Chapter 098: The Most Intelligent Newcomer Arrives! New

"Is this what you call 'arriving'?"

Doc Q chuckled strangely and said, "I still miss the battle at Coddingxia Village, poisoning a whole bunch of fishmen. Their heads—"

Laffitte twirled his cane and, as always, spoke modestly: "These pirates' shouts mentioned our crew a few times. It seems they set sail to become pirates after seeing the captain's bounty."

Agin nodded, his expression cold as he added, "No surprise there. After all, the captain's bounty is ridiculously high—it's practically leading by example."

Hearing the sudden voices, the five turned to look. At the forefront stood a young man dressed in all-black, his hands casually tucked in his pockets. Though he stood there relaxed, an aura of authority emanated from him, making him seem incredibly mysterious and imposing!

Behind him were men and women alike, a sizable group.

"Who are you?"

Kuro stopped in his tracks, habitually adjusting his glasses with his palm. The cat claws on his hands were still stained with fresh blood, adding to his menacing presence.

Makino and the other three exchanged glances, unsure of the situation. Who were these people who had suddenly appeared?

Gaimon reacted the fastest, sensing an opportunity. He quickly looked at the young man at the front and bowed deeply, pleading:

"Esteemed sir, please help us!"

"If you save us, I promise to pay a large sum of money—just lend us your aid!"

"Once again, we beg for your mercy!"

After speaking, he bowed deeply to Chris.

Makino and the others, realizing the danger, quickly followed Gaimon's lead, bowing to Chris as well.

"Please, sir, save us!"

The fact that all the pirates outside had been slaughtered by Kuro proved just how strong he was. Now that he had set his sights on them, even the gentle and kind-hearted Makino and Kaya understood that death was closing in. If these people didn't intervene, their fate was sealed—a fact both Makino and Kaya were painfully aware of.

"Money's useless to us. We don't care about that," Burgess sneered, crossing his arms.

Law observed Kuro and remarked coolly, "From the looks of it, the merchants were killed by pirates, and then the pirates were wiped out by this guy."

"Seems like he's not weak."

Hawkins flipped his cards, his voice lifeless: "Judging by his face, his threat level is high."

Van Augur tapped his rifle against his shoulder and said expressionlessly, "Now that he's met us, his fate is already decided."

Bonney glanced at Makino and Kaya, grinning mischievously.

"Don't worry. Since we're here, we'll definitely help you through this."

Perona blinked her big eyes and giggled, "Even in danger, you're still reading a book. What a bookworm~"

Sugar fluttered in the air, her laughter tinkling like bells. "In that case, why not let them join us?"

"I think they're both pretty cute, hehehe~"

At that moment, Kuro adjusted his glasses again, glaring coldly at Chris and the others.

"Since you've stumbled upon this, I'll have to kill you too."

"Shave!"

With a whoosh, he vanished, his figure disappearing in an instant.

Witnessing such incredible speed, Makino and the others were stunned once more. With Kuro's abilities, killing them would be effortless—they stood no chance!

"I hope they can defeat that monster…" Gaimon stared at Chris and his crew, his face full of hope.

Kaya leaned toward Makino and whispered, "Sister Makino, don't you think that man in black is… mysterious?"

Makino nodded gently, smiling softly. "Yes. Look, he still has his hands in his pockets—completely unfazed."

"His strength must be extraordinary."

Merry glanced at Makino curiously. "How can you be so sure?"

Makino tucked a strand of her chestnut hair behind her ear, her eyes twinkling as she replied, "Because I've met someone like him before—just as calm and composed."

"An incredible presence."

Laffitte spun his cane and stepped forward, speaking politely:

"Dealing with a small fry like you doesn't require the captain's personal intervention."

"Even if your speed is impressive, without Haki, you're nothing more than a slightly sharper blade."

With that, he swung his cane hard to the left.

"What?!"

Kuro had just appeared at Laffitte's left side, his claws ready to strike, when he suddenly found the cane coming straight at him.

Before he could react—smack—he was sent flying.

In a flash, Laffitte closed the distance, smiling faintly.

"Not bad. Your speed is decent for the East Blue."

"But compared to me? Far too slow."

Before Kuro could steady himself, Laffitte pressed the tip of his cane against his throat, speaking as modestly as ever.

"Join us, and you'll grow even stronger. Otherwise, today will be your end."

Agin watched Laffitte's movements, his expression icy. "As expected of the vice-captain. His reflexes and speed are top-tier."

Burgess remained deadpan, muttering, "Being able to hold that position means his strength is unquestionable."

Doc Q grinned eerily, coughing. "Just twenty-something more days… and that spot will be mine."

Seeing Kuro defeated, Makino and the others were utterly shocked.

Kuro's speed was already terrifying, yet this man in a white suit was even faster. And this man was merely the vice-captain—how strong must the black-clad captain be?

This was unbelievable!

"So strong!" Kaya stared at Laffitte's figure, her eyes sparkling with amazement.

Makino shook her head softly, sighing in admiration. "See? He didn't even need to act—his subordinate handled it all."

"I've been observing him. He hasn't said a word, and his expression hasn't changed at all. He's been completely unfazed the whole time."

"What a mysterious young man!"

Merry nodded in agreement. "Now that you mention it, the captain really does seem extraordinary."

Gaimon finally smiled, breathing a sigh of relief.

"Looks like we're finally safe. We've suffered so much, but now we're saved."

At that moment, Kuro adjusted his glasses again, ignoring the cane at his throat, and asked calmly:

"I'd like to know—how strong is your captain?"

He was a man of unparalleled intelligence, his mind frighteningly sharp.

He knew full well he was no match for this white-suited man. If the fight continued, the outcome was obvious.

"Very strong. Not just strong—unbelievably strong."

Laffitte withdrew his cane, speaking courteously: "The captain's strength has always been a mystery."

"Even our captain doesn't know how powerful he truly is."

"Now, one last invitation—will you join us?"

Kuro retracted his claws, his voice steady and composed.

"If the captain is that strong, then joining is undoubtedly the right choice."

"After all, I'm still young. I'd prefer not to die so soon."

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T/N:

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