Chapter 32: World's Recruitment

Pirates are straightforward. Most of them turn to piracy because they loathe the mundane toil of daily work for meager rewards. Instead, they crave the excitement and freedom of plundering and killing.

By seizing others' wealth in a single stroke, they can live lavishly like nobles, even if it means risking their lives. Most revel in this chaotic lifestyle.

So, for his subordinates, Byrnndi World only needed to distribute a portion of the loot. He refrained from personal raids to avoid provoking other powerful pirates, which could lead to united retaliation. Instead, he sent his men to raid, ensuring that the stronger pirates wouldn't feel threatened and no coalition would form against him.

After two days, World planned to leave. Staying too long would inevitably lead to an attack by a larger force.

But as he contemplated his retreat, World's fighting instincts and Observation Haki simultaneously alerted him to a deadly threat.

Without hesitation, World rolled to the ground.

A second later, a massive sword energy infused with blue Reiatsu slashed through the tavern, slicing it in half.

"Oh? You dodged? Observation Haki sure is useful," Varen remarked, slowly walking in from outside.

"You bastard!"

Before World could react further, another sword slash swept towards him.

"Momo ten times faster!"

World's speed, augmented by his Momo Momo no Mi, was extraordinary, surpassing even the shave technique of Marine's Six Styles.

"Die, brat!" World roared, his Haki-coated fists flying towards Varen.

But Shunpo was not so easily countered.

As World's fist descended, Varen vanished.

"What! What speed is this?" World's pupils dilated in shock as Varen disappeared.

But he quickly composed himself. Although Varen's speed was incredible, his Momo Momo no Mi still had room for improvement.

"Behind!"

Sensing Varen's presence, World swung his fist backward with all his might.

Boom!

World's punch collided with Varen's open palm. A powerful shockwave emanated from the impact, causing chaos around them.

"Hadō No. 31: Shakkahō!"

A blazing fireball formed in Varen's palm.

"A point-blank strike!" World's eyes widened, realizing he couldn't evade.

Boom!

The fireball exploded against World's fist. Despite his Armament Haki, the blast left his fist burned and exposed, resembling a mangled chicken claw. The impact nearly shattered his shoulder bones.

But World was unfazed. Any normal person would be writhing in agony, but World, indifferent to pain, simply tore his shirt and tightly wrapped his wounded arm.

"Impressive fighting spirit," Varen acknowledged.

"Not only does he wield the power of a great swordsman, but he also has strange abilities?"

World felt the intense pressure emanating from Varen. The slash of a great swordsman and an attack that could penetrate Armament Haki—this elegant, white-robed young man was no ordinary opponent.

Although World attacked like a rabid dog, he wasn't a fool. Confronting a stronger opponent indiscriminately would only lead to defeat.

"With such strength at a young age, if we join forces, we could easily surpass the three great pirates in the future."

World, ambitious as ever, decided to recruit Varen. Despite the widespread news of Varen's Marine affiliation in New World, World seemed oblivious, likely due to his isolation and reliance on sporadic news.

"Is that so? You don't even know who I am, yet you talk of forming an alliance?" Varen replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Varen's gentle smile contrasted sharply with the violent energy swirling around him, making World realize that the young man before him was not one to be trifled with.