The Strongest Lunarian in One Piece

Chapter 289: Chapter 289: Chinjao The Drill, the recruitment for Shichibukai



"What?"

In the West Blue, near the mainland of the Kano Country, stood a smaller island. This island served as the headquarters of the infamous and longstanding pirate force—the Happo Navy.

"You're telling me the World Government wants to invite me to become one of their 'Shichibukai'?"

By the coast, a burly man with a sharp conical head, standing tall and brimming with confidence at the age of twenty-eight, was none other than Chinjao the Drill, the current leader of the Happo Navy. He chuckled as he patted his conical head.

Facing Vice Admiral Sengoku, who had just disembarked from a Marine warship and approached under a banner of peace, Chinjao asked skeptically, "Are you serious about this?"

"I am."

Sengoku stood firm, addressing the rising star of the West Blue with a serious expression. "As a Marine, I'm not a fan of this policy myself. However, it's a direct order from the higher-ups, and my duty is to see it through."

"Everyone knows about the connection between the Happo Navy and the Kano Country's government. It's no secret, even if it isn't explicitly acknowledged."

Sengoku's voice grew heavy.

"This new 'Shichibukai' system the World Government is establishing aims to bring pirates like you under control. You, Chinjao the Drill, are the first pirate to be invited. This is a recognition of your strength and the power of the Happo Navy."

The Kano Country, as a member nation of the World Government, had long struggled to balance its payment of the Heavenly Tribute with its desire not to overburden its citizens. To ease this strain, the country created eight pirate navies to raid foreign merchant ships under the guise of piracy.

Officially, these eight pirate forces were "outlaws," even listed as wanted criminals. In reality, however, everyone knew they were secretly supported by the Kano Country's government.

The Happo Navy was one of these eight forces.

Protected by the Kano Country's status as a member nation, the Happo Navy operated with near-impunity. Although the Marines occasionally captured some of their leaders, new ones would quickly rise to replace them, ensuring the group's continuity.

Recently, the Happo Navy had gained further notoriety thanks to its new leader, Chinjao the Drill, whose natural conical head, combined with the Happo Navy's signature martial art, Hasshoken, made him a nearly unstoppable force.

His fame had grown rapidly, and he had become a major problem for the Marines in the West Blue, prompting the World Government to take notice and extend the Shichibukai invitation.

"What a joke!"

Chinjao, brimming with youthful vigor and arrogance, dismissed the offer outright.

"You think I, a pirate, would accept some nonsense 'amnesty' from the World Government?"

"To become one of their Shichibukai and take orders from them?"

He sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Do you think I want to become the laughingstock of my peers? Where's my dignity in that?"

Even after Sengoku outlined the generous benefits—immunity from prosecution for past crimes, legal piracy under the World Government's banner, special privileges, and the ability to make reasonable demands—Chinjao was unmoved.

"I'm not stupid enough to become a lapdog for the World Government!"

He spat on the ground for emphasis.

"If I joined the Shichibukai, every pirate out there would laugh at us. Even the rival navies in the Kano Country would mock us as spineless cowards. How could I ever hold my head high after that?"

Sengoku's expression remained calm, though his tone carried a hint of warning.

"Chinjao, leader of the Happo Navy, I urge you to reconsider carefully before rejecting the World Government's goodwill."

"Are you threatening me?"

From a high platform, Chinjao the Drill, the leader of the Happo Navy, glared down coldly at Vice Admiral Sengoku, who stood below in the grand hall.

"Hey, Captain Chinjao, why waste time talking to them?"

"These Marines are worth a hefty bounty. Let's take them out!"

"Yeah, wipe them out and cash in with the Hell Trading Company!"

The surrounding pirates of the Happo Navy erupted into cruel laughter, gripping their weapons—swords, spears, and guns—with greedy eyes fixed on the Marines.

Meanwhile, the Marines on the nearby warship, now surrounded by pirate ships, braced themselves. Even the officers accompanying Sengoku tensed up, gripping their weapons and preparing for the worst.

"This isn't a threat; it's a piece of friendly advice," Sengoku replied coolly, ignoring the jeers and hostile stares from the pirates.

Looking directly at the formidable and bloodthirsty Chinjao, Sengoku's calm demeanor never wavered.

"Damn it! A mere Marine dares to be this arrogant!"

Chinjao's eyes narrowed with fury.

With a powerful stomp, he launched himself high into the air. Mid-air, his towering figure flipped upside down, and he clasped his palms together. His sharp, conical head, now coated in black Haki, glistened like polished obsidian as it descended with the force of a meteor.

"You want me to join the Shichibukai? Fine. Beat me first!"

With a roar, Chinjao unleashed his move.

"Hasshoken Secret Art: Drill Head!"

"Humm~~ Humm~~"

A serene hum filled the air as a blinding golden light illuminated the battlefield. Under the stunned gazes of the Happo Navy pirates, a massive, radiant Golden Buddha appeared, standing tall and unyielding.

"Then let's settle this with fists," Sengoku declared, his golden form emanating a powerful aura.

The shimmering golden Buddha, as if embodying wrathful justice, clenched a massive fist coated in Haki and swung it directly toward Chinjao's descending drill head.

"BOOM!"

A deafening explosion shook the ground as their attacks collided, sending shockwaves rolling across the battlefield.

"Crack... BOOM!"

The air split with streaks of black and red lightning, a telltale sign of Conqueror's Haki clashing. The sea churned violently as massive waves crashed against the shore. Nearby, both the Marine warship and the pirate vessels rocked precariously.

"That's...!"

"A clash of Conqueror's Haki!"

"That damned Chinjao..."

"And Sengoku... he has the qualifications of a king too?"

Both pirates and Marines alike were left in shock, watching the intense standoff between the two powerful figures. Weaker individuals—pirates and Marines alike—collapsed on the spot, foam spilling from their mouths as they fainted from the overwhelming pressure. Even those standing close were hurled back like paper dolls, unable to withstand the sheer force of the collision.

"Damn it... So he's not only a Zoan Mythical Beast user but also has Conqueror's Haki?"

Chinjao staggered back, his feet digging into the ground as he managed to steady himself. His conical head throbbed from the impact. Facing the towering golden Buddha, his gaze sharpened, though he showed no sign of backing down.

"Chinjao, I suggest you reconsider and take this offer peacefully," Sengoku said, his massive golden form exuding authority. "Otherwise, you'll regret it."

"Spare me your nonsense! A mere Zoan user isn't enough to intimidate me. My drill head is unmatched!"

Chinjao clasped his hands together and launched himself forward again.

"Let's see if your precious golden form can withstand this!"

Coated in Haki, his head radiated a dangerous aura, sending ripples through the air as he hurtled forward like a rocket.

"Hasshoken Secret Art: Drill Dragon Nail!"

"Foolish and stubborn. You've brought this upon yourself... Buddha Impact!"

Sengoku's eyes turned cold as he unleashed a massive, concentrated shockwave from his golden palm.

"BOOM! BOOM!"

The impact reverberated through the battlefield, shaking the earth and sea alike.

"Crack... BOOM!"

~~~

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