Invitation

Opera houses have their own rules. To ensure that opera performances are not disturbed, many guards stand around the perimeter. Among the guests in the audience are wealthy people and nobles.

Anyone who makes a loud noise will be grabbed and thrown out.

The stage wasn't large, but the actors' superb acting skills and the well-integrated plot brought the story to life, and the exquisite classical music made it captivating.

The three-hour opera performance concluded perfectly after the prince killed his enemy and won the heart of the beautiful woman.

Although the story seemed rather cliché to Teach, the novel way it was performed made him thoroughly enjoy the show.

After the performance, many people got up to leave, and some who wanted to see Xiouyapufu one more time were all blocked by the guards.

Teach's eyes were fixed in one direction, a hint of happiness in them. Baccarat, noticing the smile on Teach's face, was puzzled, wondering what Teach was laughing about.

"You go ahead, I have some things to do." Teach said to Baccarat, then stood up and walked towards the backstage of the opera house.

In a deserted corridor backstage, Teach sensed a presence at the end of the corridor – it was Xiouyapufu.

Xiouyapufu was standing there, still in his performance costume, and he really did look like a prince.

"Excuse me, what do you want with me?" Xiouyapufu looked at Teach with great vigilance. This unfamiliar face was the guy who had previously displayed Observation Haki. He was dangerous and more skilled in Observation Haki than Oyapov.

"Xiouyapufu, I'd like to invite you to join our pirate crew." Teach looked at him, smiling as he extended his hand in invitation. At the same time, he transformed back into his original form, "The Night Pirates."

Seeing Teach's changed appearance, Xiouyapufu was startled. Then, looking at Teach's appearance and listening to what Teach said, his pupils contracted.

He naturally knew Teach, and he also knew the Night Pirates. The current overlord of the East Blue, Captain Teach, actually invited him to join them.

Xiouyapufu's expression kept changing, sometimes showing surprise, sometimes frowning.

"What a joke! How could someone as perfect as me become a pirate!" Xiouyapufu was no pushover; he had his own pride and refused without hesitation. However, he somehow produced a mirror from his waist, placed it in front of him, and gazed at his perfect face.

This was an instinctive action for him. In reality, Xiouyapufu had already secretly prepared for battle. Although he was very confident in his strength, he felt a lot of pressure facing the powerful Teach.

When Teach saw this, the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily. Why did you look in the mirror? He now understood this guy's personality: narcissistic and arrogant.

Teach noticed Xiouyapufu's condition but didn't pay it any mind.

"I sincerely invite you, Xiouyapufu, to join our pirate crew and become our crew's dancer and all-around artist," Teach said with a smile.

Xiouyapufu had no idea why this guy in front of him wanted to invite him; he had never even considered becoming a pirate.

He was somewhat dismissive of Teach's remarks, even finding them naive.

"Donghai and Sihai are just small fishponds. Staying here, you can't become a world-class star. If you join us, believe me, I will build the world's largest stage for you." Teach looked at him and said in a deep voice, "Within five years, that's my guarantee to you."

Teach didn't know what Xiouyapufu's goals were or what his ambitions were. A genius like him must have extraordinary goals. It would be impossible for him to achieve them if he only stayed in the East Blue or the Four Seas. Teach was also gambling that Xiouyapufu would agree.

Even if he fails, he won't suffer any loss; he'll only feel regret. Teach had already prepared himself mentally.

Looking into Teach's eyes, which were very firm, Xiouyapufu knew that he was not lying and genuinely wanted him to join. He felt a mix of emotions, but Teach's words also stirred his longing.

He felt a slight wavering in his heart, but didn't know how to answer; this was the first time he had been in such a situation.

"I hope you can join us. Our pirate crew will be staying in the Boka Boka Kingdom for two days. If you agree, you can find us on the east coast of the kingdom," Teach invited again. "Pirates are the freest people on the sea, and becoming a pirate shouldn't conflict with your dream," Teach added.

Then, Teach turned and left, leaving Xiouyapufu alone to think.

"Captain, did he accept your invitation?" Baccarat, who was waiting outside, saw Teach come out. At this moment, Teach had changed back to his disguised appearance, and Baccarat recognized him.

"Not yet, let's wait." Teach shook his head, but a smile appeared on his face. "I want to shop around a bit more and buy some food."

"Hmm, I haven't really explored this kingdom properly yet. I'd like to buy some things. Would you like to come with me?" Baccarat smiled.

Teach flatly refused; how could he possibly accompany a girl shopping?

And so, Teach parted ways with Baccarat. Teach headed towards the entertainment area in the south of the royal city, where most of the places to have fun were located, and where there were also many local delicacies.

Teach returned to the east coast of the kingdom, where the pirate ship was docked. Most of the other pirates had already returned, having bought many things, including a large amount of food.

Teach had strictly forbidden them from causing trouble in the kingdom, so what fun was there? The pirates took a short stroll around the kingdom, quickly lost interest, and soon returned.

As for those like Teach who go to see operas, there aren't many. Putting aside whether Teach gave them enough Beli, or whether they were willing to pay 30,000 Beli for a ticket, how could these pirates who only know how to fight and kill possibly appreciate it?

As night fell, hundreds of pirates held a joyous banquet on the eastern coast of the kingdom.

Meanwhile, atop a magnificent castle in the capital city of the Boka Boka Kingdom, Xiouyapufu sat alone, enjoying the night breeze and pondering the events of the day.

In his hand, he held a document about the Night Pirates, containing information about their members, as well as Transponder Snail Night Pirates (snail phone) that recorded footage of the Night Pirates' battles.

Of course, it wasn't just about battles, but Xiouyapufu needed to know about everything. The banquet in Marrow Town showed him Teach's ambition, the Battle of Sakhalin Island, the Battle of Soba Island, and the business dealings in Bal Port.

He witnessed the immense power of the Night Pirates; they were incredibly audacious and seemingly fearless, showing no fear whatsoever in the face of the Navy.

Several of the cadres were more powerful than him, and the leader Teach, was even more unfathomable.

His long, platinum-gold hair danced in the wind. The moon was exceptionally bright tonight, its pure light bathing the earth. What was his goal?

For some reason, thinking about my own years of dazzling success, but remembering Teach's words this morning, I felt an unusual emptiness in my heart.

He is proud and shouldn't set his sights on the East China Sea or the four seas.

"A small fishpond?" He seemed to have figured it out, and a smile involuntarily appeared on Xiouyapufu's face. "Can you take me to even greater heights?"

This was a huge castle, and even the spire had a flat space on top. Xiouyapufu stood up from his seat and quietly took two steps forward.

With a slight smile on his lips, he closed his eyes, crossed his arms over his chest, fingers resting on his shoulders, and the next moment, "Whoosh!" a gust of wind came.

Wingspan: Suddenly, a pair of blue and pink wings, butterfly wings, with black stripes on them, grew from his back. They looked beautiful and had a faint fluorescent glow in the air.

"Then let me see the future you can lead me to," Xiouyapufu chuckled to himself. His butterfly wings fluttered gently, and two silver antennae grew from the top of his head, bending forward. His body slowly flew into the air, fluttering gracefully in the wind.

"The world's largest stage, I can't wait!"

Unbeknownst to anyone, atop this castle, a breathtaking dance, unseen by any, is about to begin.

He danced alone under the moonlight, even the moonlight seemed drawn to him. "A new beginning? Then let me become a pirate."

Strands of platinum-gold hair drifted away, severed by invisible wind blades. A section of Xiouyapufu's long platinum-gold hair was cut off, turning it into short hair. The strands of hair gathered together and were placed into a long box for safekeeping.

Xiouyapufu floated through the air, he looked up at the moon. "Even as a pirate, I'll still be perfect."

As the night passed, the Night Pirates were about to depart. "Captain, aren't you leaving?" Nelson asked Teach, somewhat curious. Teach kept looking at the shore, wondering what he was waiting for.

Baccarat knew exactly what Teach was waiting for, and smiled. "The captain has invited a companion to this kingdom, but I wonder if he'll come."

"Haha, has the captain's personal charm failed him? Someone actually didn't agree. It seems there's no point in waiting any longer; he probably won't come." Wallace couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Since they haven't come, there's no need to wait anymore. Let's leave as soon as possible and head to the West Blue."

"To be noticed by Teach and personally invited, his strength must be considerable. Waiting a little longer is fine; it won't make a difference." Nelson with some anticipation.

"No, look, he's already here!" Teach couldn't help but smile. He had already sensed it, sensed the figures flying in from the sky, but they seemed to be searching for them. His extremely wide range of Observation Haki allowed Xiouyapufu to know his location.

After sensing Teach's Observation Haki, he was rushing towards Teach at top speed.

Looking in the direction from which Xiouyapufu had come, every now and then a figure would fly in from afar, with a pair of beautiful blue and pink butterfly wings growing from its back. It flew very fast, attracting everyone's attention.

With a "whoosh," Xiouyapufu landed in front of Teach, his wings folding back and disappearing into his body. His handsome appearance immediately attracted their attention. Where did this pretty boy come from?

This aroused their jealousy, and the now short-haired Xiouyapufu seemed more composed and had gained a scholarly air.

"Let someone as perfect as me stay on your ship for a while and see what the future you speak of is like. If it doesn't meet my requirements, I will leave," Xiouyapufu with a faint smile, his words revealing a hint of arrogance.

"Don't worry, you won't be disappointed." Teach nodded with a smile.

"Hey! Newbie, you're too arrogant. If you want to join our pirate crew, show us your strength. Don't think you can bully us just because you're a Devil Fruit user." Such arrogant expectations made many people frown.

Meanwhile, some hot-tempered individuals spoke up directly and drew their weapons.

The person Teach personally invited must be quite powerful, but they wouldn't be content if they did nothing and let Xiouyapufu easily become a cadre.

Teach didn't stop him. "Show your strength. You can't subdue these vicious pirates without power." Teach was pleased to see this and also wanted to see Xiouyapufu's strength.

"Alright, let them see my perfect, beautiful power." Xiouyapufu understood Teach's meaning, took out a shiny mirror, looked at his face, and Teach narcissistically. Teach and the others felt that Xiouyapufu was shining.

"Is this guy out of his mind?" The other cadres could all tell that he was an extremely narcissistic individual.

A noble-style rapier hung at his waist; this was his weapon. Wings sprouted from his back once more, and he soared into the air, flying to the shore to look down at the pirates below who wanted to fight alongside him.

"Hey, come down and fight us if you dare!" Seeing Xiouyapufu flying in the air, the pirates were stunned. How were they supposed to fight him? Thinking of their boastful behavior just now, they blushed and shouted at Xiouyapufu.

"Are you an idiot? Didn't you see him flying over?"

"This is a duel! Are you stupid to make him come down and fight you?"

A chorus of mocking laughter erupted around them; they were all speechless. This was a duel! Flight was already Xiouyapufu's ability; wasn't this limiting his power?

"Then come on, someone as beautiful as me doesn't need to use my full strength to deal with you." Xiouyapufu said confidently, head held high, his handsome face making one want to punch him.

Such arrogant words immediately enraged the crowd, who shouted, "Go get him and teach him a lesson!"

"Defeat this pretty boy."

"Damn it, so what if he's a little handsome?"

"You can't judge a book by its cover on a ship; you have to prove yourself with your skills." But you could still hear the envious sourness in his voice.

Teach knew that the pirate who challenged Xiouyapufu was a pirate with a bounty of over 30 million, named Miles, who was a promising member and the strongest among the crew members besides himself and the other officers.

With the executives not taking action, Miles, as a powerful individual invited by Teach, is the most suitable person to test Xiouyapufu's strength.

However, upon hearing Miles's words, Teach felt a little embarrassed for him. Although this crew member was quite strong, he wasn't very bright. In other words, he was all brawn and no brains. In battle, he was always on the front line, suitable for charging into the fray.