Chapter 17
Whoosh~
As Kai landed firmly on the deck, his eyes locked onto the Phantom still hovering motionless on the sea surface. In an instant, a flash of light shimmered across its surface—and the sleek red vehicle vanished completely, invisible to the naked eye!
Swish! Swish! Swish!
The moment Kai touched down, more than a dozen pirates surrounded him instantly—every one of them gripping weapons, staring warily. They didn't treat him like an ordinary kid. That explosive leap onto the deck was something none of them could replicate—except perhaps their captain, Harley Shu!
"Kid! Who the hell are you?"
Harley Shu narrowed his eyes at Kai's agile movements. A strange glint passed through them before he spoke arrogantly.
"Bounty hunter."
Surrounded by pirates, Kai's expression remained calm and composed as he answered flatly.
"What…?" "Bounty hunter…?" "We should run…"
The grunts immediately panicked and cried out in alarm!
"Shut up, all of you!"
Harley Shu roared furiously at his men's pathetic reaction. Then he turned back to Kai with genuine surprise.
"You're a bounty hunter? So you're here to capture me, huh?"
A wicked, mocking smile curled on Harley Shu's lips.
"Exactly."
Kai looked at him and gave a faint smile. His first real bounty target was finally right in front of him!
"Hahahaha…!"
Hearing the confirmation, Harley Shu threw his head back and laughed wildly—as if mocking Kai's audacity.
"With you? Hahaha! Kid, you should go home and drink your milk. Being a bounty hunter isn't a game—and capturing me, an 8-million-Berry pirate? Dream on!"
Harley Shu laughed even louder, clearly looking down on Kai.
"Haha… yeah, exactly…" "Go home and suck on a bottle, brat…"
The crew joined in the mockery, roaring with laughter at the absurdity.
"Seriously, why are there so many idiots in the One Piece world? Is this some kind of local specialty?"
Kai coldly scanned the sneering faces around him and sneered inwardly.
Clang~
He had no more patience for their nonsense. Wado Ichimonji flashed out of its sheath. With a burst of speed, Kai charged straight at Harley Shu!
"Hahaha… reckless brat! Kill him!"
Seeing Kai make the first move, Harley Shu laughed even harder—then his eyes turned vicious. Anyone who dared come for his head would receive no mercy!
"Yes, Captain!" "Got it!"
At Harley Shu's command, the pirates roared in unison and rushed Kai with every weapon they had!
"Hmph! Time to test my newly learned technique on you lot!"
Seeing the swarm of grunts charging, Kai snorted coldly. Sword energy instantly condensed along Wado Ichimonji. "Cleaver Sandstorm" erupted around him—whirlwinds spiraled up, kicking sand and wooden splinters from the deck into a blinding storm!
Clang! Clang! Clang…
A dense barrage of clashing steel rang out. Despite facing so many attackers alone, none of their strikes could touch Kai. He moved with effortless grace—parrying, dodging, and countering with lethal precision!
"You useless idiots! Can't even handle one kid?!"
Harley Shu roared in fury from above, shocked that Kai was completely untouched. He couldn't believe how easily the boy handled his entire crew!
Hearing their captain's insults, the pirates roared back in anger and attacked even harder—pouring every ounce of effort into bringing Kai down!
"Hmph! All of you—lie down!"
After adapting to the chaos of the melee, Kai let out a cold snort. Wado Ichimonji flashed repeatedly—each strike infused with sharp sword energy. One by one, the pirates fell—struck in vital but non-lethal spots. They collapsed screaming on the deck, clutching their wounds, blood soaking the planks!
Kai showed no fear or hesitation at the bloody scene. Three years ago, he had already accepted the brutal reality of this world. Spilling blood no longer fazed him!
"Damn it! Everyone—fall back!"
Seeing his men drop one after another while Kai remained completely unscathed, Harley Shu bellowed. He drew his massive greatsword and leaped down—slashing down at Kai with ferocious force!
Screech~
The moment he swung, sharp sword energy instantly coiled around his blade—tearing through the air toward Kai!
"Right on time!"
Kai's eyes lit up. Fighting fodder was meaningless—this was the real target. He gripped his sword with both hands and raised it in a powerful upward slash!
BOOM! Crack!
The clash rang out like thunder. The immense force shattered the deck beneath Kai's feet!
Bam! Bam! Bam!
Kai and Harley Shu locked into fierce combat—blades flashing, sword shadows dancing. Kai quickly realized Harley Shu was significantly stronger than Peidaku. Real pressure weighed on him now—he couldn't toy around like before. Sword techniques flowed from him one after another!
"Fangs!"
After another clash forced them apart, Harley Shu roared. His greatsword transformed into flashing, fang-like arcs—biting toward Kai at blinding speed!
Kai's heart pounded as the attack closed in. Instinctively, he raised his sword to block!
BOOM!
A massive impact. Kai was forced back several steps!
"Phew!"
He steadied himself, looking at Harley Shu with lingering shock and anger. That technique had nearly caught him off guard—he'd only reacted just in time!
"Hmph! Not bad, kid—you've got some skill! Let's see how many more you can block!"
Harley Shu sneered at Kai's successful defense and attacked again.
"Fangs!"
Swish~
The greatsword morphed into fangs once more—tearing toward Kai like lightning!
BOOM!
This time Kai clearly saw the trajectory. He blocked—but was still blasted backward!
"Great Fangs!"
Seeing Kai block again, Harley Shu roared even louder. His sword transformed into a massive, terrifying fang—slashing down with devastating power!
"Cleaver Sandstorm!"
Facing this overwhelming attack, Kai's heart jumped. Without hesitation, he unleashed "Cleaver Sandstorm"! Winds howled, kicking up sand to blind Harley Shu!
Splat!
Even so, Harley Shu's strike grazed Kai's shoulder—drawing a line of blood! It was the first injury Kai had taken since leaving Shimotsuki Island!
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