No kidding, even Rocks would have to offer me a cigarette.

"That's right. Although he's a rookie pirate on the surface, he's still a powerful individual who has awakened advanced levels of Armament Haki, Observation Haki, and Conqueror's Haki. To have cultivated to this level at his age, he's definitely a prodigy."

"By the way, isn't that guy with horns next to Rahu's bounty poster Kaido, the oni who's been causing a lot of trouble at sea lately? How did those two end up together?"

"Saying all this is useless. If I could gain their strength, I'd be willing to spend my days eating, drinking, whoring, gambling, and having fun."

Because the inflation rate in the One Piece world at that time was not as crazy as it would become later, with inflation rates reaching billions.

Therefore, at this moment, Rahu, whose bounty of 100 million Berries was set for the first time on the high seas, almost immediately attracted the attention of pirates from all walks of life.

In this era, pirates with bounties reaching 100 million times their bounty have basically all been recruited into the Rocks Pirates.

In addition, Kaido, a special race member and a freak who has also awakened all three types of Haki, also appears on screen.

Therefore, at this moment, both sides are deeply worried that these two monsters will join the Rocks Pirates and further strengthen that terrifying armed force.

Inside the island of Hatchinos.

Compared to the pirates frolicking around on the outside, this place was specifically designated as a resting area for the Rocks Pirates' officers.

It is also the core base area of ​​the Rocks Pirates, where you can find not only a variety of exquisite foods and refreshing drinks, but also various spa massages and foot baths.

"Gurararararararala, if you want a tip, please give me a stronger massage~ I'm not that stingy John~"

At this moment, a man with a full head of blond hair, a muscular body, a height of 6.66 meters, and a white mustache that curls upwards like a crescent moon on his face was lying comfortably on a chair, letting the young woman in leopard-print shorts next to him freely massage his body muscles.

This man, who was already sixteen centimeters tall, was none other than Edward Newgate, the world's strongest man who later nearly killed Blackbeard at Marine Headquarters.

At this moment, Whitebeard's taste in women remained unchanged. He only liked beautiful women who wore leopard-print hot pants and exuded a wild beauty.

However, his words angered Miss Ba Jin, who was standing next to him with a beautiful face and smooth skin. She put her hands on her hips and looked furious.

Bakkin could be considered one of the most beautiful women in the Rocks Pirates, but despite her long-standing admiration for Whitebeard, she spent countless hours meticulously dressing up in an attempt to seduce him, all to no avail.

It wasn't until this moment, seeing the satisfied expression on Whitebeard's face, that I realized this guy actually had a little quirk: he liked leopard-print underwear!

"Damn it, it would be so embarrassing for me to wear this outfit too..."

After weighing the pros and cons, Ba Jin could only put his mind at ease for the time being.

After all, seducing a man like Whitebeard isn't something that can be done in a short time.

However, at this moment, the noise from the noisy pirates on the outside grew louder and louder, causing Whitebeard, who was originally planning to rest, to show his dissatisfaction.

"What are those brats making such a racket outside? Could it be that the World Government has attacked?"

Whitebeard braced himself on the sofa with both hands, intending to stand up and go over to check on the situation.

But before they could act, a tall figure with a full head of blond hair floated over from the sky not far away.

"Hehehehehehe, Newgate~ Guess what I found?"

.....

Chapter 16 Devil's Island

The man with the extremely eerie laughter and blond hair, just like Whitebeard, was none other than Shiki, one of the executives of the Rocks Pirates. He was known as the Golden Lion.

"What good news could you possibly have? Don't tell me you're planning to split up the crew and start some damn Golden Lion Pirates again!"

Whitebeard didn't even bother to open his eyes when his colleague arrived.

After all, he knew this guy too well. Ever since he joined the Rocks Pirates, this guy had been trying his best to win him over to leave Rocks and form a new Sea Group to dominate the world.

Unfortunately, Whitebeard is a man of loyalty and righteousness. Since he joined the Rocks Pirates, he would not betray them because of other people's conditions, which is completely inconsistent with his character.

"Hehehehehe, don't be so cold, Newgate~ We're just trying to win you over~"

"Gurararararar~ What else could you possibly want? Hurry up and say it~ Don't interrupt my good time with the leopard-print girl~"

Whitebeard turned his head and glanced at Shiki, that restless guy who was always jumping around and never settled down, with a displeased expression.

If Captain Rocks knew that he was constantly talking about him and Linlin leaving the Rocks Pirates, Shiki probably wouldn't have enough heads to go around in his hands.

"Didn't you see today's news? Two extraordinary newcomers have recently emerged on the high seas—at such a young age, they've already mastered all three types of Haki and reached advanced levels in all of them!"

"If someone like that could join my Flying Pirate Fleet as an officer, he would have an absolutely limitless future!"

Golden Lion, spittle flying from his mouth, introduced the two new pirates, Rahu and Kaido.

After hearing Shiki's explanation, Whitebeard naturally showed a shocked expression.

After all, even these members of the executive team weren't necessarily much better than Rahu and Kaido at their age.

If someone like that were to join the Rocks Pirates, there's no doubt that they'd have two more executive members in the next few years!

"Gurararararar~ It's such a waste for a talent like mine to join your air fleet~"

"Let's go inform the captain and see what decision to make. After all, the World Government and the Navy can't just stand by and watch these two brats join the Rocks Pirates without any hindrance."

Whitebeard ignored Shiki's clamor to recruit the two young brats into his fleet.

In his view, it would be safest to inform Captain Rocks about such a newcomer.

After all, the greater the power of the Rocks Pirates, the better protected their home island, Sphinx Island, will be.

Otherwise, the exorbitant amount of celestial gold he has to pay to the World Government every year would be enough to turn his homeland into an impoverished island.

"What a boring guy. Captain Rocks doesn't even want to go to war with the World Government. All I do all day is eat, drink, gamble, and whore. Is this even a human life?"

Seeing that you, Newgate, actually got up and went to report to Captain Rocks, Shiki could only kneel down on the ground with a pitiful expression and start crying.

Actually, it's not his fault. After all, the Rocks Pirates are now very powerful, and apart from the World Government, no one can stand a chance against them.

Therefore, Shiki, who had been in the Rocks Pirates for several years, had not been able to have a satisfying battle. Under such a frustrating environment, he was naturally on the verge of going crazy.

However, Skeeter dared not do anything disrespectful to Captain Rocks, whom Newgate mentioned.

After all, he was a man who had truly cultivated all three types of Haki to that legendary level.

Even though they were all top-notch pirate officers, they were still far inferior to that man.

After standing there in a frenzy for a few seconds, Shiki quickly caught up with Whitebeard.

He didn't want to give up such a good opportunity to claim credit to Whitebeard.

Everyone in the world knows that Captain Rocks is the most generous captain. As long as you have done something for the Rocks Pirates, you will definitely be rewarded.

Perhaps this time they might even be able to directly obtain Captain Rocks' methods and techniques for cultivating ultimate Haki!

Since both of them were extremely powerful pirates, they arrived at the Skull Room, located in the very center of Hatchinos, in less than two or three minutes.

dong dong dong~

Without hesitation, the white-bearded man reached out and started knocking on the tightly closed door.

After a few seconds, a calm yet somewhat hoarse voice came from within the quiet and oppressive room.

"Go in!"

After receiving the captain's order, Newgate and Skeeter quickly turned the doorknob and went inside.

"You two have the leisure to come looking for me, right? You want to talk about those two newcomers who stole the World Government's Heavenly Treasury?"

Beneath Lockes' calm gaze lay a prophetic confidence.

At this moment, Newgate and Golden Lion were completely dumbfounded.

They hadn't said a word, yet the captain already knew everything.

What's happening here?

"Hey, Newgate, I heard that Observation Haki, once mastered to its ultimate state, can develop unique abilities!"

Whitebeard raised an eyebrow and then realized what was going on.

"You mean the captain's Observation Haki has gained a new ability? But doesn't the captain already have the ability to foresee the future with his Observation Haki?"

Whitebeard looked somewhat bewildered at Rocks, who was sitting calmly in a chair.

This man had a profound impact on him.

The two people are on completely different levels.

Compared to Whitebeard, Shiki, on the other hand, was also somewhat incredulous, but ultimately did not doubt the captain.

After all, it's perfectly normal for Captain Rocks to acquire whatever abilities he wants.

"Hehehehe, this is indeed the second ability derived after Observation Haki is upgraded to its ultimate state—to see into people's hearts."

Rocks made no attempt to conceal his suspicions about Whitebeard. Instead, he openly and frankly admitted that he possessed the ability to read minds.

This scene gave Shiki, who had always wanted to break up with the family, goosebumps all over his body.

If the captain found out about his idea, wouldn't he be able to cut off his second son's head?

Just thinking about it sent a chill down Shiki's spine.

Although he complained about being bored all the time, if his penis were really cut off, what would be the point of his life?

He can't possibly become the first eunuch in the world of One Piece, can he?

"Congratulations, Captain! Congratulations, Captain! My admiration for you, Captain, is as boundless as a surging river!"

After a round of adoring and flattering remarks subsided, Rocks simply waved his hand, indicating that Shiki didn't need to act silly anymore.

He didn't care at all about his subordinates' desire to scramble for attention.

After all, aren't all the people under his command kings who have awakened Conqueror's Haki? It would be truly strange if such people were to be subordinate to others.

As long as the crew members don't go too far, Lockes generally doesn't want to get involved.

"Gurararararar, does Captain Rocks mean we need to go directly to meet those two future crew members?"

Whitebeard laughed heartily, very pleased that his captain's strength had improved further.

"Well, Newgate, I'll have to trouble you to go by yourself. Skeeter, I have something to say to you."

Rocks nodded, indicating that Newgate could now head directly to Alcatraz to pick up the person.

After watching the tall, white-bearded man leave the room, Rocks' eyes, which seemed to have instantly lost all emotion, turned to the trembling Golden Lion beside him.

......

Chapter 17 Tianlong people