Uchiha Puppet Master, Starting from One Piece.

He paused, then looked at the group with sincere eyes: "You three are exceptionally skilled and have an extraordinary demeanor. I admire you from the first time I saw you. Now that we have met, it must be fate. Would you three do me the honor of accompanying me to the Flower Country for a visit?"

"Flower Country?"

Matsumoto Rangiku raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes.

Cai Yi nodded, a hint of pride on his face: "Indeed, the Flower Kingdom is the place where my Eight Treasures Navy has been stationed for generations. It is a place with beautiful mountains and clear waters, abundant resources, and our secret-made fine wine and food. I would like to invite the three of you to stay at our base for a few days, so that I can show you hospitality and express my gratitude."

Cai Yi sincerely invited them, saying that the Babao Water Army, which has been thriving for so long, naturally enjoys making friends.

Chapter 55 The Eight Treasures Navy of the Flower Country

After Cai Yi finished speaking, he looked at Connor, who was hiding behind the mast and peeking out to eat grilled squid. His eyes softened a bit: "And this little friend, come along too. The sweets of the Flower Kingdom are also exceptional."

Connor's eyes lit up instantly at the mention of sweets. He stopped eating his squid, turned his head to Bai Yu, and looked at him longingly, mumbling indistinctly, "Brother Bai Yu...sweets..."

Bai Yu glanced at Connor's expectant look, then turned to look at Cai Yi, seeing that his gaze was open and honest, without a trace of malice.

He pondered for a moment, glancing at Robin and Matsumoto Rangiku beside him. Seeing that neither of them objected, he slowly said, "Since Brother Cai has so kindly invited us, then we shall accept."

Upon hearing this, Cai Yi was overjoyed, and the resolute look on his face was instantly replaced by a smile: "Good! Good! It is truly an honor for me that the three of you have graced me with your presence. Quickly, please follow our fleet."

Strength gave Bai Yu and his group courage; it was precisely because they had strength that they were not afraid.

Matsumoto Rangiku chuckled and patted Connor on the head: "You little glutton, you're in for a treat now."

Connor immediately cheered, grabbed the remaining grilled squid, and ran out from behind the mast, his short legs moving quickly, closely following behind Bai Yu.

The Dawn Ship slowly followed the flagship of the Eight Treasures Navy, breaking through the shimmering waves, and headed towards the Flower Kingdom.

Connor clung to the ship's railing, his short legs swinging back and forth. He clutched the osmanthus candy that Cai Yi had sent, his lips sticky from eating it, his eyes filled with longing for sweets.

"Brother Baiyu, are the sweets from the Flower Kingdom really that delicious? Even better than grilled squid?"

She tilted her head and asked indistinctly.

Bai Yu leaned against the ship's railing, his fingertips casually brushing against the scabbard of the Kusanagi sword. Gazing at the gradually clearing coastline in the distance, he said lightly, "Kanna will find out when he gets there. Be sure to eat a lot."

"Look how anxious this child is, but Cai Yi is a straightforward man, and he has been very hospitable along the way."

Matsumoto Rangiku looked at the many new drinks added to the boat and couldn't help but feel satisfied; she hadn't stopped drinking them all the way.

Robin stood to the side, holding an ancient book about the history of the Flower Country, and said softly, "The Eight Treasures Navy has guarded the Flower Country for hundreds of years and has a close relationship with the royal family. Their ability to establish themselves in this sea area is not simply due to their military strength. Moreover, they possess a piece of the Poneglyph."

Seeing Robin's serious expression, Bai Yu also said solemnly, "Don't worry, with me here, you can go and see for yourself."

Two days later, the fleet finally entered the inner harbor of the Flower Country.

As far as the eye can see, there are rolling green hills, with clouds and mist swirling among them and streams babbling. On the docks along the shore, members of the Babao Navy, dressed in tight-fitting uniforms, stand upright with solemn eyes.

As the ship docked, Cai Yi's men were already waiting at the pier. Upon seeing Bai Yu and his group disembark, they immediately stepped forward to lead the way: "The three of you, please follow me. The leader has been waiting at the camp for quite some time."

The Babao Navy's garrison was located at the foot of the mountain. It was a magnificent city with green tiles, white walls, and upturned eaves, exuding an ancient and profound atmosphere.

This kind of architecture easily reminded Uchiha Hakuba of the past. After passing through layers of corridors, he came to a spacious courtyard. In the center of the courtyard was a huge round table, which was filled with a dazzling array of dishes, and the aroma was irresistible.

At the head of the round table sat a robust elderly man.

Although his body was hunched over, he still exuded a formidable majesty. His face was covered with deep wrinkles, but his eyes were bright and piercing, as if they could see into people's hearts.

On his head is a striking number "12", which is the unique mark of Dongliang, the twelfth leader of the Babao Navy.

The person who came was none other than Green Pepper, judging from his appearance and height.

Cai Yi strode forward and bowed to the old man, saying, "Dongliang, our three distinguished guests have arrived."

Green Pepper slowly raised his eyes, his gaze falling on White Feather. When he saw White Feather's unique aura, a barely perceptible glint flashed in his cloudy pupils, before he quickly regained his composure.

He slowly stood up, his voice aged yet full of vigor: "I have already heard about the matter from my grandson. I am Qingjiao. Thank you all for cleaning up those disgraceful scoundrels for my Eight Treasures Water Army."

Bai Yu nodded slightly, his expression still indifferent: "It was nothing, Chief Green Pepper, you don't need to be so polite."

"What a small favor."

Green Pepper stroked his beard, his gaze sweeping over the Kusanagi sword at Bai Yu's waist, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. Judging from this, he must be a swordsman.

"It is truly remarkable that someone so young possesses such poise and skill. Please have a seat."

Everyone took their seats in turn. Connor was seated next to Bai Yu. The little guy stared wide-eyed at the dishes on the table, especially when he saw the tempting osmanthus cake and red bean pastry on the plate. He couldn't wait to reach out his little hand, but Bai Yu gently patted the back of his hand.

"Don't eat yet."

Bai Yu said calmly.

Seeing this, Green Pepper couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Don't be shy, today's banquet is to treat you. Start eating if you want, don't be polite."

After Qingjiao finished speaking, Uchiha Shiraha picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and handed it to Kanna.

The little girl's eyes lit up. She took the osmanthus cake, took a small bite, and the sweet, chewy texture melted instantly in her mouth. She immediately squinted her eyes and smiled contentedly: "Delicious! Even better than grilled squid!"

Everyone couldn't help but laugh when they saw this.

During the banquet, Cai Yi frequently raised his glass to toast Bai Yu and the other two.

After a few rounds of drinks, Green Pepper put down his glass, his gaze falling on Bai Yu again, and slowly said, "I've heard that Lord Bai Yu routed those imposters in an instant?"

Bai Yu picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and said calmly, "A bunch of rabble, not worth my time. It would be better if Leader Qingjiao continued to manage the surrounding waters, lest these thieves take advantage of the name of the Eight Treasures Navy."

If anyone else had said these words, it would have sounded arrogant and conceited, but when Bai Yu said them, they carried a natural and intimidating force.

The members of the Eight Treasures Navy in the courtyard were all stunned. Then, recalling the imposters who had been beaten half to death and the situation of being impersonated, no one dared to refute them.

Green Pepper was not angry at all; instead, the admiration in his eyes deepened: "Good, well said. I have lived to such an old age and have seen countless powerful people, but there are very few like you who are so young yet possess such strength and can also distinguish right from wrong. May I ask which school or sect you are from? And what are your plans for the future?"

Bai Yu put down his wine glass, his fingertips gently tracing the rim, a faint smile playing on his lips: "No sect, no affiliation. We'll talk about the future later..."

Chapter 56 Domineering

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the atmosphere in the courtyard became increasingly lively.

Matsumoto Rangiku, her cheeks flushed, was holding a sake bottle and playing drinking games with the female sailors of the Hachipo Navy. Her clear laughter mingled with the clinking of the sake bottles, echoing through the quaint courtyard.

Connor held a plate of red bean pastries, his little cheeks bulging, the icing on his lips glistening in the sunlight. He would occasionally glance up at Bai Yu, and seeing that he was also eating and drinking, he would bury his head in his food and eat even more happily.

Green Pepper put down his wine glass, tapped his knuckles on the table, and glanced at the members of the Eight Treasures Navy standing solemnly in the courtyard before finally settling on Bai Yu. His aged voice carried a weight of experience from weathering many storms: "I have lived for decades, wandering the seas and seeing countless powerful figures. In the end, those who can stand firm on this sea all rely on four things: three kinds of Haki and Devil Fruits."

Upon hearing this, Nico Robin and Matsumoto Rangiku raised their eyes, a hint of curiosity flashing in them. They had heard Bai Yu mention it, but Bai Yu only knew the general outline, so they both nodded slightly: "We would like to hear more details."

"The first type is Observation Haki."

Green Pepper downed a mouthful of strong liquor, his Adam's apple bobbing, his voice suddenly rising in pitch; he was clearly in high spirits from drinking too much.

"This Observation Haki is like listening to the wind and observing the rain, it's like seeing into people's hearts! In the Grand Line, a sea with unpredictable weather and many powerful individuals, Observation Haki is the foundation of survival! It allows you to predict your opponent's moves, sense hidden killing intent, and some special ones can even hear the breath of the sea, thus avoiding sudden storms and tsunamis!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Cai Yi, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes: "When I was young, I relied on my superb Observation Haki to survive the turbulent waves of the New World."

Upon hearing this, Cai Yi quickly chimed in, "Dongliang is right! The first lesson for the disciples of my Eight Treasures Navy is to cultivate Observation Color! In the mountains and forests of the Flower Country, we listen to the language of birds and beasts and sense the breath of plants and trees. This is how we cultivate this keen sense."

"Haha, my grandson is good in every way, except that he looks a bit older than his age, so no one has taken a liking to him yet."

Bai Yu held the wine glass, his fingertips gently swirling it, causing ripples to spread across the glass.

Unlike the Sharingan of the Uchiha clan, Observation Haki is also a powerful tool for discerning the future. However, compared to the perception of Observation Haki, the Sharingan is more inclined to observe and then make predictions.

Green Pepper stroked his beard and looked at Matsumoto Rangiku and Nico Robin: "The second one is Armament Haki, which is also something you need to learn to enter the Grand Line, otherwise you will find it difficult to make any progress in the New World."

"This domineering aura is like an impregnable fortress, a blade that can shatter the enemy!"

After drinking too much, Green Pepper slammed his hand on the table, making the bowls and chopsticks vibrate loudly: "There are plenty of Devil Fruit users among the pirates of the Grand Line! Those guys have all sorts of strange and wonderful techniques, and many of them are impervious to swords and spears, and water and fire! But Armament Haki can wrap around the body with Haki, turning it into an invisible armor to resist the attacks of Devil Fruit users, and can even be attached to weapons with Haki to tear apart those seemingly invincible defenses!"

He pointed to his head, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes: "Back then, I shattered an iceberg with my Armament Haki! No matter how arrogant those Devil Fruit users were, they had to admit defeat when faced with Armament Haki that had been cultivated to its peak. It's a pity that if it weren't for that guy Garp back then... I..."

Seeing the green peppers brought back memories of the past, and she burst into tears. Cai Yi quickly chimed in.

"My Eight Treasures Navy's Eight-Strike Fist incorporates Armament Haki into its fist technique. With one punch, it can shatter rocks and split gold!"

Cai Yi clenched his fist, his tone full of pride: "Those imposters haven't even scratched the surface of Armament Haki, yet they dare to swindle and deceive people using our name."

"As for the third one..."

Green Pepper abruptly changed the subject, his voice suddenly lowering and carrying a hint of murderous intent as he swept his gaze across everyone in the courtyard.

"One in a million, the bearing of a king, the aura of a conqueror!"

"This domineering aura has nothing to do with cultivation; it's solely due to innate talent!"

Green Pepper's tone was arrogant: "Those who possess Conqueror's Haki are born with the potential to be kings. They can subdue their enemies without fighting. In the Grand Line, Conqueror's Haki is a symbol of status and a powerful weapon to intimidate heroes. Once awakened, one can rely on their own aura to intimidate the weak and even directly knock out those weak-willed soldiers."

He paused, looked at Bai Yu, his eyes burning: "In my entire life, I have only seen a handful of people who possess Conqueror's Haki."

Cai Yi, fueled by the alcohol, slapped his thigh and stood up. He staggered to the center of the courtyard and shouted, "What are you all standing there for! It's rare for Dongliang to be in such a good mood today, so I'll show you a thing or two!"

Several of the Eight Treasures Navy's underlings dared not delay and quickly carried over several thick wooden stakes, which were then firmly placed in the open space of the courtyard.

Cai Yi wiped the wine stains from the corner of his mouth, rolled up his sleeves to reveal his muscular arms, and roared at his subordinates, "How do you train Observation Haki? Don't listen to those fancy tricks. Remember, clear your mind of distractions and let your senses merge with your surroundings."

As he spoke, he closed his eyes, his chest rose and fell slightly, and his aura suddenly became peaceful.

The wind in the courtyard brushed against his hair, the leaves rustled, and everything seemed to become part of his perception.

"When you train in combat to a certain level, you will have the opportunity to awaken this power."

Cai Yi suddenly opened his eyes and pointed: "When you practice in the mountains and forests, you should keep an eye on the birds and beasts and be able to predict their movements. That means you have mastered the basics of Observation Haki."

Several members of the Eight Treasures Navy nodded in agreement, and one of the younger ones couldn't help but ask, "Captain, how can we make our Observation Haki even sharper?"

"Idiot!" Cai Yi raised his hand and gave him a flick on the forehead.

"Only through battles, only by licking blood off the edge of a knife, can your senses be pushed to their limits. Back when I was being chased and hacked by a group of pirates, it was then that my Observation Haki suddenly awakened, allowing me to dodge a sneak arrow from behind!"

As he spoke, he pointed to the wooden stake and then changed the subject: "Let's talk about Armament Haki. This thing is even more troublesome than Observation Haki."

"First, train your body to make it strong so that you can bear the aura of dominance."

Cai Yi slammed his fist into the wooden stake, and with a crack, a fissure appeared on the stake.

"Then you need to concentrate your mind and energy, sense the special power within your body, and guide it to your fist! At first, you may only have a trace of it, so don't rush, practice slowly. When you can cover your fist with a layer of black film, you've entered the first stage."

As he spoke, he took a deep breath, and a faint black sheen slowly appeared on his arm. He clenched his fist and slammed it into another wooden stake.

With that punch, the wooden stake snapped instantly, sending splinters flying.

"See that? That's the power of Armament Haki!"

"Want to make your Armament Haki stronger? Then fight more and get beaten up more! Infuse your Haki into every punch and every block, and over time, your Haki will naturally become more and more profound."