Burgess wiped the blood from his mouth and nose in a disheveled state and stormed out of the ruins in a fit of rage.
He was about to unleash a torrent of curses when he felt countless eyes fixed on him.
But this time, instead of feeling the spotlight, he felt a chill run down his spine.
A chill ran down my spine.
A bead of cold sweat trickled down his forehead.
How terrifying!
It felt as if he were being watched and coveted by a large group of ferocious beasts, making his blood run cold.
He saw in the recent newspapers the infamous sunglasses-wearing man Aramaki, the blind man Yi Xiao, and the young, pretty-boy emperor.
"Gurgle~"
Burgess nervously swallowed, his mouth about to utter a curse, but he obediently shut it.
"I'm just passing by, I'll be right there..."
Seeing that everyone was still staring at him, Burgess chuckled dryly, thinking he had offended so many ruthless people, and slowly retreated, preparing to slip away.
Since I can't make a name for myself here, I'll go to the next island and continue challenging other powerful opponents.
He's a bit reckless, but he's not stupid.
After sensing the dangerous aura and oppressive presence emanating from Aramaki and Yi Xiao's group, he knew that the newspapers hadn't been lying.
They are indeed people I can't afford to offend.
"Call out!"
A Wind Blade whistled past, carving a deep trench in the direction Burgess had slipped away.
"Brave warrior, would you like to the Goa Empire? Your bravery has already won His Majesty's favor."
Imperial Baron Eric flicked his index finger, using a wind Wind Blade to stop the brute.
"Hiss~"
Amidst the crowd of bounty hunters and wandering warriors, some gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd once more.
How come even this ordinary Baron can unleash a slash so easily?
Are all the Baron of the Goa Empire that strong?
With a flick of the finger, one can unleash Flying Slash comparable to that of a swordsman.
This gave a boost to those who were confident in themselves and felt they could definitely become Baron of the Goa Empire.
My heart skipped a beat.
Suddenly, I realized that gaining Wang Shi's approval seemed extremely difficult.
"Goa Empire? Little White... Does the wise and mighty emperor appreciate me?"
Burgess stared at the slashed trenches before him, swallowed hard, and looked at Wang Shi, almost blurting out what he was thinking.
"You idiot, you fool! Don't try to act innocent after getting the benefit!!"
The bounty hunters and wandering powerhouses around them cursed loudly, hoping to gain the favor of the Wang Shi and Goa Empire directly.
Now that Wang Shi has defeated a Shichibukai, the Goa Empire's prestige is at its zenith.
A Baron in the Goa Empire probably has more prestige than the Duke Marquess of the constituent kingdoms.
"Don't waste our time! Answer quickly."
"Otherwise, Marquess Spaden wouldn't have held back with his fists."
Capone Bege, with a cigar in his mouth, spoke calmly to Burgess.
He had just clearly sensed the violent aura emanating from Spaden.
Even if I were to enter my castle boss form, I probably wouldn't be able to withstand a single punch from this new Marquess.
He didn't think that this unknown fellow, Burgess, could be as fortified as his own castle.
"Joining you will allow my Daimyo to quickly spread throughout the world!"
Burgess clenched his fist and asked seriously; he didn't want to become an ordinary soldier in the Goa Empire.
"Maybe you can ride on the coattails of Marquess Fist-Killer's fame and make the Big News tomorrow."
Laffitte, with a relaxed, professional fake smile on his pale face, spoke to this seemingly smug brute.
"This sturdy little fellow, if you don't give His Majesty face, you'll turn into jerky!"
Aramaki's index finger transformed into a sharp vine, which he swung back and forth in front of him, revealing a wanton smile.
Even a powerful figure like Spaden submitted directly to His Majesty.
This brute is actually hesitating here; this is disrespectful to His Majesty.
"Do you want to become a Marquess of Impalement?!"
The black Karasu on Aramaki's shoulder, Yazhu, immediately spoke in a cold and domineering tone, further elevating Aramaki's aura.
"Roar~~~!!"
The Kirin Lion roared, swung its right paw forward, and five Wind Blade slashed at the other side of Burgess, creating five deep grooves.
"I'll join, I'll join, okay?!"
Burgess immediately raised his hands, walked towards Wang Shi with a cold sweat on his face, and knelt on one knee in front of Wang Shi.
"From now on, you will be a member of the Imperial Guard, but you are still one step short of becoming an Imperial Baron."
Wang Shi drew the Seven-Star Dragon Sword, placed it on Burgess' shoulder, and spoke calmly.
"However, if you defend this recruitment arena today and defeat all the challengers, this Baron's medal is yours."
Wang Shi took out a medal that gleamed with metallic luster, smiled at Burgess who was kneeling on one knee, and spoke.
"Aramaki, set up a fighting arena."
"Kaya, give him a bottle of potion."
Wang Shi sheathed his sword and began giving instructions to the person beside him.
"Clear."
'Forbidden Hatred Arena!'
Green grass and flowers began to sprout from the ground beneath Aramaki's feet, and soon they surged wildly toward a beach in the harbor, where countless vines intertwined and formed a battle arena.
Kaya quickly examined Burgess and gave him a bottle of treatment medicine that she and Doctor 10 had developed.
"Whoever can completely defeat him will be the Baron!"
Wang Shi raised the corners of his mouth slightly and spoke loudly to the bounty hunters and wandering strongmen throughout the port.
A magnificent warship drifted by, its base inlaid with Seastone of various shapes.
With Wapol, the Devil Fruit User of the Gluttony Fruit, and Aramaki, the Devil Fruit User, present, these Seastone were almost perfectly embedded in the hull of the Exile Emperor.
From now on, Wang Shi can freely sail between the Grand Line Paradise and the East Blue without having to go through the safe route on the Red Line.
Even the large submarine sailing ship, the White Iron King, has been refitted and transformed into a Seastone Warship.
The technique of setting Seastone has already been easily obtained from Stussy.
Wang Shi has successfully made contact with Vegapunk.
"Now, let's show you our strength."
Wang Shi and his companions jumped onto the Exile Emperor, floating on one side of the vine-covered arena, becoming spectators.
"Beating that brute will make me an Imperial Baron?!"
The entire port erupted in excitement, and countless eyes lit up.
They lacked confidence against the new Marquess Spaden, but felt capable against the unknown brute Burgess.
"I don't feel any pain at all!"
After drinking the potion, all the pain from Spaden's blast disappeared, and coupled with his naturally robust physique and strong regenerative abilities, Burgess recovered completely.
He felt that he was more perfect now than before, and even some of his hidden injuries had disappeared.
"Perform well. This is not only the recruitment arena of the Goa Empire, but also your battle to make a name for yourself."
Laffitte smiled and said something to Burgess, then spread his white wings and flew back to the Exile Emperor.
"Hahaha, I'm getting my hands on this Imperial Medal! My Daimyo will be known throughout the world!"
Burgess suddenly felt that the small Baron's medal shone brighter than the championship belt around his waist.
He absolutely must get this medal!
"The recruitment tournament for the Goa Empire begins!"
"Do you want to become Baron of the Goa Empire?!"
"Show your strength and seize the imperial glory that belongs to you!"