Rocks Band: I have 48 Imperial Arms.

427 “Okay, we surrender,” John said. “We don’t want to fight anymore.”

“Very good, you made the right choice,” Locke said. “Now, lay down your weapons and leave this place with me.”

The pirates obeyed Locke's orders, laid down their weapons, and followed him out of the area. Locke led them through pirate territory and finally brought them to a safe place.

"You can start a new life now," Locke said to the pirates. "Stop doing those dangerous things, live well, and enjoy life."

“Thank you, Locke,” John said. “We will remember you.”

Chapter 326: The True King of This Sea!

Locke nodded and was about to leave when a powerful pressure suddenly rushed towards him from afar. He turned around and saw a man in a white naval uniform slowly walking towards him; it was none other than Admiral Aokiji.

Aokiji looked at Locke with a cold smile and said, "Locke, I've heard you're incredibly strong and have defeated countless enemies. However, as a pirate, you're also an enemy of our navy. Today, I will capture you and fight for justice."

Locke frowned and replied, "Admiral Aokiji, you are indeed a formidable opponent, but I will never admit defeat easily. Let us prove with our strength who is the true king of this sea."

Aokiji smiled slightly and said, "In that case, let me see just how strong you really are."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Aokiji launched his attack. He waved his hands, and icy cold air quickly spread around him, attempting to freeze Locke. However, Locke was not greatly affected; he gathered his dark power and instantly dissipated Aokiji's cold air.

Locke retorted, "General Aokiji, your strength is indeed remarkable, but I will not be easily defeated by you. Now, let's continue our battle!"

Then, the two engaged in an earth-shattering battle. Locke and Aokiji were evenly matched, and they continuously released powerful energy waves during the fight, making the surrounding air scorching hot.

"Locke, your strength surprises me!" Aokiji gasped, "but I will not let you escape!"

Locke gritted his teeth and replied, "General Aokiji, you're no less formidable. But I've made up my mind that I must win this battle no matter what!"

A resolute glint flashed in Aokiji's eyes as he continued to unleash his icy power, attempting to freeze Locke. However, Locke was still able to deflect Aokiji's attacks, and the two were locked in a stalemate.

After a fierce battle, both Locke and Aokiji were exhausted. Locke struggled to support himself and said in a hoarse voice, "General Aokiji, we have been fighting for a long time. Perhaps we can stop and have a proper talk."

Aokiji was panting, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Locke, what do you mean by that?"

Locke smiled wearily: "Admiral Aokiji, I know you fight for justice. However, have you ever considered that the world is not simply black and white? Even though I am a pirate, I have my own beliefs. Today, I want to prove to you that we can also be partners in justice."

Aokiji was silent for a moment before finally saying, "I understand what you mean. Our battle is not just about winning or losing, but also about seeking understanding and respect."

Both were panting, their bodies covered in wounds, but their eyes revealed a new understanding and respect. Just then, a beam of light streaked across the sky. They looked up and saw a shooting star streaking across the night, dazzling and beautiful.

Locke smiled and said to Aokiji, "Admiral Aokiji, let us take this shooting star as our witness. From now on, on this vast sea, although we are of different statuses, we can become rivals who understand and respect each other."

Aokiji nodded slightly and replied, "Locke, I agree. From now on, we will fight in a fairer manner. Now, I will let you leave; you can continue to pursue your beliefs and adventures."

Chapter 327: Devouring the Sky Rift!

After his battle with Aokiji, a new power surged within Locke. He began in-depth research into the Dark-Dark Fruit, hoping to develop more power to meet future challenges.

Locke found a secluded island and began his secluded cultivation. During this time, he kept in touch with his companions, sharing their gains in the cultivation process.

During his first month of secluded training, Locke began to grasp the mysteries of the Dark-Dark Fruit. Throughout this process, he constantly shared his discoveries with his companions.

Locke's friend, researcher Amy, provided him with some important information about the Dark-Dark Fruit. Amy told Locke that the Dark-Dark Fruit could not only devour everything, but also convert the energy it devoured into its own power. This intrigued Locke, and he began to try out this new ability.

After countless experiments, Locke finally mastered the method of converting the energy he absorbed into his own power. He discovered that when he combined the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit with his Imperial Arms, he could generate even more powerful attacks.

After a month of secluded training, Locke's understanding of the Dark-Dark Fruit deepened, and new powers gradually emerged. He began to crave testing his strength and decided to seek out Shanks, one of the Four Emperors.

After discussing with his companions, Locke embarked on his journey to the island where Shanks resided. After a long voyage, Locke finally arrived at his destination. The pirates on the island were overjoyed to see Locke. Shanks, however, stood calmly before them, his unique aura filling Locke with respect.

Locke challenged Shanks, who smiled and accepted. The two arrived at an open area on the island, ready for a fierce battle.

Locke: "Senior Shanks, I've come to you to test my strength. Please don't hold back!"

Shanks: "Very well, young man, your courage is commendable. Let's have a good fight (chag)!"

The pirates watched with anticipation. The battle began, and Locke immediately displayed the new abilities he had mastered during his secluded training. He combined the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit with his Imperial Arms, unleashing a powerful attack. Shanks countered with his unparalleled swordsmanship and strength.

Locke: "Devour the Sky!" Locke clasped his hands together, the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit gathering in his palms, then released a black beam of light that slashed towards Shanks. Wherever this beam of light passed, the air seemed to be torn apart.

A flicker of surprise crossed Shanks' eyes, but he remained calm. He swung his sword, slicing the black beam into pieces. Then, Shanks charged towards Locke, his blade aimed at Locke's chest.

Realizing the power of the attack, Locke hastily used the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit to instantly teleport himself to another location. Shanks' sword was now just air, but he showed no hesitation and turned to face the teleported Locke.

Shanks: "Locke, your abilities are indeed strong, but you still underestimate my strength. Come on, attack me again!"

Locke gritted his teeth, knowing this was a rare opportunity he couldn't afford to miss. He once again gathered the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit, simultaneously unleashing his Imperial Arm into the battle, hoping to turn the tide. Shanks, meanwhile, frowned slightly, sensing the powerful aura emanating from Locke, knowing he couldn't afford to be careless either.

Chapter 328: Carlos Buck, the Sun Goddess!

"Alright, let's continue the fight!" Shanks said, forming hand seals and releasing a powerful burst of fire energy. Locke was not to be outdone, condensing his Dark-Dark Fruit energy to its limit, and a surge of dark energy erupted from his hands.

Two powerful energies collided in mid-air, unleashing a deafening roar.

The battle intensified, with Locke and Shanks displaying their most powerful attack methods, coordinating their attacks against each other.

Time passed second by second, and the battle became more and more intense.

Finally, Locke gritted his teeth and, with the help of his Imperial Arm, delivered a fatal blow. Shanks could no longer hold on and collapsed to the ground.

Locke, panting heavily, relaxed. This battle had given him a better understanding of his own strength and abilities. He knew he still had many areas to improve, but this victory gave him more confidence to face future challenges.

Locke gritted his teeth; he knew this was a rare opportunity that he couldn't afford to miss.

He once again gathered the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit and also threw his Imperial Arms into the battle, hoping to turn the tide.

Shanks frowned slightly, sensing the powerful aura emanating from Locke, and knew that he could not let his guard down either.

"Alright, let's continue the fight!" Shanks said, forming hand seals and releasing a powerful burst of fire energy. Locke was not to be outdone, condensing his Dark-Dark Fruit energy to its limit, and a surge of dark energy erupted from his hands.

Two powerful energies collided in mid-air, unleashing a deafening roar. The battle intensified, with Locke and Shanks displaying their most powerful offensive techniques, coordinating their attacks against each other.

Time passed second by second, and the battle became increasingly intense.

Finally, Locke gritted his teeth and, with the help of his Imperial Arm, delivered a fatal blow. Shanks could no longer hold on and collapsed to the ground. Locke, panting heavily, relaxed. This battle had given him a deeper understanding of his own strength and abilities.

He knows he still has a lot to improve, but this victory gives him more confidence to face future challenges.

Continuing from the above, write another 5000 words. The protagonist is Locke, and this is a One Piece anime. Next, Locke will provoke Big Mom, and the two will fight. The battle is very detailed and exciting, interspersed with various dialogues.

·· ······Requesting 0 flowers ······

Locke walked steadily ahead, facing Carlos Buck, the sun goddess known as the "Phoenix." His eyes were resolute, and he exuded a powerful aura.

The woman sneered, "Kid, you're still not strong enough. It's not too late to regret it now."

Locke remained expressionless, quietly awaiting Big Mom's attack. Big Mom, however, did not immediately strike; instead, she released an invisible pressure that made the surrounding air feel heavy.

Locke felt the pressure, but he did not back down. Instead, he gritted his teeth and took a step forward.

"Hmph, commendable courage, but unfortunately not strong enough." After saying that, the old woman rushed towards Locke, wielding a huge hammer.

Locke showed no weakness, clenching his fists and gathering a surge of dark energy.

The two attacks were launched almost simultaneously, and the two powerful energies collided in mid-air, producing a deafening roar.

Chapter 329: Kaido: You're asking for death!

The battle reached its climax, with Big Mom relentlessly swinging her giant hammer at Locke. Locke, however, used his agility and dexterity to dodge Big Mom's attacks while simultaneously launching his own.

The two figures clashed in mid-air, their attacks and defenses shifting in a dazzling display. Locke relentlessly provoked Big Mom, trying to force her into a weakness, while Big Mom used her strength and skill to try and defeat Locke.

“427.” “Kid, you’re such a nuisance.” After the old woman finished speaking, her aura intensified once again, and the surrounding air became distorted.

Locke's gaze was resolute, and he refused to back down. He concentrated his energy to its limit, and a dark aura surged from his hand. The two powerful energies collided in mid-air, unleashing a deafening roar that shook the entire island.

Ultimately, their attacks collided simultaneously, causing a massive explosion. When the smoke cleared, Locke and Big Mom lay exhausted on the ground.

"Kid, you're actually pretty good," the old woman said breathlessly, "but I'm still going to beat you."

“You’re too naive,” Locke sneered. “I’m not so easily defeated.”

He stared at the old woman, his eyes filled with fighting spirit. The old woman was not to be outdone; she slowly stood up, still gripping the giant hammer tightly in her hand.

“Let’s keep fighting,” the woman said.

“No problem.” Locke grinned, clenched his fists, and his aura rose once again.

The two clashed again, and the battle intensified. Locke's attacks grew increasingly fierce, and Big Mom found it harder and harder to defend herself. Time ticked by, and the battle had been raging for several hours.

"Young man, you're getting stronger and stronger," the old woman said, panting, "but you're still too young."

“I don’t care about age,” Locke said coldly. “As long as I can defeat you, I am the victor.”

The two clashed again, but this time, Locke's attacks were even more ferocious. He concentrated his energy to its limit, and a dark aura surged from his body. The old woman sensed this aura, and her face turned somewhat terrified.

"Your strength has actually increased even more than before!" the old woman exclaimed.

“This is my true strength…” Locke said, his attacks becoming increasingly fierce, and Big Mom could no longer withstand them.

Finally, Locke delivered a fatal blow, and the old woman could no longer hold on and collapsed to the ground.

Locke, panting heavily, relaxed, knowing he had won.

“You’ve won,” the woman said, “but this is just the beginning.”

“I know,” Locke said. “I will continue to grow stronger and become the strongest Pirate King.”

Locke learned that he needed to defeat Kaido to become the Pirate King, which strengthened his resolve to achieve his goal. He decided to travel to Kaido's territory and engage in a fierce battle with him.