Chapter 371

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A few days passed, and Vini Island seemed just as lively as before, with tourists coming and going every day. However, beneath the surface, turmoil brewed!

Underneath the tallest central building, Abel stood proudly with his blade, Oni Maru, in hand. Surrounding him were dozens of corpses trampled underfoot.

"Weak, too weak," he sneered. "With such little strength, they dare plant their flag?"

Abel dismissed the scene with a scornful snort and motioned for his men to clean up the battlefield quickly. After all, this was a tourist city; who were they to leave so many bodies on display?

Since his declaration of war against all pirates stationed at Vini Island, these untamed newcomers would never fear a family they'd never even heard of. So, Abel stationed himself, waiting for them to come at him, wave after wave.

Today marked the fifth group to fall. Without exception, they all met a gruesome end under his blade, leaving no survivors. Such brutality naturally scared off many would-be challengers. Even those confident in their abilities reconsidered facing him head-on, as it was not worth the risk versus the reward.

With this fifth group of hard-headed pirates defeated, no one else dared to step forward for quite some time, leaving those who anticipated his failure speechless.

When boasts become reality, it's no longer bragging—it's true prowess! Even members of Abel's extended family began to idolize him, eagerly preparing to mark the island as territory of the Donquixote family. The first step was, of course, expanding their manpower. The few Abel brought were far from sufficient. Next, they planned to acquire local businesses, establish auction houses, and set up the black market essential to the Donquixote family's foundation.

Just as Abel was looking to secure this island and move on to the next, the affected factions began their fervent discussions.

"As the saying goes, a strong dragon does not suppress a local snake. Even if the enemy is formidable, as long as we unite, we can still drive them away!"

"Heh, easier said than done. Have you forgotten how many bodies are buried in the central square these past few days?"

"From my observation, the Donquixote family must be preoccupied, which is why they only sent this one killing star. Imagine what happens when they have their full strength available—this island will be ours no longer."

Everyone nodded in agreement except for the little maid by Abel's side, whom nobody took seriously.

"Boss Tang, what do you think?"

"I still say the same: if someone fires the first shot, I will follow with my men. But if you think my people are going to be cannon fodder, then forget it." Boss Tang rubbed his shiny bald head and laughed coldly.

The others, embarrassed, had their hidden intentions exposed.

"Come on, we all know Boss Tang has the strongest armed forces among us. Our men wouldn't stand a chance."

"Cut the crap. Anyway, it's you lot who are in a hurry. As for me, I sell candy; I don't believe the enemy can wipe me out completely. Worst case, I move my brothers to another place."

With that, Boss Tang left, ignoring the displeased looks from the others.

"A bunch of useless fools. Shouldn't have joined this damn alliance in the first place," he muttered, spitting on the ground as he exited.

He wasn't stupid, after all.

These past few days, he hadn't just been hiding nearby to watch the battle, and the result was clear: he was not an opponent at all! If the other party were just a master swordsman, he wouldn't be afraid. He could rely on his demon fruit's abilities to deal with him. But the problem was that the young man's strength was unfathomable. Just the terrifying black flames that wouldn't extinguish when touched by water were too much for him to handle. So, after thinking it over, he felt that this was both a crisis and an opportunity. He immediately redirected his jet ski and prepared to take a chance.

...

"Master Abel, there's someone outside named Boss Tang who wants to see you."

Boss Tang?

Abel recalled the bald man with a sister complex and then put down the several-ton gym equipment in his hands.

Boom!

"Take him to the reception room and have him wait. I'm going to take a shower."

"Yes, Master Abel."

Half an hour later, a poker-faced Boss Tang finally met the person in charge.

"I remember you. Considering you warned me once before, I won't harm you today. Speak, what do you want?"

"Sure enough, you're preparing to take action against the 'Merchant's Alliance.'"

Boss Tang was very thankful he came today.

"There can only be one true ruler of this island, and that is the Donquixote family. Doing legitimate business is fine, but trying to monopolize like before? That's a dream."

"Even if there's a monopoly to be made, it'll be by us, not you."

Abel's words were exceedingly arrogant and domineering.

"No room for negotiation?"

"Heh, notify everyone to buy their coffins and wait for death."

"Aren't you afraid of pushing them too hard, forcing them to fight you to the death?"

"A dog is just a dog. What can it do even if it jumps over the wall? It's still just food for the lion. Want to break my net? You're far from capable."

Boss Tang nodded and suddenly asked, "If I bring people to join you, what can I get?"

Abel had anticipated his intention, which was why he had been pressuring him every step of the way, leaving no room for hesitation.

He was indeed short of people, and if Boss Tang could bring others to join them, it would solve a significant problem.

"Our Donquixote family always seeks talented people. If you, Boss Tang, are willing to bring people over, we wouldn't treat you badly. At the very least, you could earn several times more than you do now, no problem."

"Moreover, in the future, when I leave, you'll be in charge of all the affairs on this island. Our Donquixote family never just fixes its eyes on the present."

Without hesitation, Abel painted a grand picture for him.

Boss Tang wasn't oblivious to it, but at this moment, he had no choice.

Would he rather be killed as soon as he left or seize the opportunity to make a name for himself before others realized?

His expression kept changing, and finally, gritting his teeth, he made a decision. "Alright, from now on, my Fruit Gummy Pirate Gang will merge with the Donquixote family. I hope Master Abel will guide us."

"Wait, isn't it a bit too hasty to join us just with empty words?"

"I understand. Give me three days, I will definitely bring an offering."

When leaving, Boss Tang's face was filled with determination. 

He planned to use the heads of other Merchant's Alliance members to pave his way to a higher position!

And now, while no one knew of his betrayal, was the best time to act.