One Piece: My Name is Jack, I'm Very Resistant to Beating

Despite their simmering resentment, none of the warriors dared act against the intimidating presence of Jack. Fear wasn't for themselves alone—they had families, loved ones. If they died, what would become of them? Those without families had long since crumbled under the oppression, some even choosing death to escape humiliation.

Jack, watching the defeated expressions of the warriors, knew he had them in the palm of his hand. Everyone had a weakness. He'd exploited theirs, and now they posed no threat.

With a casual wave, Jack signaled for the guards to release two hundred imprisoned samurai. But what followed was unexpected.

"What are you doing? I'd rather die on my feet! Go on, try me!"

"You scum of the Beasts Pirates! Do you think I fear you?!"

One prisoner, released by a guard, didn't show relief—instead, he charged at the burly pirate, furious. His eyes gleamed with defiance, his rage palpable. The guard hesitated, caught off guard by the man's reaction.

Jack rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a bemused smirk spreading across his face.

"Well, well… looks like we've got ourselves a philosopher here."

He chuckled, then muttered to himself. "I guess some of these guys aren't just pretending to be tough. A real troublemaker, huh?"

He motioned for Babanuki, who quickly approached. At Jack's command, a group of courtesans sauntered toward the defiant prisoner.

"What are you doing?! Stay away from me!"

The man struggled as the courtesans dragged him away. Jack cleared his throat, his deep voice booming over the murmurs of the remaining prisoners.

"See that? That's my generosity at work! Sending him off with such lovely company."

He grinned wickedly. "Don't worry, though. If you behave yourselves, you'll get the same reward. Work hard for me, and maybe you'll earn a little luxury."

Jack turned to one of the samurai, a man named Bingoro, and grabbed the loudspeaker handed to him by a subordinate.

"To you lot, we're the villains who've invaded your home, destroyed your way of life. I won't argue with that. But let me remind you of one thing: if you don't have the power, you don't have the right to complain. Follow orders and live. Resist, and… well, you've seen the consequences.

"Allow me to introduce myself—Jack of the Beasts Pirates, one of the All-Stars! From now on, Kuri belongs to me. Most of you hail from Kuri, don't you? Here's the deal: behave, and I might let you visit your families once in a while."

"W-What? Really?"

"Is that true?" The prisoners erupted into murmurs, their desperation palpable.

One of the samurai from the group that had accepted Jack's "offer" hesitantly raised his voice.

"Jack-sama, what must we do to prove ourselves?"

Jack grinned, giving the man an approving nod.

"Good question!" He raised a thumbs-up before leaning into the loudspeaker.

"It's simple! Do as I say, and only as I say! Whether you've done well or not? That's for me to decide!"

He gestured toward Bingoro with an exaggerated flourish.

"Let's start with an easy test. Here's your chance to shine: stab him. One cut, and I'll let you spend a full day and night with your family. This is your blood oath!"

The crowd fell silent. Bingoro's eyes widened in shock, his voice low and trembling as Jack bent down to whisper in his ear.

"Sorry about this, Bingoro. I don't know why Kaido's kept you alive, but it's not my job to question him. Maybe he sees some sort of 'potential' in you, like some kind of warlord out of an old story." Jack sneered.

"Me? I don't trust you. Not a man whose reputation still stirs loyalty among these warriors. You might have given up your revenge, but I can't risk it. And when word gets out that these samurai—the ones you protected—were the ones to kill you, just imagine the despair it'll bring to Wano. Beautiful, isn't it?"

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to an icy whisper.

"So, what'll it be? Die here and now, or watch them die with you?"

Bingoro glared at Jack, his voice trembling with suppressed fury.

"You cowardly bastard. You have no honor. Not even a shred of samurai spirit!"

Jack barked a laugh.

"Samurai spirit? Don't lump me in with you! I'm no warrior. I'm a pirate! And you? You're just another loser rotting in a cell, acting all high and mighty."

He waved at the guards.

"Tie him up. Don't want him biting his tongue."

Chaos broke out as Jack's ultimatum took root. Some prisoners stepped forward, their desperation overriding their loyalty, while others formed a barrier around Bingoro.

"What are you doing? That's Bingoro-sama, the hero of Kuri!"

"You're mad if you think I'll let you touch him!"

"Step aside! I haven't seen my family in years! If you get in my way, I'll kill you too!"

Jack watched with detached amusement, nudging Babanuki.

"Take note of anyone who earns their freedom today. And check their family situations. If their loved ones are already dead or too broken to be of use? Well… just kill them. No loose ends."

Babanuki gaped at Jack.

"Jack-sama, you weren't born on Fishman Island, were you? Feels more like you crawled out of the underworld…"

Smack! Jack's armored hand cracked against Babanuki's head.

"Idiot. You think I'll risk some revenge-driven idiot coming after us years down the line? Haven't you read any of those martial arts novels I gave you? Kill your enemies. All of them. That's the only rule. Got it?"

He grumbled, more to himself than anyone else.

"Kaido's too soft. Pirates? More like charity workers…"

Bingoro's muffled cries were drowned out by the sound of a knife sinking into his leg. One after another, prisoners stepped forward, their desperation outweighing their shame, each delivering a blow until Bingoro's body was riddled with wounds.

When the final prisoner stabbed his already unconscious body, Jack finally raised his hand.

"Enough! You've earned my respect. Now…"

He turned to the remaining, motionless prisoners, his grin turning savage.

"Here's your chance to prove yourselves. Kill Kaido's daughter, Yamato, and you'll all walk free."

With a swift kick, Jack shoved Yamato into the crowd. She stumbled, blinking in confusion, as Babanuki's face drained of color.

"Jack-sama! If Kaido finds out—"

Jack waved him off dismissively.

"He won't. Unless you talk. So don't."

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+140 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg