The greater the power, the greater the responsibility.
If he didn't ascend to that highest throne, he would be doing a disservice to the System he had awakened.
With his current strength, aside from Im hiding within the World Government, no one else was worth fearing.
However, he knew very little about Im—practically nothing about her strength or abilities.
This was what Reynolds was most wary of.
He didn't fear a strong opponent; he feared an opponent whose strength was unknown.
Thinking of something, Reynolds suddenly extended his right hand. A wisp of dark red lightning darted frantically across his palm.
In the circle of the strong, everyone knew that Haki was the only power that reigned supreme over all others in this world.
But until now, no one knew what Haki looked like when cultivated to its absolute limit.
Based on Reynolds' current knowledge:
Observation Haki: The limit is Future Sight (seeing the future). Hearing the Voice of All Things is innate and cannot be learned.
Armament Haki: The limit is Emission and Internal Destruction—essentially just variations in range and intensity. Garp was the representative figure of this.
Conqueror's Haki: Beyond infusion (coating), the more advanced application is "Future Sight Killing" (Observation Killing), which disrupts the opponent's senses.
Aside from these, Reynolds remembered from the original story that Joy Boy had stored his Haki inside the Ancient Robot. Even after hundreds of years, it could still unleash powerful force.
Could that be the highest level of Conqueror's Haki?!
"Truly ridiculous. To think such a technique exists."
Reynolds looked at the restless dark red lightning in his palm with a wry smile.
It seemed his Conqueror's Haki still had plenty of room for improvement.
Decades could pass quickly or slowly.
He had to elevate his Conqueror's Haki to that stage to have a 100% certainty of defeating Im.
Thinking of this, Reynolds clenched his fist abruptly. The dark red lightning exploded and dissipated into nothingness.
"Brother, what happened?"
Linlin walked over and sat naturally on Reynolds' lap, asking with concern.
"Nothing."
Reynolds wrapped his arm familiarly around Linlin's slender waist and spoke slowly:
"How is the matter I asked you to handle going?"
"Jace, Black Shadow, Hajrudin—I've contacted all of them. They will pay special attention to the people you mentioned."
"If they find those guys, they will capture them immediately and send them over," Linlin reported truthfully.
"Brother, who are these people you're looking for?"
Having lived with Reynolds for so long, sometimes his actions really baffled her.
For instance, this time, Reynolds asked Jace and the others to execute their missions while also searching for people named Mihawk, Crocodile, and Yasopp.
She had never even heard of these names.
"You'll know in the future."
Reynolds deliberately kept her in suspense.
He had decided that while Jace, Flame Flower, and the others were on secret missions, he would elevate his Conqueror's Haki to the highest level.
This meant he needed a massive amount of Voyage Points.
He had already given orders to not only find those future powerhouses of the sea but also to scour the ocean for Devil Fruits—the more, the better.
He would pursue every method to obtain Voyage Points simultaneously.
Gain more points, level up his Conqueror's Haki, and strive to reach Joy Boy's level in the shortest time possible.
Seeing that Reynolds had no intention of explaining, a dissatisfied Linlin pouted and turned her head away angrily.
"By the way, how is Rupert doing? Isn't it time to test the Black Lion-Tiger these days?!"
Hearing Reynolds bring up serious business, Linlin put away her temper and spoke seriously:
"It should be in the next few days. They've already built 100 Black Lion-Tigers. They plan to test them in five batches of 20."
"The test subjects have also been selected: pirates in the South Blue—three small pirate crews and two medium-sized ones."
"Rupert will record the data and observe the flaws and deficiencies of the Black Lion-Tigers in combat, then make a series of adjustments."
Watching Linlin report earnestly, Reynolds felt a momentary trance.
Previously, these were all Roger's responsibilities.
Ever since Roger and Jace went to the Grand Line for their mission, everything had fallen on Linlin's shoulders.
Originally, Linlin had been very resistant to these tasks. But until now, she had never complained in front of him.
"Brother, what are you thinking about?!"
Seeing Reynolds dazed, Linlin raised her voice slightly.
"I got it. Tell Rupert to notify me before the test starts. I want to watch their first battle via video Den Den Mushi."
The mechanical army was the cornerstone of Reynolds' future rule over the sea; there could be no mistakes.
"I'll contact him right away."
"Ah!!!"
Suddenly picked up by Reynolds, Linlin let out a subconscious scream.
"Brother, what... what are you doing?!"
No way?!
Didn't they just "explore and learn" an hour ago?!
Was her brother in the mood again so soon?
"No rush for that. Let me compensate you first."Reynolds wore a mischievous smirk as he carried Linlin toward the bedroom.
"Compensate me? What do you mean? Did you do something to wrong me?!"
"No, how is that possible?"
"Really?!"
"Really!"
"That's good then."
...
...
Three days later.
South Blue, in an unnamed sea region.
Two pirate ships flying the same flag sat quietly on the calm surface of the sea. Without wind or waves, the ships remained almost perfectly still.
On the deck of one of the ships, dozens of pirates were busy with their respective tasks. Some prepared video Den Den Mushi, others handled intelligence, and some were ready to record data...
"Is everything ready?!"
At the bow of the ship, Rupert, wearing a Hannya mask and having long since disguised his appearance, spoke slowly.
"Don't worry, Boss. Everything is ready."
"According to our calculations, the Violent Bear Pirates should be arriving here any minute."
A pirate subordinate in charge of intelligence put down a Den Den Mushi and reported the latest news.
The Violent Bear Pirates were a tiny pirate crew in the South Blue. The entire crew consisted of twenty-something people. The strongest among them, Captain "Violent Bear," only possessed the strength of a Marine Lieutenant Commander.
As for the others, their strength varied, but they were basically all weaklings.
"Got it." Rupert nodded slightly.
"Boss, is the visual clear?!"
"It's clear. You may proceed," Reynolds' voice rang out from the other end of the Den Den Mushi.
Seeing that everything was in place, Rupert turned his gaze to the deck of the other ship.
His eyes instantly burned with fervor.
Looking over, twenty "Black Lion-Tigers" were lined up neatly on the deck. Standing seven meters tall, they exuded a heavy mechanical aura, their bodies pitch black.
As the sunlight hit their tiger-like frames, they reflected a dark, metallic sheen.
This was the first version of the Black Lion-Tiger.
It was the result of several years of Rupert's hard work and mental exhaustion, a creation into which he had poured his heart and soul.
He was more excited than anyone for the Black Lion-Tigers' first operation.
The Boss had placed high hopes on him. For Rupert, this test could only succeed; failure was not an option!
At this moment, the eyes of the Black Lion-Tigers were dim, like lifeless objects. But just getting close to them, one could feel a chilling, murderous aura washing over them.
Inside the chest cavity of each machine, a specially trained operator was stationed to control the beast.
"Boss, they're here!"
A lookout pointed ahead and shouted.
The Violent Bear Pirates, their chosen target, had entered their hunting range.
"Commence operation!"
At Rupert's command, the ship carrying the Black Lion-Tigers began to move slowly, heading toward the Violent Bear Pirates' ship.
...
Meanwhile.
On the deck of the Violent Bear Pirates' ship.
Today, everyone, including Violent Bear himself, was exceptionally happy. They had just consumed a rival pirate crew, the "Silver Wolf." Not only had they killed all their enemies, but they had also looted a significant amount of treasure from the enemy ship—enough to cover their expenses for quite a while.
"Bwahahaha... That Silver Wolf guy didn't know his place. Daring to go against the Boss, he deserved to die!"
"That's right! Our Boss Violent Bear is the strongest!"
"Alright, brothers, I'm not as amazing as you say."
Violent Bear waved his hand dismissively, but the grin stretching to his ears betrayed his true feelings.
"Boss, don't be so humble. In our hearts, you are that amazing."
"Well, since you put it that way, I have to admit it. That's right, I am..."
"Boss! We have a situation!!"
Just as Violent Bear was about to pick up the conversation and brag a little more, the pirate in charge of guarding the ship sounded the alarm.
Violent Bear wiped the smile off his face instantly. His aura surged, making him look like a completely different person from a moment ago.
The others quickly noticed something was wrong.
"Boss, it looks like they're coming for us." A pirate squinted his eyes, subconsciously drawing the long sword at his waist.
In such a vast sea, for the other ship to approach them so directly, it was no coincidence.
They had clearly been targeted.
"Hehehehe... Looks like someone wants to make a move on us. Boys, get ready for battle!"
"Aye, Boss!"
The pirates grabbed their weapons and manned the cannons.
They hadn't been pirates for just a day or two; dog-eat-dog situations were common. But if the enemy wanted to chew on this hard bone, it wouldn't be that easy.
"Brothers, fire! Sink their ship!!"
"Hahahaha... Dare to look for trouble with the Violent Bear Pirates? Taste my cannonballs!!"
A pirate with a savage expression lit the fuse without hesitation.
Boom!
Boom!
The five heavy cannons on the ship roared in unison. Muzzles flashed with fire as five pitch-black cannonballs shot out instantly, hurtling toward the massive pirate ship opposite them.
"Destroy them!"
On the deck, the Den Den Mushi resembling Rupert issued the command.
The twenty Black Lion-Tigers, originally still and lifeless, suddenly lit up with crimson eyes.
Under the control of the internal operators, the small cannons mounted on the shoulders of five Black Lion-Tigers aimed in unison at the five incoming cannonballs in the air.
"Fire!!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Ten shots rang out simultaneously. The dark shells, trailing fire, intercepted the incoming cannonballs, detonating them directly in mid-air.
"What are those things?!"
Seeing those iron giants, several meters tall, actually moving, Violent Bear's expression changed slightly. The situation seemed a bit off.
"Brothers, don't be careless. The enemy is not friendly."
As he spoke, he gripped his long sword tighter, his nerves taut.
For some reason, he suddenly had an ominous premonition.
"Where did these guys come from?" "We didn't even..."
Thud!
Thud!
Before the words could be finished, heavy stomping sounds were heard.
Ten Black Lion-Tigers, transformed into their Beast Forms, leaped into the air.
The operators skillfully manipulated the control panels, pressing buttons to transmit signals and control the Black Lion-Tigers' movements.
In mid-air, the Black Lion-Tigers opened their massive maws, the long heavy cannons on their backs swiveling as they hunched over like predators hunting prey.
"What are these guys doing?!" "Holy shit! What the hell are these things??"
The pirates gripped their swords and spears, panic setting in.
Leaving everything else aside, just the sheer size of seven meters, the glowing crimson eyes, and the heavy weaponry on their bodies were enough to terrify them.
"Ready... Fire!!"
Receiving the command, the operators pressed the green buttons simultaneously.
Ten beast-form Black Tigers aimed the heavy cannons on their shoulders and the gun barrels in their mouths at the pirates on the deck.
"Hey, hey, hey! Let's talk this out!!!"
His eyelids twitching violently, Violent Bear stepped forward, adopting a friendly posture and forcing a smile uglier than a crying face.
However, no one paid him any attention.
The fire button was pressed!
In the next second.
Rat-a-tat-tat!
Rat-a-tat-tat!
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Whoosh! Whoosh!
A dense barrage of gunfire and cannon fire erupted. Muzzles flashed with light simultaneously.
Cannonballs nearly 30 centimeters in diameter and high-caliber bullets tore through the air, drilling into the crowd of pirates like a violent storm.
"Holy shit! You have no martial ethics!!" "We never offended you!" "This firepower suppression... Run!!" "Bastards! Ahhh!!!" "Boss, save me!!"
"..."
Curdling screams, accompanied by sprays of blood, gradually filled the entire deck.
Under the suppressive fire, the pirate underlings were instantly slaughtered. Some had their heads blown apart by bullets, while others were torn to shreds by explosions.Some were blasted into a pile of flesh and skin fragments by the cannonballs.
These were the lucky ones who died quickly.
Others had their thighs or shoulders pierced by bullets, or half their bodies blown away, but were still alive.
One by one, they let out agonizing screams.
But soon, these screams were drowned out by the roar of cannon fire, dissipating into nothingness.
In less than a few breaths, everyone except Captain Violent Bear lay dead in pools of blood.
After one round of artillery fire, ten Black Lion-Tigers landed precisely on the opponent's deck.
They then shifted forms, transforming back into humanoid Black Lion-Tigers.
Clang.
Covered in blood, Violent Bear swung his dual blades, slicing the last bullet in half.
Looking at the ten Black Lion-Tigers in front of him with dread, his legs were so shaky he could barely stand.
It was terrifying!
Simply too terrifying!
He had never seen anything like this before. In just a few breaths, more than twenty of his men were dead.
They couldn't defend against it at all!
Those who could block bullets couldn't block cannon fire.
Glancing around, his subordinates were all mutilated, their bodies riddled with bullet holes. Some had exploded directly into a mist of blood—a sight that was nauseating to behold.
Violent Bear's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. He was certain he had never offended these guys.
He didn't even know them.
Why? Why was this happening?!
What exactly did he do wrong?!
Was being a pirate a sin?!
Did pirates deserve to be slaughtered so ruthlessly?!
"Who the hell are you bastards?!"
"You killed so many of my men! I'll fight you to the death!!"
Knowing he had no way out, Violent Bear stopped retreating and charged forward with his dual blades.
"Send one up to fight him!"
Inside the cabin, another command was issued.
One Black Lion-Tiger stepped forward, its hands reaching to its waist to draw two long swords.
"Die!!!"
The Black Lion-Tiger uttered a cold, metallic voice as it charged at Violent Bear.
"Damn it! You killed so many of my brothers! The one dying is you!!"
Enraged beyond measure, Violent Bear roared, slashing his right hand viciously forward.
Slash!
A flying slash several meters long shot out, striking the Black Lion-Tiger directly on the chest. However, it only left a faint scratch on the chest armor, failing to penetrate the Black Lion-Tiger's defensive shell.
Blocked for only an instant, the Black Lion-Tiger charged at Violent Bear again.
"Defense isn't bad."
On the other end of the video Den Den Mushi.
Reynolds, enjoying a massage from Linlin, nodded with great satisfaction.
Although Violent Bear only had the strength of a Marine Lieutenant Commander, that strike was basically his full power, yet it couldn't break the Black Lion-Tiger's defense.
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ONEPIECE My Crewmates Are All God-Tier! (222 Chapter– Full)
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