Chapter 28: The Rocks Pirates Recruitment Event

"My Observation Haki, Conqueror's Haki, and swordsmanship have all progressed much faster since setting out to sea, likely due to my mindset," Li Yuan mused as he lay under a parasol, enjoying a massage from Lazuli on the way to Hive Island. "Back on Sorro Island, the pressure was immense, and the training was rigorous, but it felt like being a caged bird. I could only imagine strong enemies and create pressure for myself."

"After venturing out to sea and witnessing the vastness of the ocean and encountering powerful individuals like Golden Lion Shiki, my mind has broadened and my passion for becoming stronger has intensified," he reflected, analyzing his current strength.

As they approached Hive Island, more pirate ships became visible, all aware that today was the Rocks Pirates' recruitment event. Members of the Rocks Pirates and those seeking to join had all gathered at Hive Island. Here, you could see many pirates with bounties exceeding 100 million, notorious figures from the New World. However, the prestige of the Rocks Pirates ensured no one dared cause trouble, and everyone followed the rules and docked at specified ports.

"Senior Brother, we've arrived at Hive Island!" Kano announced as he stopped the ship, noticing how his senior brother had changed since setting out to sea—becoming someone they all admired.

"Have we now? Stay on the ship and don't disembark," Li Yuan instructed, looking at the teeming mass of people on Hive Island, most of whom were pirates eager to join the Rocks Pirates. He blended in with the crowd, moving toward the island.

Reaching a large open area, Li Yuan saw the Rocks Pirates' cadres, members, and Rocks himself seated on a high platform. He recognized many familiar faces: Golden Lion Shiki, with his twin swords at his waist and his usual arrogant grin; Whitebeard, who appeared uninterested in the event, hadn't yet acquired his supreme grade weapon, Murakumogiri; Charlotte Linlin, or Big Mom, who at this time was tall and slender with a perfect hourglass figure, though her constant cake eating detracted from her beauty.

Silver Axe and Wang Zhi stood like warriors in heavy armor, one wielding a great sword, the other a silver axe. Captain John, with a fancy rapier and flintlock at his waist, savored his drink while watching the crowd as if it were a show. Kurozumi Higurashi and Kurozumi Semimaru, who appeared timid, were also present, though it was unclear how they became cadres of the Rocks Pirates, as they were likely not combatants. A young Kaido stood behind Linlin, expressionless.

Seated centrally among the cadres was Rocks himself, exuding an aura of dominance that seemed to make him the ruler of the heavens and earth.

"Captain Rocks!!"

"Captain Rocks!!"

"Captain Rocks!!"

About six thousand pirates eager to join the Rocks Pirates shouted in unison at the sight of Rocks, as if they were already part of the crew.

"Wa hahaha!!!" Rocks laughed maniacally. "Wanna join the Rocks Pirates? Desire endless treasure and fame? If so, then fight! Only the remaining three thousand will have the right to join and become part of my crew."

Rocks' words were a spark that ignited the desires of everyone present. Pirates, eyes red with fervor, looked at each other's throats and heads like delectable treats. Some, however, felt a chill down their spines and a dizzying fear.

"Kill!!!"

"Roar!!!"

"Die!!!"

After a brief silence, a cacophony of cheers and roars erupted as pirates drew their swords, guns, or charged barehanded at their nearest rivals. A chaotic battle among six thousand broke out, filling the air with the sounds of combat, shouts, screams, and despair—an arena of bloodshed.

Members and cadres of the Rocks Pirates were accustomed to such slaughter. Rocks watched with interest, hoping to spot a remarkable talent to strengthen his crew. Whitebeard, disliking the infighting, simply closed his eyes. Golden Lion Shiki laughed wildly, reveling in the chaos. Charlotte Linlin continued eating her cake indifferently, Captain John watched as if enjoying a show, and Silver Axe and Wang Zhi stood stoically, unreadable.

Most of the pirates seeking to join lacked significant strength, with the strongest being around the level of a Navy commodore. 

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