Chapter 33: Your Typical Bar Fight

The woman sitting next to Ling Bai turned out to be a future Admiral candidate codenamed Momousagi, a powerful swordswoman.

Ling Bai sensed her motives weren't pure. Momousagi was likely here to track him.

After their afternoon meeting, Marshal Sengoku had expressed concern about Ling Bai's presence on Hachinosu Island, advising her to avoid fights and be wary of his abilities.

Ling Bai wasn't any weaker than her. He could freeze time and space, a power that almost killed even Akainu. Momousagi was taking a risk by getting close to him. As long as he didn't use that ability, she should be safe.

But she underestimated him. Ling Bai was much stronger now than he was two days ago on Sabaody Archipelago, with more abilities and dangers at his disposal.

The proprietress understood the look Ling Bai gave her. He wanted information.

"Hachinosu Island is divided into four major factions, each controlling a cardinal direction: east, west, north, and south. They are led by Heizen, Chris, Scar, and Blood Spider, respectively. Each holds wealth exceeding 500 million Belly. It's important to note that Blood Spider is still under the Beasts Pirates' Kaido, specifically subordinate to Plague Quinn. Because of her backing, she's the most arrogant on the island.

The center is the most chaotic area, with no single ruler but various criminal enterprises, many connected to Heavenly Yaksha Doflamingo.

Hachinosu Island is a pirate haven, barely touched by even the Marines. It's a den of iniquity for the entire New World.

In the past two days, bigwigs from the underworld have been arriving on the island for unknown reasons. Anyone with sense knows something big is coming. Even the Four Emperors, particularly Whitebeard, have been making unusual moves lately, along with countless other major and minor forces."

The explanation gave Ling Bai a good understanding of Hachinosu Island. He planned to take over the entire island tomorrow, wiping out all its current forces. Blackbeard could annex this place, so why couldn't he?

Momousagi remained silent throughout. Without needing any prompting from the proprietress, Ling Bai finished his bottle of wine and stood up.

"What is your purpose here?"

Only then did Momousagi speak.

"Care for a dance? Vice Admiral Momousagi."

Ling Bai's expression remained impassive.

"What do you mean?"

Momousagi didn't understand Ling Bai's reply.

Just as Ling Bai was about to leave, a one-eyed, three-meter-tall brute blocked his path.

"You're the one who chopped the Celestial Dragons' heads off, I hear?" The one-eyed strongman's voice dripped with menace.

"Hey, cut the crap! This is a walking two billion Belly! Don't tell me he ain't worth the price!"

"Damn right! A few whacked Celestial Dragons and my bounty would be singing the two-billion Belly tune!"

"There's a whole crew of us here! Even Whitebeard would kneel!"

...

The crowd couldn't hold back any longer. Two billion is a crazy amount for them. They see Ling Bai and think they'll strike it rich!

"This is your fault," Momousagi scoffed, annoyed. She wanted to fight, not to help Ling Bai, but because she hated noisy people even more!

Suddenly, Ling Bai pointed at the strongman, and a powerful freezing blast erupted!

The bar turned into a giant ice rink.

A minute later, Ling Bai walked out.

Momousagi and the staff stared in shock. The arrogant customers were frozen solid, like ice sculptures!

Don't mess with Ling Bai's ice. It's no ordinary ice!

Full-powered Ice Weapon!

Overwhelmed, Momousagi chased after him.

"He took care of them all so fast! That power is incredible!" Momousagi couldn't believe it, but she had seen it with her own eyes.

"This guy will be a big deal in the New World!"

She chased after him, but Ling Bai was gone!

"Where did he go? I have to find out why he came here!"

"I was gonna let you go, but you Marines are a pain," Ling Bai said, appearing behind Momousagi like a ghost.

Momousagi instinctively drew her famous knife and glared at him.

"I'm not scared of you, pirate!"

This kid killed those awful Celestial Dragons! Momousagi hated them too, and even admired Ling Bai for it. But besides that, Ling Bai seemed like a bigger threat than those Celestial Dragons!

Even if a villain does something good, it doesn't erase the fact that they're a villain!

Ling Bai gave a weird grin. "Come on then, Vice Admiral Momousagi"

Momousagi yelled and swung her famous sword, unleashing a crescent-shaped slash. The white energy ripped through the night sky, speeding towards Ling Bai.