《One Piece: Rising》Chapter 63: Rocks Pirates Member, Ba Jin Gom Stussy

Because Sakazuki's elderly mother insisted on riding her bicycle again, Kuzan reluctantly had to accompany her and leave.

This time, Sakazuki didn't stay behind either. Together with Borsalino, he took on the role of his mother's escort, panting heavily as they jogged after her bicycle, eventually leaving the courtyard.

As soon as the three Admirals were whisked away by the elderly mother, several vice admirals and rear admirals rushed into the courtyard. After shouting their loyalty to Xayuki, they grabbed Momonga, Hound, and Bastille, dragging them away.

The departure of these six individuals did nothing to interrupt Sengoku and Garp's ravenous feasting.

These two old-timers had clearly let loose entirely, shedding all pretenses of their former statuses. They squabbled over senbei, fought for beef in the hot pot, and generally behaved like unruly children, much to the exasperation of the one-armed Zephyr, who could only shake his head in resignation.

"Xayuki—"

Suddenly, Mihawk, who had been chatting amicably just moments ago, stood up abruptly. Towering over Xayuki, he declared, "When I first came to Marine Headquarters, I heard countless tales about you. Many officers claimed you were the most talented young Marine in history, not only mastering the Marine Six Styles but also achieving remarkable feats in the realm of swordsmanship!"

"Now that the opportunity presents itself, let's have a proper battle! Show me how much your swordsmanship has improved over the past six years!"

As soon as these words left his lips, the courtyard fell silent.

Sengoku and Garp, who had been squabbling over food just moments ago, simultaneously paused, their expressions turning serious. Even Zephyr, who had been quietly eating, was caught off guard and looked up at Mihawk, his face reflecting his surprise.

At this moment, Mihawk still carried his Black Blade (Kokuto) on his back, but the title of "World's Greatest Swordsman" seemed oddly mismatched with his current drunken state. He swayed unsteadily as he stood before Xayuki, looking as though he might collapse at any moment.

Before Xayuki could respond, Gion (Momousagi), known for her gentle demeanor, furrowed her brows and decisively stood up.

"Mihawk," she said firmly, "while I'm grateful for the help you extended to Fleet Admiral Xayuki years ago, that doesn't give you the right to act recklessly in front of him! Don't forget, you're still a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"

"Of course, if you truly wish for an intense battle, I can substitute for the Fleet Admiral and fight you myself!"

Mihawk ignored Gion entirely, his sharp eagle-like eyes fixed unwaveringly on Xayuki. His posture made it clear—he wouldn't leave until Xayuki accepted his challenge.

"Gion, sit down."

Xayuki glanced at Gion before shifting his gaze back to Mihawk, a hint of amusement in his expression.

"Hawk-Eyes, are you sure you're in a state to unleash the full power of the World's Greatest Swordsman? Don't be ridiculous. If we're going to have a proper battle, let's wait until you're sober."

"Xayuki, how little do you think of me?"

Mihawk grabbed the hilt of his Black Blade, his fighting spirit ablaze. "I am the World's Greatest Swordsman! A mere crate of wine isn't enough to intoxicate me! Come on, let me see how far you've come in these past six years!"

Just as Xayuki was about to decline, a familiar system notification suddenly echoed in his mind.

[Ding!]

[A challenge has been issued to the host.]

[You now have two options:]

[Option 1: Decline the challenge. Reward: One bottle of wine.]

[Option 2: Accept the challenge and defeat the challenger. Reward: One of the 12 Supreme Grade Swords.]

Oh?

Xayuki blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the system's timely intervention.

Although the system presented him with two choices, it was clear he only had one viable option.

After all, declining the challenge would only earn him a bottle of wine. Did he really need another bottle of wine? As the Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters, enjoying privileges equal to those of the Five Elders, was he ever short on alcohol?

But what he did lack was a proper sword.

Until now, he had been borrowing Gion's blade, Konpira, because after elevating his swordsmanship to its highest level through the system, he hadn't been able to find a weapon capable of matching his skills. He had planned to send someone to search for one after the coup was settled, but the system had conveniently stepped in with an offer.

After a brief moment of surprise, Xayuki decisively swallowed the refusal that had been on the tip of his tongue.

"I accept your challenge!" he declared. "But not now. As Gion mentioned, you're currently a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and I, as Fleet Admiral, am your direct superior. Moreover, the World Government has just transferred the Seven Warlords' conscription orders to Marine Headquarters, which means I'm officially your boss."

Pausing briefly, Xayuki picked up another bottle of wine and continued unhurriedly, "How about we do this in a week? Tomorrow, Marine Headquarters will issue a summons to the Seven Warlords, inviting you and the other six pirates to attend a meeting. After the meeting, the Seven Warlords system will cease to exist."

"By then, we'll no longer be superior and subordinate but equals, even friends. As friends, we can drink when we want and spar when we want—how delightful would that be?"

Hearing this, Mihawk finally relented. He sheathed his Black Blade and nodded.

"Very well. I'll wait seven days."

Turning his head slightly, Mihawk glanced toward the living room. "Since there's going to be a Seven Warlords meeting, I'll stay at your place until then."

Before Xayuki could respond, the Den Den Mushi in the living room suddenly rang out with its characteristic "Buru Buru" sound.

Moments later, a familiar voice emerged from the receiver.

"Fleet Admiral, this is Ain! Fleet Admiral, are you there?"

Hearing Ain's voice, Xayuki froze for a moment before abruptly standing up. With a swift motion, he reached out and telekinetically summoned the Den Den Mushi from the living room into his hand.

"Ain, have you found the pirates who attacked the training ship years ago?"

"Yes, Fleet Admiral!"

The voice from the Den Den Mushi immediately caught Zephyr's attention. His eyes lit up, and he began to rise from his seat, but Xayuki quickly pressed him back down.

"Tell me your current location!" Xayuki commanded. "Also, you and Binz are no match for them. Until reinforcements arrive, your only task is to track them!"

Handing the Den Den Mushi to Gion, Xayuki instructed her to note Ain's current coordinates. Then, activating his Observation Haki, he transmitted a message telepathically:

"Borsalino, come immediately!"

Having just jogged out of the family courtyard, Borsalino (Kizaru) abruptly stopped in his tracks.

Without hesitation, he activated his Devil Fruit powers.

A flash of light streaked across the courtyard, and in the next instant, Borsalino appeared before Xayuki.

Xayuki wasted no time. "The pirates who attacked the training ship years ago have been found. Head to the coordinates Gion has recorded and assist Ain and Binz!"

"I have only one request: capture them, sever one of their arms, and bring them back!"

"Remember, no holding back!"

"Wait—"

Just as Borsalino was about to leave, Xayuki turned to Zephyr and asked, "Zephyr-sensei, if I recall correctly, wasn't the attack carried out by a pair—a mother and her son?"

"Yes!" Zephyr's eyes burned with hatred as he gritted his teeth. "Miss Ba Jin, formerly a member of the Rocks Pirates, whose real name is Ba Jin Gom Stussy! She was the one who incited her son, Edward Weevil, to attack the training ship!"

For once, Borsalino showed a rare seriousness. He nodded slightly to Zephyr.

"Zephyr-sensei, rest assured. I'll bring both mother and son back."

~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~

Explore More Amazing Fanfiction on My Patreon!

Unlock 30+ Advance Chapters and Enjoy Exclusive Stories Early!

��� patreon.com/GoldenLong