Legacy of the Six Paths Senjutsu

This was the brutal reality of the Rocks Pirate.

If you weren't strong enough, joining this crew was as good as signing your own death warrant.

But Ayr had no reason to fear for his life here.

With his current power, unless one of the main cadres personally acted against him, no other crew member could pose a real threat to him.

"I see." Ayr nodded, his expression calm.

Rocks suddenly leaned in close, whispering in a voice only Ayr could hear:

"Come to the bow at night. I have something to say to you."

"Hmm?" Ayr's brows furrowed slightly.

He turned to ask Rocks for clarification, but the captain had already walked away, leaving him standing there in contemplation.

Why call me to the bow at night?

Why not just say it now?

He had only just officially joined the Rocks Pirate today—what could Rocks possibly want with him so soon?

The more Ayr thought about it, the less sense it made.

But there was only one way to find out.

He would have to wait until nightfall.

---

"Jie hahaha... Congratulations, Ayr! Welcome to the Rocks Pirate as an official crew member!"

A familiar and boisterous voice called out to him.

Ayr turned to see Golden Lion Shiki approaching with a wide grin.

"You seem even happier about this than I am, Mr. Shiki," Ayr remarked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Don't tell me there's some hidden benefit for you in me joining the crew?"

Though Ayr was familiar with Shiki's character from the original world, this was his first time actually meeting him in this one.

And yet, Golden Lion was speaking to him so casually—almost too friendly.

Was there something to gain from this?

"Jie ha ha ha... I just like talking to smart people!" Shiki smirked.

Then, his voice took on a more serious tone.

"Be my subordinate, Ayr."

Ayr's eyes narrowed.

"What?"

"You should know that the path of swordsmanship is long and full of pitfalls without a proper teacher. My skills with the blade far surpass yours right now. If you follow me, I will train you. I will teach you everything. Under my guidance, you will become far stronger than you ever imagined!"

Shiki's words were spoken with conviction, but Ayr wasn't naïve.

Everyone in this crew had their own ambitions.

No one was here to help Rocks take over the world—they were here for themselves.

And Shiki was no different.

He was already a main cadre under Rocks, but in secret, he was gathering his own loyal followers.

Ayr's strength had been clearly demonstrated during their battle.

Despite only being at the early stages of his power, he had already injured Golden Lion—twice.

Shiki had witnessed his raw talent firsthand.

And now, he wanted to claim Ayr as his subordinate.

If Ayr followed him, Shiki was confident he could mold him into a Great Swordsman—one who would help him rule the seas after the Rocks Pirate inevitably collapsed!

---

Ayr studied Shiki for a moment before responding.

"It's certainly a tempting offer, Mr. Shiki. But do you truly think that's what's best for me?"

"Of course!" Shiki said without hesitation. "I can see it—your potential is limitless! So, what do you say?"

Ayr paused.

The offer had its merits.

Shiki was undoubtedly strong, and being trained under him would be beneficial.

But...

Ayr had something even greater than swordsmanship.

He had the system.

He didn't need a master.

His power would eventually surpass even the strongest in this world.

"I'll have to decline," Ayr said calmly.

Shiki's grin didn't falter.

"Have you really thought this through? Becoming my subordinate has no downsides—only advantages. And yet, you still refuse?"

"Yes," Ayr replied without hesitation.

"Jie ha ha ha... Such a straightforward rejection!" Shiki laughed, but his eyes gleamed with determination. "But I won't give up so easily, Ayr. I will have you as my subordinate!"

The more Ayr resisted, the more Shiki wanted him.

To him, Ayr was an uncut gem—a diamond in the rough waiting to be polished.

And Shiki would be the one to sculpt him into the ultimate warrior.

Ayr just didn't see it yet.

"Hey, Shiki," a new voice interrupted. "Didn't you hear him reject you? Why waste time on useless talk?"

Ayr turned to see Charlotte Linlin—the future Big Mom—approaching with a confident smirk.

Shiki frowned.

"What do you want, Linlin?"

Linlin ignored him and instead fixed her greedy gaze on Ayr.

"My name is Linlin," she said sweetly, though her massive frame and piercing eyes betrayed her intimidating presence.

"I will be the ruler of the seas one day. Ayr, why don't you follow me instead?"

Ayr was stunned.

What the hell was happening?

First Shiki, now Linlin?

And the worst part?

They were openly talking about recruiting him right in front of Rocks himself!

That was a blatant disregard for their captain's authority!

Then again, this was Rocks Pirate.

A crew where everyone only cared about themselves.

Even Rocks himself wasn't interested in ruling the seas—his ambition was to rule the entire world.

So, in a way, they weren't wrong to be thinking of their own futures.

Still, Ayr had no interest in this power struggle.

He sighed and shook his head.

"Forget it. I just want to follow Captain Rocks for now. I'm not interested in anyone else," Ayr said, exasperated.

Both Linlin and Shiki stared at him.

"Jie ha ha ha… Looks like he's not interested in you either, Linlin." Shiki smirked.

"Shut up, Shiki," Linlin snapped, glaring at him.

Their bickering was interrupted by a nervous crew member approaching cautiously.

"C-Captains Shiki and Linlin… C-Captain Rocks asked me to escort Lord Ayr to his new quarters."

At the mention of Rocks' name, both Shiki and Linlin finally stopped arguing.

Shiki crossed his arms with a chuckle.

Linlin let out a small sigh and turned away.

Ayr, meanwhile, could only shake his head.

He had been on the ship for less than a day and had already been caught in this ridiculous power struggle.

The Rocks Pirate truly was a different kind of crew.

---