https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-996-Those-Who-Fear-the-Grand-Line/13540664/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-998-If-You-Don-t-Beat-Him-Until-It-Hurts-How-Will-He-Understand-Pain-/13540692/
Chapter 997: Dance, and I'll Spare This Island
Chapter 997: Dance, and I’ll Spare This Island
Santa Cruz Island was one of the larger islands near the Xipilian Kingdom, home to two towns and among the territories conquered by Dressrosa. Just like other regions ravaged by pirates, Wilbur had arrived here to handle post-conflict restoration.
However, his responsibilities extended beyond cleanup. The branch he established in the Kolf Kingdom was struggling to recruit enough Navy personnel—Kolf had only recently restored order after massive casualties, and as a former pirate and slave nation, few citizens were eager to join naval ranks. To compensate, Wilbur had to seek recruits from other islands. Additionally, he was tasked with spreading Justice Faith, a doctrine adapted from Magellan’s Justice’s Words, which had already drawn significant interest.
Under normal circumstances, these recruits would return to Kolf’s Marine Base for training.
Unfortunately, Vice Admiral Klah had warned of an incoming pirate attack. True to the warning, pirates now disrupted Wilbur’s plans.
At the port, Wilbur led a thousand-strong "Dougleg Navy Unit" against the pirate assault. However, this force wasn’t purely Dougleg-trained—many were replacements from Wilbur’s former G-3 division, compensating for losses suffered during Bartholomew’s earlier invasion.
"Tenfold! Keep firing!!" Wilbur bellowed, raising his pistol as bullets roared from the muzzles of muskets.
Boom! Boom! Boom!!
Amplified tenfold, bullets transformed into cannonballs, and cannonballs swelled into even larger projectiles, sinking the pirate ship attempting to approach the port.
"Third ship down!"
Wilbur’s expression remained grim as he watched the wreckage. The attackers were the Unicorn Pirate Group—they had to be stopped.
"Vice Admiral!" a Navy officer shouted. "Another pirate ship is approaching!"
"I see it!" Wilbur growled. "Hold this position! This island only has one land access point—the rest are reefs or cliffs. Defend here, and we’ll drive them back! Fire!!"
Even the Unicorn Pirate Group had limits. After sustaining heavy losses, they’d retreat eventually—after all, they were just pirates!
Pew! Pew! Pew!!
Bullets and cannonballs rained down on the approaching vessel. However, this ship differed from the previous three. Larger and more menacing, its black sails bore a skull with mounted cannons alongside the unicorn insignia.
As amplified projectiles tore toward it, a sudden spark erupted from its deck. With a deafening boom, the bullets and cannonballs exploded midair, shrouding the ship in smoke.
Wilbur’s pupils narrowed. "Watch out! They’ve got strong fighters onboard!"
Before he finished speaking, a wisp-like figure shot from the smoke at blinding speed.
"Fire!!"
Wilbur aimed his pistol at the incoming figure while seasoned Navy veterans—both former G-3 soldiers and cloned Dougleg troops—reacted instantly. Their synchronized firepower, amplified tenfold, ripped through the air.
Yet the figure countered with another blinding spark, shattering the incoming barrage in midair. Explosions lit the sky.
Thud! Thud!
Two golden, spindle-shaped bullets clattered at Wilbur’s feet. He stared at them, startled, just as the smoke erupted again. A missile-like figure crashed down, slamming into the ground before Wilbur’s group.
Boom!!!
A shockwave erupted, sending Wilbur and his Navy flying. Buildings trembled, and the port cracked under the force, shrouded in smoke and dust.
"Cough! Cough cough!!"
Wilbur spat blood, rising to see a man with a pale crew cut and a diamond-shaped head grinning maniacally. His smile stretched wide, revealing gleaming teeth that nearly split his face.
Clad in Wano Country’s traditional martial arts attire—sleeveless, with upturned shoulder guards and split-toed socks—his right arm bore a mechanical gauntlet. Three small cannons lined his forearm, and the fist-sized shield on his knuckles had multiple apertures.
"Mechanical Fist Liu Sheng Shi Hu!" Wilbur spat.
This pirate was infamous in the New World.
Behind him, the pirate ship docked. Crewmates leapt ashore, flanking their leader.
"Didn’t expect to meet Navy here, and you sank three of my ships. I’m upset", Liu Sheng Shi Hu sneered.
"Captain, you’re laughing! You’re laughing!" the pirates yelled.
"Am I? I’m smiling?"
Liu Sheng Shi Hu pulled out a mirror, examined his grin, and roared, "I’m furious!"
"You look really happy!" the pirates shouted back.
"Shut up! I laugh when I rage, and I rage when I laugh!"
He silenced them, still grinning at Wilbur, who now stood.
"Sinking three of my ships—so you’re not some nobodies. Retreat now, and maybe you’ll gather strength to counterattack someday. But you won’t live to see that day—we’re the Unicorn Pirate Group!"
"Like hell!"
Wilbur gritted his teeth. The Navy rallied around him, regaining formation.
"There are civilians to protect on this island. Navy doesn’t retreat. I’m arresting you, Liu Sheng Shi Hu!"
Liu Sheng Shi Hu raised his arm, the cannons locking on. His grin never wavered. "How fun. If you won’t retreat… you’ll die."
As he aimed, Wilbur and the Navy opened fire.
Tenfold bullets transformed into cannonballs, a black swarm of destruction.
Liu Sheng Shi Hu’s grin widened. Sparks erupted from his cannons.
Rat-a-tat-tat!
Golden bullets tore through the air, shattering the amplified projectiles in midair, triggering a chain of explosions.
"Your weapons are pathetic!"
Amid the detonations, Liu Sheng Shi Hu lunged forward. His gauntleted fist dispersed the shockwave, sending Navy soldiers flying. He appeared before Wilbur, driving a knee into his abdomen. The blow sent Wilbur airborne, coughing blood.
Smack!
Liu Sheng Shi Hu’s fist slammed downward, slamming Wilbur into the ground, leaving a deep crater.
"Boring!"
Still grinning, he extended his arm, preparing to finish them—when he suddenly froze, tilting his head upward.
Pew!
A bullet whistled past his jaw, soaring into the sky.
Wilbur, gasping in the crater, gripped his pistol, glaring at Liu Sheng Shi Hu.
"You’re still alive?" Liu Sheng Shi Hu sneered.
"Navy isn’t as fragile as you think!" Wilbur roared.
"Hm. You’re defending this island… so you’re protecting these people?"
Liu Sheng Shi Hu’s eyes gleamed mischievously. "Let’s play a game, then!"
"Here we go again…"
The pirates, poised to charge, halted.
"Another one of his stupid games…"
"No point arguing. The captain’s word is law."
Weapons lowered, the pirates waited.
Liu Sheng Shi Hu grinned at Wilbur. "You can’t beat me. But I’ll give you a chance. You want to protect this island and its people? Fine. Dance. Half a day. Perform a slapstick dance. Make me laugh, and I’ll leave this island. Simple!"
(End of Chapter)
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