the genuine second strongest fighter!

Did it require him to personally deal with two brats? Sending a few captains would be enough, right?

After all, Squard's strength wasn't outstanding among the many affiliated captains, let alone compared to the division captains.

How strong could the kid who defeated him be?

"Their direction is Hachinosu Island."

Marco said, "If their destination is truly there, they might encounter interference from Ochoku. If it's not their destination, it will be easier for me, who can fly, to search."

It made sense.

Vista nodded slightly. Ochoku was indeed a troublesome man to deal with. It really required Marco to go personally, otherwise, they couldn't possibly ask Pops to go, could they?

"Wait! Marco!"

At this moment, someone called out. A man dressed as a geisha stepped forward. "I'll go with you!"

His name was Izou, a former Kozuki retainer who had followed Kozuki Oden to the Whitebeard Pirates. He had stayed behind when Kozuki Oden jumped ship to the Roger Pirates, and he remained until now.

"That brat killed Lord Momonosuke, how can I turn a blind eye to him?"

Izou's reason was very sound, and Marco couldn't find a reason to refuse.

"Pops."

He looked at the father of their entire pirate crew.

"Then go, Marco."

Whitebeard nodded gently. "Bring those two brats back! I'll have the affiliated pirate crews near Hachinosu Island cooperate with you. If that idiot Ochoku has any objections, he can come find me!"

"Leave it to me."

Marco smiled confidently.

Izou, on the other hand, said solemnly to Toki, "Lady Toki, please rest assured, I will bring those two sinners back."

Toki, however, looked a bit worried. "Please be careful, Mr. Izou. That child is unusual."

She still couldn't forget those brilliant flames.

"No matter how unusual they are, it's no reason for them to persecute the Kozuki Family!"

Izou stated resolutely.

The Whitebeard Pirates began their move.

A few days later.

On the vast blue sea, the Golden Flying Dragon cut through the waves.

On the deck, Ian and Yamato were sparring.

Yamato had started calling it boring again, so Ian had no choice but to fight her.

Yamato had already transformed into her werewolf form, while Ian remained in his human form.

However, Yamato wasn't using her freezing abilities, only engaging Ian with her physical combat and Haki.

Under these circumstances, their strengths were nearly equal, and the fight was quite lively.

"So amazing!"

Jack, watching from the sidelines, was filled with excitement. "Brother Ian and Sister Yamato are both incredible!"

Neither of them was someone he could contend with.

Black Maria, standing nearby, had a completely different opinion.

"They make quite a pair."

Black Maria looked at the two of them, who were clashing non-stop, and a strange smile crept onto her lips.

Indeed, no one was more suited for each other than they were, right?

Their battle didn't determine a winner.

This was because Babanuki came rushing over.

"Lord Ian! Miss Yamato! Hachinosu Island is almost here!"

Yamato, who had been fighting spiritedly with Ian moments before, instantly turned her head. "Really?"

Her sudden stop almost caught Ian off guard, and he nearly landed a punch on her. Fortunately, Ian, who had mastered Return to Life, had exceptional control over his body and managed to halt his attack in time.

"Yes, Miss Yamato,"

Babanuki replied. "We should arrive within two hours at most."

"Hooray!"

Yamato cheered.

After a few boring days at sea, they were finally arriving at their destination.

Hachinosu Island, a famous pirate island in the New World.

Since the Rocks era, this island had been a gathering place for pirates. A large number of pirates congregated here, obeying the order established by Rocks and considering it their paradise.

Although the Rocks Pirates had long since collapsed and Hachinosu Island had become Ochoku's territory, the rules remained the same. Ochoku did not refuse the arrival of outside pirates; as long as they abided by his rules, all pirates could land on Hachinosu Island.

The island's most striking feature was the skull-shaped building, dozens of stories high, standing like a mountain in the center of the island.

As the Golden Flying Dragon approached the island, the first thing Ian saw was that building.

"We're finally here!"

Yamato beside him cheered.

Yamato had changed into a new outfit, also chosen by Black Maria: a fitted white shirt paired with black suit pants and a tie. Her hair was styled into braids, giving her a dashing appearance.

Ian felt that her outfit looked somewhat familiar, though her hair color was different, and her golden irises weren't the ringed kind.

However, Ian suspected Black Maria chose this pairing for a simple reason.

It was because he was also wearing a white shirt and suit pants.

So many little thoughts, Maria.

But Lord Ian forgives you.

Gazing at the island growing closer, Ian said softly, "Alright, let's go find someone."

Even on Hachinosu Island, this place teeming with pirates and commanded by Ochoku, the arrival of the Golden Flying Dragon caused a huge stir.

It couldn't be helped; the flag hanging from the mast was far too famous.

"The Beasts Pirates' ship has arrived!!"

This news instantly spread throughout the island.

And in a certain room within the skull-shaped skyscraper, someone received a phone call at this very moment.

"Kaido?"

I went to see "City of Life" today. I recommend watching it. The fights were intense, and the boss's moves made me want to laugh.