Chapter 75: My Captain Has Arrived

As the flying ship drew closer, people finally got a clear look at its appearance and the pirate flag fluttering above it.

"My god!! That figurehead is massive—and it's solid gold! Look at all the dazzling decorations... is the whole thing made of gold?"

"It's a real Golden Ark!!!"

"That's the Hell Pirates! The crew that killed a Celestial Dragon! Rumor has it their ship is entirely made of gold!"

Pirates and residents of the New World alike stared greedily at the massive vessel.

...

Seizing the moment while Newgate was distracted, Poison Blade Kev launched a sneak attack. The assassin captain, seeing his leader move, reacted instantly, coordinating from the other side to strike at Newgate as well.

The other assassins followed suit, raising their poisoned daggers and charging forward!

Newgate, momentarily captivated by the Golden Ark, quickly snapped out of it. With a surge of his Tremor-Tremor Fruit's power, he prepared to crush these nuisances into dust.

A massive shockwave erupted, collapsing nearby taverns and houses. The assassins, caught in its terrifying force, were sent flying backward even faster than they had arrived.

Bones shattered, bodies went limp like worms, and they collapsed into the ruins.

Yet, Poison Blade Kev managed to withstand the shockwave, exploiting a gap in Newgate's defense to close in and deliver a deadly slash to his waist.

Newgate hadn't expected his hurried strike to fail at repelling Kev. He clenched his fists once more, the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit condensing in his grip. He was ready to crush the assassin.

Kev, however, moved faster. He was willing to take a hit if it meant landing a fatal, poisoned wound. His entire body was coated in Armament Haki for defense.

Just as Kev's dagger was about to slice into Newgate—

A bolt of lightning and a sharp, spectral-blue slash shot out from the Golden Ark, piercing Kev in an instant. Even his Armament Haki couldn't withstand the sheer power of the attack.

Kev clutched his chest, blood gushing from his mouth, his face twisted in terror as he stumbled backward.

"W-Who did that?!"

Newgate let out a hearty laugh. "Gurararara! Looks like my captain has arrived."

He hadn't been worried about Kev's poison—his body could handle it—but it was reassuring to see his new captain and crew take action so swiftly.

Kev's eyes flickered with shock and recognition. "You... you really joined another crew so quickly?!"

When he had first heard about Newgate, Kev had looked into his background. He never expected that the pirate had joined the infamous Hell Pirates—the ones who dared to kill a Celestial Dragon.

...

The massive Golden Ark began its descent, air-blasting devices softening its landing. The force sent debris and dust flying, making it impossible for many pirates to keep their eyes open. Even Newgate had to squint, standing firm like an unshakable tower.

A triumphant and electrifying melody blared from the ship.

Newgate's eyes widened. "Is that... casino entrance music?!"

The smoke cleared, and there they stood—

The entire Hell Pirates crew.

"Newgate, you okay? You don't mind us interrupting your little game, do you?" Brook called out loudly, his tone lighthearted but full of confidence in Newgate's strength.

To him, the battle between Newgate and Kev had been nothing more than a casual pastime.

"Gurararara! Captain Brook, I should be thanking you. If not for your help, I'd have a new scar on my waist!"

Newgate found himself quite pleased with Brook's attitude. Was this truly his future captain? He had to admit—he liked it. And that entrance music? That was something he'd have to try out himself one day.

"Let our crew take care of the rest."

Brook barely finished speaking before Redfield transformed into a bolt of lightning, appearing in front of the retreating Kev.

"Thirty Million Volts: Discharge!"

With his arms spread wide, Redfield unleashed a violent current, engulfing Kev in a surge of electricity. The assassin's body convulsed, smoke rising from his charred form before he collapsed, eyes rolling back.

The remaining assassins attempted to flee but were swiftly taken down—some by Redfield's lightning, others by Silva's sniper rifle.

Within mere seconds, the once-feared Poison Blade Assassins had been obliterated. Would the other assassin squads dare to show up to save their fallen leader?

...

"Wow~! You're really tall. You're officially the tallest member of our crew now!" Shakky ran up to Newgate, circling him in curiosity.

"This sarcastic woman is Shakky, our navigator," Brook introduced with a chuckle. "She's got a sharp tongue, so don't take her words too seriously."

"Excuse me?!" Shakky huffed, puffing up her cheeks. "I am the most important member of this crew! If you disrespect me again, I'll navigate us straight to Kamabakka Kingdom!"

Newgate let out a booming laugh. "Gurararara!"

Shakky's irritation aside, this crew was full of strong personalities. It was strangely reassuring.

"I've already memorized your wanted posters," Newgate said, his deep voice rumbling. "Brook, our captain. Redfield, our combatant. Tom, our shipwright. Crocus, the doctor. Silva, the sniper. Shakky, the navigator. And our companion, the Qilin Lion..."

"Ahem!"

A man in the crowd raised his hand. "Don't forget about me! Antonio, intelligence officer. I was the first member of the Hell Pirates!"

"And me! I'm Fisher Tiger, a trainee crewman from Fish-Man Island! I'm strong too!"

Perched on Tiger's shoulder, a small creature chattered away.

"Oh, and this is Memory Seahorse. He's our third crew member, not a pet! And I'm Parrotso, a talking parrot. The Qilin Lion also sends his regards!"

"Gurararara!" Newgate's laughter boomed. "A big crew, huh? I like it!"

He quickly familiarized himself with the members whose faces weren't on bounty posters. Their camaraderie was evident—it was clear that Brook, despite being captain, held no arrogance over his crew.

Just then, Redfield returned, dragging Kev's unconscious body. His gaze met Newgate's, and in that moment, sparks of rivalry ignited between them.

A battle between two monsters was inevitable.

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