Abandon Illusions, Physical Augmentation

Chapter 30: Abandon Illusions, Physical Augmentation

Leo looked up at him and smiled.

Although he hadn't expected to subdue William so easily, he hadn't hidden any of his actions. William and Wood, in particular, had stood beside him the entire time he was talking to Rindou, and knew everything he did.

It was precisely because of this that William accepted Leo's goodwill.

This was fundamentally different from being forced to submit under the name of the Empress and the Shichibukai.

The atmosphere on the entire ship instantly relaxed due to this fishing expedition.

William was completely convinced by Leo, and bowed slightly to show respect. He asked Leo, "Is there anything else you need my help with?"

"No, from now on, you just need to watch," Leo chuckled. With William's support, he could finally spread his wings on this ship without restraint.

"Everyone, divide into groups. If you don't know how to fish, hurry up and help. These fish will be no good if they spoil!" Leo shouted loudly.

The pirates exchanged glances. Even with their rough natures, they had to acknowledge Leo's kindness. Several of them immediately stood up from the ship's side and walked over, partnering with the pirates who were already working, and began preparing the sea fish.

The remaining people didn't stop, but focused on fishing. They couldn't possibly eat that many fish. Some of the fish were taller than a person, but how could people in the One Piece World, especially pirates from the Grand Line, be afraid of them? Fish almost as big as pigs were enough to feed over a dozen people for a meal. With sixty to seventy people fishing, catching just three or four would be enough for everyone to eat their fill.

But now that they had finally found an enjoyable activity, whether fishing, catching, or gutting, everyone was happy and having fun. Thus, this wasteful activity didn't stop but continued until it attracted a giant sea beast.

This sea beast, which looked like a seal, was enormous, almost as big as the ship. It leaped up, intending to land on the deck and feast, but it completely forgot about the two Sea Kings on the ship ahead.

Although not comparable to giant Sea Kings, it was easy for the two Sea Snakes to devour such a sea beast. The two Sea Snakes, which were pulling the ship, hadn't expected such a free meal to come their way. They dove into the sea, and with a flick of their tails, instantly crossed the hundred-meter distance between the two ships. They emerged from the water, one on each side.

Not only were the pirates on the pirate ship stunned, but the uninvited giant seal, with a fish still in its mouth, stared blankly at the two suddenly appearing Sea Snakes, its body rigid.

The Sea Snakes showed no mercy. One bit the seal's tail, and the other bit its head. They pulled simultaneously, instantly tearing the seal apart, half for each snake. They swallowed the seal whole, its remains included. Blood splattered all over the ship, making it look as if it had just been bloodied, a terrifying sight.

The two Sea Snakes were still not full. Their eyes, larger than humans, scanned the ship. Fortunately, Rindou was still on board. They heard her utter a few words, and the two Sea Snakes dived back into the sea, returning to the Kuja Pirates' "Perfume Sea Serpent" and continuing to tow the ship forward.

Only then did everyone on the pirate ship finally breathe a sigh of relief, slumping to the ground.

Leo shrugged helplessly and said to Rindou, "Now you know why I wanted high-end combat power."

Rindou chuckled. She was already a stable cadre under the Shichibukai, far stronger than 99% of the people in this world. Naturally, she didn't feel the same pressure as the members of the Cutlass Pirates. However, if Leo were to involve her in a battle between the Four Emperors, her sense of powerlessness would likely be even greater than that of the Cutlass Pirates.

Ultimately, it was one's perspective that determined everything; one couldn't be too demanding.

With the arrival of the Sea Snakes, the relaxed atmosphere on the ship vanished. Everyone returned to the reality of being captives; the previous lighthearted and joyful mood was completely gone.

Of course, they finally recognized what Captain William of the Great Bay Blade had already understood: Leo's friendly demeanor and camaraderie with them were entirely due to his ability, strength, and confidence.

His ability to do so did not mean they could truly treat him as a weak rookie who had just joined the ship. The faces of those who had been making noise earlier showed troubled expressions, wondering if Leo would seek retribution later.

"It's right that you're scared now," Leo said loudly from the ship's side, grabbing a rope.

"Knowing fear and admitting weakness is not shameful."

"Just as I can't defeat most of you here, all of you combined can't defeat Rindou alone."

"Admitting your weakness means you are still alive and have infinite potential for growth, rather than dying here as fools who died from arrogance."

"I like you pirates."

"Of course, your crimes are heinous, and your punishment should be death a hundred times over to atone for your sins. However, you at least have a heart that yearns for freedom, a heart that resists tyranny. It is precisely because of this that I didn't let the Amazons kill you, and I believe you are still useful."

Leo's words were filled with arrogance and condescension, but under the intimidation of the two Sea Snakes, it was the most appropriate arrogance. The pirates scoffed internally, but all of them admitted that Leo's words held no falsehood. This was the world, this was reality.

It was best that they could recognize reality.

"I plan to integrate you into a group of well-trained warriors to fight the Marines, like true soldiers. You must have not only iron wills but also the will to remain unmoving even when bleeding."

"I believe none of you can imagine anyone in this world being able to achieve this."

"But rest assured, those who survive will be reborn," Leo said with a sinister grin. He had clearly given up on any illusions about them, abandoned the idea of joining them as a role model, and decided to rely on brute force to reshape their bodies and minds.

PS: Damn, I thought I had published the first update, but it turns out I didn't. I'm dizzy.

PS1: The second update is here.